Evening recap: Shoprite plans comeback, Tinubu-Atiku clash over hunger, other stories

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us Evening recap: Shoprite plans comeback, Tinubu-Atiku clash over hunger, other stories News October 24, 2026 8:03 pm By Okiki Adeduyite Kindly share this story:

Shoprite Nigeria is planning to reopen more outlets through standalone neighbourhood stores after financial difficulties forced it to shut down operations temporarily. An investor in the retailer disclosed that three outlets had reopened as the company worked to resolve outstanding obligations and restructure its business.

President Bola Tinubu blamed opposition politicians for hunger and poverty during the APC’s 2027 campaign flag-off in Kaduna, drawing a sharp response from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who accused him of evading responsibility for economic hardship. Separately, former presidential aide Laolu Akande alleged in an interview that some people around Tinubu did not want former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola in the Federal Government.

In entertainment and international news, singer Zlatan and his partner, Davita Lamai, released photographs ahead of their traditional wedding, while a custom-built Rolls-Royce commissioned by late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo arrived in Harare weeks after he and his wife died in a helicopter crash.

1. Shoprite plans comeback with neighbourhood stores

Shoprite Nigeria plans to expand through standalone neighbourhood stores after financial difficulties forced it to temporarily shut its operations. Adekunle Adebiyi, an executive director at investor MBO Capital Management, said three outlets had reopened as the retailer worked to settle outstanding obligations and restructure its business.

Read Here: https://punchng.com/shoprite-set-to-open-neighbourhood-stores-after-shutdown/

2. Tinubu, Atiku clash over hunger and poverty

President Bola Tinubu blamed opposition politicians for hunger and poverty during the APC’s campaign flag-off in Kaduna, saying, “They created the hunger, they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it.” Atiku Abubakar dismissed the claim as “delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia”, urging Tinubu to take responsibility for his administration’s economic policies.

Read Here: [Tinubu blames opponents for hunger and poverty](https://punchng.com/tinubu-slams-opponents-in-kaduna-says-they-created-hunger-poverty/)

Read Here: [Atiku accuses Tinubu of evading responsibility](https://punchng.com/blaming-opposition-for-hunger-is-delusion-atiku-tells-tinubu/)

3. Why some people around Tinubu don’t want Fashola — Ex-aide

Former presidential aide Laolu Akande alleged in an interview on the Naija Unfiltered podcast that some people around Tinubu opposed Fashola’s inclusion in the Federal Government because the former Lagos governor would not tolerate certain practices. Akande did not identify those he accused or provide evidence to substantiate the claim, which could not be independently verified.

Read Here: https://punchng.com/why-some-people-around-tinubu-dont-want-fashola-ex-presidential-aide/

4. Zlatan, Davita release traditional wedding photos

Singer Zlatan and his partner, Davita Lamai, shared photographs in traditional attire ahead of their wedding ceremony on Saturday. Zlatan announced the occasion on Instagram with the words, “IT’s TIME TO MARRY”, drawing congratulatory messages from fans and celebrities.

Read Here: https://punchng.com/photos-zlatan-davita-shine-in-regal-attire-for-traditional-wedding/

5. Tycoon’s custom $550,000 Rolls-Royce arrives after burial

A custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom commissioned by late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo arrived in Harare weeks after he and his wife died in a helicopter crash. The vehicle was delivered on Friday, 15 days after the couple’s burial, with its estimated value varying across reports.

Read Here: https://punchng.com/zimbabwean-tycoons-custom-550000-rolls-royce-arrives-after-burial/

Okiki is a journalist with over seven years experience covering politics, foreign news, society, entertainment and the film industry.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.