Nigeria News (Standard)
South African Minister Confirms Artist Loses All Africa Gigs Amid Xenophobia Fallout
Mmamoloko Kubayi says anti-migrant backlash now affecting South African businesses and entertainment sector across continent
Mmamoloko Kubayi says anti-migrant backlash now affecting South African businesses and entertainment sector across continent
A South African artist has lost all her performance bookings across Africa due to growing backlash over the country’s migration and xenophobia crisis, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi revealed in Pretoria on Sunday. The minister, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on irregular migration, said this development signals wider economic consequences as anti-migrant violence continues to damage South Africa’s image abroad.
Kubayi disclosed that the unnamed artist informed her about losing all continental gigs because of the ongoing migration challenges facing South Africa. The minister described it as a direct income loss for a South African citizen, highlighting how the situation is moving from a human rights concern to an economic threat. She warned that negative perceptions of South Africans are now leading to real losses for citizens and businesses operating beyond the country’s borders.
The xenophobic tensions have been escalating since April 2026, forcing thousands of foreign nationals—including over 3,000 Malawians—to seek refuge in open fields in Durban after fleeing targeted attacks. Nigeria recently repatriated more than 260 citizens, with further evacuations planned, while Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi have also started returning their nationals. Reports indicate several foreigners have sustained injuries or lost their lives during these incidents.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that South Africa currently has only 832 home affairs inspectors nationwide, with just 56 deployed to support the evacuation of Malawians in Durban—underscoring the scale of the challenge compared to available resources. Over 40,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since January, and more than 2,000 repatriated so far this year.
Kubayi called on communities to reject vigilantism and warned that attacks against foreign nationals could also endanger South Africans who share similar languages or appearances with migrants. She noted that the present wave of anti-migrant sentiment is being driven by organised online networks that have been building for years. The impact is now being felt directly by artists and other professionals who depend on cross-border engagements for income. South African businesses across Africa are also facing increased hostility as a result of these tensions.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/south-african-artist-loses-gigs-xenophobia-crisis-2026061508461463303
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.
According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.
In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.
The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.
According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.
The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.
As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.
According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.
The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.
While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.
With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.
