Ahmed Musa signs for Kano Pillars for the third time
Captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa has signed for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Kano Pillars for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. This makes it the third time Musa will be playing for the club. The club also signed up another Super Eagles player, Shehu Abdullahi. The club announced the signings on its X account on Saturday. The post reads, “We can confirm that an agreement in principle has been reached with Super Eagles players, captain, Ahmed Musa (MON) and Shehu Abdullahi to join us for the 2024/25 football season. “Both players have been included in the squad for our match against Sunshine Stars on Sunday.” On Thursday, the duo trained with the team ahead of the forthcoming season. The move will be Musa’s third spell at Pillars. He had previously played for the Sai Masu Gida side in 2010 before his first foray into Europe. He also played briefly for the club in 2021. The 31-year-old has been without a club since leaving Sivasspor at the end of last season.
League of Imams, Alfas in Yorubaland holds maiden conference
Honours Awujale as Amir-ul-Mulukin of Yorubaland, Edo, Delta states The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states will hold its maiden conference from Monday, October 7 to Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The conference, with the theme, “Strengthening Islamic Unity and Progress in Yoruba Land” will also honour the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, as the first-ever Amirl-ul-Mulukin (Amīr-ul-Mulūk-il-Muslimīn of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states) of Yorubaland at an event that will hold at the Awujale Palace, Ijebu Ode on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, by 2.00 pm. The letter of award from the League of Imams and Alfas to the Awujale reads in part: “We also acknowledge your tremendous contributions to the growth and development of Islam in Southwest Nigeria, and other regions of the country. Your unwavering support for Arabic and Islamic education, scholarship, and community development has inspired generations. ”These contributions also manifested in the recent distribution of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to some Chief Imams in ljebuland, particularly the Grand Chief Imam of ljebuland, Shaykh Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo. “Your leadership has fostered interfaith harmony, promoting peace and understanding among diverse communities. ”In recognition of your exemplary service to Islam and humanity, the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states has decided to honour you with the prestigious title of Amir-ul-Mulukin (Amīr-ul-Mulūk-il-Muslimīn of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states) which means Commander of the Muslim Kings in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states. “This esteemed title reflects your status as a pillar and champion of Islamic values and a symbol of unity among Muslims.” Awujale, the longest reigning first-class monarch in Nigeria, has accepted the title and he is expected to be joined at the award ceremony by members of the Ijebu Traditional Council (IYC), representatives of the Regberegbe (Age-grade association), and other illustrious sons and daughters of Ijebuland.
I’m not focused on 2027 election for now
President Bola Tinubu has stated that his main focus is dedicated to restructuring the economy for the benefit of the Nigerian people and not on the 2027 general elections. The President spoke at the 2024 South West Assembly of the APC held at Victoria Island, hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who serves as the Zonal Coordinator of the APC on Saturday. He was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. This president’s statement comes as several prominent figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), including governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) expressed their support for Tinubu’s re-election and the success of all APC candidates in the 2027 elections. Others are former National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, and former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba. The event attracted a large audience of party leaders and stakeholders from the South-West, including senators, members of the House of Representatives, State House of Assembly members, local government officials, and top party chieftains. At the assembly, which was the first following Tinubu’s 2023 presidential victory, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi delivered the keynote address, praising the President as a “listening leader” with a strong determination to succeed. Tinubu, represented by Femi Gbajabiamila, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with his administration, saying the government is committed to the genuine progress of the populace. The meeting also addressed other key issues concerning the party’s continued development, particularly in the South-West Zone.
Saheed Balogun’s daughter, Zeenat is dead
Foremost Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun, has lost his daughter, Zeenat Balogun to the cold hands of death. The actor announced the passing of his daughter on Saturday via his verified Instagram account, posting a solemn image of a candlelight surrounded by flowers, accompanied by heartbroken emojis. His colleague, Ronke Ojo, popularly known as Ronke Oshodi Oke later confirmed the devastating news via her Instagram account. Posting an image of a candle, she wrote, “No words can ease the pain of losing someone so precious. My heart goes out to you @saidibalogun during this incredibly difficult time. May you find strength in the love and support surrounding you.” As of the time of this report, the cause of Zeenat Balogun’s death remains unknown. By Elizabeth Jenrola Oso
BREAKING: APP wins 22 out of 23 chairmanship seats in Rivers LG poll
The Action Peoples Party has won 22 chairmanship positions out of 23 in the Rivers State local government election. According to a Punch report, the Chief Election Officer of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, disclosed this on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the state capital. While declaring the results, Enebili said the announcement is suspended in Etche Local Government Area because the results collation is ongoing. He stated that the results for Etche LGA will be declared alongside that of the 319 councillorship seats at a later date.
Dele Momodu Criticises APC Government Over Rivers State Crisis
Rivers State – Dele Momodu, a former presidential aspirant from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has openly criticised the current APC-led government, expressing concerns about their handling of the situation in Rivers State. In a recent post on his Facebook page, Momodu voiced his dissatisfaction, stating: “I’m beginning to believe the rumours circulating in high places that the APC is desperately trying to take over Rivers State. Their ultimate goal seems to be pushing the state towards a state of anarchy in order to declare a state of emergency.” Read Also: LG Polls: Tension in Rivers as Wike, Fubara battle for council seats Momodu’s comments have sparked widespread reactions as tensions in Rivers State continue to escalate. His accusations suggest that the APC may be pursuing drastic measures to gain control over the state, potentially leading to a broader political crisis. Earlier today, The New Daily Prime reported an explosion at the APC secretariat in Rivers State. A short video clip trending on social media showed that the main gate, the security post, and parts of the building were damaged by an explosive, suspected to be dynamite. In recent months, there has been ongoing tension between the current Executive Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his immediate predecessor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, over dominance in the state’s Assembly. As the situation unfolds, political observers are closely watching Rivers State, which has become a focal point in the political struggle between the PDP and the ruling APC.
Lamine Yamal is LaLiga Player of the Month
Lamine Yamal continues to cement his place as perhaps the most impressive teenager in football. The latest milestone in the 17-year-old’s career is the La Liga Player of the Month award for September. This is coming just a month after he was voted the best U23 player in La Liga for August.Yamal was pivotal for Hansi Flick’s side in September, scoring three goals and providing an assist to help the team stay on top of the La Liga table with three wins out of four games over four weeks.The Spanish forward was in the starting lineup in three of Barca’s four league games in September getting on the scoresheet twice during Barca’s 4-1 victory over Girona. He also scored to reduce the deficit in their surprising loss to Osasuna. His only assist of the month came in the Blaugrana’s 5-1 win against Villarreal. Yamal’s win marks the second straight month that a Barca player would be named LaLiga Player of the Month after Raphinha was recognized for the award in August. Flick’s men got to a perfect LaLiga start, winning their first seven league games before stumbling to a loss at Osasuna last weekend.However, the Blaugrana recovered in the Champions League with a 5-0 thrashing of Young Boys after a 2-1 loss to Monaco. When they travel to Alavés tomorrow ahead of the international break, the Catalan Giants will be looking to get back in winning ways and stay atop of the La Liga table where Real Madrid is just three points behind them.
Biden Questions Netanyahu’s Role in U.S. Election Influence
Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden addressed the media on Friday in response to growing speculation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be attempting to influence the upcoming U.S. elections. When asked directly whether Netanyahu was involved, Biden replied, “Whether he’s trying to influence the election, I don’t know – but I’m not counting on that.” Biden also stressed the strong alliance between the U.S. and Israel, stating, “No administration has helped Israel more than I have. None, none, none. And I think [Netanyahu] should remember that.” This exchange comes amid concerns from some Democrats that Netanyahu’s refusal to negotiate a ceasefire and secure a hostage release deal could be an attempt to harm Biden’s chances in the forthcoming elections. Earlier this week, Senator Chris Murphy told CNN, “You don’t have to be a hopeless cynic to see some of Netanyahu’s actions as being linked to the U.S. election.” Read Also: US Backs Israel’s Right to Retaliate but Opposes Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites Read Also: US Vice-Presidential candidates clash in one-off debate Recent polls indicate that the ongoing violence in the Middle East, coupled with the failure to secure a ceasefire, is negatively affecting Biden’s approval ratings, particularly among Arab-American voters. Many of these voters are frustrated by the U.S.’s continued support for Israel’s military actions, which could potentially damage Biden’s re-election prospects, as well as those of his potential successor, Kamala Harris. For several months, Biden has been working towards brokering a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, hinting that a deal was near. However, with no agreement yet in sight, Biden’s administration has voiced increasing frustration with Netanyahu. While the U.S. has mostly criticised Hamas for the impasse, Biden has made it clear that Netanyahu also needs to do more to reach a deal. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has dismissed U.S. claims that a resolution is close. As the November elections approach, the ongoing tension between Biden and Netanyahu is expected to continue influencing both U.S. foreign policy and domestic politics.
Tinubu confers GCON on House of Rep Speaker
President Bola Tinubu has awarded the nation’s second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), to Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, stated that the President also conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) honour on the Speaker and the Deputy Senate President during his 64th Independence Anniversary Speech. Mr Onanuga noted that this recognition sparked a debate within the House of Representatives on Wednesday, where members urged the President to elevate the Speaker’s honour. He further stated that President Tinubu was influenced by the House’s position and decided to rectify what was perceived as a historical oversight. READ ALSO: Tinubu backtracks, upgrades Speaker Abbas to GCON “Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence. “The speaker, the Senate President, other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated with their new honours later”, said Mr Onanuga in the statement.
Liverpool maintains top spot amidst Alisson injury scare
Liverpool remain top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought win today at Crystal Palace. However, the win came with a cost as the Reds’ number one goalkeeper Alisson left the pitch injured in the second half.Liverpool controlled the ball possession at Selhurst Park throughout the first half. Arne Slot’s men went ahead in the ninth minute with a side-footed shot from Diogo Jota who had a very impressive first half. Palace tried to get back in the game in the second half and tested Alisson a couple of times, the Brazilian denying Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah with brilliant reflexes. However, he went down in pain after clearing a loose ball. He was attended to on the pitch before Vitezslav Jaros came in as his substitute for the remainder of the game.Following the game, Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave an update on the goalkeeper’s situation, suggesting that he might be out for an extended period. This might imply that Alisson will be absent when the Reds face RB Leipzig in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League later this month. Liverpool have a couple of difficult fixtures following the international break. Responding to questions about the tough schedule, the Liverpool boss said, “The fixtures are difficult but I’ve also felt how difficult Wolves away is and how difficult Crystal Palace away is. We will probably not be as dominant as we were today. Both fixtures were difficult and it’s very good that we won these games, it’s up to us to show ourselves in the big games as well.”Speaking on Alisson’s availability for the run of fixtures, he said, “Unfortunately, Ali will not be with us in those matches I assume, if I saw how he walked off the pitch but it was also very good to see with Caoim [Kelleher] being sick yesterday our third goalkeeper got this performance in.”Slot also suggested that the keeper likely injured his hamstring, although further tests will be needed to confirm that. Alisson’s injury means he will be absent from Brazil’s squad for the coming international break.
