Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s determination to restore the dignity of Abia residents by focusing on quality education and healthcare. During a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank on Sunday, March 23, Otti outlined the significant strides his government is making in these vital sectors, despite the challenges faced upon his assumption of office in 2023. The World Bank delegation, led by Lead Governance Specialist Ms. Deborah Isser, visited Abia State as part of the World Bank’s Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme. Otti welcomed the team, expressing gratitude for their interest in…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated the need for a fundamental re-engineering of Nigeria’s political system to ensure that citizens fully benefit from the country’s democratic process. At a coalition meeting in Yola on Tuesday, March 25, which brought together members from various political parties, Atiku stressed that Nigeria was no longer heading in the right direction and that urgent reforms were required to save the country from further decline. Atiku, who was the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, made his remarks shortly after arriving at Yola International Airport in his private…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially announced the appointment of key officials for the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President confirmed the appointments of the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council members, and Principal Officers of the university, marking a significant step in the development of the institution. Senator Binta Garba, a seasoned politician, businesswoman, and administrator, has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council. Garba, who served as the representative for the Adamawa…

South Africa maintained their position at the top of Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers with a solid 2-0 victory over Benin Republic in Abidjan on Tuesday, March 25. The win saw Hugo Broos’ side extend their lead in the race for an automatic World Cup ticket, though it came on the back of significant uncertainty regarding the eligibility of one of their players. Before kick-off, the South African team had been under the cloud of potential disciplinary action, with the threat of losing three points hanging over them after fielding an ineligible player in their…

Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has joined the chorus of critics following the Super Eagles’ disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, March 25, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The result has left Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup hanging in the balance. The match saw Victor Osimhen give Nigeria the lead in the 75th minute with a powerful header, but Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa stunned the Super Eagles with a last-minute equaliser in the 90th minute, leaving fans deflated and the team’s qualification prospects hanging by a…

Victor Osimhen’s 40th cap for Nigeria was marked with a goal, but his efforts were not enough to secure a crucial win as the Super Eagles conceded a heartbreaking last-minute equalizer in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo. Osimhen, ever the talisman for Nigeria, broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, capitalising on an Ola Aina cross to put the Super Eagles ahead. His clinical finish seemed to have set the stage for a much-needed victory, but Zimbabwe had other plans. Despite Nigeria’s attacking dominance, including several dangerous runs from Moses Simon, Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi…

Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight heading to China were unexpectedly delayed after the pilot’s forgotten passport led to the plane’s return to the United States. Flight UA198, a Boeing 787 with 270 people on board, had taken off from Los Angeles en route to Shanghai on Saturday afternoon. However, just after entering the Pacific Ocean, the aircraft abruptly turned around and headed back towards San Francisco, according to flight tracking data. United Airlines confirmed to AFP on Tuesday that the plane had to make an unscheduled stop in San Francisco because the pilot had left their passport behind. The…

RKC Genk striker Emmanuel Tolu Arokodare has described his debut for the Super Eagles as a deeply emotional moment, one that he views as a fitting reward to his father for his unwavering support throughout his football journey. Arokodare, who made his national team debut in the second half of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday, March 21, admitted that despite not being an emotional person, he couldn’t hold back tears of joy when he was handed his first cap. Though he did not score in the 2-1 away win at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, the…

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Professor Melvin D. Ayogu as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The confirmation took place on Tuesday, March 25, following the presentation and deliberation of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, & Other Financial Institutions, led by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, APC, Lagos East. Presenting the report, Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) stated, “The Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Institutions on the confirmation of the nomination of Prof. Melvin Damian Ayogu for appointment…

Zimbabwe’s head coach, Michael Nees, has vowed that his team will give everything they have in Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, with both teams desperate for victory to stay alive in the race. In a press conference ahead of the match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nees acknowledged Nigeria’s strong performance in their recent 1-0 victory over Rwanda, which helped revive their faltering qualification campaign. However, the German tactician made it clear that his own side also needs maximum points to remain competitive in their group. “Although Nigeria has made a huge recovery…