Author: Olóyè Gbenga

President Bola Tinubu has approved the full disbursement of match bonuses and allowances for the Super Falcons ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final clash with Morocco on 26 July. The announcement was made by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He confirmed that all entitlements, covering players, coaching staff, and team officials—have been cleared for immediate payment. Describing the move as “policy in motion,” Dikko praised the Tinubu administration for its renewed commitment to Nigerian athletes. He noted that the timely payments represent a shift in…

Governor Lawal pays tribute to ‘dependable monarch and father figure’ Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau in Zamfara State, has passed away at the age of 71 following a prolonged illness. The respected traditional ruler died on Friday in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The news of his passing was officially confirmed by Sulaiman Idris, spokesperson to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal. In a heartfelt statement released shortly after the announcement, Governor Lawal expressed his deep sorrow over the loss, describing the late Emir as a pillar of wisdom and stability within the state. “I received with deep sadness the news…

Former presidential candidate and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced the defection of thousands of All Progressives Congress (APC) members into his party in Kano State. Kwankwaso, who made the disclosure via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, described the event as a “momentous occasion,” praising the growing appeal of the NNPP’s leadership in the state. “Yesterday was a momentous occasion, as I received thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP),” he wrote. The former governor of Kano State and national leader…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of interfering in the affairs of opposition parties while ignoring Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges. In a strongly worded statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku lambasted the President for mocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the recent 14th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, claiming it reflects a broader strategy to undermine opposition parties. “President Tinubu should first resolve the visible rift between himself and Vice President Kashim Shettima and fix Nigeria’s broken economy before meddling…

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has commended the appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as “putting a round peg in a round hole.” In a congratulatory statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago expressed confidence in Prof. Yilwatda’s capacity to lead the ruling party, citing his blend of academic brilliance, technocratic experience, and political acumen. “I have confidence that Prof. Yilwatda has the wherewithal to transform the APC, strengthen unity among party members, and consolidate its hold on power at the centre, as…

The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a dire warning regarding the state of the African continent, asserting that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) lack the capacity to resolve the growing crises facing the region. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele lamented what he described as stagnation among African leadership, claiming it has led to worsening socio-political and economic conditions across the continent. “There is a problem everywhere in Africa, and these bodies, ECOWAS and AU, don’t have the solution…

The newly appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has opened up about his emergence as the party’s leader and how he intends to steer the ruling party through consultation, teamwork, and decisive but measured leadership. Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television aired Thursday evening, Yilwatda addressed questions about his calm and reserved nature and how he intends to handle the responsibilities that come with leading the APC, which currently controls more than 20 states and holds a majority in the National Assembly. “Look at the body language of Mr President—soft, calm,…

Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain committed to the party despite its current internal challenges, emphasising the importance of unity, ideological consistency, and collective responsibility in rebuilding Nigeria’s foremost opposition party. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, Saraki reflected on his participation in a PDP Consultative Conference convened by one of the party’s founding fathers, Professor Jerry Gana. “It was an honour to join the founding fathers and stakeholders of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, today at the Consultative Conference,” Saraki…

The Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Osun State Governor, Hezekiah Bamiji, has criticised the recent defection of Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a strategic misstep. Speaking on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme aired Thursday, Bamiji said the senators acted on unfounded rumours that Governor Ademola Adeleke intended to defect to the APC, and in doing so, fell into what he called “a trap” laid by the ruling party at the federal level. “Maybe what I…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded its inaugural five-year implementation review of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), marking a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to harness the full potential of intra-African trade and position itself as a leading regional economic force. The comprehensive review, in line with Article 28 of the AfCFTA Agreement, evaluated Nigeria’s performance in delivering on its obligations under the trade pact, particularly in relation to key protocols on trade in goods, trade in services, and dispute resolution. The assessment was spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, under…