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Super Eagles Squad to Take Separate Flights to Kigali for World Cup Qualifiers

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Super Eagles Squad to Take Separate Flights to Kigali for World Cup Qualifiers

In preparation for their pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchup against Rwanda’s Amavubi, the Super Eagles will fly straight from their camps to Kigali.
The Amahoro Stadium will host this crucial game on Friday, March 21. The Super Eagles’ training camp in Kigali will begin on Sunday, March 16, in order to be ready for this match.
It should be noted that the Super Eagles last played the Benin Republic Cheetahs on the road, traveling straight to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Only four days after the game against Rwanda, the team will play the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The Super Eagles have now earned three draws and one loss in the qualifiers, and they are still looking for their first victory.

Maduka Okoye, the goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, may not be able to play in the forthcoming qualifiers because of his involvement in a betting incident that is being looked into by Italian authorities.

He might get a lengthy ban if convicted. Furthermore, Okoye’s campaign has been effectively ended early because Udinese has not enrolled him for the remaining games.

Read Also: House of Reps Endorses Tinubu’s ₦54.2 Trillion 2025 Budget Proposal

Head coach Eric Chelle will have to think about appropriate team replacements in light of Okoye’s absence. The following three goalkeepers are promising and might be worth Chelle calling up:

1. Adebayo Adeleye

Adebayo Adeleye, a 24-year-old who currently plays for Enosis Neon Paralimniou in the Cypriot First Division, has shown steady form lately, keeping six clean sheets.

His 1.86-meter height, quickness, and ability to stop shots make him a strong contender to step up in this important scenario. Adeleye is ready to take on the demands of playing football internationally because of his extensive experience playing at a high level in Cyprus.

2. Okonkwo Arthur

Another bright future is 23-year-old Arthur Okonkwo. Okonkwo has developed his skills through the Arsenal development system and acquired useful experience in domestic competitions. He is currently playing for Wrexham AFC in English League One.

In addition to having strong reflexes and fast reaction times, his remarkable 1.98-meter stature enables him to command his territory with effectiveness. Okonkwo is a vital addition to the national squad because he has demonstrated that he can perform well under pressure, as evidenced by his earlier Austrian Cup victory.

3. The person Owen Goodman

Owen Goodman, 21, is the youngest applicant. He is currently on loan from Crystal Palace and plays for AFC Wimbledon in League Two. Goodman is a dependable shot-stopper who has the physicality required for aerial duels at 1.93 meters. He has shown his maturity and consistency on the field this season with 14 clean sheets. His excellent performances during the World Cup qualifications demonstrate his ability to cover for Nigeria.

House of Reps Endorses Tinubu’s ₦54.2 Trillion 2025 Budget Proposal

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House of Reps Endorses Tinubu’s ₦54.2 Trillion 2025 Budget Proposal

The House of Representatives has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s plan to raise the national budget for 2025 from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, pointing to increased revenue from important government institutions.
Following new revenues of 1.4 trillion Nigerian Naira from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), 1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service, and 1.8 trillion from other government-owned enterprises, the action occurred.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Thursday, House Deputy Spokesman Hon. Philip Agbese stated that the legislature is prepared to assist the president in providing Nigerians with the benefits of democracy.
The President’s plan to update the 2025 budget, which aims to raise the allotment to ₦54.2 trillion, is supported by the House of Representatives. Agbese said, “This audacious action, which was motivated by more money from important government departments, shows the administration’s dedication to reviving the economy and enhancing the lives of Nigerians.

Agbese emphasized that important areas, namely national security and agriculture, are the emphasis of the updated budget.

“The emphasis on vital industries, like agriculture, which will be greatly bolstered by the infusion of capital into the Bank of Agriculture, is especially encouraging. He stated that this program might boost food security, encourage rural development, and empower our farmers.

A chunk of the budget increase, the member added, will go toward improving national security, which includes building new barracks for military troops.

“This investment in the infrastructure and well-being of our military demonstrates the administration’s commitment to safeguarding our country and its people,” he continued.

Read Also: NLC Warns of New Protest Over KEDC Worker Dismissals

Nigerians were reassured by Agbese that the 10th House, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, would guarantee the budget’s effective and transparent implementation.

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“Our dedication to making sure that every naira is distributed effectively, efficiently, and in the best interests of Nigerians will continue to guide us as we begin our examination of the proposal,” he stated.

National Assembly to Discuss Estimates of the Budget
Lawmakers hope to pass the proposed budget hike before the end of the month, and the National Assembly is anticipated to start discussing it in the upcoming weeks.

President Tinubu defended the proposed budget hike in a letter to the Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday, citing the increased money that government agencies were able to collect.

The revenue boost consists of the following, according the letter:

1.4 trillion naira from FIRS, the Federal Inland Revenue Service;

The Nigeria Customs Service provided 1.2 trillion naira;

From other government-owned organizations, ₦1.8 trillion.

NLC Warns of New Protest Over KEDC Worker Dismissals

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NLC Warns of New Protest Over KEDC Worker Dismissals

According to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the termination of 900 employees of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) is the pinnacle of injustice and lawlessness.
As a result, the NLC warned that the distribution company would face more widespread protests if it did not immediately and unconditionally reinstate all impacted employees.There is no rationale for such a sack, it stated.

NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs Benson Upah released a statement Thursday outlining the congress’s stance.According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Abdullahi Abdulazeez, Head of Corporate Affairs at Kaduna Electric, the business denied any rumors or false information about the recent industrial action, maintaining that it was related to a personnel reorganization program.

The statement also said that Kaduna Electric’s management has started a comprehensive transformation process to guarantee the long-term survival of the business.

Unlike what labor groups claimed would happen to 900 workers, the corporation verified that “services no longer required” letters were sent only to workers of the Independent System Operator (ISO), a branch of the Transmission corporation of Nigeria (TCN).
Additionally, the NLC urged all of its affiliates in Kaduna State to show sympathy with the workers by joining the ongoing protest.

The message, which was headed “Come Off Your High Horse,” denounced KEDC’s action as a breach of redundancy and due process regulations.

“Despite numerous acts of provocation by KEDC’s management, we applaud the protesting Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company employees for carrying out their strike action in a peaceful manner,” the statement said.

The NLC referred to the protest that the impacted workers had already started as a “heroic struggle against illegality and injustice.”

“We implore the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company’s management to take a more flexible approach and have fruitful discussions. Unconditional reinstatement of the fired employees will promote workplace harmony and restore necessary services, the statement continued.

The NLC threatened to implement harsher actions if the KEDC did not change its mind.

To begin, the NLC said, “We are urging all of our affiliates in Kaduna State to participate in the demonstration in solidarity.”

The KEDC, meanwhile, has denied rumors that 900 workers were fired, which have been spread extensively.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Abdullahi Abdulazeez, Head of Corporate Affairs at Kaduna Electric, the business denied any rumors or false information about the recent industrial action, maintaining that it was related to a personnel reorganization program.

The statement also said that Kaduna Electric’s management has started a comprehensive transformation process to guarantee the long-term survival of the business.

Unlike what labor groups claimed would happen to 900 workers, the corporation verified that “services no longer required” letters were sent only to workers of the Independent System Operator (ISO), a branch of the Transmission corporation of Nigeria (TCN).

‘PDP Reduced to a Servant’s Servant Under APC’ – Okonkwo

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‘PDP Reduced to a Servant’s Servant Under APC’ – Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign, holds the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accountable for the party’s current internal problems, accusing its leaders of being political pawns of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Friday, February 7, 2025, legendary actor and politician Okonkwo stated that the PDP’s leaders’ desire to further the APC’s agenda is the reason for the party’s waning influence.
President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, according to the former LP spokesperson, was a crucial turning point that severely damaged the PDP’s reputation as an opposition party.
Remember how Wike, a senior PDP official, allegedly conspired against Atiku Abubakar, his party’s presidential candidate, in the 2023 elections, which helped Tinubu win?

He was later awarded by the APC-led administration with the portfolio of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), despite being a member of the PDP.

Wike’s appointment as minister, according to Okonkwo, further strengthened the PDP’s political vulnerability by preventing the party leadership from operating as a genuine opposition.

“Observe the situation in the PDP,” he remarked. Everyone could see, for example, when some people came out as G5 and worked against the party’s interests—not in a hidden way, but openly. After you made accommodations for them, you made excuses.

“Normally, graduation would begin when you accept such things, but now they want to take over the party and they have an appointment.Subsequently, they would proceed to seize control of the party, and as a result, the genuine members would now serve the APC, as their primary leader is now a minister in the APC and the others are subordinate to him. In other words, the PDP is now a servant of the APC.

In response to the former vice president’s recent assertion that the APC compensates opposition groups in order to destabilize them before the 2027 election, Okonkwo criticized the former leader, claiming that his remarks target opposition parties rather than the ruling APC.

According to him, the APC has the right to use any methods necessary to discredit its rivals, so it shouldn’t be held accountable for “bribing” the opposition parties.

Read Also: Kebbi Community Faces Another Attack by Lakurawa Terrorists

“I will never place the blame on the opposition party or the ruling party because success and excuses are incompatible. Atiku Abubakar, His Excellency, told me that the opposition party received N50 million from the ruling party. I didn’t feel embarrassed by the ruling party. I felt humiliated by the opposition groups. You are essentially accusing the opposing parties of being extremely corrupt. A willing giver will not be available if there is no willing recipient. all organization, party, or nation has the right to employ all methods necessary to undermine its opponent or opposition, he added.

Therefore, he urged opposition parties to accept accountability for their failure, stating that Atiku’s bribery accusation demonstrated the ineptitude and corruption of opposition parties.

The expectations of the Nigerian people have not been met by the opposition. They should accept responsibility for their failure, own up to their mistakes, and act morally. The ruling party wants to destabilize the opposition for political reasons, so turn down their offer to do it. However, the fact that the opposition allowed itself to be destabilized demonstrates their ineptitude and corruption, Okonkwo stated.

Kebbi Community Faces Another Attack by Lakurawa Terrorists

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Kebbi Community Faces Another Attack by Lakurawa Terrorists

The Gulma community, which is part of the Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, was attacked by alleged Lakurawa terrorists, resulting in one person being confirmed dead and six others being hospitalized.
Aliyu Sani Gulma, the chairman of Argungu Local Government, said reporters on Friday that the attack happened on Thursday night at approximately 11:00 PM when the villagers were asleep.
Six people were shot and one person was reportedly killed during the attack.

Gulma stated that the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi is in the process of treating the injured people.

When the attackers realized that some people of the community had banded together to face them, Gulma added, they retreated into the forest.

He affirmed that he has reported the event to the appropriate security authorities and that military forces have been sent to the area to protect the inhabitants and their belongings.

When contacted, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, the Kebbi Police Command’s public relations officer, informed Daily Trust that the command had already sent out mobile police officers to the area.

The most recent assault was understood to occur just two months after Adamu Aliero, the senator for Kebbi Central, claimed that the Nigerian military had relocated terrorist organizations to the Niger Republic.

Read Also: Why We Arrested Lil Smart – Nigerian Police Speak Out

The development, according to Aliero, came about as a result of the actions of the Chief of Defense Staff, Abubakar Badaru, the Minister of Defense, and other important players.

“We made it clear to the minister that if we play with the Lakurawa terrorists, what happened to the North East could happen to the North West,” Aliero had stated. We can end this conflict in five days, and it would be disastrous if we let the North East repeat itself in the North West. Since the North West is home to a larger population and more agricultural land, livestock, rivers for effective irrigation, fisheries, and other resources, we need to protect the region.

Do you know that until our soldiers showed up on Tuesday, November 12, and chased them as they fled into the Niger Republic, they kept threatening the people and were brave enough to stay? Our international boundary is the limit of our forces’ movement. However, the rest must now be done by our current military partnership with the Nigerien military to defeat insurgency and banditry.

Why We Arrested Lil Smart – Nigerian Police Speak Out

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Why We Arrested Lil Smart – Nigerian Police Speak Out

The Nigeria Police Force nabbed famed musician and dancer Idowu Smart Emmanuel, commonly known as Lil Smart, for reportedly defaming his former label boss, Naira Marley.
It was previously stated that Lil Smart accused Naira Marley of kidnapping and abusing him.
He further claimed that Naira Marley bribed all Lagos police officers to avoid prosecution and implicated him in a credit card fraud plot.

On January 28, 2025, the police apprehended Lil Smart at his home in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos.

Read Also: Fayemi: We Should Apologize to Nigerians for Jonathan’s Removal

During a press briefing, the Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest, claiming that Lil Smart was being held for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and spreading lies about Naira Marley.
“The suspect has been arrested for criminal defamation and cyberstalking. Following a law firm’s petition, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime operatives arrested Idowu Smart Emmanuel, a resident of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and lie against Abdulazeez Adeshina Fashola (A.K.A Naira Marley).

“Investigations discovered that the suspect, using his Instagram name @lilsmart_, falsely claimed that he was abducted, assaulted, and robbed of $300, and that Naira Marley had bribed all police officers in Lagos and was involved in credit card theft.

“The suspect then admitted in writing that the claims were untrue and lacked evidence to back up his claim. On January 28, 2025, he was detained at his home in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos, and the exhibits used in this crime were recovered, according to the statement.

Fayemi: We Should Apologize to Nigerians for Jonathan’s Removal

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Fayemi: We Should Apologize to Nigerians for Jonathan’s Removal

The All Progressives Congress (APC), according to former Solid Minerals Minister Kayode Fayemi, has a need to apologize to Nigerians for failing to fulfill their pledges.
In an interview on Thursday, Fayemi reportedly responded in the affirmative when asked if the APC should apologize to Nigerians for their actions in overthrowing former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
The former governor of Ekiti State had said that the Occupy Nigeria demonstration against Jonathan’s government’s elimination of gasoline subsidies was driven by political reasons.

He said that despite their protests, they understood Jonathan was correct to abolish the fuel subsidy.
The APC leader acknowledged that the party has not fulfilled its promises to the Nigerian people in an interview with Channels TV.

He said: “Oh, it’s obvious that we ought to apologize to the Nigerian people. We have failed to fulfill all of our commitments to the Nigerian people. This isn’t only because we weren’t capable; there were additional systemic barriers that made our situation more challenging. However, it is obvious that we have not gone far enough in providing the Nigerian people with a good existence.

Read Also: Shettima to Atiku on 2027 Polls: ‘Brace for More Jabs’

I would definitely not think twice about apologizing to the Nigerian people for that. We are capable of much more. Although an apology could make us feel better, it’s not truly what we need. If we want to be leaders in that field, we all need to get our act together. Because the risk we take is greater than the potential rewards if we don’t.

I must confess that I have been quite privileged to stand on the shoulders of giants. The Enahoros, the Wole Soyinkas of this planet, raised me. When I began this trip as a young man, it was they who gave me encouragement.

And I have a responsibility, which is why my spouse and I have agreed to say, “I have a responsibility to the youth of Africa to find a way to enable them to become better actors than I have been.”

Shettima to Atiku on 2027 Polls: ‘Brace for More Jabs’

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Shettima to Atiku on 2027 Polls: ‘Brace for More Jabs’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been jokingly warned by Vice President Kashim Shettima to expect more verbal clashes as the general elections in 2027 approach.

This declaration was reportedly delivered by Nigeria’s second citizen at a conference in Abuja.

Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 presidential contender, was among the luminaries he was honoring at the commemoration of former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi’s 60th birthday.

He referred to himself as a “adjunct provocateur” who took “hot shots” at Atiku in the 2023 presidential race, Shettima said.
But he admitted that Atiku had taken the criticism well since he was a revered senior statesman.

In particular, Shettima revealed that he lovingly calls Atiku “Baba” (meaning “father” in Hausa) during their private conversations.

Despite this cutesy word, Shettima jokingly said that Atiku might expect more verbal insults in the future.

This conversation was enjoyable to the audience, and Atiku himself smiled.

Regardless of their political affiliations, Shettima also urged all leaders to unite during his speech.

Read Also: Gov Adeleke Dismisses Claims of Medical Staff Shortage at Iwo Hospital

He underlined that African governments should stop depending on foreign projects and instead embrace indigenous development solutions.

“The tragedy of our day is that African leaders have not only failed to break free from client-state mindsets and governance through hashtag activism, but they have also limited themselves to Western models.

We live in the age of machines, regardless of the divisions we have throughout the continent. This truth cannot be undermined by internal strife.

While the rest of the world is using tanks and missiles to fight the same conflict, we cannot use spears and arrows to solve our development conundrum. “Africa is not waiting for the world to catch up,” Shettima said.

Gov Adeleke Dismisses Claims of Medical Staff Shortage at Iwo Hospital

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Gov Adeleke Dismisses Claims of Medical Staff Shortage at Iwo Hospital

Claims that Iwo General Hospital lacks medical staff have been denied by the Osun State Government.
According to reports, this was said on Friday by Dr. Akindele Adekunle, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Special Adviser on Public Health.
According to Adekunle, two physicians and two nurses were assigned to the general hospital and have been providing high-quality medical care there.

According to the Governor’s Public Health Advisor, THURIST-Nigeria, an advocacy group, made a false claim regarding the hospital’s staffing levels.
“As a matter of routine, two doctors were sent to Iwo General Hospital to replace a doctor who had been performing medical services there for years. The significance of this administration’s attachment to Iwo General Hospital is demonstrated by the fact that one of the two hospital physicians who was transferred there is a Level-17 officer with extensive experience in providing medical services.

In a similar vein, two nurses were moved out of Iwo General Hospital and replaced right away. In order to guarantee that the people receive the services for which the state budget is used, we must stress that staff transfers are a common occurrence in all forms of government,” he stated.

Adekunle acknowledged that the state’s health sector was being impacted by physicians migrating to Western nations, but he also pointed out that the State Government was using President Bola Tinubu’s decision to raise the retirement age for doctors to fill the staffing vacuum.

President Bola Tinubu recently signed a law extending the retirement age of medical personnel by five more years in order to allow the nation, including Osun, to use the human resources available in the health sector to meet the health needs of the people. This is because of the significant challenge posed by the growing migration of medical personnel from Nigeria to other countries.

Despite this fact, Osun State is considering the possibility of replacing certain employees based on need. We want to reassure the public that this is a continuous endeavor that will attract additional human resources for the provision of healthcare services,” he said.

An infrastructure update for all secondary health facilities in the state has been approved by the governor, according to Governor Adeleke’s assistant.

He reaffirmed the governor’s dedication to offering the state’s citizens and indigenous people high-quality healthcare.

Read Also: First Lady Condemns FGM: ‘Human Rights Violation with No Health Benefit’

“I am happy to notify the public, especially the people of Osun, that Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the complete overhaul of the physical infrastructures of secondary health facilities, including Iwo General Hospital, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructures of our healthcare facilities.

Iwo General Hospital and others will undergo rehabilitation, similar to that which was done with the PHCs. This would include updating the infrastructure to contemporary standards and providing them with some cutting-edge equipment to support efficient healthcare delivery. Work at the several secondary facilities intended for renovation will begin in a few weeks after a bill of quantities (BOQ) and other professional assessments were completed.

“This demonstrates the efforts this administration is making to provide high-quality healthcare, and we ask for patience from the public.” We’re gradually taking practical actions to address the massive health sector corruption that this administration has inherited and make sure that everyone’s healthcare demands are satisfied,” he said.

First Lady Condemns FGM: ‘Human Rights Violation with No Health Benefit’

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First Lady Condemns FGM: ‘Human Rights Violation with No Health Benefit’

Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has called for the abolition of female genital mutilation (FGM), calling it a violation of human rights.
According to reports, Mrs. Tinubu expressed her disapproval of the findings that Nigeria had 20 million female genital mutilation victims, the largest number in the world.
Senator Tinubu stated that female genital mutilation should be prohibited because it has no health benefits in a statement made by her spokesman, Busola Kukoyi.
“Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” the theme for the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, reminded us of our common obligation to preserve the rights and dignity of women and girls,” the First Lady said.

“Female genital mutilation has no health benefits and violates human rights. With more than 20 million women and girls who have had FGM and an estimated 14 million girls at danger of doing so by 2030 if precautions are not taken, Nigeria has the greatest absolute number of FGM cases in the world, according to UNFPA.

Read Also: Breaking: ‘Fuel Subsidy, Economy, Reforms’ – Akume Breaks Down Tinubu’s 12 Key Moves

“There is still a lot of work to be done, even though Nigeria has made great progress toward ending FGM thanks to the cooperation of the government, UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Program, civil society, traditional institutions, and community leaders,” she stated.

Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that violence against women was a problem for all of humanity, not just women.

“We must keep in mind that violence against women is a problem for all of humanity, not just women. It has an impact on everyone and undermines our common ideals of dignity and respect. Every individual, regardless of gender, deserves to live without fear, discrimination, or violation, and we must acknowledge this.In order to put an end to this detrimental practice, this year’s theme calls for a renewed commitment, better collaborations, and ongoing investment.

“Together, we will fortify the fight against FGM by forming cross-sectoral partnerships, empowering survivors, and making sure that women and young people take the lead,” she said.

According to First Lady Oluremi, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is still dedicated to putting a stop to FGM.

“I’ll keep pushing for the required assistance. Our greatest strength is our collective voice, and if we work together, we can eradicate FGM from Nigeria.

“Let’s keep working together, for our women, for our girls, and for a future free of female genital mutilation,” she continued.

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