Author: Nouman Ali

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed its candidates nationwide to commence campaigns for the 2027 general elections, in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party also directed its candidates to use its original logo – the two-finger victory sign – since the modified digital version is still undergoing approval by INEC.

It announced plans to inaugurate its various campaign committees as part of preparations for the elections.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC directed its presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Assembly candidates to begin consultations and engagements with stakeholders and constituents in their respective constituencies.

The party urged the candidates to work with state and local chapters to roll out campaign programmes to promote their candidacies and communicate the NDC’s message as a grassroots-oriented party.

‘To all candidates, we are directing that they begin their familiarisation, sensitisation and consultations. Similarly, local campaign events can now continue,’ the statement said.

The party added, ‘The party will soon release the composition of its campaign organs, which will be announced and inaugurated on a date to be announced.

‘We direct all candidates across the country to begin their campaigns. State chapters, local government chapters and down to the wards should organise and draw up itineraries for their own local campaigns.’

The NDC said its campaigns would be guided by its commitment to issue-based politics, stressing that its candidates and supporters must avoid violence, abusive language and inflammatory rhetoric.

‘In keeping with the ideology of NDC, the party reiterates that all campaigns must be issue-based and devoid of violence and foul language. The NDC has no room for violence,’ it said.

The party also clarified the status of its logo, following reports and concerns about the appropriate symbol for its candidates and supporters to use during the campaign.

The NDC said it had, in consultation with INEC, modified its logo and formally notified the electoral commission of the change.

According to the party, administrative processes surrounding the replacement of the existing logo with the modified version are still being resolved.

It therefore directed candidates and members to continue using the existing logo – the two-finger victory sign – for campaign activities until the process is concluded.

‘The NDC, in consultation with INEC, have also modified our logo and notified INEC appropriately, at a meeting INEC themselves attended with us,’ the statement said.

‘For some reasons, however, there have been some administrative details which we’re working round the clock to resolve before the existing logo would be replaced with the modified version.’

‘Until then, however, we enjoin all our candidates and members to continue using the old logo, which is also the two-finger victory sign, for campaign purposes, pending the conclusion of all engagements and arrangements with INEC regarding the replacement.’

The chairman of the Board of Directors of Geregu Power Plc, Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, has moved to personally fund the immediate settlement of the company’s outstanding bond obligation to protect bondholders and restore investor confidence.

Yari, in a statement from his media office on Friday, said the bond was issued and the underlying arrangements entered into under Geregu Power’s former ownership and management, before the current ownership and board assumed control.

He decided to intervene personally because the unresolved obligation could unsettle bondholders, undermine confidence in the company, and affect the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders.

‘Notwithstanding that the day-to-day management of this obligation is not mine to carry, I have decided, in my capacity as Chairman, to personally step in and provide the funds required to address the immediate outstanding bond obligation,’ Yari said.

He stressed, however, that his intervention should not be construed as an admission of personal liability for the obligation or an indication that the current board and management were responsible for its emergence.

‘This is not an admission that the obligation is personally mine, nor is it a judgement that the current Board or management created this problem. It is a decision made in the interest of the institution I am privileged to chair,’ he said.

Yari said the company was already in discussions with its former owners and management about the circumstances surrounding the bond obligation and how it should ultimately be resolved.

According to him, the former owners and management have indicated their willingness to continue discussions towards a lasting and amicable settlement.

His intervention will address the immediate obligation to bondholders while discussions continue on the underlying dispute.

‘Our objective, ultimately, is a final, mutually acceptable resolution: fair treatment or reimbursement of the funds I am advancing now to protect the company, and clear, dependable arrangements for the company’s future obligations to bondholders,’ he said.

The Geregu chairman said he had remained closely involved with the board, management, financial and legal advisers, and other relevant parties since the matter emerged, to establish how the situation arose and determine the appropriate steps for its resolution.

He maintained that protecting investor confidence remained his overriding priority, warning that a dispute of this nature should not disrupt the company’s operations or undermine the confidence of bondholders, shareholders, and business partners.

‘Confidence, once shaken, is expensive to rebuild. I would rather act early than watch that happen,’ he said.

Yari assured bondholders, shareholders, employees, partners and other stakeholders that Geregu Power’s obligations would be honoured and that the company would maintain sound corporate governance as efforts to resolve the underlying matter continue.

‘To our bondholders, our shareholders, and everyone who has built something lasting with Geregu Power: this company’s obligations will be honoured, its governance will remain sound, and its future is not in question,’ he said.

He also pledged to keep stakeholders informed as discussions progress towards a final resolution.

Geregu Power Plc has announced the full settlement of its outstanding bond obligations, as the company’s Chairman, Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, assuring investors and other stakeholders of the board’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations.

He described the development as an important step towards strengthening investor confidence and preserving shareholder value.

Speaking on the settlement, Yari said the board remained committed to meeting the company’s obligations to bondholders and trustees.

‘Our Board is fully committed to meeting Geregu’s financial obligations to its bondholders and trustees. I am pleased to confirm that payment has just been effected in line with our obligations,’ he said.

Yari assured bondholders and shareholders that the board would continue to take necessary measures to protect their interests while maintaining high standards of corporate governance.

The company also disclosed that it was working with relevant parties to resolve legacy administrative matters that predated the current board.

It said the issues would not affect its capacity to meet its bond obligations.

The Geregu chairman further reaffirmed the board’s support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly efforts to transform the power sector.

He said the company would continue to contribute to Nigeria’s power sector through reliable power generation.

Geregu Power said it would provide formal confirmation of the settlement upon completion of the payment process and continue to keep bondholders, trustees and other stakeholders informed of material developments.

The company added that it remained focused on sustainable and efficient power generation as part of its contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, MON, has pledged to continue promoting the ‘ideals, values, and image’ of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) wherever he goes, after his investiture as a University Ambassador on Monday.

In prepared remarks circulated alongside the investiture, Ikpeme described the honour as ‘not only a recognition of past contributions but also a call to greater service,’ and dedicated it to God, his family, mentors, colleagues and supporters.

Speaking at the ceremony, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, Ikpeme, said the honour carried personal significance.

‘It’s a great honour to be given an award by the university. Thank you very much, sir,’ he said.

Ikpeme was also given the opportunity to present his newly published book, Perspectives on Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Ways Forward, to the university, donating five copies, three for the university library and two for his former department, Human Kinetics .

‘I felt I should make a contribution to sports in general, so I published a book, which was unveiled on 18 June,’ he said.

He further backed his pledge of continued service with a financial commitment, offering ?1 million annually as prize money for the university’s Vice-Chancellor’s football competition among students.

‘When I visited your office, I asked for clarification on the university’s annual Vice-Chancellor’s football competition for students. Having confirmed that, I want to donate ?1 million to that competition every year – ?500,000 for the winning team, ?300,000 for the runners-up, and ?200,000 for third place,’ Ikpeme said.

Egbewole, in his remarks, said Ikpeme was selected for the honour for having ‘consistently portrayed the university in a most favourable light’ through his public and professional engagements over the years.

Ikpeme lectured at the University of Calabar for several years and later served as Sole Administrator of the Cross River State Sports Council. He joined the NFF as Deputy Secretary General (Technical) in 2007 before rising to Deputy General Secretary in 2015.

The traditional ruler of the Ikate-Elegushi kingdom, Eti-Osa, Lagos State, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, has congratulated the Olu of Warri kingdom, Ogiame Atuwaste III, on his fifth anniversary on the throne.

In a statement from his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Temitope Oyefeso, the monarch described the Olu of Warri as a dynamic king who has brought innovative ideas and purposeful leadership to the Warri kingdom, resulting in increased development in the ancient city of Warri and among its people over the past five years.

Oba Elegushi said, ‘In the last five years, I have watched with admiration the purposeful leadership you have provided for your people and how you continue to inspire and support them towards making life better for your people; this you often emphasise in our various interactions over the years.’

He added that the Olu of Warri is a bridge builder, continuing to extend a hand of friendship to other traditional rulers across the country, contributing to national development and promoting peace among all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion.

Oba Elegushi prayed that the reign of Ogiame Atuwatse will continue for many years and that his impactful leadership will continue to benefit the Warri people and Nigerians in general.

The Coalition for Good Governance in Africa (CGGA) has commended the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Chris Ona Najomo, for his leadership and efforts to strengthen regulation in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

In a statement issued on Friday by its President, Mohammed Kudu, the coalition said Najomo should not be held solely responsible for the broader challenges facing the industry, arguing that aviation requires coordinated efforts by regulators, airlines, airport operators, government agencies and other stakeholders.

The group said its assessment of Najomo’s tenure emphasised safety oversight, consumer protection, regulatory efficiency, and efforts to create a more predictable environment for investment.

It also highlighted his more than four decades of experience in aviation, including previous roles within the NCAA and the airline industry.

CGGA said the NCAA’s efforts on aircraft financing and investment were particularly significant, citing Najomo’s engagements with global financiers and lessors to reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and its commitment to international regulatory frameworks.

The coalition noted that at the Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in April, Najomo identified capital, confidence and capacity as key pillars for the sector’s growth and reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to enforcing the Cape Town Convention and IDERA framework.

Kudu said Najomo’s reforms should be assessed within the broader effort to improve the industry rather than against every challenge experienced by passengers and operators.

‘Our assessment of Capt Chris Ona Najomo’s stewardship shows regulatory leadership focused on strengthening the systems within its mandate. From safety oversight and consumer protection to regulatory predictability and efforts to attract investment into aircraft acquisition, there are clear indications of an administration working to improve the operating environment.’

The coalition said it was unfair to make the NCAA director-general the sole explanation for challenges involving several institutions and stakeholders across the aviation value chain.

It also commended Najomo for promoting engagement with industry stakeholders and international partners, describing sustained collaboration as essential to addressing longstanding constraints in the sector.

CGGA stressed that the NCAA’s regulatory responsibilities were distinct from those of airlines, airport managers, air navigation service providers and other government institutions involved in aviation operations.

The group urged stakeholders to avoid allowing legitimate disagreements to develop into prolonged confrontations that could undermine efforts to improve Nigeria’s aviation sector.

‘The aviation industry needs a collaborative approach at this stage. Stakeholders have every right to raise concerns and demand accountability, but such engagement should be constructive and directed towards solutions. We believe the reforms being pursued by the Federal Government and the regulatory steps under Capt. Najomo should be given the opportunity to translate into sustainable gains. The interest of the travelling public and the long-term development of Nigerian aviation must remain greater than individual or institutional disagreements,’ Kudu said.

The coalition said the government’s efforts to create a more investment-friendly aviation environment would require consistency and cooperation from all actors.

It pointed to the NCAA’s continuing emphasis on regulatory standards and the implementation of international aviation frameworks as important steps towards improving investor confidence and supporting the growth of Nigerian airlines.

CGGA also urged the NCAA to maintain its focus on passenger protection, safety regulation and enforcement, while calling on airlines and other operators to comply with established rules.

The group said meaningful improvement in aviation would not come from regulatory action alone, but from sustained cooperation among the regulator, government, operators, investors and passengers.

‘We call on all stakeholders to sheath their swords and allow the positive steps being taken by the administration to cascade into meaningful gains for the country. Nigeria needs an aviation sector that is safe, efficient, competitive and capable of supporting economic growth. That objective will not be achieved through blame trading. It will be achieved through responsible regulation, compliance, investment and cooperation,’ the statement said.

FirstBank has announced the inaugural public lecture of the FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair in Business Ethics and Governance scheduled to hold at the University of Lagos on September 3, 2026.

The lecture, themed: ‘Business Ethics and the Future of Nigeria’s Economy,’ will bring together academics, students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other stakeholders to examine the critical role of ethics, integrity, accountability, and sustainability in shaping Nigeria’s economic future and fostering long-term national development.

The Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair in Business Ethics and Governance was created in honour of Samuel Asabia, the Bank’s first indigenous Managing Director. The Chair has served as a platform for promoting scholarly research, teaching, and thought leadership in business ethics, corporate governance, responsible leadership, and sustainable business practices.

In recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s financial services sector, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, will serve as Chairman of the Lecture.

Speaking on the significance of the lecture, Olusegun Alebiosu stated: At FirstBank, we believe that sustainable economic progress is anchored on ethical leadership, strong governance, and responsible enterprise. The Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair represents our enduring commitment to advancing thought leadership and fostering meaningful dialogue on issues that shape the future of business and society. Through this inaugural public lecture, we are bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and other stakeholders to explore how integrity-driven leadership can strengthen institutions, enhance economic resilience, and accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. We are proud to support this important platform for knowledge exchange and nation-building.’

The initiative further reflects FirstBank’s belief that sustainable development extends beyond financial performance to encompass ethical decision-making, responsible corporate citizenship, strong governance, and the development of future leaders capable of driving positive societal change.

The Chair is currently occupied by Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, an internationally recognised scholar whose work spans Sustainable Finance, Corporate Governance, Business Ethics, and Economic Development.

Through enduring investments in education, research, and thought leadership initiatives such as the Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair, FirstBank continues to contribute to the development of ideas, institutions, and leadership principles that support a more prosperous, ethical, and sustainable Nigeria.

The old guard and the new arrivals in England

In West London, stability remains the key objective for Fulham, where Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey continue to serve as core anchors. Both players were integral to the club’s consistency last campaign, and manager Marco Silva is once again relying on the duo to carry regular, heavily taxing roles throughout the grueling Premier League calendar. Bassey’s physicality and tactical versatility at centre-back provide a modern platform for Fulham’s build-up play, while Iwobi’s creative versatility, ability to progress the ball through central zones, and relentless work rate continue to make him an irreplaceable presence in the starting XI.

Further north at Nottingham Forest, Ola Aina enters the new campaign adjusting to life under fresh leadership following the appointment of head coach Oliver Glasner. Known for demanding intense mobility and tactical discipline from his wide players, Glasner’s arrival seems to have sparked fresh ambition in the full-back. Aina has publicly set himself an ambitious personal target of scoring five goals this season. For a player who operates predominantly as a full-back or wing-back, it is a bold statement, yet it reflects the remarkable growth in his attacking confidence over recent campaigns at the City Ground. Aina, who recently committed his future to the club by signing a three-year contract extension through 2028, remains key to Forest’s tactical setups on either flank under Glasner.

The most high-profile intra-league transfer of the summer involving a Nigerian international belongs to Taiwo Awoniyi. The powerhouse striker departed Nottingham Forest to complete a marquee switch to newly promoted Coventry City for a base fee reported around £9 million (pound 19.9m). Awoniyi is on course to make his competitive debut for the Sky Blues in Friday’s high-stakes Premier League opener away at Arsenal, a fixture rich in personal history for the forward. Across six previous encounters against the Gunners during his time with Forest, Awoniyi has netted three times. Crucially, it was his late strike against Arsenal that matched Stan Collymore’s 28-year-old club record for scoring in consecutive Premier League matches.

The transfer represents a vital fresh start for Awoniyi. His previous campaign at Forest was hampered by fitness struggles, limiting him to just three starts and 17 total appearances, though he still managed four goals in that restricted time frame. He completed his first full training sessions this week at Coventry’s Sky Blue Lodge under manager Frank Lampard, where he aligns with fellow countryman Frank Onyeka. Onyeka’s loan extension and continued presence give the Sky Blues two experienced Super Eagles figures to rely upon in their quest for top-flight survival.

Beyond England’s borders, Victor Osimhen continues to dominate headlines despite remaining outside the Premier League for now. Continuing his spell at Galatasaray, where his goal scoring record in Turkey has kept him among the elite strikers in Europe, Osimhen remains the subject of relentless transfer speculation, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United frequently linked with a move for his signature.

The persistent media chatter formed the backdrop for a light-hearted moment during the week when Forest defender Ola Aina put Osimhen on the spot during an Instagram Live broadcast. Aina directly asked his national team colleague which Premier League destination he would choose if given the option. Osimhen jokingly brushed off the public interrogation, telling Aina to inform viewers that he would have to call back privately due to it being a private matter. Aina let his teammate off the hook, steering the conversation back to Osimhen’s sharp goal scoring form in Turkey instead. While Osimhen has previously maintained that he does not hold a single favourite English side, he has admitted to owning both Chelsea and Manchester United shirts growing up due to his older brother’s influence.

A growing contingent in Italian Serie A

While Ademola Lookman opted for a high-profile exit from Serie A earlier in the calendar year by completing a transfer from Atalanta to La Liga contenders Atlético Madrid, the Nigerian presence in Italian football has nevertheless swelled significantly ahead of the new campaign.

At AC Milan, winger Samuel Chukwueze has made an emphatic early statement during pre-season preparations. Entering his second full campaign at the San Siro, Chukwueze delivered a standout performance in a marquee pre-season friendly against Manchester United, scoring a goal and providing two assists to stake a firm claim for a permanent starting role on the right wing.

Meanwhile, in Udine, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye continues his steady growth as Udinese’s trusted number one, looking to build upon a series of commanding defensive displays from last term.

Newly promoted Venezia produced the biggest individual transfer splash among the Nigerian contingent in Italy, shattering their all-time transfer record to secure striker Akor Adams from Sevilla. The Venetian side agreed to a deal worth pound 17 million plus performance-related bonuses, signing the forward to a four-year contract valued at pound 1.5 million per season. Adams built a strong reputation in Europe after moving to Sevilla from French club Montpellier in January 2025. During the 2025/26 La Liga campaign, he finished as Sevilla’s leading league scorer, registering 10 goals and 3 assists across 36 appearances to help the club navigate a tough campaign and preserve its top-flight status.

Venezia head coach Giovanni Stroppa publicly lauded the arrival of his new focal point up front, confirming that Adams is an important profile who will give the squad a big hand, while making clear that defensive stability remains the club’s next market priority alongside sporting director Antonelli.

Fellow promoted outfit Frosinone focused their recruitment on defense, securing versatile centre-back Kevin Akpoguma on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at TSG Hoffenheim. The 31-year-old signed a deal running through June 2028. Akpoguma leaves Hoffenheim after earning 179 Bundesliga appearances, scoring three goals, and recording five assists. Born in Germany and a former international at various German youth levels, Akpoguma officially switched his allegiance to Nigeria in October 2020 and has earned eight senior caps for the Super Eagles. A move to Serie A presents him with a consistent platform to compete for a spot in head coach Eric Chelle’s national squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Rounding out the Italian movement is young midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, who has joined Monza on a season-long loan from Inter Milan. The deal includes a purchase option set at pound 7.5 million, which can convert into a mandatory obligation under specific sporting conditions, while Inter have secured a 10 percent sell-on clause for any future transfer.

Having spent the prior campaign building match experience on loan at Pisa, Akinsanmiro now gets his opportunity to test himself regularly in Italy’s top division.

With Nigeria’s Premier League stars establishing their roles and a fresh wave of talent stepping into key positions across Serie A, the Super Eagles’ European contingent enters the season with clear objectives. Whether battling for domestic silverware, fighting for top-flight survival, or securing places in the national setup, both fronts of the legion are set for another huge campaign.

The Premier League season begins this weekend as defending champions Arsenal begin their title defence, while City, Liverpool, United and Chelsea also start their campaigns. All the action will be live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

Arsenal open proceedings tonight at 9:00 pm when they host newly promoted Coventry City. The Gunners begin their pursuit of consecutive league titles against a Coventry side making its return to the top flight and eager to start with a statement result.

Manchester United are in action on Saturday at 12:30 pm with a trip to Hull City. Both teams will look to make a strong start.

At 3:00 pm, Ipswich Town host Sunderland, while Everton welcome Crystal Palace in the other afternoon fixture at the same time. The Everton-Palace clash will be live on SuperSport Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206). Tottenham Hotspur then visit Brentford at 5:30 pm in an all-London contest.

Sunday begins with Manchester City travelling to Bournemouth at 2:00 pm. The fixture marks City’s first Premier League game under new manager Enzo Maresca, following Pep Guardiola’s departure, giving the visitors an early opportunity to show what the new era could bring.

At 4:30 pm, Newcastle United host Liverpool in one of the weekend’s standout fixtures. Liverpool also begin a new chapter under head coach Andoni Iraola, while Newcastle will look to make home advantage count against the reigning Premier League challengers.

All the action will be live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. All Premier League matches air live on SuperSport Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). The opening round concludes on Monday at 8:00 pm with Chelsea visiting Fulham in a West London derby.

Borno has secured about pound 61 million in new funding from the United Nations (UN) and development partners to strengthen peacebuilding and recovery efforts.

The funding will support interventions across the state over the next two years, Gov. Babagana Zulum disclosed on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Zulum spoke while briefing journalists after the fourth UN Offer Board and Peacebuilding Fund Steering Committee meeting in Maiduguri.

He said the new phase of the UN Offer Programme followed the successful completion of its first phase, which supported peacebuilding activities across Borno.

‘Another new phase of the UN Offer has also been launched, amounting to about 61 million Euros, which should be spent within the next two years,’ he said.

The governor said Germany had already contributed about pound 10 million to the new basket fund supporting the programme.

‘While the United Kingdom, Switzerland and other development partners are expected to make additional contributions,’ he said.

Zulum added that the Borno Government would also contribute to the basket fund to demonstrate ownership and support effective implementation of the programme.

He commended the UN Resident Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, UN Development Programme (UNDP) and development partners.

The governor appreciated their continued support for peacebuilding, recovery and reconstruction efforts in the state.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described Borno’s multi-partner coordination framework as a model for replication elsewhere.

Bagudu said the framework could be adopted in other parts of Nigeria and countries confronting similar humanitarian and development challenges.

He said it provided a unified funding mechanism and common understanding among government, the UN and development partners.

According to him, the arrangement would help address Borno’s post-insurgency recovery needs in a coordinated and sustainable manner.

Chargé d’Affaires of Germany to Nigeria, Johannes Lehne, revealed that Germany would commit another pound 10 million to the programme.

Lehne expressed optimism that the intervention, under the leadership of the Borno and Federal Governments, would promote peace and prosperity.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohammed Fall, said coordinated action and strong leadership remained essential to addressing Borno’s challenges.

Fall said such efforts were also necessary to tackle challenges confronting the wider region.

He commended Zulum and Bagudu for demonstrating commitment to the peacebuilding initiative and its objectives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)