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Wives of soldiers detained for committing various offences in Borno State have pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and military authorities to pardon their husbands.

Appealing for mercy, the leader of the group, Rose Emmanuel David, who spoke on behalf of 30 other women, said, ‘If Boko Haram terrorists can be pardoned, why not our husbands?’

She noted that the detention of their husbands at the 7 Division Military Police Facility has put them under emotional stress and financial hardships.

‘Some of our husbands were detained for one year and eight months; the children born after them have grown up without knowing their fathers.

‘Many of us are faced with serious financial hardships. I’m personally surviving the situation by frying bean cake (Akara) for sale.

It’s very difficult for us to adapt to the new situation,’ she said.

She pleaded with the president to find a place in his heart to forgive their husband in the spirit of Nigeria at 65 celebrations.

‘We acknowledge their mistakes, they have deeply reflected, and now seek a second chance to serve their country with renewed loyalty.

‘We respectfully call on His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to grant them a presidential pardon.’

‘We also appeal to the National Assembly, the Executive Governor of Borno State, and all Nigerians of goodwill to support this plea.

‘It is important to remember that amnesty has been extended to repentant insurgents and bandits who once raised arms against the state.

‘These soldiers are Nigerians too, men who once risked their lives to defend our people and preserve our nation. They deserve the same mercy, so they can once again fight for peace, unity, and security,’ she said.

Last week, Special Court Martial (SCM) convened by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, has slammed 2 Senior Non-commissioned Officers and 2 Non-Commissioned Officers for Arms/Ammunition racketeering as well as Aiding and Abetting the Enemy.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course.

Mbah said that while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

These were contained in his message to Nigerians in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated the citizens on ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

‘As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,’ he said.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

‘From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,’ he added.

Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim has urged his players to raise their performance levels if they are to turn the club’s fortunes around.

The Portuguese manager is under heavy scrutiny following United’s poor start to the season, which has seen them collect only two wins, one draw, and three defeats from their opening six Premier League fixtures.

In an interview with TNT, Amorim expressed confidence that Matheus Cunha can play a key role in inspiring the Red Devils to a revival.

‘We have a lot of players that they were here for many years, and we are struggling so that is always in your mind.

‘It’s not just the leaders, we need leaders, but sometimes what I’m thinking is we miss some crazy guys, you know?’

‘The guys, I think Cunha is a little bit like that. He’s a guy that is a good guy, but he doesn’t care who you are.

‘He can play wherever, and he will go with the ball. This kind of feeling, we need that. Harry Maguire was captain, he played national team, but you can feel it sometimes that when things are going wrong, we go down.

‘No matter if it’s Bruno or Harry, and that is in the past, so we need to live in the future.’

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has described the restoration and commissioning of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as a major boost to Nigeria’s creative economy.

AFRIMA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Bankers’ Committee for spearheading the revamp of the iconic cultural landmark, originally opened in 1976. The restoration project, undertaken by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their corporate social responsibility, was commissioned during Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary celebrations.

Speaking on the development, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, said the rebirth of the theatre represents not only the revival of a historic edifice but also renewed confidence in Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.

‘The National Arts Theatre has played a crucial role in nurturing African creativity, serving for decades as a hub for music, theatre, film and cultural festivals. Its revival speaks volumes about Nigeria’s vision and the dedication of stakeholders like the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee to supporting the creative economy. This is not just a building restored, but a renewal of cultural confidence and an investment in future generations of Nigerian and African talent,’ Dada said.

Beyond the theatre, AFRIMA used the occasion to congratulate Nigeria on its 65th independence anniversary, commending the country’s resilience and leadership in shaping Africa’s music, film, fashion and digital culture.

‘On behalf of the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria as the country marks 65 years of independence. Nigeria remains a vital partner to AFRIMA and a key pillar of Africa’s cultural identity. Its creative energy continues to inspire not just the continent but the world,’ he added.

Dada also highlighted Nigeria’s role as host of the 9th AFRIMA, noting that the awards have amplified African music on the global stage while promoting unity across the continent.

AFRIMA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing African music, nurturing young talent, and using culture as a tool for continental development and pride.

The 9th AFRIMA Awards is being organised in partnership with the AUC, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Lagos State as the official host city.

The number of those who were involved in a boat tragedy in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State has risen to 36.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed this in an update on Wednesday night.

The agency said 40 persons were rescued from the ill fated boat.

The boat capsized at the bank of the river around Akpu and Odumomo settlements.

It was reportedly carrying passengers from riverine communities in the areas to Ilushi in Edo state.

Majority of the passengers include, children, women and some mourners who came for burial ceremony in the town and were on their way back to Ilushi.

NIWA’s Head of Idah station in the flank of the state , Williams Isaac, disclosed the latest update to NTA’s ‘News Xtra’.

He said the most affected people were from Onugwa and other riverine communities in Ibaji Local Government Area .

Isaac added further that the rescue efforts are still ongoing, stressing that the journey turned tragic when the boat conveying about 80 passengers capsized midway to its destination.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had expressed shock over the accident, directing all relevant agencies to swing into action on rescue operation.

The Governor further enjoined the would -be travellers by river to adopt simple safety measures, as he commiserated the families of the victims and prayed to God to grant the deceased external rest.

As Nigeria gears up for the next general election, a heated debate is brewing. Supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan are rallying behind his potential return to the presidency, citing his experience and leadership skills.

However, others are raising constitutional concerns, arguing that a third term would be barred by the country’s laws. The debate is sparking intense discussions across the nation, with legal experts, politicians, and ordinary citizens weighing in on the matter. As the country navigates this complex issue, questions about the rule of law, political precedent, and the will of the people are coming to the fore.

Can Goodluck Jonathan’s supporters convince the nation that he’s the right leader for the job, or will the constitutional concerns prevail? The answer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain this debate will continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape in the months to come.’

Each year, the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States of America (USA) chooses the most promising future basketball talents for the upcoming season. The key event, known as the draft, signifies the introduction of future top athletes. They join their teams, aiming to win games, and both the teams and the rookies make a lot of money too.

The NBA basketball industry is valued at about $133 billion, and the league has an estimated revenue of over $11 billion annually. In the highly profitable sporting industry, basketball comes next to American football and goes head-to-head with baseball as one of the most lucrative sports in the USA.

In the NBA 2019-2020 draft, an unprecedented number of eight players of Nigerian heritage were selected, the highest number ever from Africa. In the 2023-2024 season, three new players of Nigerian roots were chosen. From 2015 to 2024, a total of 19 players of Nigerian descent were drafted.

A high number of Nigerians play for the top NBA teams currently, and the steady presence of players of Nigerian descent in the NBA is assured for decades, alongside a few other players of African descent.

In the USA, as in many countries around the world, Nigerians also feature in American football, baseball, and soccer, the more recent major sport to gain popularity in the USA. But nowhere has the Nigerian footprint been as compelling as it is in basketball within the NBA.

It was not always this way.

First African in NBA

In October 1980, a skinny, shy and tall Nigerian boy took a flight from Lagos to New York, armed with only a note of introduction for possible admission to college, and to secure a scholarship based on his hopeful basketball skills. In the United States, he could try his luck with four colleges, thanks to an American coach who identified him, made the contacts in the colleges, and facilitated obtaining a visa for the USA in Lagos.

The 17-year-old boy was Hakeem Olajuwon, the first African to be selected in the NBA draft. Standing at six feet eleven inches, he was the trailblazer whose exemplary basketball skills opened the doors for many future African players.

Olajuwon was accepted by the first and only college that he visited, the University of Houston. He studied at the university, played there, and from there was drafted in the first round as first overall pick in the 1983-1984 season by the Houston Rockets, ahead of Michael Jordan, picked also in the first round but as the third overall pick by the Chicago Bulls.

Although Jordan came to have a higher name recognition and superior game than those who were drafted ahead of him, Olajuwon came first in the sport on several fronts during a career of some 18 years. Incidentally, both Jordan and Olajuwon were born in 1963, separated by a few weeks.

Olajuwon led his team, the Houston Rockets, to secure two NBA championships, and he holds records and awards in many aspects of the sport. He also played briefly for the Toronto Raptors.

Sports in the world

Worldwide, many Nigerians have kept emerging at the apex level of global sports, especially overseas. There is absolutely no question regarding the wealth of talent and physical capabilities in sports in Nigeria. Sorely lacking are the mentorship, training facilities, and exposure to first-class guidance and development.

Basketball, despite its early start in Nigeria, remains hardly visible as a sport or business. Yet, its potential is huge.

It is noteworthy that some past and current NBA stars of Nigerian descent have coaching clinics, academies, foundations and other services that encourage and develop interests and gifted players in basketball in Nigeria.

The list comprises Olajuwon, Precious Achiuwa of the Miami Heat (formerly of New York Knicks), Giannis Antetokunmpoh of the Milwaukee Bucks, Zeke Nnaji of the Denver Nuggets, Obinna Ekezie, formerly of the Washington Wizards, and Chiney Ogwumike, who has played for both the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun – in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa scouts for talents, and promotes the sport in many African countries.

The future of basketball in Nigeria

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA established the Basketball Africa League (BAL) that organizes competitions and develops capabilities for male and female players. The Basketball Without Borders outreach is one of the means that they deploy to achieve the objectives. Many African countries have national basketball leagues and take part in BAL, founded in 2019.

Under the auspices of FIBA, the overarching governing body for international competitions, the Nigerian women’s national basketball team has performed brilliantly and won several championships, confirming the key role of women athletes in the sport.

There is room for much more to be done by Nigeria’s federal and state governments, and local authorities in amassing the untapped resources in basketball. The private sector has an important role to play, both from a purely investment point of view and as a contribution to the community.

Now and in the future, there should be greater attention paid to developing local talents, and bringing more women into the sport. For example, building on demonstrated and latent interest, the private and public sectors should cultivate and partner with the athletes in the diaspora to encourage and establish leagues in cities and states.

A massive industry awaits in basketball and sports in general, given the size, market and resources of Nigeria’s immense population of approximately 240 million people.

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted the statement credited to the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George that the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan is better than those of Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu combined.

The party described the statement as laughable, saying, ‘This is nothing but another vain attempt by a perennial critic to rewrite history and mislead unsuspecting Nigerians.’

Spokesperson of Lagos APC, Seye Oladejo, said, ‘It is sheer obscenity on the part of Chief George to attempt to compare orange with apple in the name of politics.

‘In fact, he owes Goodluck Jonathan an apology for the embarrassment of dressing him up in borrowed robes that neither fit his record nor reflect reality. ‘Nigerians know better. Jonathan presided over the most wasteful and corrupt administration in our recent history, one that squandered an unprecedented oil boom, institutionalised looting, and left behind a broken economy and a bleeding nation. His government is remembered more for missing billions, oil theft, insecurity, and unbridled impunity than for any tangible achievement.’

The Lagos APC stated that President Buhari’s administration, ‘for all its challenges, restored the integrity of our armed forces, mounted an unprecedented anti-corruption campaign, completed long-abandoned infrastructural projects, and laid the foundation for fiscal discipline.’

‘These are facts that cannot be denied. Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has gone further, confronting the structural rot left behind by Jonathan and his ilk.

‘Among others, the removal of the subsidy scam, reforms in the foreign exchange market, bold interventions in agriculture and food security, free technical education with stipends for students, and infrastructural renewal are already resetting Nigeria for sustainable growth. Only mischief-makers like Chief George would compare this boldness with the inertia and incompetence that defined the Jonathan era.

‘We are reluctant to have a conversation about Chief George’s public service record which is in the public domain , either as the military administrator of Ondo State or the Chairman of Nigeria Port Authority- NPA- and makes him eminently disqualified to access any office holder. Bode George’s desperate revisionism cannot erase PDP’s legacy of failure.

‘Chief George has made a career out of political flip-flopping – praising and attacking different leaders at will, depending on which side of his bread is buttered. His inconsistency betrays a lack of principle and exposes him as a man driven not by patriotism but by bitterness and personal grievances.

‘For the record, Chief George is a political paperweight in Lagos – a man who has never won his polling unit, ward, or local government for his party. He should also provide for public scrutiny his records as the so-called leader of the opposition PDP in Lagos, a party perpetually in crisis, one that only comes together during electioneering season to share the crumbs of election funds. A man that cannot maintain a peaceful and stable homestead should humbly keep mute at town hall meetings.

‘His defense of Jonathan only reminds Nigerians why the PDP was roundly rejected at the polls. History is clear: Jonathan’s record was one of waste and failure, Buhari stabilized, and Tinubu is reforming. Nigeria is in safe hands.

‘If we are to accept the erroneous belief that politicians have no retirement age, perhaps they do have an expiry date – and Chief George’s shelf life in Nigeria’s political space expired long ago. He would do well to finally bow out gracefully and spare Nigerians his constant outbursts, distortions, and bitter tirades. The nation has moved on – and so should he.’

A distinguished group of Nigerian thought leaders has endorsed ‘Beneath the Surface,’ a compelling collection of essays and public policy analyses by Dr Dakuku Peterside.

According to a statement by the author, their endorsements, representing the Church, academia, and public service, highlight the book’s significance to Nigeria’s democratic evolution, governance challenges, and human development discourse.

Bishop Matthew Kukah, a prominent Catholic bishop and advocate for justice and democracy; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and war studies scholar; Prof. Anya O. Anya, former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science and founding Director-General of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group; and Prof. Kyari Mohammed, historian and former Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University of Technology as well as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, have all praised Peterside’s new volume.

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Bishop Matthew Kukah, author of Religion, Politics and Power in Northern Nigeria (1993), Democracy and Civil Society in Nigeria (2001), and The Church and the Politics of Social Responsibility (2007), writes: ‘Dr. Dakuku Peterside has served us a salad plate of exquisite writing, flowing in prescient prose and narration, an in-depth kaleidoscope of exciting and alluring themes. The author has opened a window for future exploration of the options for a new Nigeria.’

Dr Kayode Fayemi observes: ‘Every so often, we come across remarkable individuals who revive the politician as a public intellectual in our challenged polity. With his incisive and irreverent op-eds now compiled in this volume of essays, Dakuku Peterside offers us a valuable opportunity to learn from his fertile mind about our national foibles and the immense possibilities of building a nation where justice and peace prevail. It is a must-read!’

Professor Emeritus Anya O. Anya, national merit award winner, adds: ‘This book is insightful, incisive, and above all, written from the perspective of Dakuku Peterside’s exceptional experience within the Nigerian context. Only a man of his wide-ranging service in Nigeria could produce such a unique collection of essays that are intellectually challenging yet easy to read. As you journey through this fascinating book, you cannot help but ask: why, despite our rich pool of exceptional human talent and resources, does Nigeria perform so poorly?’

Prof. Kyari Mohammed, historian and former Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola, and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, states: ‘Beneath the Surface -offers an insightful and comprehensive exploration of the complex Nigerian state and society. In this nuanced and engaging appraisal of his country, Dr. Peterside avoids lamentations, instead deftly pointing the way forward. This book is essential reading for policymakers, academics, and the general public.’

‘Beneath the Surface’ gathers Dakuku Peterside’s most incisive essays on Nigeria’s politics, governance, economy, and society.

Combining straightforward storytelling with rigorous analysis, the book examines the causes of national underperformance and charts practical pathways to reform grounded in accountability, institutional renewal, and human development. It is written for public officials, business leaders, scholars, students, and citizens seeking a more precise understanding-and better solutions-beneath the noise.

Bandits on Wednesday night abducted two serving councillors and an Imam in a daring raid at Tsauni community in Gusau, capital of Zamfara State.

The councillors, who represent Gidan Goga and Tsibiri wards in Maradun Local Government Area, were reportedly seized around 8:05 p.m. near a police outpost, shortly after performing the Maghrib prayers.

Chairman of Maradun LGA, Hon. Sanusi Gama Giwa, confirmed the incident and identified the abducted councillors as members of his council.

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According to him, the victims were relaxing with others at a tea spot when the armed men struck. ‘It happened right in front of a police station where officers are usually present. The bandits even collected phones from the police officers without resistance. They didn’t harm anyone.’ he said

Giwa added that the bandits were initially in search of a specific individual from Kaura village.

‘ Upon failing to capture their target, they stumbled upon the group of men and abducted six of them.

‘However, after moving a short distance, they released three and continued on with the councillors and the Imam,’ he said

Tsauni, the scene of the abduction, is a community that has previously hosted internally displaced persons fleeing banditry from surrounding villages – raising further concerns about the vulnerability of such areas.

Police authorities have confirmed the incident.

Speaking via telephone, the Spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said operatives had been deployed to the area and a rescue operation is underway.

‘We are doing everything within our power to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,’ DSP Abubakar said.

He urged residents to continue providing useful information that could aid in our efforts against these criminals.

As of the time of filing this report, the abductors had yet to make contact with the families of the victims or issue any demands.