Category: PM News

Former Germany international midfielder Toni Kroos could be on his way back to Real Madrid in a new capacity, after retiring from professional football.

Reports from The Athletic say the 36-year-old is currently in discussions with the Spanish giants about taking up an important role within the club’s sporting structure.

The role is expected to involve key responsibilities, although full details have not yet been confirmed.

Kroos ended his playing career after the 2024 European Championship, bringing to a close an outstanding spell in football where he played at the highest level for both club and country.

Since his retirement, he has focused on developing young talents through his Toni Kroos Academy, which officially opened in September 2024.

Real Madrid are believed to be keen on bringing him back into the club in a non-playing role.

The plan is said to be similar to the pathway of former player Zinedine Zidane, who first worked in an advisory position at the club before eventually becoming head coach of the first team.

If the agreement is completed, Kroos would return to the club where he enjoyed major success during his playing days, helping them win multiple domestic and European titles.

The Lagos Island Local Government has announced the appointment of Mr. Olabode Adeyeri as the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan.

The appointment, which takes effect from April 1, 2026, was approved by the Executive Chairman as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the local government’s communication framework, enhance transparency, and improve the dissemination of policies and programmes to the public.

Speaking on the appointment, Oyekan said the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to effective governance through strategic communication.

“The appointment of Mr. Adeyeri is a deliberate step towards strengthening our engagement with the public and ensuring that our policies and programmes are communicated clearly and effectively,” he said.

He added that the new Chief Press Secretary brings valuable experience that will enhance the administration’s media relations.

“We are confident that his wealth of experience in journalism and communications will further improve transparency and deepen public trust in our administration,” Oyekan stated.

Mr. Adeyeri, a seasoned journalist, writer, and communications professional, brings extensive experience in media practice and public engagement to his new role.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University and a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos. Between 2011 and 2018, he worked with Globacom Nigeria Limited, where he served as Corporate Support Executive and Glo 1 Business Support Executive.

Adeyeri is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Citizen Communications Network, a position he has held since 2010. He is also the Publisher of Citizen Magazine and Citizen NewsNG.

Described as a prolific journalist and community development enthusiast, Adeyeri is widely regarded as a result-driven professional and committed scholar, with a passion for advancing progressive ideals and contributing meaningfully to societal development.

Reiterating confidence in the appointment, the chairman noted: “We believe Mr. Adeyeri will play a key role in projecting the vision of this administration and strengthening the bridge between the government and the people.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has triggered fresh controversy after sharing a social media post that appeared to rename the Strait of Hormuz as the “Strait of Trump.”

The post, reshared on Truth Social on Wednesday, showed a map of the strategic waterway with the new label boldly written across it.

Although there is no indication of any formal move to rename the Strait, Trump’s decision to amplify the post has drawn attention because of the waterway’s huge importance to global oil supply and its sensitivity in U.S.-Iran relations.

The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors. A large share of global crude oil and petroleum products passes through the narrow route daily.

Trump’s post comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the Strait again at the centre of disputes over sanctions, navigation rights, oil exports and nuclear negotiations.

The U.S. president had earlier suggested that the waterway could be referred to differently, a remark widely seen as provocative rather than a serious diplomatic proposal.

International waterways are recognised through long-standing geographic and diplomatic usage, making any unilateral renaming largely symbolic and unlikely to gain global acceptance.

The development has also unsettled oil markets.

Oil prices climbed on Thursday as traders reacted to fears of prolonged disruption around the Strait and uncertainty over U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.

Reports said Brent crude rose to its highest level since mid-2022 after Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait and ease the current blockade while negotiations continued.

Trump reportedly insisted that pressure on Tehran would remain until a broader nuclear agreement is reached.

The Strait of Hormuz has for decades been a flashpoint between Iran, the United States and its allies, with any threat to shipping through the route capable of sending shockwaves through global energy markets.

Cedes majority stake to group

Shareholders of The approval, granted at the company’s Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2026, endorses Resolution 9, which transfers a 60 per cent stake in MoMo Payment Service Bank Limited and Y’ello Digital Financial Services Limited to Under the arrangement, the group’s fintech arm will inject fresh capital into the businesses while also acquiring shares from MTN Nigeria through a hybrid structure combining primary and secondary investments.

Following the transaction, both parties will consolidate their interests into a newly created holding company to be registered with the The restructuring marks a significant shift in MTN Nigeria’s strategy, effectively transferring a larger share of the financial and operational responsibility for the fintech business to the parent company, while allowing the local entity to refocus on its core telecommunications operations.

Industry observers say the move aligns with the broader “Ambition 2030” roadmap of the MTN Group, which prioritises scaling digital and financial services across its markets. The company acknowledged that its fintech subsidiaries are currently loss-making, reflecting the capital-intensive nature of building digital payment platforms.

By reducing its direct exposure, MTN Nigeria is expected to free up resources to strengthen its connectivity infrastructure, while the fintech arm gains the financial backing required to accelerate expansion.

Shettima By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged leaders and aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace unity and restraint ahead of primaries and 2027 general elections.

n a statement titled “2027: Don’t Pull Down the Roof,” issued in Abuja, Shettima warned that internal divisions could weaken the party’s chances of success.

Specifically, the vice president urged the APC leaders to avoid provocation and maintain unity ahead of the party’s primaries and the 2027 general elections.He described the party as a family, not a battlefield.

“Even in the most spirited family, the roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another.

“We are members of one political household with different ambitions, loyalties, and expectations, which is normal in a democratic setting.

“Democracy was designed to civilise ambition, allowing competition without destruction and disagreement without hostility,” he said.

Shettima warned members against manipulation by media narratives, vested interests, and actors who benefit from division within the party.

“These tactics are meant to provoke suspicion, inflame supporters, and turn comrades into adversaries before the real contest begins,” he said.

The vice president stressed that leadership requires rising above provocation and questioning who benefits when internal conflicts weaken the party.

He noted that the real challenge begins after the primaries, where unity determines electoral success.

“The primaries will produce candidates, but the general election will test the strength of our unity,” he said.

The vice president emphasised that every party member matters, likening them to raindrops contributing to a flood of collective strength.

He acknowledged that not all aspirants can win, describing it as the unavoidable reality of democratic competition.

“The true test of a politician is how they respond to defeat, showing character, patriotism, and loyalty despite disappointment,” he said.

Shettima urged fairness, transparency, and unity, calling on members to close ranks after primaries and face Nigerians with one voice and purpose.

(NAN)

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has advised the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members posted to the state to be law abiding and remain neutral ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election in the state.

Adeleke gave the advice on Thursday at the swearing-in and official opening ceremony of the orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede.

He said that the presence of corps members deployed to the state reflected the NYSC’s vision of promoting national unity, integration and mutual understanding among Nigerians.

The governor said “Osun remains a peaceful and accommodating state where corps members can live, learn and contribute meaningfully to society. The orientation course remains a vital component of the service year and is designed to instill discipline, leadership qualities and resilience in participants. The course will expose corps members to paramilitary drills, lectures, skills acquisition programmes and social activities needed for effective service delivery.”

Adeleke also advised corps members to participate actively in all camp activities and take full advantage of the opportunities provided.

He commended the NYSC state coordinator, camp management and the state governing board for their roles in the smooth running of the scheme.

Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare and security of corps members in the state.

“I encourage you to integrate with your host communities, respect local customs and contribute positively to socio-economic development. As you may be aware, Osun will be approaching a gubernatorial election in August and you are expected to remain neutral, professional and committed to the rules guiding your service,” he said.

The governor further said that the NYSC scheme was non-partisan and warned the corps members against involvement in partisan politics.

Adeleke assured the corps members that adequate security measures had been put in place in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure their safety throughout their stay in the state.

He asked the corps members to see the service year as an opportunity to contribute to nation-building, develop themselves and build lasting relationships.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court on Thursday voided the status quo ante bellum order imposed on the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The decision, delivered unanimously, set aside the earlier ruling of the Court of Appeal which had directed all parties in the leadership dispute to revert to their previous positions pending the determination of the case.

With this judgment, the David Mark-led leadership of the party is restored while proceedings continue at the Federal High Court.

Earlier, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal had dismissed an appeal filed by Mark, in which he challenged the jurisdiction of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to hear a suit brought by Nafiu Gombe over the party’s leadership.

The appellate court held that the appeal was premature and filed without the required leave of the lower court. It subsequently ordered that the matter be returned to the Federal High Court for an expedited hearing and directed all parties to maintain the existing arrangement pending a final decision.

Following that directive, the Independent National Electoral Commission withdrew recognition of the leadership faction aligned with Mark until the courts determine the party’s legitimate leadership.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Mark approached the Supreme Court, seeking to nullify the appellate court’s decision and set aside the order maintaining the status quo.

Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, a governorship aspirant for Lagos State in 2027, has vehemently denied a circulating press release that falsely claims he endorsed Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as the APC’s consensus candidate for the state’s governorship race.

In a strongly worded disclaimer, Ajose condemned the unauthorized publication, describing it as malicious, fictitious, and completely contrary to his position. He emphasized that he had no involvement in the decisions of the Lagos APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which allegedly endorsed Hamzat for the 2027 elections.

“My attention has been drawn to the circulation of a false and unauthorized press release in the Nigerian media, purporting to convey my endorsement of Dr. Hamzat as the Lagos State Governorship Candidate of our Party, and my support for the decisions of the State’s GAC, a process in which I played no part,” Ajose stated.

He further clarified, “This publication is fictitious, unsanctioned, and malicious in intent. It does not represent my position, my campaign’s position, or the position of anyone authorized to speak on my behalf.”

Ajose urged the public, especially his supporters and the people of Lagos, to disregard the misleading content, asserting that it was part of an attempt to manipulate public opinion.

The aspirant also issued a stern warning to media outlets circulating the false information, demanding that they retract and delete the material within 12 hours. Failure to comply, Ajose threatened, would result in legal action for reputational and electoral damages.

“This is a defamatory and potentially criminal instrument designed to harm my standing, and I will not tolerate it,” he said.

A new chapter in Nigeria’s sporting future began on Wednesday as the Olympafrica Centre was officially unveiled in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, with stakeholders describing it as a major boost for grassroots sports development.

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, said the multi-billion naira facility represents a long-awaited investment in nurturing young talent and strengthening the country’s sporting pipeline.

Gumel explained that the project, built on a 6.7-hectare parcel of land allocated to the committee in 1990, reflects decades of planning, persistence and renewed collaboration among partners.

“This is more than just a facility; it is a platform for discovering and developing the next generation of Nigerian athletes,” he said. “Grassroots sports remain the foundation of our success. The athletes we groom here today will represent Nigeria on the global stage tomorrow.”

The centre, supported by the Olympafrica Foundation and other partners, is designed to provide structured training opportunities for children and young athletes. It boasts modern indoor halls for karate, taekwondo, wrestling and weightlifting, as well as outdoor courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis.

A football pitch with a running track, male and female changing rooms, and a pavilion further position the complex as a comprehensive training hub.

Gumel also revealed plans for a residential estate on 60 per cent of the land, with integrated sporting facilities aimed at fostering community engagement and participation. According to him, commercialising the centre will ensure it remains active year-round, hosting competitions and supporting daily training programmes.

“We want this facility to be alive every day — training, competitions and community use. That is how to sustain its impact,” he added.

Representing the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, Ahmed Musa praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with broader efforts to build centres of excellence for young athletes across the country.

“Our focus is on early talent discovery,” Musa said. “Facilities like this create the right environment for children, especially those under 16, to train and grow across multiple sports.”

Chief Executive Officer of Olympafrica, Alasanne Diack, urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity, while also challenging the country to improve its performance on the international stage.

“Nigeria has enormous potential, but we must translate that into medals,” he said. “This centre should mark a turning point.”

The unveiling ceremony attracted a wide array of dignitaries, including sports administrators, traditional rulers, athletes and schoolchildren, who toured the facility and witnessed the symbolic commencement of groundwork for the planned housing estate.

Looking ahead, Gumel expressed confidence that the Olympafrica Centre will evolve into an Olympic-standard hub within the next decade, producing athletes capable of excelling at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, African Games and World Championships.

With its blend of infrastructure, vision and ambition, the centre signals a renewed push to rebuild Nigeria’s sporting dominance starting from the grassroots.

The management of De Rainbow Event Centre has pushed back against claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, threatened to revoke its operational licence over the hosting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention.

The denial comes amid controversy surrounding the April 14 convention in Abuja, after earlier allegations suggested the venue was under pressure to cancel its booking.

She said, “We wish to categorically state that De Rainbow Event Marquee did not receive any threat of license revocation from the Honourable Minister of the FCT or from any other person or government institution.

“These reports were not authorised by us and, to the best of our knowledge, are untrue. They appear to have been circulated without verification.

“Members of the public and the media are therefore urged to disregard the allegation in its entirety and only rely on verified information.”

Yusuf explained that the clarification was necessary following concerns raised by clients over the status of existing bookings at the venue.

The dispute traces back to earlier claims by the ADC leadership under former Senate President David Mark, which alleged that the venue faced pressure to withdraw from hosting the convention.

Despite the alleged pressure, Abdullahi maintained that the ADC went ahead with the convention as planned, noting that all financial obligations had been met and a formal agreement had been secured with the venue beforehand.