Category: PM News

Nigerian gospel singer, Tim Godfrey, has set social media abuzz following the release of his latest single, ‘Infinity,’ featuring Afrobeats star Oxlade.

The song, which dropped this week as the seventh track on Godfrey’s forthcoming 12-track studio album titled ‘No Label,’ blends contemporary gospel sounds with the smooth R and B-Afrobeats flair that has defined Oxlade’s music career.

While many music lovers have praised the collaboration for its creativity and crossover appeal, the partnership has stirred controversy among sections of Nigeria’s Christian community, who argue that Oxlade – best known for secular hits like ‘Ku Lo Sa’ and ‘Away’ – should not feature on a gospel project.

In a statement announcing the new release, Tim Godfrey described ‘Infinity’ as a ‘magnificent song’ and part of his mission to reach a broader audience through inspirational, faith-driven music. The track follows his earlier single, ‘Praise the Lord,’ which opens the same upcoming album.

However, on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, some Christian listeners have voiced discomfort with the collaboration, questioning whether a secular artist should feature on a gospel track.

One user wrote:

‘This came on my gospel playlist, and I wasn’t sure if it was Oxlade’s voice I was hearing. I have now confirmed it.’

Another commented:

‘The problem is people not understanding what gospel ministry really is. Tim Godfrey is an entertainer, not a minister, and that’s why he’s collaborating with a secular artist.’

Despite the backlash, others have defended Godfrey’s decision, arguing that gospel music should transcend boundaries.

‘If God could use Saul who persecuted Christians, who is Oxlade that He cannot use?’ one fan posted.

Industry watchers say the debate highlights a long-running tension in Nigeria’s gospel scene – between traditional worship-based gospel music and the newer, entertainment-driven gospel pop that appeals to wider audiences.

Music critics have described ‘Infinity’ as a melodic and uplifting song that fuses spiritual lyrics with polished production.

The track’s message, according to Godfrey, centres on divine blessings, faith, and perseverance, themes consistent with his previous releases.

As of press time, the song continues to trend across major streaming platforms and social media, generating both praise and pushback.

Whether viewed as a bold act of inclusivity or a controversial departure from gospel orthodoxy, ‘Infinity’ has undeniably succeeded in sparking a national conversation about faith, music, and the evolving face of Nigerian gospel artistry.

Chelsea produced a masterclass of dominance and precision as they brushed aside Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the City Ground on Saturday.

Despite a tense first half, the Blues’ second-half brilliance, spearheaded by Pedro Neto and Reece James, left the home fans in stunned silence.

The encounter began at a lively tempo, with Nottingham Forest showing early intent through Taiwo Awoniyi, who missed a golden opportunity within the first minute.

Chelsea gradually settled into rhythm, maintaining 61 per cent possession and dictating play with patient build-up through Romeo Lavia and Joao Pedro.

However, despite their dominance, the first half ended goalless after Andrey Santos and Reece James came close to breaking the deadlock.

Enzo Maresca’s tactical reshuffle at half-time proved decisive. He introduced Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, and Jamie Gittens to inject fresh energy into Chelsea’s attack.

The breakthrough arrived in the 49th minute when teenage defender Josh Acheampong rose magnificently to head home Pedro Neto’s curling cross, putting Chelsea 1-0 up.

Just three minutes later, Neto turned scorer, slotting a precise finish beyond Matz Sels after being teed up by Reece James on the edge of the box to double Chelsea’s advantage.

The visitors tightened their grip on the match, frustrating Forest’s attempts to recover through aggressive pressing and quick transitions.

Nottingham Forest, led by Ange Postecoglou, struggled to convert their rare chances. Igor Jesus struck the crossbar from close range, and Neco Williams squandered a clear opportunity inside the box.

Their woes deepened in the 80th minute when Ibrahim Sangare received a booking for a reckless challenge as frustration grew among the home supporters.

Chelsea’s dominance culminated in the 84th minute when captain Reece James pounced on a rebound to lash home the third goal, sealing an emphatic away victory.

Despite a late red card for Malo Gusto following a second booking, the London side remained untroubled as Robert Sánchez marshalled his defence with calm assurance.

The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of putting pressure on opposition members to defect to their party.

Momodu made the statement during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, which was monitored by PM News. His reaction followed the recent defection of several top politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Those who have left the PDP include Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.

Speaking on the matter, Momodu alleged that the APC is using both persuasion and pressure to attract opposition members.

‘I’m starting to think that Nigerians have been somehow influenced by politicians, because what we’re seeing doesn’t seem normal,’ he said.

‘Some of these people have no reason to cross over. Imagine a governor in his second term – where exactly is he going? What’s he running from?’

Momodu added that many politicians are motivated by personal gain rather than service. ‘Some just want to enjoy the benefits of being close to power.

Everyone knows the Federal Government of Nigeria holds enormous power even more than the American president,’ he concluded.

The World Bank has said that Nigeria’s population could rise to about 350 million people by the year 2050. This means the country may have around 130 million more people than it does today.

Nigeria currently has over 220 million people, making it the sixth most populated country in the world. The World Bank urged the government to create more jobs to match this growth.

At the 2025 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings, World Bank President Ajay Banga said that job creation should be a key part of every country’s development and security plans.

He explained that by 2050, 85 percent of the world’s population will live in developing countries, and Africa will have one in every four people on Earth.

According to Banga, around 1.2 billion young people will enter the global workforce within the next 10 to 15 years, competing for only 400 million jobs – just one-third of what’s needed.

‘These young people have energy and great ideas,’ Banga said. ‘With the right investments, they can power the world’s future growth.’

He also shared the World Bank’s recent achievements:

20 million farmers now have access to better tools and markets.

60 million people have electricity connections.

70 million people have received education or job training.

300 million people now enjoy better health and nutrition services.

The bank has also partnered with the Asian Development Bank and developed a plan called IFC2030 to attract more private investments.

To fight corruption, the World Bank is helping governments use data, digital ID systems, and AI to track taxes, property, and financial records.

Banga said that in the past decade, the bank has helped 120 governments tackle corruption and is currently working with 26 more to stop illicit financial activities.

Police have confirmed killing of two of their officers by suspected bandits in Zonkwa community, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred on Friday evening at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Zonkwa, Headquarters of Zangon Kataf LGA.

According to sources, the bandits stormed the police station in an attempt to free suspected vandals earlier arrested in Kachia Local Government Area.

However, it was later gathered that the suspects were not being held at the station.

Spokesperson for Kaduna Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan confirmed the tragic incident on Saturday.

Hassan said investigation was already underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing of the two police officers.

Dr Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, a former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has dumped the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dudafa, who also served as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, made the announcement in a statement released on Saturday in Yenagoa.

In his resignation letter, addressed to the Chairman of PDP Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Dudafa said the decision came after a period of deep reflection and consultation with political allies, supporters, and family.

The letter said, ‘It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect. Throughout my time with the party, I have remained deeply committed to our shared values and objectives. It has been an honour to work with so many dedicated individuals.’

He blamed unresolved internal disputes, particularly at the national level, for creating a hostile environment that no longer aligns with the vision and ideals he holds dear.

‘These disputes have significantly hampered our progress and created an atmosphere of persistent conflict that is no longer conducive to genuine advancement,’ he added.

Dudafa expressed continued commitment to public service, stating that his move was driven by a desire to better serve his people and pursue their welfare and development.

On his decision to join the APC, he said: ‘After careful reflection and consideration, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform I believe represents renewed hope, unity, and a stronger foundation to tackle the challenges facing our beloved state.’

In a message to APC members, he wrote: ‘I look forward to working alongside new colleagues who share this vision and are equally committed to meaningful progress.’

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday staged a massive rally at Murtala Square, Kaduna, to formally receive thousands of defectors from opposition parties, including prominent federal and state lawmakers, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Leading the charge were Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, who described the rally as a ‘victory march’ – a sign of the party’s growing dominance in the state.

The event attracted a large crowd of party faithful and supporters, with the venue transformed into a carnival of unity. Banners, party colours, and chants of ‘APC! Next Level!’ echoed across the square.

The rally marked the official defection of several political heavyweights from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other parties into the APC.

Among the notable defectors were federal lawmakers representing Sabon Gari, Igabi, Kaduna South, and Ikara/Kubau constituencies, as well as Hon. Saidu Adamu, a former PDP Secretary in Kaduna and Chairman of PDP Secretaries in Northern Nigeria.

Other high-profile names included former Governor Ramalan Yero, Senators Shehu Sani, Andrew Malar, and Suleiman Hunkuyi.

Several former local government chairmen and members of the 8th Kaduna State House of Assembly also joined the ruling party.

Speaking at the rally, Governor Sani said the wave of defections was a clear endorsement of the APC’s inclusive leadership and development-focused governance in Kaduna State.

He said, ‘In APC Kaduna, we are one family. We don’t discriminate. Everyone has the same privilege and the same opportunity.

‘Since we assumed office, there has been no single ethno-religious crisis in Kaduna. That peace is a product of fairness, justice, and inclusive governance.’

The governor also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support in driving key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and tax restructuring, which he said had opened Kaduna to both local and foreign investment.

Sani added, ‘Everything we’ve achieved in Kaduna would not have been possible without the support of President Tinubu. His bold reforms have brought development and restored investor confidence in Nigeria.’

He declared that with the APC now firmly in control of the political landscape in Kaduna, the party was targeting 95 percent of the total votes in the 2027 elections.

‘Today in Kaduna, there is no opposition. APC is the party of the people, and I have no doubt that come 2027, the votes will speak for us loud and clear,’ Sani said.

The governor concluded by assuring all defectors and party members of equal treatment and a shared commitment to development.

‘Our goal is not politics for power, but politics for the people. Kaduna APC is united, stronger, and ready for the future,’ he said.

APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the rally as a strategic turning point, noting that Kaduna has become a model for party cohesion and political realignment ahead of the next polls.

‘What we are witnessing today is the beginning of a broader movement. The APC is open to all Nigerians who believe in unity, progress, and inclusive governance,’ he said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, also commended Governor Sani’s leadership style, crediting him with uniting diverse political interests and transforming Kaduna into a reference point for peace and progress in Northern Nigeria.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman; Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas; members of the APC National Working Committee; and other party stalwarts.

FIFA has changed its earlier position and now says U.S. President Donald Trump can influence where World Cup games are held.

This comes after Trump again said he might move matches away from some American cities.

FIFA had earlier said Trump had no authority to make such changes. But on Tuesday, the football body released a new statement after Trump said he could move games from Boston if he felt conditions were unsafe.

‘If someone is doing a bad job or the area is unsafe, I’d call Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, and tell him to move the game. He’d do it,’ Trump said.

FIFA responded by saying safety and security are top priorities and that governments are responsible for protecting people.

‘We trust governments to decide what is best for public safety,’ FIFA’s statement read. ‘We hope all host cities will be ready to meet our requirements.’

The U.S. will host most of the 2026 World Cup matches in 11 cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco Bay Area. Mexico and Canada will also host games in Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Last month, Trump said he might block cities like Seattle and San Francisco from hosting matches if he thought they were unsafe. ‘If any city is dangerous, we won’t allow it to host the World Cup or Olympics,’ he said.

Earlier, FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s claim, saying, ‘It’s FIFA’s tournament, and we make the decisions. Football is bigger than any government or leader.’

However, FIFA now appears to be siding with Trump. Recently, Infantino was invited to Trump’s Gaza peace talks and promised to help rebuild football facilities there.

FIFA also opened a new office in Trump Tower, and Trump has displayed the Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office several times.

Host city agreements, such as Seattle’s, include clauses allowing FIFA to remove hosting rights if cities fail to meet safety and transport requirements. Similar conditions likely exist in other cities’ agreements.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the senior women’s national team have been shortlisted for honours at the 2025 CAF Awards.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the list on Friday, with Nigerian names dominating several categories.

Ajibade, who captained the Super Falcons to their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, is nominated for the African Player of the Year. She is joined by teammate Esther Okoronkwo, who was named Woman of the Match in the WAFCON final.

Ajibade, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was voted Player of the Tournament at WAFCON 2024 after delivering key performances, including one goal and two assists.

In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Nnadozie, of Brighton and Hove Albion, is chasing her third consecutive crown after winning in 2023 and 2024.

The Super Falcons are also nominated for National Team of the Year, while their coach, Justine Madugu, makes the shortlist for Women’s Coach of the Year.

Nigeria’s U-17 side, the Flamingos, are also in contention after an unbeaten run to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Their coach, Bankole Olowookere, is up for Coach of the Year, while captain Shakirat Moshood has been named among the finalists for Young Player of the Year.

Rounding off Nigeria’s strong showing, Bayelsa Queens, champions of the 2025 Nigerian Women’s Football League, earned a nod for Club of the Year alongside Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), ASFAR (Morocco), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), and Gaborone United (Botswana).

Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage in a tense Premier League encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.

Leandro Trossard was the hero for Mikel Arteta’s men, scoring the only goal of the match in the 59th minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box. His rebound finish into the middle of the net gave Arsenal the lead their dominance deserved.

The Gunners controlled possession for much of the game, with over 60 percent of the ball, but were repeatedly frustrated by a resolute Fulham defence and the heroics of goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who denied Viktor Gyökeres and Riccardo Calafiori with two brilliant saves in the first half.

Fulham, however, were no pushovers. Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson created chances of their own, with Wilson coming agonisingly close in the 26th minute when his drive whistled inches wide of the post.

The second half burst into life when referee Anthony Taylor awarded Arsenal a penalty in the 65th minute for a trip on Gyökeres. But after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, to the fury of the Arsenal players and bench.

Despite the setback, Arsenal held their composure and tightened their grip on the game. Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Christian Nørgaard added fresh energy in the closing minutes, as the Gunners defended their slender lead with discipline.

Fulham pushed hard for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Adama Traoré and Raúl Jiménez threatening on the break, but Arsenal’s backline – marshalled by Declan Rice and William Saliba, stood firm.

The final whistle was met with relief from the Arsenal bench as Arteta’s side extended their unbeaten run.

With the win, Arsenal are now top of the premier league table.