Category: PM News

By Aderonke Ojo

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China and New Caledonia for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup taking place in Poland from Sept. 5 to Sept. 27

The official draw for the tournament scheduled to hold across the Polish cities of od, Katowice, Sosnowiec and Bielsko-Biaa was held on Friday at the EC1 Cultural Centre in od, Poland.

The competition will feature 24 teams battling for honours in FIFA’s flagship women’s youth tournament.

Africa’s representatives at the tournament are Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and Benin Republic

The draw ceremony was attended by women’s football legends and dignitaries from the host nation, while fans across the world followed the event live on FIFA digital platforms.

According to FIFA, the qualified teams were divided into four pots based on rankings ahead of the draw.

Pot 1 comprised Poland, Japan, Spain, Korea DPR, Brazil and France, while Pot 2 included USA, Nigeria, Colombia, Mexico, Korea Republic and England.

Pot 3 featured Ghana, Canada, New Zealand, Argentina, China PR and Costa Rica, while Pot 4 contained Italy, Portugal, Ecuador, Benin Republic, Tanzania and New Caledonia.

The Falconets face a difficult task in Group F, with Spain considered one of the favourites owing to their strong youth development system and recent success in women’s football.

China are also expected to pose a major challenge with their disciplined style and international experience, while New Caledonia will be making their debut appearance at the tournament.

The Falconets are two-time runners-up in the history of the competition and will be hoping to improve on their Round of 16 finish at the 2024 edition.

Nigeria qualified for the Poland 2026 tournament after defeating Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in the African qualifiers.

The Falconets won the first leg 2-0 in Ikenne before losing 2-1 in the reverse fixture in Lilongwe, a result sufficient to secure qualification.

The 2026 edition will feature six debutants — Poland, Portugal, New Caledonia, Ecuador, Tanzania and Benin Republic.

Germany, runners-up to Nigeria in the 2010 and 2014 finals, will miss the competition for the first time in the tournament’s history.

The full draw is as follows:

Group A: Poland, Argentina, Mexico, Benin Republic.

Group B: Brazil, Tanzania, Canada, England.

Group C: France, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Ghana.

Group D: Japan, New Zealand, USA, Italy.

Group E: Korea DPR, Portugal, Costa Rica, Colombia.

Group F: Spain, Nigeria, New Caledonia, China PR.

Widespread protests broke out in some parts of Akwa Ibom State during the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reports from several local government areas, including Essien Udim, Obot Akara, Ikot Ekpene, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ukanafun, Oruk Anam, Abak, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, and Etinan, showed that many candidates were chosen through consensus arrangements. Most of those adopted were current lawmakers seeking second or third terms.

However, in some areas, the consensus method caused disagreement. Some aspirants and their supporters rejected attempts to impose candidates, insisting that proper voting should take place if consensus could not be reached.

At the Adiasim Ikot Ata Enin Ward Centre in Essien Udim Local Government Area, tension rose when an aspirant for the Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Mr. Erikan Tom, rejected the consensus arrangement.

He argued that it could not replace a proper primary election. Party organisers, however, insisted that members should respect the party’s internal decision.

Speaking to journalists and supporters, Tom called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Yilwatda, and President Bola Tinubu to intervene. He said party leaders had earlier agreed that elections should hold wherever consensus failed.

Tom said he was fully qualified to contest after buying the nomination form, passing screening, and getting clearance from the party.

He also claimed it was the turn of Essien Udim and Adiasim to produce the candidate for the constituency.

Meanwhile, at Abak Urban Ward 4 in Utu Abak, supporters celebrated after the current lawmaker, Clement Jimbo, defeated another aspirant, Mr. Iboro Johnny.

As of the time this report was filed, returning officers were preparing to announce party candidates, with many results believed to have been influenced by top APC leaders in the state, including Governor Umo Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has announced that auditions for Season 11 have officially begun.

According to the organisers, registration will run from May 16 to May 20 for people who want to take part in the audition process.

Applicants must register online, fill in their personal details, and choose their preferred audition date, time, and location.

This year’s auditions will be physical, and they will take place between May 22 and May 24 in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu.

The organisers said the audition is free, but only people who are 21 years and above with a valid form of identification can apply.

They also warned that the registration portal may close early once the required number of applicants is reached.

They added that submitting an application means participants agree that their audition videos can be used by the organisers at any time and on any platform. They also warned that applying more than once could lead to disqualification.

This announcement comes after the end of Season 10, which aired in 2025.

The season had 29 housemates competing for a 150 million prize. Imisi Ayanwale won the show after getting the highest percentage of votes.

Past winners of BBNaija include Mercy Eke, Laycon, Whitemoney, Phyna, Ilebaye, and others. Fans are now looking forward to Season 11 and expecting possible new changes to the show.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on social media influencers and users, particularly, political supporters and content creators, to exercise restraint, responsibility, and professionalism in the use of digital platforms in order to safeguard peace, unity, and social harmony in the state.

The Governor made the appeal during a meeting with political stakeholders, elders, party leaders, and supporters from the Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu Federal Constituency held at the Government House, Kano.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, on Thursday in Kano.

Governor Yusuf stressed that, “social media remains a powerful tool for communication, public enlightenment, and democratic participation,” but warned against its misuse through the spread of false information, hate speech, political provocation, and content capable of creating misunderstanding among citizens.

He added that responsible communication and respect for constituted authority are essential ingredients for sustaining peace, political stability, and democratic development in Kano state and the country at large.

He urged social media users to always verify information before sharing it with the public and to avoid actions capable of inciting tension or damaging the reputation of individuals and institutions.

Governor Yusuf also commended the stakeholders from the constituency for their show of unity, maturity, and commitment to the ideals of democracy, describing their peaceful consultations and collective decision-making as a positive example of internal political harmony.

The meeting witnessed the unanimous endorsement of the member representing Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani, for a second term in office.

The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting peaceful political engagement, and supporting initiatives that would foster development and unity across Kano state.

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that its food hub initiative recorded transactions worth over 3.8 billion as the state moves to expand structured agro-produce markets across strategic locations.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, revealed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday.

Olusanya said the Lagos Fresh Food Hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin, had continued to deliver strong economic impact by improving food aggregation, strengthening farmer-to-market linkages and creating employment opportunities.

According to her, the state had earlier recorded over 2.6 billion in transaction value at the hub, while an additional 1.2 billion was generated between May 2025 and date from 76 market days.

She added that more than 850 vendors have been registered under the initiative, with over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs created through trading, logistics, food handling and related activities.

“The Fresh Food Hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin, has already demonstrated the value of structured market infrastructure by improving food aggregation, supporting direct farmer-to-market linkages, creating jobs and enabling better produce handling,” Olusanya said.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government was now scaling up the initiative through the construction of additional mid-level agro-produce hubs across Lagos.

She said the newly completed Mid-Level Agroproduce Hub at Abijo was virtually commissioned by President Bola Tinubu in April 2026, while another hub in Agege is expected to be launched within the next few months.

Olusanya further stated that construction works are ongoing in Opebi, Ikorodu and Bombata, while additional sites have been identified in Apapa, Festac and the Lekki axis.

According to her, the long-term goal of the government is to establish structured food distribution infrastructure across all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the state.

She explained that the hubs are designed to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food distribution efficiency and provide farmers and traders with more organised market systems.

The commissioner noted that the initiative forms part of the broader strategy of the Sanwo-Olu administration to modernise Lagos’ food economy through investments in logistics, storage, processing and market infrastructure.

She added that the government remains focused on building a resilient food system capable of supporting stable food supply, reducing waste and improving access to affordable food for residents.

However, the report also revealed signs of easing price pressure on a month-on-month basis, suggesting that the pace of inflation growth may be slowing gradually.

According to the NBS, the month-on-month headline inflation rate stood at 2.13 per cent in April, representing a sharp decline from the 4.18 per cent recorded in March.

“This means that in April 2026, the rate of increase in the average price level was lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in March 2026,” the bureau stated.

On a 12-month average basis, the headline inflation rate for the period ending April 2026 was 19.16 per cent, slightly lower than the 19.33 per cent recorded in April 2025.

A breakdown of the data showed mixed inflationary trends across urban and rural areas.

Urban inflation stood at 15.40 per cent year-on-year in April 2026, while the month-on-month urban inflation rate slowed to 1.86 per cent from 3.16 per cent in March.

The corresponding 12-month average urban inflation rate was 19.07 per cent, lower than the 20.76 per cent reported in April 2025.

In rural areas, inflation was higher at 16.36 per cent year-on-year, reflecting continued pressure on prices outside major cities.

The month-on-month rural inflation rate, however, dropped significantly to 2.80 per cent in April from 6.73 per cent recorded in March.

The 12-month average rural inflation rate stood at 18.99 per cent, compared to 17.63 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Wema Bank Plc has dismissed allegations surrounding the sale of Banana Island properties allegedly linked to the defunct Gulf Bank Plc, describing recent publications on the matter as false, misleading and malicious.

In a statement issued on Friday, the bank said the reports were aimed at distorting facts relating to transactions connected to the recovery of debts owed by the defunct Gulf Bank Plc.

According to Wema Bank, the issue dates back to 2002 when it made an inter-bank placement of 4.6 billion with Gulf Bank. The bank explained that by August 2004, the outstanding exposure had reduced to about 1.2 billion before the obligation became delinquent.

The bank stated that efforts to recover depositors’ and shareholders’ funds later resulted in criminal investigations involving the former Managing Director of Gulf Bank by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Wema Bank said investigations by the EFCC revealed that the diverted funds were allegedly used to acquire properties in Banana Island, Lagos, through two companies-Bacad Finance and Investment Company Ltd, now known as Supra Commercial Trust Limited, and Euston Wenberg Engineering Limited.

The bank stressed that both companies were separate legal entities and not subsidiaries or equivalents of Gulf Bank Plc, adding that they were not under the supervision of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.

According to the statement, the two firms voluntarily relinquished their interests in the Banana Island properties as part of arrangements to settle Gulf Bank’s indebtedness to Wema Bank following findings from the EFCC’s asset-tracing investigations.

Wema Bank further disclosed that the NDIC had formally acknowledged Gulf Bank’s indebtedness through letters dated September 26, 2007, and June 10, 2009, addressed to the Federal Land Registry and Wema Bank respectively.

The bank said the documents were among materials already tendered before the Federal High Court in Lagos in an ongoing legal dispute.

The financial institution also claimed that after the sale of the disputed properties, the NDIC paid the outstanding shortfall owed to Wema Bank, arguing that such action demonstrated the corporation’s awareness and recognition of the transaction.

“In light of the foregoing, NDIC is precluded from and cannot in good faith contest the relinquishment of those interests or the appropriateness of Wema Bank’s recovery efforts,” the bank stated.

While acknowledging that the NDIC had instituted two separate suits against the bank at the Federal High Court in Lagos in its capacity as liquidator of Gulf Bank Plc, Wema Bank said the matters were now sub judice and declined further comments on issues pending before the court.

The bank, however, maintained that it would deploy all legal means necessary to defend its rights and interests.

Wema Bank reaffirmed its commitment to corporate governance, transparency and regulatory compliance, assuring stakeholders that it remained focused on ethical banking practices and the protection of shareholders’ and customers’ interests.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has activated the process for candidates seeking to change their institutions or programmes of choice for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The announcement was made on Friday by JAMB’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, in a statement posted on his official X handle.

According to Benjamin, candidates who wished to effect changes to their preferred institutions or courses are expected to visit any of the Board’s approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the country to complete the process.

“Candidates wishing to change their institution or programme of choice may now proceed to do so by visiting any of the Board’s approved CBT centres,” he stated.

He advised applicants to ensure that all modifications are carried out only at accredited CBT centres authorised by JAMB in order to avoid errors or fraudulent activities.

The Board also disclosed that the printing of the original 2026 UTME result slips would commence on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The original result slip, which contains candidates’ passport photographs and other official details, is a key document often required during post-UTME screenings, admission processing and clearance exercises by tertiary institutions.

The development comes as candidates across the country continue to assess their admission prospects following the release of the 2026 UTME results, with many expected to adjust their institution or course selections based on their performance and admission requirements.

JAMB regularly allows candidates to make changes to their admission preferences after the release of UTME results to give them an opportunity to align their choices with available admission realities and institutional cut-off marks.

By Tolulope Oke

Sir David Beckham has become Britain’s first billionaire sportsman, with a combined fortune of Pound 1.185 billion alongside wife Lady Victoria Beckham, according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2026.

This marks a significant rise from the Pound 500 million estimated in 2025.

The couple’s wealth surge is credited to Beckham’s investments in the US, including his stake in Inter Miami, boosted by Lionel Messi’s contract until 2028, and a major property development adjoining the club. Revenues from Lady Victoria’s fashion label also topped Pound 100 million this year.

The Rich List revealed several new faces in the UK billionaire club. Boxer Tyson Fury, Oasis stars Liam and Noel Gallagher, and tech entrepreneur Nik Storonsky, co-founder of Revolut, have made notable gains. Storonsky’s fortune has grown at an average of Pound 25.8 million per day, reaching Pound 16.4 billion, placing him seventh on the list.

Other newcomers include sports promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn and Labour donor Gary Lubner, while the billionaire Hinduja family retained the top spot with wealth estimated at Pound 38 billion, up from Pound 35.3 billion.

Several established figures experienced declines: Sir James Dyson dropped to Pound 12 billion, down Pound 8.8 billion in 12 months, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of INEOS and owner of Manchester United, saw his net worth fall to Pound 15.194 billion.

The Rich List also highlights rising fortunes in entertainment and tech. Musicians Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Sir Brian May, pop star Dua Lipa, and actor Daniel Radcliffe made notable entries, alongside theatre impresario Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber, makeup entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, and racing driver Sir Lewis Hamilton.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as unjust and politically troubling.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Friday through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, said keeping El-Rufai in custody during a major religious celebration raises concerns about fairness, civil liberties and respect for democratic principles.

The former vice president warned against what he described as the use of state institutions to target perceived political opponents, insisting that democracy must be guided by the rule of law and due process.

According to him, Eid-el-Kabir represents a period of compassion, reconciliation and family unity, making it inappropriate to deny a citizen freedom without clear justification.

“At a time when millions of Muslims are preparing for Eid-el-Kabir, it would be unconscionable to use state power in a manner that keeps a citizen away from his family under circumstances that raise concerns of political persecution,” Atiku said.

He added that authorities must demonstrate transparency if El-Rufai’s detention is strictly tied to legal proceedings.

He stressed that regardless of political affiliations or disagreements, El-Rufai remains entitled to constitutional protections, including the rights to liberty, dignity and fair hearing.

Atiku also cautioned that selective justice could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.

“The credibility of any democracy is measured not by how it treats loyalists, but by how it treats perceived opponents,” he said.

His comments come amid the ongoing trial of El-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga before the Federal High Court in Kaduna over allegations bordering on money laundering, possession of proceeds of corruption and related offences.