Category: PM News

United struck early, with Matheus Cunha firing home from outside the box in the sixth minute before Benjamin Sesko doubled the advantage in the 14th minute following a goalmouth scramble.

With momentum swinging in Liverpool’s favour, United regained control late on when Kobbie Mainoo struck from the edge of the box in the 77th minute, drilling a low shot into the bottom corner to restore the lead.

Despite late pressure from Liverpool, including attempts from Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo, United held firm to secure all three points in front of a crowd of 74,027.

The closing moments saw Diogo Dalot miss a clear chance to extend United’s lead, but it proved inconsequential as the final whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory for the hosts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Team Nigeria on its commanding performance at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, where the nation secured a record 15th continental title in the women’s category.

The President described the victory as a statement of consistency, discipline, and national pride, noting that Nigeria’s wrestlers have once again demonstrated why they remain a dominant force on the African continent.

With 8 gold and 2 silver medals from 10 events in the women’s division, and an overall tally of 9 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals across categories, President Tinubu said the result reflects both excellence at the top and strength in depth across the team.

He paid tribute to Mercy Genesis, Adijat Idris, Esther Asaolu, and Mercy Adekuoroye for performances that combined skill with composure.

The President also commended Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo for a confident and assured victory in the men’s freestyle category.

He acknowledged the contributions of Ebierelayefa Andrew, Stephen Akintewe, Dideikemei Erefagha, Solomon Ulabo, and Saviour Egoli, noting that championships are won not only by standout moments but by collective effort.

President Tinubu observed that the outcome reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem, with renewed focus on structure, preparation, and long-term athlete development. He noted that the work of the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, Bukola Olopade and their team alongside federations and coaches, is beginning to take firmer shape through a philosophy that rewards discipline, consistency, and high performance.

“This is how a sporting nation grows, not by accident, not by chance, but by design. By building systems that identify talent early, nurture it patiently, and prepare it deliberately for moments like this,” President Tinubu said.

He added that the performance in Alexandria speaks to an emerging pipeline of athletes who are not only winning today but are being prepared to compete and succeed at even higher levels in the years ahead.

The President commended the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, led by its President, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for bringing renewed vigour into the sport and sustaining Nigeria’s continental leadership.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports as a platform for national cohesion, youth opportunity, and global representation, noting that victories such as this carry meaning beyond the podium.

“Our athletes remind us of what is possible when focus meets preparation. They compete as individuals, but they win as Nigeria,” he said.

President Tinubu urged the team to remain disciplined and continue to carry the nation’s hopes with confidence as they prepare for future competitions.

Nigeria’s wrestling success signals new era in sports development, says Tinubu

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party to treat last Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling as an opportunity to mend internal divisions and reposition the party for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Saturday by his media office and signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said the party’s leadership, elected during the March 29, 2026 national convention, should regard the judgment as a “challenge” to begin immediate reconciliation and rebuilding efforts.

He maintained that the court’s decision, which nullified the Ibadan convention, supported his earlier stance that an interim arrangement would have been a better option to prevent drawn-out disputes and internal friction.

According to him, “the national convention in Ibadan should never have been held, but that instead an interim arrangement should have been put in place,” adding that his earlier warnings were meant to avert a prolonged crisis within the opposition party.

Saraki noted that he had repeatedly shared this position with key stakeholders and also presented it before a committee of elders led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu when he was consulted.

Reacting to the apex court’s ruling, he said, “There is now only one PDP, and we should all unite and work for the success of our party across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”

He stressed that attention within the party should shift from apportioning blame to rebuilding, stating that “the focus should not be on who wins and who loses. Those who lost in court should see their return to rebuild the party as another victory.”

Saraki further explained that the legal decision had resolved lingering questions about the party’s leadership, affirming the National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara as the legitimate leadership “both in law and by the regulatory authority, the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

He called on members who had been involved in legal battles to return and contribute to strengthening the party, emphasising the need to focus on the broader goal.

“Once again, I call on our colleagues who have been in court for several months to retrace their steps. We should all try to see the bigger picture,” he said, describing the PDP as a “viable platform” for electoral participation in 2027.

Saraki also congratulated members of the National Working Committee and urged them to prioritise unity, discipline, respect for the rule of law and commitment to democratic ideals in the build-up to the next general elections.

Supreme Court verdict a chance for PDP unity, says Saraki

By Constance Athekame

The immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that while some of the reforms he implemented while in officer may appear unpopular, they were necessary to guarantee stable, efficient, and affordable electricity supply for Nigerians.

Adelabu said this on Thursday during the formal handover of the ministry to the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mamudah Mamman.

He said while his achievements may not yet be obvious to Nigerians, but as the next leadership builds on them, their impact will become clear.

Adelabu defended the introduction of the Cost Reflective Tariff (CRT), acknowledging its initial resistance but noting that it is essential for the sector’s sustainability.

“Reforms are often unpopular, but we must move beyond the status quo if we are to develop as a nation,'” he said.

Adelabu said that he carried out his duties with a clear conscience and in the national interest.

The former Minister therefore called for sustained commitment and continuity in of the reforms to ensure consistency in policies designed to reposition the power sector.

Adelabu made the call in a statement by Mr Bolaji Tunji, his Senior Special Advisor on Strategic Communications and Media Relations in Abuja.

According to him, years of inadequate attention by successive governments contributed to the sector’s challenges and addressing them require deliberate and strategic planning.

“These were pursued during my two years and eight months in office,” he said.

He said that sustaining the reforms would require courage from both technocrats and political leaders to firmly establish the power sector value chain on a sound footing.

“These reforms are a journey, not an immediate destination. If the process is disrupted, it could derail progress.

“Civil servants and technocrats must, therefore, guide the incoming leadership to sustain and build on what has been achieved,” he said.

Adelabu also likened the reform process to laying a foundation on swampy terrain, explaining that while initial efforts may not be visible, they are critical to long-term success.

“Our achievements may not yet be obvious to Nigerians, but as the next leadership builds on them, their impact will become clear,” he said.

The former minister also highlighted key milestones, including the signing of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised and liberalised the sector, enabling sub-national participation.

According to him, 16 states have already keyed into the evolving power market, with increased private sector involvement through Electricity Generation Companies (GenCos) and Distribution Companies (DisCos).

He, however, expressed concern that DisCos had largely failed to meet their investment obligations since the 2013 privatisation, urging the government to critically review their licences when due.

The former minister said he resigned with the approval of President Bola Tinubu to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

He also recalled a similar move in 2019 when he resigned as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to contest the same position.

“My commitment to the welfare and development of my people remains strong. This ambition is not a do-or-die affair, but I am confident that this time, we will succeed,” he said.

Adelabu charged top civil servants to ensure that the incoming minister builds on the existing foundation, in line with Tinubu’s vision of delivering reliable power as a critical component of his administration’s agenda.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr Musiliu Oseni, and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO), Mohammed Bello, commended Adelabu’s courage in confronting long-standing challenges in the sector.

Theu particularly commemded Adelabu for the implementation of the Cost Reflective Tariff, which previous administrations had avoided.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

The fight between Carter Efe and Portable was a big and exciting event. It reminded many people of famous boxing moments like the “Rumble in the Jungle” involving Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

Fight promoter, Ezekiel Adamu was contacted after the fight and he gave insights into behind the scenes, economic and social impact of the battle between both celebrities.

According to him, the event had a major economic impact:

The total budget was about N1.3 billion

It created over 500 jobs, both directly and indirectly

The fight gained around 1 billion views worldwide across different platforms

It generated significant income from streaming and advertising

More than 200 international visitors came for the event

About N200 million was spent on flight tickets alone

Hotels around the venue also saw increased business

20 fighters came from countries like the UK, Spain, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Congo

Although the exact tax revenue for the government is not yet known, it is expected to be substantial.

Adamu believes boxing can greatly support Nigeria’s economy if properly developed. He pointed out that better government support is needed, especially in infrastructure. For example, they were unable to use the Onikan Stadium because it was booked for a political event.

Overall, the event showed that boxing has strong potential to become a major economic driver in Nigeria if given the right attention and investment.

The Kwankwasiyya movement has said that Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, is planning to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week.

The group’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, explained that the decision was reached after wide consultations with stakeholders.

He said discussions with the NDC have reached about 90 percent, with only a few final issues left to resolve.

According to him, Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and some of their allies are expected to officially announce their move by Monday or Tuesday.

Mohammed revealed that representatives from all 44 local government areas in Kano met at Kwankwaso’s residence and unanimously agreed that switching to a new political platform was the best option ahead of future elections.

Reasons behind the planned defection

One of the major reasons for the move is the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC. Recently, the Supreme Court of Nigeria returned a leadership dispute in the party to a lower court, leaving the matter unresolved and likely to drag on for some time.

Mohammed said this situation creates uncertainty and makes it difficult for members to remain committed to the party. He also pointed out that there are multiple court cases involving the ADC, which further complicates matters.

Another key concern is the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for political parties to submit their membership registers.

He warned that staying in a party facing legal issues could affect their chances of meeting important electoral requirements.

Obi’s position and future plans

Peter Obi has also reportedly distanced himself from recent ADC activities. He is said to be unhappy that the issue of zoning was not properly discussed at a recent opposition meeting in Ibadan. Obi believes zoning is important for fairness and unity within any political coalition.

In April, supporters of both Obi and Kwankwaso launched the “OK Movement” to promote a joint presidential ticket. Leaders of the group said both politicians have endorsed the idea, raising expectations of a strong alliance ahead of future elections.

Table topping Arsenal FC on Saturday defeated Fulham 30 in a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Viktor Gyalkeres was the star of the game, scoring two goals in the first half. Arsenal also scored a third goal before halftime to take full control of the match.

With this win, Arsenal stay top of the league table with 76 points from 35 games. They are six points ahead of Manchester City, who still have two games in hand.

City could close the gap later, but Arsenal now have a strong advantage as the season nears its end.

Arsenal are also focused on their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, after a 11 draw in the first leg.

Gyalkeres said after the match that the team played well, created many chances, and never stopped believing. He also said they are now focused on the next game.

Other results from the matchday include wins for Leeds, Brentford, Newcastle, and Arsenal.

Despite a late withdrawal, Team Nigeria has qualified for the final of the 4100m mixed relay at the World Athletics Championships in Gaborone, Botswana.

By reaching the final on Sunday, the Nigerian team also secured qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in China.

The team made up of Favour Ashe, Jennifer Chukwuka-Obi, Chidera Ezeakor, and Maria Thompson ran a time of 40.24 seconds.

This made them one of the best-placed teams in the heats. The performance also set a new African record, improving on their previous best.

Canada won the semi-final in a world record time of 40.07 seconds. Germany finished second with 40.15 seconds, while the Netherlands came third in 40.20 seconds.

Team Nigeria, which was mainly made up of home-based athletes, was unable to qualify for four other relay events for next year’s World Championships.

It is also important to note that three key athletes were unable to travel to Gaborone. They are Rosemary Chukwuma, Blessing Ogundiran, and Anita Enaruna. Their absence affected the women’s 4100m, women’s 4400m, and 4400m relay teams, which failed to secure qualification for the 2027 championships.

However, Team Nigeria still has another chance to qualify more relay teams. They will compete in the last qualification round on Sunday morning in the men’s 4100m, men’s 4400m, and mixed 4400m events.

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Gunmen suspected to be bandits launched a deadly pre-dawn assault on a Police Mobile Force (PMF) camp in Kwara State on Saturday, killing three officers and leaving several others critically injured in what authorities have described as a “heinous and cowardly” attack.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours at Tenebo Village in Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police in In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, “Their commitment to safeguarding lives and property will never be forgotten,” Adekimi said, paying tribute to the slain personnel.

“There will be no hiding place for the perpetrators,” he declared.

The brazen attack underscores the persistent threat posed by bandit groups across parts of Nigeria, as security forces continue to grapple with evolving tactics and expanding areas of operation.

By Joy Oyerinde/Florence Onuegbu

Mr Abiodun Aladetan, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Lagos State Council, has urged the Lagos State Government to implement gratuity for workers.

Aladetan made the call on Friday during the International Workers’ Day celebration at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

He described gratuity as a noble recognition and social security measure worth implementing by all state governments.

“We commend the newly introduced federal policy direction on payment of gratuity to deserving workers after years of meritorious service.

“This recognises that those who gave their best years in service to the nation should not retire empty-handed.

“Gratuity is more than a financial benefit; it is a statement of gratitude.

“It tells retiring workers: we remember your sacrifice, honour your service, and will not abandon you at retirement.

“We are optimistic Lagos State will embrace and implement this progressive policy under Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“Lagos has always led, and we are confident it will again show the way in worker welfare and retirement dignity,” Aladetan said.

Speaking on the right to freedom of association, he said it is a sacred right guaranteed by the Constitution.

The chairman decried increasing hostility by some private sector employers toward workers’ legitimate right to freedom of association.

“On this significant day, we must address increasing hostility by some employers to workers’ rights to join trade unions.

“The right to freedom of association is not a favour by employers; it is guaranteed under Section 40 of the Constitution.

“It is a democratic right allowing citizens to associate for protection of their interests and dignity.

“Any attack on that right is an attack on democracy itself.

“We call on Global Plus Nigeria Ltd., a subsidiary of Christ Embassy, to recall 74 workers reportedly dismissed over union membership.

“The spirit of May Day calls for healing, justice and restoration, not victimisation,” he said.

Aladetan urged private sector employers to emulate the Lagos State Government and public institutions that respect workers’ rights to organise and engage through lawful industrial relations processes.

“Prosperity built on fear cannot endure, but prosperity built on justice will stand the test of time,” he said. (NAN)