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 Anambra State Governor, In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Obi dismissed suggestions that his exit was driven by personal disagreements with key party figures, including ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and former Vice President “Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because any respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” he said.

Instead, Obi pointed to a pattern of internal crises, legal battles and political pressure, which he said mirrored the challenges that forced his earlier departure from the Labour Party.

The former presidential candidate described the broader political climate as deeply hostile, where “intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal,” adding that even close associates sometimes contribute to the pressure.

“Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he lamented.

Obi said the environment had made meaningful engagement increasingly difficult, noting that sincere efforts to contribute are often misinterpreted or undermined.

“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home,” he said.

Despite his exit, Obi maintained that his political decisions are guided by principles rather than ambition, insisting he is not driven by a quest for office.

“I am not desperate to be President, I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped,” he added.

He also questioned societal values, asking why integrity and prudent management of public resources are often misjudged, while humility is seen as weakness.

Obi, however, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, reaffirming his belief that the country can still achieve progress through leadership anchored on justice, compassion and inclusiveness

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marking a major shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The two former presidential candidates received NDC membership cards in Abuja on Sunday after a closed-door meeting with party leaders.

They were welcomed by former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, the party’s national leader.

Footage from the event showed Kwankwaso receiving his membership card before Obi, amid cheers from supporters.

The meeting was held at Dickson’s Guzape residence, where supporters under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement chanted “O-K is okay” as both leaders arrived.

The NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, presented membership cards to both politicians at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Their move followed weeks of uncertainty within the ADC and earlier claims by Buba Galadima that key opposition figures were preparing to unveil a new political platform.

UNICEF says Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina have the highest number of children who are not in school in Nigeria.

The organisation also said Nigeria has about 18.3 million out-of-school children, the highest number in the world.

An education expert from UNICEF Kano office, Aisha Abdullahi, shared this during a two-day meeting for journalists from Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina.

She said that nearly 30% of these children come from the three states due to poverty, insecurity, cultural beliefs, and poor early education.

Abdullahi explained that early childhood education is very important because it helps children build basic skills before primary school. She said it can help reduce the number of children who drop out of school.

She added that children who attend early learning programs are more likely to stay in school and finish their education. She also said that most brain development happens before age five, so early learning is very important.

Although Nigeria has a policy that includes one year of pre-primary education, access is still low, especially in rural areas.

She also noted that areas with good early childhood centres have higher school enrolment and better retention rates.

UNICEF also raised concern that few fathers take part in early childhood education, with less than 15% involvement. They said more father involvement could reduce dropout rates.

Stakeholders at the meeting called for stronger government action, including more funding for early education, better teacher training, and expansion of early learning centres.

They said improving early childhood education is key to solving Nigeria’s problem of children being out of school.

Three Premier League clubs have now officially qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Manchester United became the third team to seal their spot after a dramatic 32 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Kobbie Mainoo scored the winning goal after Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo had brought the match back level, cancelling United’s 20 first-half lead.

The result takes Manchester United to 64 points, which guarantees them at least a top-five finish this season.

They join Arsenal and Manchester City, who had already confirmed their qualification earlier.

Liverpool, along with Aston Villa, are still in the race for the remaining Champions League places, with a few matches left in the season.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 83-year-old and 78-year-old grans for alleged illicit drug trafficking and dealings in Abia and Ekiti respectively.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said the suspects were among those arrested in ongoing nationwide crackdown on illicit drug traffickers and dealers.

He said that one of the suspects was nabbed by NDLEA officers on Tuesday, April 28, during a raid operation at Samek by Powerline, Aba, Abia.

This, he said, followed credible intelligence that he was dealing in illicit substances.

“As at the time of his arrest, 700 grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged in retail sachets were recovered from him.

“The octogenarian claimed he was a professional shoemaker before delving into the illicit drug trade,” he said.

In a similar development, NDLEA operatives in Ekiti on Thursday, April 30, arrested a 78-year-old suspect at his 2 Owode Street, Ilupeju-Ekiti for drug peddling.

Babafemi said that 350 grams of the same psychoactive substance were seized from him at the time of his arrest.

Meanwhile, two ladies were arrested by NDLEA operatives in Oyo state in connection with the seizure of 1.925kg Colorado, a synthetic cannabis.

Babafemi said that the first lady was nabbed conveying the consignment along Lagos/Ibadan expressway on Wednesday, April 29.

He added that the second lady was arrested in a follow up operation at Iwo Road, Ibadan, when she attempted taking delivery of the cargo.

In another interdiction operation in Ibadan, a notorious drug dealer was arrested on Saturday, May 2, along with his salesman at his residence in Erunmu area of the state capital, after months of evading arrest.

“Two of his associates had been arrested on December 8 and are currently being prosecuted at a Federal High Court Ibadan.

“At the time of his arrest, 3.085 kilograms of skunk and a Toyota Camry car marked EPE 299 JZ were recovered from him,” he said.

With the same zeal, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities among others in the past week.

These include WADA enlightenment lecture for students and staff of Day Secondary School, Edozhigi, Gbako LGA, Niger state; Khulafa’ul Rashidun Islamiyya, Rano, Kano; Community Secondary School, Akweze, Anambra.

Also, commercial motorcyclists and their passengers at Poka junction, Epe, Lagos and members of NAPPMED in Benin, Irrua and Auchi, Edo, among others.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army, says troops have in the last 24 hours, neutralised scores of terrorists and apprehended several others in sustained multiple operations across theatres nationwide.

This is made known in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

According to the report, in the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant gains against insurgents in Borno.

It stated that troops encountered terrorist logistics suppliers along the AgapalwaChinene axis in Gwoza Local Government Area, and forced them to flee abandoning items including a motorcycle and food supplies.

According to the report, troops also acting on intelligence on terrorist movement in Gallari, Konduga, discovered two gun trucks concealed under trees through aerial surveillance.

“In another operation, troops destroyed suspected terrorist life-support structures at Gakara high ground and Ndova village, further degrading insurgents’ capabilities,” it said.

The report also revealed that troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade, neutralised one terrorist during an ambush operation at Dipchari in Bama LGA, with follow-up operations ongoing.

In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma, successfully repelled a terrorist attack on Forward Operating Base Bagega in Anka LGA of Zamfara.

According to the report, two gun trucks were destroyed, though the attackers carted away an RPG tube, while parts of the camp and some shops in the community were burnt and looted.

It added that troops under Operation Mesa, intercepted 76 suspected individuals in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, believed to be involved in a dubious recruitment scheme linked to foreign business entities.

“Preliminary investigation suggests the activity may be fraudulent in nature. The suspects are currently in custody for further action,” the report said.

The report further revealed that troops arrested a suspected terrorist along the LokojaAbuja road following credible intelligence.

“Investigations are still ongoing,” it said.

In Plateau, the report says troops recovered an additional locally fabricated rifle and ammunition during ongoing operations following an earlier attack that claimed the life of a security personnel in Mangu Local Government Area.

It added that troops across other sectors continued aggressive patrols and offensive operations with no major incidents recorded.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists and criminal elements while ensuring the protection of lives and property across the country.

(NAN)

Rangers are getting closer to winning their ninth Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title after beating Bayelsa United 2-0 away in Yenagoa.

The team, known as the Flying Antelopes, scored one goal in each half to secure an important win. They now remain top of the league table with 62 points from 36 matches.

In another match played in Port Harcourt, Rivers United kept up the pressure on Rangers with a strong 3-0 victory over Abia Warriors.

After a goalless first half, Rivers United scored all three goals in the second half. Wasiu Falolu opened the scoring in the 50th minute, while Timothy Zachariah and Bello Babatunde added the other goals.

Defending champions Remo Stars lost 2-1 to Enyimba in Aba. Victor Mbaoma, a former Enyimba player, gave Remo Stars the lead in the 21st minute.

However, Enyimba came back with goals from Stanley Dimgba and Chidera Michael to win the match.

Full Results:

Barau 3-0 El-Kanemi

Tornadoes 2-2 Kwara United

Enyimba 2-1 Remo Stars

Bayelsa United 0-2 Rangers

Rivers United 3-0 Abia Warriors

Kun Khalifat 2-1 Kano Pillars

Wolves 1-0 Plateau United

3SC 3-2 Nasarawa United

Sri Lanka raised fuel prices by nearly four per cent on Sunday, further fuelling inflation, which more than doubled last month due to the Middle East war.

Since March, Sri Lanka has raised fuel prices by more than 35 per cent, while gas and electricity rates have also increased by a similar amount.

The island has also rationed fuel following supply disruptions.

On Sunday, the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation increased the price of kerosene, used by agricultural machinery, to 265 rupees ($0.85) a litre, up 10 rupees.

Petrol rose 12 rupees to 410 rupees ($1.32). Diesel was up 10 rupees to 392 rupees.

Higher energy prices pushed inflation to more than double, reaching 5.4 per cent in April, according to official data.

Fuel and electricity tariffs drove up transport costs as well as food prices, the Department of Census and Statistics said.

The island has been slowly emerging from the 2022 economic meltdown, when it ran out of foreign exchange reserves to pay for essential imports such as food, fuel and medicines.

However, it was hit hard in November by a cyclone that killed at least 643 people and affected more than 10 per cent of the island’s 22 million population.

The storm caused an estimated $4.1 billion in direct physical damage to buildings and agriculture, according to the World Bank.

The country has been stabilising its fragile economy with the help of a $2.9 billion IMF bailout agreed in early 2023, but high energy prices have seriously challenged recovery efforts.

AFP