Category: PM News

Brentford strengthened their push for European qualification with a convincing 30 win over West Ham United, who were left sweating over their Premier League survival.

The hosts took the lead in the 15th minute after a moment to forget for defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, whose attempted clearance ended up in his own net.

West Ham tried to respond and came close on several occasions, hitting the woodwork more than once, but they were unable to find a breakthrough.

Brentford doubled their advantage early in the second half when Igor Thiago calmly converted from the penalty spot after a reckless challenge inside the box.

The game was put beyond doubt in the 82nd minute as Mikkel Damsgaard finished off a fine move to seal all three points for the home side.

The result lifts Brentford to sixth place, keeping their European ambitions firmly on track, while West Ham remain just two points above the relegation zone.

Their situation could worsen if Tottenham Hotspur secure victory in their next match.

Brentford will now turn their attention to a tough away fixture against Manchester City, while West Ham face another stern test at home to Arsenal as they battle to avoid the drop.

Former Kano State Governor, In a statement issued on Saturday, Kwankwaso described ongoing narratives about his alleged plans within the ADC as misleading, stressing that consultations are still underway among key stakeholders.

He, however, acknowledged that recent legal developments have placed the party in a difficult position.

According to him, a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), while simultaneously remitting the matter back to the High Court, has created uncertainty within the party structure.

“We have commenced wide-ranging consultations, including with leaders from the NDC, PRP and others to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests,” he said, adding that a formal decision would be communicated in due course.

Reflecting on his political trajectory, Kwankwaso reiterated his longstanding commitment to party unity and national interest.

He recalled placing second in the 2014 presidential primary of the He also cited his participation in the 2019 presidential primary of the On speculations surrounding the 2027 presidential race, Kwankwaso clarified that the ADC had neither zoned its presidential ticket nor selected a candidate, stressing that he had not declared any intention to run or endorsed any aspirant.

“All speculations to the contrary are premature and unfounded,” he said.

The former defence minister also explained that his absence from two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments, noting that he had formally communicated his apologies to the party leadership.

Kwankwaso assured that he would continue engaging with political actors across platforms, emphasising that any definitive position on his political direction would be announced through official channels at the appropriate time.

Recently the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) set off a revolution in the sports sector with the inauguration of the Olympafrica Centre and the groundbreaking of the integrated Olympic city project.

“There’s no doubt that these initiatives have unlocked several key benefits,” noted Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), is the owner and driver of the project.

The core gains of the project are the grassroots sports development initiatives, including talent discovery, and the successful integration of a residential estate within a sports environment.

The Olympafrica Centre, according to Alassane Thierno Diack, the Chair and CEO of the Olympafrica Foundation, provides a structured platform for identifying and nurturing young local talent.

The Olympafrica Foundation is designed to use sports as a tool for youth development and community transformation across Africa. The foundation works in concert with the International Olympic Committee, from which it essentially draws its funding.

It also aims to build a strong foundation for the country’s talent supply chain, preparing children to represent Nigeria in the future Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships, as well as other national and international sporting competitions.

“This type of project is the first of its kind anywhere in Nigeria,” stated an Olympian and Third Vice President of the NOC, Olumide Oyedeji, who was the chairman of the implementation of the launch of the project.

This will also enable many Nigerians who are now becoming aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to practice the new, innovative “Live-Train-Play” integrated lifestyle.

The 6.7-hectare plot has been split into two zones: 40% for the sports centre and 60% for the residential estate. This creates an integrated community that brings athletes, coaches, and support systems closer together, enhancing lifestyle balance and training outcomes.

Upgraded, Modern Facilities

The centre includes comprehensive infrastructure to engage the youth and support both indoor and outdoor activities.

Current outdoor features include a renovated cultural centre, a multi-purpose court, a covered spectators’ pavilion, and the ongoing reconstruction of a standard football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track.

### Indoor Facilities

The indoor complex includes dedicated halls for combat and strength sports such as karate, taekwondo, wrestling, and weightlifting. Alongside these are courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

### Financial and Environmental Sustainability

There have been decades of environmental and funding hurdles that stalled the development of this land, which was granted by the Lagos State Government in 1990. The build-and-sell residential estate will now attract investment and allow the NOC to generate independent, sustainable revenue for the long-term maintenance of the sports facilities.

Community Engagement and Youth Empowerment

According to Engr. Habu Gumel, the sporting infrastructure in the community would be dedicated to engagement and youth empowerment.

The complex will serve as a secure, functional environment to keep young people productively engaged. With its added security outpost and overhead tanks at boreholes, the facility also directly benefits the surrounding Amuwo Odofin community.

For the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the NOC has successfully revitalised a 35-year-old underutilised landholding. Mallam Dikko was represented at the occasion by Barrister Musa Ahmadu, a Special Assistant at the NSC and a former NFF official.

For Mr Dan Ngerem, a former President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), who made a surprise brief appearance at the epoch-making event, the highlight was that the committee could still retain the land allocation even after 35 years.

The two companies involved in the estate are Ampharco Real Estate, managed by Mr Joseph Chime, and

Numero Homes, also managed by Mrs Omowunmi Olalere.

Olalere, who spoke on behalf of her partner, assured that they have set a target of 24 months to deliver the project.

By Jagun Oodua Tola Adeniyi

His father gifted him a Qalam, which in Arabic means Pen, at a time in his tender age when he did know what a pen symbolized or that his entire future career and prospects in life were going to be shaped by the powers of the Pen.

Yakubu did not find himself in journalism or the Pen profession, he walked into it. He worked his way into it. He wanted to be there, he prepared for it, he laboured for it and in the often-quoted aphorism of the late charismatic preacher Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa, he ‘desired, aspired, perspired and acquired’ journalism’s feats.

The personality of Journalism is bold, aggressive, flamboyant and loud. Journalism is intrusive, self-imposing, irreverent and oftentimes unapologetic.

But by nature, Yakubu was not flamboyant. He was not loud. He was not irreverent. And he was not intrusive. He minded his own life and stayed in his own lane.

And yet he was one of journalism’s best, both in content, context, and boldness.

We all are aware of his legendary exploits in Kaduna radio, in Campus Journalism at the University of Lagos, in the New Nigerian newspapers where he rose to become a star and latterly at his crowning jewel, the trail-blazing, innovative, inimitable and unforgettable Newswatch which he co-founded.

Yakubu Mohammed had to compel journalism to bend to his own image. He shunned flamboyance, he rejected ‘in-your-face’ intrusiveness, he chose not to be irreverent, and never for once in his 75 years sojourn on the planet earth exhibited the ‘notice-me’ peculiarity of media super stars.

He did not talk much, he did not pontificate, but he allowed his works to speak for him.

He did not force himself to be noticed, but his quietude in the little corner of a room accorded him unmistakable and respectable notice. His boldness is asserted by his dignified comportment. His silence is as loud as the sound of Gbedu drum.

Journalism is, without a doubt, the most influential profession on earth. It gave Yakubu a million miles in its reach and spread. And he used its blessings not to enrich himself but to seek help and assistance from those in power, for his people who were hitherto disadvantaged and ignored.

In the end, Yakubu’s simple flamboyance showed in his sober sartorial elegance while the house he lived in and the family he raised gave a statement of his, again, silent opulence.

The unequalled influence which journalism commanded exposed Muhammed to men and women of power and means, and he was made popular, famous, courted by the high and mighty. And in all this, he lived a life of uncommon humility and moralistic piety, admired and respected by peers and subordinates and loved by his creator.

What did Mohammed teach us as journalists:That we must be hardworking and enterprising. We should be focused. We must put our foot on the ball and keep our eyes on the goalpost.

We must dress well at all times. Your appearance determines the reception you receive everywhere. Read his autobiography again and see he always took care of his shirt!

We must be knowledgeable as journalists. If you are to inform and educate, you must be at least one step ahead of your ‘student’.

We must be responsible, self-confident and self-respecting in order to become respectable.

We should never be subservient to people in authority. Again, read his autobiography, ‘Beyond Expectations’

We must write well as reporters, feature writers, and columnists and draw creatively as cartoonists.

If we write well, he said, we shall be noticed and admired by society. MKO Abiola sought him out. Authorities at the New Nigerian newspapers looked out for him.

He taught us to never run after riches, fame and people of means- all of these will run after us if we make a success of our calling.

He taught us a lot more lessons in the improvement of the practice of journalism and the upliftment of its practitioners.

His legacies, indelible and noble, will forever remain evergreen.

Yakubu Mohammed, erstwhile National Vice President of the League of Nigerian Columnists, rebranded journalism and its practice in his own image- journalism of knowledge, of dignity and simplicity, and of irreproachable integrity.

Muhammed lives in us and in journalism’s imperishable Hall of Fame.

Jagun Oodua Tola Adeniyi, National President of League of Nigerian Columnists delivered the remarks as Chairman of the memorial lecture in honour of Yakubu Mohammed in Lagos on April 30, 2026.

By Deborah Coker

Chief Franklin Edonkumoh, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta, has called on Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to halt the continued representation of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency by Nicholas Mutu after a seventh term.

Edonkumoh made the call in an open letter to the governor on Saturday in Abuja.

Mutu, from Bomadi Local Government Area, has been representing the federal constituency since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Edonkumoh, in the letter, stressed the need for fairness, equity and democratic integrity in the federal constituency, ahead of the 2027 general election.

“As a leader who believes deeply in justice, fairness and long-term stability of our federal constituency, I find it necessary to lend my voice in support of the principle underlying this agitation, which is anchored on equity, inclusion and the rightful expectation of rotational representation.

“My intervention at this time is compelled by a recent development of significant democratic importance.

“I was made aware of a recent civil protest in Patani Local Government Area, where concerned residents gathered to advocate for a change in legislative representation.

“They were specifically calling for the opportunity for Patani to produce the next member of the House of Representatives for Bomadi/Patani federal constituency.

“It is important to note, and I do so with a strong sense of responsibility, that the protest was conducted peacefully, without any record of violence or breakdown of law and order.

“This alone reflects a commendable level of civic maturity and democratic consciousness among the people,” he said.

According to the APC chieftain, democracy thrives on participation, inclusion, rotation of leadership and the continuous renewal of representation.

“But in Bomadi/Patani federal constituency, for over 27 years since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the constituency has been represented by a single individual (Nicholas Mutu), now serving his 7th consecutive term.

“While longevity in office is not inherently undemocratic, prolonged dominance without measurable legislative impact, inclusive representation or equitable power-sharing raises serious democratic concerns.

“I present a compelling case for equity, fairness and democratic renewal, urging the government of Delta and relevant stakeholders to allow open democratic competition and support the emergence of a candidate from Patani Local Government Area for the 2027 elections,” he added.

Edonkumoh described seven consecutive terms (19992027) by one individual as unprecedented, adding that a potential eighth term would extend representation to 32 years, effectively limiting political participation across generations.

“Such prolonged tenure risks entrenching political patronage systems, weakening accountability, discouraging emerging leaders and undermining voter confidence in democratic processes.

“Democracy must not only exist, it must be seen to be fair, inclusive and competitive,” he said.

The APC chieftain also noted that stakeholders across the constituency had raised concerns over lack of sponsored bills or motions that directly impact the constituency.

This, he said, was in addition to the absence of federal projects, whether completed, ongoing or abandoned, minimal visible legislative advocacy and constituency development outcomes.

“Representation is not merely about occupying a seat; it is about delivering measurable value to the people. After nearly three decades, the absence of tangible progress raises legitimate questions about the effectiveness of continued representation.

“Bomadi/Patani federal constituency comprises distinct local government areas, each deserving fair access to representation.

“Bomadi Local Government has held the position continuously since 1999. Patani Local Government has never had the opportunity to represent the constituency at the federal level.

“The call for a Patani candidate in 2027 is therefore not political exclusion, but inclusive rotation, a demonstration of justice, fairness and balance and a step toward strengthening unity within the constituency

“Importantly, this demand is not only from Patani, but also supported by stakeholders and opinion leaders in Bomadi, reflecting a shared commitment to fairness,” he said.

Edonkumoh further stated that the sustained tenure of a single representative was often linked to institutional patronage networks, which could distort internal party democracy, limit credible competition, prioritise loyalty over performance and alienate constituents from the democratic process.

“The Delta government must recognise that continued patronage at the expense of fairness erodes democratic legitimacy.

“True leadership requires the courage to prioritise institutional integrity over individual alliances.

“There is a growing public sentiment and civil pressure, and an increasing grassroots dissatisfaction, particularly from stakeholders in both local government areas as well as youth groups and community leaders advocating for change.

“The people are demanding a democratic reset, and ignoring these voices risks heightened political tension, voter apathy or backlash and erosion of trust in government institutions,” he added.

Edonkumoh argued that supporting a fair and open process in 2027 would present an opportunity for the state government to reinforce its commitment to democratic values, promote peaceful political transition, strengthen public trust and legitimacy, and avoid perceptions of bias or imposition.

(NAN)DCO/WAS

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled the commencement of his three-nation diplomatic trip to France, Kenya and Rwanda, shifting his departure from Saturday to Sunday, in a last-minute adjustment to his official itinerary.

The update was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the trip would now begin a day later than earlier announced.

The development marks a slight modification to a previously released State House statement, which had indicated that the President would depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2, for the high-level diplomatic engagements.

According to the earlier briefing by Onanuga, the President is scheduled to begin the tour in France before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, where he will participate in the Africa-France Summit slated for May 1112.

The summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, will focus on key global and continental issues, including energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action and reforms to the global financial system.

Following the Kenya engagement, President Tinubu is expected to travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 1415, where African and global business leaders will deliberate on investment, economic growth and regional integration.

The Presidency had earlier noted that Tinubu’s participation in the engagements is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s strategic partnerships with African countries and France, while also showcasing ongoing economic reforms to attract investment.

Although no official reason was provided for the rescheduling, the adjustment is not expected to significantly alter the President’s core engagements across the three countries.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has urged young Nigerians to embrace optimism and project a positive image of the country through responsible public discourse.

Alausa made the call on the sidelines of the flag-off ceremony of a 1,500-bed student hostel project at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos.

He warned that persistent negative narratives, particularly on social media, could damage Nigeria’s international reputation, undermine investor’s confidence and limit economic opportunities.

The minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to youth empowerment, demonstrating both political will and financial investment in their development.

“When you continue to project negativity, you undermine the image of the country and, in the process, limit opportunities for yourselves and others across various sectors of the economy,” he said.

Alausa noted that Nigeria still offered vast untapped opportunities for individuals willing to identify and harness them for personal growth and national advancement.

He stressed that the Federal Government placed strong emphasis on youth welfare and development, describing young people as the nation’s heartbeat and future leaders driving transformation and growth.

According to him, investing in youth development remains critical to Nigeria’s future, as young Nigerians are expected to drive innovation, progress, and national transformation.

The minister recalled that the hostel project, facilitated by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, is being executed in collaboration with Integrated Projects Hostel Development.

He further said that the Presidency, through TETFund, had introduced a five-point agenda for tertiary institutions covering the rehabilitation of student hostels, classrooms, lecture theatres and auditoriums.

(NAN)

The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Her death was confirmed by the In a statement signed by its National President, Uche Agbo, the guild described the late actress as a dedicated professional and a valued member of the organisation, noting that her contributions to the growth of Nollywood, particularly within the Abuja chapter, would not be forgotten.

Kechere, popularly known as “Ms Koi Koi,” rose to prominence through her memorable performance in Aki na Ukwa, a film that helped define a generation of Nigerian comedy and launched several careers in the industry.

Her role endeared her to audiences across the country and cemented her place in Nollywood’s early 2000s success story.

Born in Mbaise, Imo State, the actress joined Nollywood in 2001 and made her debut in the widely acclaimed film August Meeting. Over the years, she featured in several productions, including Women Affair, and Circle of Lives.

Beyond acting, Kechere also contributed to public service, working with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to promote vaccination awareness before her death.

Her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans, many of whom have taken to social media to celebrate her legacy and enduring impact on Nigerian cinema.

Kechere’s death adds to a growing list of losses within Nollywood in recent times, marking yet another sombre moment for an industry that continues to honour the contributions of its pioneers.

By Adejoke Adeleye/ Ogun

The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu has officially declared his intention to contest again for the same position under the platform of the same party in the 2027 general election.

The declaration was conveyed in a formal letter addressed to the PDP leadership at both the state and local government levels made available to the press by his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya on Friday.

The letter dated April 30, 2026, was directed to the Ogun State Chairman of the PDP through the party Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government chapter.

In the correspondence, Adebutu expressed appreciation to party leaders and members for their continued support and loyalty, emphasizing the need for unity and collective purpose as the party prepares for the forthcoming elections.

Adebutu, reiterated his commitment to the party’s ideals and his determination to offer purposeful leadership to the people of Ogun State.

He highlighted his longstanding involvement in the party, noting his contributions and dedication to strengthening the PDP’s presence across the state.

Describing himself as a law-abiding citizen and loyal party member, Adebutu stated that his decision to once again seek the governorship position stems from a desire to build on past experiences and deliver impactful governance.

He underscored the importance of continuity, people-centered policies, and inclusive development as key pillars of his vision.

The PDP chieftain also called on party stakeholders to remain united and focused, stressing that internal cohesion would be critical to the party’s success at the polls.

He assured members of his willingness to collaborate with all factions within the party to achieve a common goal.

The administration of According to statements released by the Among the deals are Patriot missile systems for Qatar and Kuwait, alongside laser-guided rockets earmarked for Qatar, the UAE and Israel, significantly enhancing their defensive and strike capabilities.

The emergency approvals were authorised by Secretary of State “An emergency exists that requires the immediate sale,” the State Department noted in its justification, marking a continuation of a pattern seen since the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran.

The decision reflects growing strategic concerns in Washington over stability in the Middle East, particularly as allied nations seek to bolster defences against evolving threats.

In early March, Washington approved the immediate sale of 12,000 bombs to Israel under similar conditions, before later fast-tracking additional multibillion-dollar deals to the UAE and Kuwait, as well as aircraft and munitions support for Jordan.

The latest move underscores the intensifying militarisation of the region and Washington’s readiness to prioritise rapid security assistance to its allies, even as it draws scrutiny over the circumvention of legislative oversight.