Category: The Nation – Nigeria

For Senator Ayo Akinyelure, the debate over who should represent Ondo Central in the National Assembly in 2027 should not be reduced to campaign promises alone. It should, in his view, begin with what previous representatives have done with the mandate entrusted to them.

Akinyelure, who represented Ondo Central in the 7th and 9th Senates, has renewed attention on his record of representation, including about 850 Federal Government employment opportunities he facilitated for graduates from the senatorial district. This is in addition to a range of empowerment initiatives for women, youths and other constituents.

The former lawmaker, who is now the African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Ondo Central, said the employment opportunities cut across Federal Government ministries, departments, agencies, parastatals and other institutions, with beneficiaries drawn from the six local government areas of the district.

But beyond the employment figures, Akinyelure’s constituency scorecard also points to a model of representation built around direct economic empowerment.

According to the scorecard released by the former senator, his interventions included the distribution of deep freezers, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, weaving machines, grinding machines, generators and hair dryers, as well as vehicles, including a Volkswagen bus, Primera and saloon cars.

Women and youths, he said, also benefited from skills-acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes designed to equip them with practical means of earning a living.

For Akinyelure, the significance of such interventions goes beyond the number of items distributed.

He argues that while legislative representation is principally about lawmaking and oversight, effective constituency representation should also create avenues through which ordinary citizens can improve their livelihoods.

That philosophy appears to underpin his decision to place the employment of more than 850 graduates at the centre of his latest scorecard.

The former lawmaker describes the beneficiaries not as statistics, but as young people who gained opportunities to build careers, support families and contribute to their communities.

‘I have remained committed to public service even after leaving the Senate in 2023. I am therefore presenting my record to you as we approach the 2027 election. This is not a claim of perfection but a record you can examine, question and verify,’ Akinyelure said.

His message comes as the 2027 senatorial contest begins to take shape. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s published list of candidates for Ondo Central includes Akinyelure for the ADC, alongside candidates of the APC.

Rather than presenting his record as beyond scrutiny, Akinyelure is inviting constituents to interrogate it alongside the records and promises of other candidates.

That invitation to scrutiny is significant in a political environment where campaign narratives often revolve around promises of what candidates intend to do if elected. Akinyelure’s approach is aimed at shifting part of the conversation towards what has already been done.

The Chartered Accountant-turned-politician has recently received expressions of support from some beneficiaries of his employment interventions.

About a week ago, a group claiming to have benefited from his employment interventions presented campaign materials in support of his 2027 ambition, saying its members secured employment opportunities facilitated during his periods in the National Assembly.

For Akinyelure, however, the support should not substitute for public scrutiny.

He has urged every candidate seeking the mandate of Ondo Central to put forward his or her record, programmes and plans. This will leave the constituents to examine the available information before deciding who deserves their mandate.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the pioneer Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Oluremi Debbie Olowu, saying her leadership helped transform the agency from a largely relief-oriented department into a structured emergency humanitarian institution.

The President, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the former NEMA chief as a lawyer, public servant, community leader and nation-builder whose career has been defined by courage, compassion and commitment to humanity.

Tinubu particularly highlighted Olowu’s tenure as Director-General of NEMA between 1999 and 2002, describing the period as one of the defining chapters of her distinguished public service career.

He said Olowu provided critical leadership at a formative period in the history of the agency and helped lay the foundation for a more organised approach to emergency and humanitarian response in the country.

‘At 80, your story stands as a testament to what a determined woman can accomplish when intellect is matched with vision, integrity and a deep concern for others.

‘Your tenure as Director-General of NEMA (1999 to 2002) remains one of the defining years of your distinguished career. You provided leadership at a critical period and helped transform the organisation from what was essentially a relief-oriented department into a more structured emergency humanitarian institution’, the President said.

Beyond her public service record, Tinubu also praised the octogenarian for what he described as her generosity, advocacy and interventions in the lives of individuals and families during difficult periods.

According to the President, Olowu’s commitment to helping people in distress had brought hope and assistance to many who faced hardship and seemingly had nowhere else to turn.

‘Through your generosity, advocacy, leadership and interventions at critical periods, countless individuals and families have found hope where there was despair, assistance where there was hardship, and a helping hand when they had nowhere else to turn. You made a difference’, Tinubu said.

The President said Olowu’s accomplishments demonstrated the impact that integrity, vision and compassion could have when deployed in the service of society.

He joined her family, friends and associates in celebrating the milestone and wished the former NEMA Director-General continued strength and fulfilment.

‘As you mark this special milestone, may Almighty God continue to bless you with peace, renewed strength, good health, fulfilment and abundant joy’, Tinubu said.

The Ogun State Police Command says it has arrested 11 suspects and recovered firearms, suspected stolen vehicles, 25 ATM cards and other items in a series of operations carried out across the state between September 16 and 26, 2026.

The command, in a statement issued on Sunday by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, said the operations also led to the recovery of suspected stolen electrical materials and the impoundment of eight vehicles for allegedly obstructing traffic.

The operations, DSP Babaseyi said, were led by Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni and involved detectives from various divisions, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit.

According to him, police recovered a stolen commercial TVS motorcycle at Mokoloki Village following a complaint and an intelligence-led operation at Owode Egba. Two suspects, identified as Rasheed Abdul and Saula Meshinoye, were arrested, while another alleged accomplice, Saheed, remains at large.

In another operation at Olorunda Division, police arrested two men, Mutiu Gafar, 19, and Fatai Obasanmi, 37, after intercepting three people allegedly conveying stolen electrical materials along Ayetoro Road.

DSP Babaseyi said the recovered items included bundles of electrical wiring, a change-over electrical box and a circuit breaker box. A third suspect, identified as Tosin, reportedly escaped.

Meanwhile, SWAT operatives attached to Base 7, Abule-Iroko, arrested three men – Olamide Ayandele, 30, Tope Samuel, 40, and Ayo Peter Ojo, 30 – after intercepting an unregistered tricycle and TVS motorcycle around Dalemo, Ota.

Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to alleged vehicle theft around the Ijoko axis.

The command’s spokesperson said the arrest of Ameachine Anthony, 45, in connection with an alleged ?2.5 million fraud case at Igbesa Division led to the recovery of 25 ATM cards and several mobile phones.

Preliminary findings, according to the statement, indicated an alleged scheme involving utility bills, newly acquired SIM cards and bank accounts used to facilitate fraudulent transactions.

The suspect and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the SCID, Eleweran, for further investigation.

In a separate operation on September 22, SWAT operatives arrested Peter Olanrewaju, 34, following information about a suspected cult-related gathering.

Further investigation reportedly led to the arrest of Adebayo Sodiq, 36, and the recovery of one pump-action rifle and two locally made pistols.

Police said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearms and to identify other persons who may be connected to the case.

In Ijebu-Ode, detectives recovered a Safira vehicle reportedly taken from its owner and arrested Olatunji Olalekan following what the command described as a discreet investigation, intelligence gathering and tracking.

The command secured the recovered vehicle as an exhibit as investigations continue.

The command also disclosed that it impounded eight vehicles on September 26 during a ‘No Parking’ operation around the Sagamu Interchange Bridge.

The operation, conducted by personnel from the Sagamu Area Command and adjoining divisions, aimed to clear vehicles allegedly obstructing the highway and to facilitate the free movement of traffic.

The owners of the affected vehicles are expected to face prosecution on September 28, while the police said similar enforcement operations would continue where necessary.

Commending the officers involved, Commissioner Ojajuni praised their vigilance and professionalism and thanked the public for its cooperation.

He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support security operations.

The command advised residents requiring police assistance or wishing to report security concerns to use the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or the emergency numbers 09164859299 and 09154293464.

As schools reopen for a new academic session, members of Isheri Platinum Lions Club, Isheri Host Lions Club, Isheri Crystal Lions Club and Lagos Iconic Lions Club, all under District 404B3 Nigeria, have provided essential school materials to pupils of Community Primary School, Isheri Olofin, Lagos State.

The initiative was part of the clubs’ efforts to support learning, promote literacy and provide relief to children in the community.

Items distributed to the pupils included school bags, books, pencils, biros, socks, erasers and rulers.

The back-to-school intervention project was held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the school premises.

Speaking on behalf of the participating clubs, the President of Isheri Platinum Lions Club, Lion Olajide R. Ogunsola, said the project was part of the clubs’ tradition of welcoming children back to school by supporting them with essential learning materials.

He explained that the initiative was also organised in commemoration of World Literacy Day, noting that the club was committed to implementing at least one literacy-related project during its service year to support less-privileged children in local communities.

‘It is the season of going back to school. As part of our tradition and as a gesture of Lions Clubs to welcome children back to school, we support them with essential learning materials. We are a group of volunteers driven by the passion to serve, provide relief to those in need and undertake humanitarian projects in our respective communities,’ he said.

The Head Teacher, Mrs. Bamike Opatola, who received the items in the presence of other teachers and a representative of the Social Mobilisation Section (SMS) of the Alimosho LGEA Education Board Authority, Mrs. Ogunleye Faith Alaba, commended the Lions Clubs for the intervention.

She noted that many pupils resumed without essential learning materials.

‘About 30 to 40 per cent of the pupils have been without books and writing materials since resumption, with some even relying on nylon bags to carry their books. In fact, this donation will contribute to improving learning among the pupils and facilitate teaching in the classroom,’ she stated.

The Assistant Head Teacher, Mrs. Temitope Ogunbiyi, also appreciated the Lions members for the initiative, describing it as an important intervention aimed at supporting pupils who lack the basic materials required for learning.

She further appealed to Lions Clubs, the world’s largest humanitarian service organisation, to extend their support to the school by assisting with sporting activities and competitions.

The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) has called for stronger financing and wider access to cardiovascular care, noting that Nigeria has made significant progress in performing advanced cardiac procedures locally, but many patients still cannot afford the service.

The call was made at the Society’s 55th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, themed ‘Advanced Cardiovascular Care Practice in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges,’ with a focus on the impact of insecurity on cardiovascular care.

Chairman of the opening ceremony, Dr Adeyemi Johnson, said more than ever, Nigeria now has the expertise and infrastructure to provide advanced cardiac services locally.

‘We have moved the needle in Nigeria as far as cardiovascular care is concerned. Most of the procedures are now being done in-country as opposed to 20 years ago when everybody had to go abroad,’ he said.

Johnson identified affordability and access as major challenges, urging stakeholders to develop a practical financing system for cardiac care.

In his welcome address, the President of the NCS, Prof. Augustine Odili, said the conference was designed to examine how advances in cardiovascular medicine could be translated into accessible, affordable and sustainable care for Nigerians.

Odili stressed that cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, arrhythmias, rheumatic and congenital heart diseases, continued to pose a major health challenge.

The NCS president called for a comprehensive approach that links prevention and early detection with primary, specialist and advanced tertiary care.

On her part, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Folasade Daniel, said the conference was taking place at a critical period for Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly against the backdrop of insecurity and its impact on access to medical services.

Representing the Lagos State First Lady, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Harvey Road Hospital, Dr Folasade Fadare, said cardiovascular disease remained a major cause of death globally and was increasingly affecting younger people, mothers and pregnant women.

Fadare said the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was taking steps to strengthen the state’s health system and address non-communicable diseases through prevention, early detection, improved cardiac facilities and training of healthcare personnel.

She called for greater advocacy and investment in cardiovascular care at the grassroots, stressing the need to make cardiac health education accessible to ordinary residents.

Wife of Lady of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the importance of caring for senior citizens, saying growing old should never mean being forgotten by the society they helped to build.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu stated this during her visit to senior citizens in Badagry, comprising Badagry Central LGA, Badagry West LCDA and Olorunda LCDA, describing the historic community of Badagry as a place with a rich history, deep cultural heritage and people whose contributions remain an important part of Lagos’ story.

She explained that the visitation, organised under the elderly support initiative, was not simply about providing financial assistance, but about showing love, respect and appreciation to older persons.

According to her, senior citizens should continue to feel valued and included, regardless of whether they are still in active employment or able to carry out all the activities they once could.

She recalled that the first phase of the visitation to senior citizens within Badagry division commenced on July 29, with visits to senior citizens in Ori-Ade, Amuwo-Odofin and Ojo, where some food items and cash support were provided for the beneficiaries.

She also acknowledged the elderly support efforts of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative, (RHI), noting the importance of sustaining interventions that promote the wellbeing and dignity of older persons across the country.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the initiative had already covered the Lagos, Ikorodu and Epe Divisions, with Badagry now being reached, leaving Ikeja as the only division yet to be covered under the ongoing visitation programme.

She stated that this was her first opportunity to physically participate in the visitation since the initiative began more than four years ago, expressing happiness at being able to interact directly with some of the senior citizens and share moments with them.

While acknowledging that the financial support provided to beneficiaries might appear modest, the First Lady noted that such gesture could make a meaningful difference to an elderly person with limited income, particularly in meeting immediate needs such as food, household items and other personal necessities.

She, however, stressed that the greater value of the gesture was the message it conveyed to the elderly: ‘You matter. We remember you. You are still part of us.’

Dr Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the initiative was not politically motivated, but driven by compassion and the recognition that the welfare and dignity of senior citizens should remain a collective responsibility.

She called on families not to transfer the responsibility of caring for elderly parents and relatives entirely to government or philanthropic organisations, stressing that children and younger family members must continue to provide care, companionship and support to their ageing relatives.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu observed that what an elderly person needs is not always financial assistance, noting that a phone call, a visit, a listening ear or assistance with a hospital or market visit could sometimes mean more than material support.

She also urged community leaders, religious organisations, youth groups and traditional institutions to identify elderly people who may be vulnerable or living alone, while encouraged neighbours to look out for older persons within their communities.

According to her, the welfare of senior citizens was an important component of Lagos State’s broader social development agenda, noting that Lagos remained committed to inclusion and the principle of leaving no one behind.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu encouraged the senior citizens to remain socially connected, take good care of their health, maintain positive relationships and continue to pursue purposeful activities within their abilities. She also urged them to seek assistance whenever necessary rather than suffering in silence.

She expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, community leaders, families and volunteers supporting the initiative, and urged all stakeholders to continue working together to ensure that senior citizens are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

The First Lady, who concluded the outreach in Iworo, under Olorunda LCDA, also seized the opportunity to visit the paramount ruler of the community, Oba Oladele Friday Kosoko, the Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom, at the Iworo Central Palace.

The First Class Monarch commended the First Lady’s initiative of reaching out to elderly citizens in the community, describing it as a thoughtful intervention that reflects compassion and respect for the aged.

He disclosed that, since ascending the throne, he had been providing monthly stipends to some identified elderly persons within the community as part of his commitment to their welfare and wellbeing.

He expressed appreciation to the First Lady for extending the gesture to Iworo Kingdom, noting that initiatives that support senior citizens not only provide material assistance but also reassure them that their contributions to society are valued and remembered.

The monarch also pledged his continued support for programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the elderly and other vulnerable members of the community.

The Anambra State Government has accused former governor of the state and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of concealing loans and outstanding salary and pension obligations allegedly incurred during his tenure.

The state government made the allegations in a statement issued on Saturday, titled, ‘Peter Obi’s Debts and Lies: More Questions Than Answers,’ in response to an interview granted by Obi on Arise TV on September 24.

The statement alleged that Obi’s administration obtained eight loans from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank during his eight-year tenure, totalling $123,771,179.30.

It further alleged that some of the loans had been disbursed before Obi left office but were not disclosed in his handover notes.

According to the government, records of the loans could be verified from the Debt Management Office (DMO), Abuja.

It said the outstanding balance of the eight loans stood at $92.35 million as of June 30, 2026, which it put at N127.37 billion, adding that successive administrations had continued to service the obligations through monthly deductions from allocations from the Federation Account.

‘Till date, neither H.E. Peter Obi nor anyone else has disputed these facts at the DMO,’ the statement said.

The government also accused the former governor of leaving unpaid salary and pension arrears, although the portion of the statement provided did not give the total amount allegedly owed under those categories.

The statement said the controversy arose after Obi challenged anyone to prove that he left behind debts to workers, contractors or others when he left office.

It argued that the state government had previously remained silent about inherited liabilities because successive administrations had been servicing them, but decided to respond after Obi publicly challenged his critics to provide evidence of debts allegedly incurred under his administration.

The government also criticised Obi over what it described as his handling of development spending, arguing that his administration placed undue emphasis on saving public funds and earning interest rather than spending on infrastructure and the welfare and safety of citizens.

It further alleged that Obi’s handover documents contained assets but concealed what it described as ‘humongous liabilities’.

Another issue raised was the whereabouts of N2.13 billion in ecological funds which, according to the statement, Obi had claimed to have left in a particular account and bank but which the government said could not be found there.

The statement accused Obi of applying different standards to himself and his political opponents.

It cited his criticism of previous and subsequent administrations in Anambra and alleged that he had campaigned against the political interests of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, including supporting opposition candidates during the 2021 and 2025 governorship elections.

The government also referred to a dispute over an investment of about $14 million in a brewery in which Obi has an interest.

According to the statement, Obi had described the investment in 2022 as being worth more than $100 million, while the state government later disputed the valuation. It claimed that the investment was subsequently worth less than $3 million.

The government further criticised Obi over his political position on federal elections, recalling that he and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) supported former President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2011 presidential election.

It questioned criticism of APGA and Soludo for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that Obi had previously promoted cooperation between APGA and the Federal Government.

The statement said the controversy over Obi’s record in office should be viewed within the broader context of public accountability.

It urged Obi to respond to the allegations and the documentary evidence it said was available from the DMO.

The statement concluded by accusing the former governor of repeatedly making false claims and urged his supporters to advise him to stop doing so.

The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for what it described as collaborative efforts to restore peace in Benue State and other parts of the North Central region.

The group specifically praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his role in sustained military operations aimed at reducing attacks and enabling affected communities to return to normal life.

In a statement signed by its leader, Ambassador Marcus Adams Odoba, the group cited recent operations under Operation Whirl Stroke, including the rescue of seven kidnap victims in Ohimini Local Government Area and the recovery of arms and ammunition following operations against suspected kidnappers in Katsina-Ala.

It also said the Special Intervention Battalion had maintained relative calm in Guma Local Government Area for several months, enabling more than 1,000 internally displaced persons to return to their communities.

The group said the reported security improvements underscored the importance of sustained military operations and collaboration among security agencies and other stakeholders in restoring stability to affected communities across the region.

‘President Tinubu’s firm commitment to securing the North Central, combined with the professional leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede, has brought tangible relief to the people of Benue,’ Ambassador Marcus Adams Odoba stated.

‘The Armed Forces have demonstrated courage, consistency and strategic focus in protecting lives and property.

‘We commend the CDS for the effective blend of kinetic operations and community engagement that has made these gains possible. Many families are now returning to their ancestral homes because of this collaborative approach.’

The group noted that additional troop deployments, improved coordination among security agencies and the planned establishment of a new military division covering Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa have strengthened the operational capacity of forces on the ground.

These measures, backed by presidential directives, have contributed to a noticeable decline in violent incidents across previously volatile communities.

President Tinubu’s repeated emphasis on multi-stakeholder collaboration-bringing together the military, state governments, traditional institutions and local communities-was described as a critical factor in the progress recorded so far.

The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda stressed that such synergy must be sustained to consolidate the relative peace now being experienced.

‘The collaboration between the President and the Armed Forces under General Oluyede is delivering results that ordinary citizens can feel,’ Ambassador Odoba declared.

‘Fewer attacks, successful rescues and the return of displaced persons are clear evidence that the security architecture is working.

‘Young people across the North Central are encouraged by these developments. Lasting peace will open the door for development, youth empowerment and economic recovery in Benue and beyond,’ he further stated.

The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda reaffirmed its readiness to support ongoing peacebuilding efforts and to mobilise young people towards dialogue, peaceful coexistence and partnership with security agencies.

The group called on youths to reject violence and actively contribute to protecting the hard-won gains.

Ambassador Odoba expressed confidence that with continued presidential support and the focused leadership of the CDS, the region would maintain its trajectory towards stability and progress.

‘The return of peace to parts of Benue is a collective achievement that must be celebrated and protected,’ Ambassador Odoba said.

‘We salute the gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces who continue to serve with dedication under the guidance of President Tinubu and General Oluyede.

‘The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this peace endures and expands across the entire North Central region,’ he concluded.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State on Sunday defied a downpour to kick off the mobilisation of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The governor, who returned the same day from a strategic trip to the United States and Canada, immediately hit the ground running, leading a massive rally in Maiduguri where party faithful and residents demonstrated their loyalty to the ruling party.

Addressing the crowd at the Government House, Governor Zulum underscored the critical importance of continuity in governance. He reminded the gathering of the significant security gains achieved in the state and the wider North-East region, attributing the relative peace and stability to the collaborative efforts of the state government and the Federal Government.

The governor noted that support from the Federal Government has been instrumental in the state’s recovery efforts, citing infrastructure rehabilitation and the resettlement of displaced persons.

He argued that returning the APC to power at both the state and federal levels was the only way to sustain these gains and prevent a regression into the dark days of insecurity.

‘In the first four years of our administration, we worked hard to ensure the security of the lives of our people, and with the help of Almighty Allah, relative peace was attained, Zulum stressed.

He added, ‘Let us understand that the peace we are enjoying today is a result of our collective resilience and the federal government’s support.’

Zulum also urged party members, community leaders, and residents to mobilise support for every APC candidate, starting from the President to the candidates contesting for seats in the State House of Assembly.

‘Let us support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Our Gubernatorial candidate, Mustapha Gubio, and let us support all our National and State Assembly candidates,’ Zulum stated, emphasising the need for a cohesive legislative arm that would work in harmony with the executive to deliver dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

When Karim Adeyemi joined Barcelona for a deal worth pound 22 million, it seemed like quite the bargain for the Blaugrana.

One month into the new season, Adeyemi has certainly proved himself more than a bargain, with the forward racking up six goal involvements in eight matches, scoring a few bangers in the process.

‘I think it’s hard to say. I feel really, really good, but as for everything being settled, I don’t think we’re at that point yet. I’m not completely here yet. Now I have to learn the language, which is important to me,’ he said.

‘It’s hard to be 100% settled in just a month or two, but I feel really good and I can’t wait to be here much longer,’ he added.

The forward revealed how he has been spending his downtime, painting a picture of a quiet, family-oriented life by the sea.

‘I went to the beach, to the sea, I went swimming. I think it was the most enjoyable thing for me. I still do it from time to time,’ he stated.

‘I like being at home with my family around me. I only go out occasionally. But I like being at home and going to the beach; that’s my peace and what I need for my life.’

Adeyemi, who clocked a remarkable 36 km/h against Levante, was asked about the secret of his pace and whether or not he had any athletics background before.

‘No, never (laughs). I never did athletics. When I was younger, I used to do a lot of backflips and things like that on the trampoline. Beyond that, I’m good at sports in general, but I’ve always only ever played football,’ he said.

The winger also described his instinctive approach to the game.

‘Yes, I’d even say it’s pure instinct. My best games are when I’m not thinking about anything on the pitch and the movements just come naturally. I try to create things and hope they work out. I’m happy to play with such great teammates.’