Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nigeria’s Junior Female YellowGreens will look to complete a perfect start to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 when they face hosts Tanzania on today at 12:00 WAT, having won their opening two matches in the Group A campaign.

The YellowGreens sit top of Group A on four points with a net run rate of 3.467, following a four-wicket win over Uganda and a 94-run rout of Malawi.

Nigeria’s tournament began with a tense chase against Uganda, who were restricted to 59 for seven after winning the toss and batting first. Chisom Okpe (2/4) and Peace Usen (2/12) led a disciplined bowling display, before Uganda’s Tino Sarah hit back with five wickets for 13 runs to unsettle the chase. Nigeria held their nerve to reach 60 for six in 13.1 overs, with Omosigho Eguakun (24) and Christabel Chukwuonye (13) steadying the innings.

Against Malawi on Match Day 2, Nigeria delivered a more emphatic performance, posting 152 for seven after being asked to bat. Shola Adekunle’s 32 off 27 balls anchored the innings alongside contributions from Eguakun (26), Beauty Oguai (26) and captain Chukwuonye, who struck 20 from 12 balls. Nigeria’s attack then dismantled Malawi for 58 in 18.3 overs, with Jennifer Godwin taking four wickets for five runs and Adekunle following her batting effort with figures of two for four to earn Player of the Match.

Today’s fixture against Tanzania offers Nigeria the chance to open a commanding lead in the group ahead of the qualifier’s later stages, with a place in the next round of the global qualification pathway the ultimate target.

The hue and cry from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over oil subsidy should not, ordinarily, have been a source of hubbub in the land. But for political compulsion, the presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been clutching at any whim or platform to throw dirt at his opponent and president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In what is a theatre of rigmaroles, the Atiku team said their leader was for the restoration of oil subsidies until he was not for it and then he was for it. A section of the media developed a sort of amnesia about his flip-flops and spun it as the man doubling down. A candidate that cannot say yea or nay but yea and nay only reflect a man without categorical reflections. It is all fair to disagree with a government policy. It is also right to do so, even if contrarian, in a political campaign season.

What a candidate should not do is to appeal to cheap populism because that is a marker of a lack of principle, as the ADC candidate has done. A candidate should also exercise rigour in advancing his position. Atiku Abubakar has not done so in his call for the restoration of subsidy.

Again, the same Atiku Abubakar has not come to terms with his earlier stand that he had called for the removal of fuel subsidy. He even tried, with a whiff of opportunism, to own the narrative for the removal of the subsidy. He tried to cast himself as the first to throw up the debate, as though others in the political society are no more than copycats. Yet, he is saying he can come back to his vomit and he is doing so with an adventurer’s bravado.

This sort of pharisaic impunity is not worthy of a debate for the 2027 campaign. He should not banalise the political atmosphere as he has done by claiming that the president is 90 years old, that his name is not Adekunle and that he should open the borders.

He has also accused the government of restoring the subsidy through the back door with petroleum receipts and other measures. When such charges are made, they should be backed by evidence and documents. There is a certain desperation in brandishing ideas just for effect.

His team first said he would restore it and remove it, or restore it and recalibrate its implementation. In no way has he addressed the psycho-economics and the question of time. How would he handle the shock of the reversal?

If the prices of goods and services jumped because of the shock of the removal of oil subsidy, does he expect the prices of food and other essentials to drop precipitously once the subsidy is restored? He has not understood the need to probe how economies respond to sudden change in economic policies even if they are intended to arouse mass glee.

For instance, the states have been receiving huge increase in their monthly allocations, and they have embarked on some huge infrastructure programmes. Does it mean they would have to go back into debt in order to pursue them? For instance, Kaduna State has rolled out programmes of welfare for many citizens and periodic money goes to them for businesses. Would that have to stop?

Delta State announced that it had paid off its debts. Should they return to the red? Osun State came to light during the last gubernatorial election as a state that could not pay salaries because its allocation was N4 billion a month. Now it is four times that amount with N16 billion. Should they return to the old times of beggarly budgeting?

Atiku Abubakar has not focused attention on states. State governors can do more with the gargantuan rise in their fortunes. But the former vice president has not shown any interest in that, and for two reasons. One, he does not want to be at odds or in an open brawl with state executives because he hopes they may help him in the upcoming elections.

Two, his interest is not the states but the president. But the president and his team have often reminded him and his critics of the monthly trillions of naira that have been disbursed to the states since he became the country’s first citizen in 2023.

Some of the challenges with prices have been engendered by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and the war between the United States and Iran. This is a global problem but the ADC point man is ignoring the facts and exploiting it for political reasons. Fuel prices had started a downward trend before the gulf exploded with bombs and deaths.

He has not also said anything of substance on how to handle the Dangote Refinery and the other smaller ones. They are not in the country for charity, and they would sell fuel according to market forces. Is he going to pay the refineries to bring down the prices or he is going to browbeat them? If the former, he would be helping a billionaire to get richer at the expense of the economy. If the latter, he will force the refineries to shut down.

We cannot turn our eyes away from the reality that hardship has resulted from the removal of the subsidies. But all candidates accepted the historical necessity of removing the subsidy because the nation could no longer afford the costs. About N30 trillion in ways and means implied a nation feeding on its own skin. Those debts are now gone as well as the $7 billion owed to airlines that almost shut down our international skies. It is a measure of the discipline and acumen that the president has applied to an economy running out of breath.

Yet more needs to be done to bring succour to the people. We have seen the effort to have food banks and food hubs in parts of the country. This should be intensified. The first lady has spent billions of naira to make things easier for the vulnerable across the country.

The NELFUND project has been praised across the country and university students have raved over it. The Federal Government reported about N600 billion in cash transfers that have benefitted the poor. It has also begun the investment drive known as the anchor borrowers’ programme. The promise to bring down fuel prices by October via the CNG project should be pursued with religious zeal.

The removal of fuel subsidy has become a fait accompli, and the former vice president is only bringing cynical politics into it.

The maiden National Intermediate Games, tagged EKO 2026, will go beyond the competition arena by fostering the development of school sports and creating a sustainable pathway for identifying and nurturing young talents.

Scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 1 to 15, 2026, the Games is expected to attract about 15,000 athletes from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Local Organising Committee (LOC), chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sam Egube, with Lekan Fatodu (Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission) and Mobolaji Ogunlende (Commissioner for Youth and Social Development) as co-chairmen, emphasised that EKO 2026 will not be treated as a one-off sporting event.

Instead, the Games will serve as a sustainable platform for talent identification, monitoring, and development, while strengthening the link between school sports, grassroots participation, and elite competition.

‘This is a commitment to human development and to encouraging our sporting system,’ Egube said. ‘Immediately after the event, athletes will benefit from tangible incentives, opportunities for support, and training. As we build new schools, modern sporting facilities are integrated, ensuring that talents are nurtured within school programmes.’

He added: ‘The initiative complements the Lagos State Government’s ongoing investment in sporting infrastructure, particularly at the school and grassroots levels, by creating better environments for young athletes to discover and develop their abilities.

‘Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that EKO 2026 will give young athletes the chance to showcase and refine their talents while establishing a system capable of retaining promising athletes in Nigeria,’ Egube said.

He explained that the state’s investment in sports facilities is part of a broader strategy to strengthen sports development across Lagos.

According to the LOC helmsman, the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu began a comprehensive upgrade of sports facilities about three years ago, with projects spread across Surulere, Ifako, Bariga, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege, and Badagry.

He added that the Games would transcend competition by helping to build a sustainable grassroots sports system capable of producing athletes for Nigeria’s elite teams.

With thousands of young athletes expected to participate, EKO 2026 is positioned as a major platform for talent discovery and development, while giving Lagos the opportunity to demonstrate how grassroots athletes can be nurtured into future national and international stars.

Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has appointed Bright Osehai Ozebagbe and Deniran Ortega as assistant coaches for the Nigeria Olympic men’s football team as preparations begin for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Chelle, who also leads the Olympic Eagles, highlighted the impressive credentials of both Nigerian tacticians, describing them as two of the brightest young minds in local football. Ozebagbe currently serves as Technical Adviser of Nigeria Premier Football League side Ikorodu City, while Ortega is a UEFA-licensed coach trained by the Scottish Football Association who also serves with the Nigeria U-20 Flying Eagles.

The head coach has formally presented his strategic roadmap to the National Sports Commission (NSC). Under the plan, an open screening and preparation camp will launch in Abuja ahead of the team’s opening Olympic qualifiers scheduled for November 2026.

The NSC maintains direct oversight of both the men’s and women’s Olympic football teams. Commission leadership reaffirmed that the central target for the campaign extends beyond simple qualification to securing a podium finish at LA 2028.

Nigeria will be hoping to return to the men’s Olympic football tournament after missing the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games.

Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has announced he is working on a follow-up to his directorial debut, Seven Doors.

Adebayo released the six-part miniseries in December 2024.

The series earned multiple nominations and awards, including wins at the Best of Nollywood Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Speaking on VJ Adams Live, the actor discussed his creative process.

He explained that he often revisits past projects when preparing to produce sequels.

He added that he is currently rewatching Seven Doors as part of preparations for its sequel.

He also reviews audience feedback, both praise and criticism, to identify what to improve.

He cited ‘Jagun Jagun’ and ‘Ageshinkole’ as previous projects where he applied the same approach, watching the original before producing the sequel.

‘I watch my movies after they’ve been released, especially when I want to produce another one. For instance, before I produced the sequel to ‘Jagun Jagun’, I watched the first part, same as ‘Ageshinkole’. Now I’m planning to do a sequel to ‘Seven Doors’, so I keep watching the original to do better,’ he said.

Adebayo noted that viewer feedback helps him identify areas for improvement in future productions.

‘I also go to read people’s comments, good or bad, on my movies because it helps me decide what to do better,’ he added.

At the AMVCA, ‘Seven Doors’ won Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress. At the BON Awards the same year, it picked up four awards for Best Series, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Special Effects.

No release date has yet been announced for the ‘Seven Doors’ sequel.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hosted a Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko at the Home of FIFA , as the world football’s governing body confirmed it has accepted the resignations of the Nigeria Football Federation’s principal officers and committed to a roadmap for comprehensive reform of the game in the country.

FIFA said the decision followed a meeting at FIFA House attended by FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its advisers, the NSC, and NFF administration officials. Parties at the meeting agreed to continue refining the roadmap to deliver reforms in the short, medium and long term, with the stated aim of producing an inclusive NFF and a stable environment for Nigerian football to succeed on and off the pitch.

Dikko was joined in Zurich by NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade; former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, attending as Special Adviser to the CAF President and Deputy Chairman of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams’ Competitions Committee; NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme; and NFF Director of Legal Services Okey Obi. CAF Second Vice President Kurt Okraku and FIFA Director of Member Associations (Africa) Gelson Fernandes also attended.

‘Mutual engagement among the National Sports Commission, the NFF administration and the Confederation of African Football is ongoing with FIFA on the comprehensive reforms of Nigeria football, including agreeing a roadmap going forward in accordance with the relevant rules, regulations and statutes, and indeed there is no doubt Nigeria football will emerge much better and properly structured after the conclusion of this process,’ Dikko said.

Infantino, writing after the meeting on Instagram, said he was pleased to sit down with the delegation to hold discussions and align on FIFA’s vision for football in Nigeria.

He said the talks covered institutional, governance and developmental topics as well as ongoing collaborations, and stressed the need for stronger structures and pathways to widen opportunities for young players.

He added that FIFA had explored areas where it can further support the growth of the game in the country.

Infantino also wished the Falconets and Flamingos well ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and thanked the Nigerian delegation for their time and willingness to work together in taking the country’s football forward.

He wrote: ‘I was pleased to sit down with a delegation from Nigeria, led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko, at the Home of FIFA in Zrich to hold important discussions and align on our vision for football in the country.

‘We had a detailed talk on institutional, governance and developmental topics, as well as our ongoing collaborations. While stressing the need to create stronger structures and pathways to provide even more opportunities for the youth, we explored areas where FIFA can further support the growth of our beautiful game in this football-passionate country.

‘I also wished luck to @ng_superfalcons for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and thanked the entire team for their time, ideas and positive intent to work together in taking Nigerian football forward.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has received the credentials of Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to the Philippines, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, with both countries expressing renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Ambassador Ibas presented his Letters of Credence to President Marcos at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, formally marking the start of his diplomatic assignment in the Philippines.

Following the presentation, President Marcos held discussions with the Nigerian envoy on ways to deepen cooperation between Manila and Abuja, with particular emphasis on energy security, trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.

Marcos expressed his desire to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and Nigeria during Ibas’ tenure, highlighting opportunities for both countries to expand practical cooperation and create greater economic benefits.

The appointment of Ambassador Ibas brings considerable military, diplomatic and public-service experience to Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Manila.

A retired Vice Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, Ibas served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. His military career began with admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979, after which he was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983.

He subsequently held several senior command and strategic positions within the Nigerian Navy before rising to the position of Chief of Naval Staff.

Following his retirement from active military service, Ibas transitioned into diplomacy and served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana from 2021 to 2023. In that capacity, he brought his experience in security, leadership and international relations to Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Ghana.

His public-service career was further expanded in 2025 when he was appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State during the period of federal emergency administration.

With his extensive background in military leadership, diplomacy and public administration, Ibas arrives in Manila with experience that could prove valuable in advancing Nigeria’s interests and strengthening relations with the Philippines.

Nigeria and the Philippines established diplomatic relations on August 1, 1962. The two countries are expected to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, providing an opportunity to celebrate their longstanding friendship and explore new areas of partnership.

The anniversary could also serve as a platform for both nations to intensify cooperation in areas including trade and investment, energy, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

For Nigeria, the posting places a highly experienced former military chief and public servant at the centre of its diplomatic engagement with a significant Southeast Asian partner.

Ambassador Ibas’s presentation of credentials therefore represents more than a formal diplomatic ceremony. It provides a fresh opportunity for Nigeria and the Philippines to build on more than six decades of relations and pursue stronger economic, cultural and strategic partnerships.

As Ibas settles into his new assignment, expectations are high that his wealth of experience in military leadership, diplomacy, and public administration will help expand Nigeria-Philippines relations and promote mutual interests between the two countries.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IT Sky Solutions, Almustapha Liman, has said Nigeria needs stronger digital identity and verification systems to build trust and accountability in business transactions.

Liman spoke in Abuja yesterday at the launch of Sky ID, a Nigerian telecommunications and business identity platform, which the company said was designed to help businesses manage customer communications while providing identity and business verification features.

The launch was attended by representatives of the Senate and the National Information Technology Development Agency, who backed greater deployment of digital solutions to formalise Nigeria’s informal sector and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

Liman said businesses and individuals needed reliable systems through which their identities could be established and verified, particularly as digital communication and transactions became increasingly central to commercial activities.

According to him, the challenge confronting Nigeria was not necessarily the character of its citizens but the absence of systems capable of promoting accountability and discouraging abuse.

‘In any society in the world, you will find the good, the bad and the ugly. But if a system is put in place that can check the activities of individuals, it can discourage people from doing what is not right,’ he said.

Liman said the identity and verification features of Sky ID could help improve confidence between businesses and their customers while addressing some of the trust and security challenges associated with commercial transactions.

He added that the private sector had a responsibility to contribute to the development of systems that promote trust, noting that technology should go beyond facilitating communication to strengthening relationships between businesses and their customers.

The IT Sky Solutions chief linked the initiative to employment generation, saying the company had created jobs through its operations and network of channel partners.

He disclosed that about 1,000 people had been employed through the company’s operations in India, while some channel partners with between 400 and 500 workers could potentially translate into several thousand additional jobs.

Liman said the company’s long-term ambition was to extend the trust and verification model beyond Nigeria by developing what he described as a ‘social trust network across Africa.’

‘We are building a social trust network across Africa, whereby someone from another nation should be able to communicate or transact with another party anywhere globally,’ he said.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, said the National Assembly would continue to support legislation aimed at creating an enabling environment for technology-driven businesses and employment.

Tambuwal said lawmakers had a responsibility to enact laws that would support initiatives capable of improving businesses and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.

‘First and foremost, our job is primarily to make laws for the good governance and order of the country. We shall continue to make such laws that will enable these types of initiatives and several others that have the capabilities and ability to support Nigerians in their businesses and create jobs for our young people,’ he said.

Also speaking, an Assistant Director in the Digital Development Services Department of NITDA, Dr Ahmed Tambuwal, said digital innovation could play a significant role in transforming Nigeria’s informal sector, where a large proportion of Nigerians operate.

He said digital tools could help small businesses formalise their operations, manage their businesses more efficiently and expand their customer base, giving them greater capacity to pursue larger business opportunities.

‘I think this particular initiative is very important for the informal sector. As you are well aware, the informal sector is where the largest population of Nigerians operate.

‘With this innovation, a lot of small businesses are going to be formalised. They will be able to manage their businesses better, expand their customer base and, while remaining small businesses, gain the capacity to manage bigger business opportunities,’ he said.

Tambuwal said the initiative could contribute significantly to job creation and economic growth.

He added that NITDA was supporting stakeholders in the digital economy through policies, regulations and frameworks designed to simplify participation in the sector by businesses and individuals.

‘We have a number of policies and regulations aimed at simplifying how businesses and individuals can participate in the digital economy. Through our policies, regulations and frameworks, we are able to support this type of business. We actively support good initiatives such as this through partnerships, funding and many other methods,’ he said.

The 16 kidnapped National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) members rescued by security operatives in Kogi State were on Monday night moved to Lokoja where they were handed over to the NYSC management in the state.

Also moved to Lokoja were five other passengers kidnapped along with them on the Kogi Highway last Friday while they were travelling from Bayelsa to Abuja. .

The victims appeared worn out.

They declined comments but expressed gratitude to God and the security operatives for their rescue.

It was learnt that two of the rescued victims injured by the gunmen were taken to a hospital after their arrival in Lokoja.

The Police Commissioner, Naziru Kakanrofi, interacted with the rescued victims at the police headquarters for about one hour before they were handed over to the NYSC management and their family members.

Kakanrofi told reporters that the victims were rescued earlier on Monday after the security teams, including the police,troops of the Nigerian Army, vigilantes and hunters.

The spokesperson for the state Police Command, Salihu Afusat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP), explained that the incident happened on Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area.

‘ About 1640hrs, armed hoodlums emerged from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions and abducted some passengers, while others escaped into the surrounding bush,’ he added.

The Kogi State government yesterday commended the security forces for the rescue of kidnapped victims in Dekina Local Government Area.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the operation further demonstrated the determination of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government to make criminality a regrettable trade for criminals.

The statement read: ‘Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for equipping the nation’s security forces to effectively combat violent crimes across the country. He also commended the heads of the various security agencies as well as the officers and men who participated in the operation.

‘Criminals will always regret stepping on Kogi State. We will never wag our tails before cowards who take arms against the state. Kogi is always ready to obliterate any threat to lives and property in the state.’

The governor also commended the National Security Adviser, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, Director-General, Department of State Services(DSS), Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local security operatives for their organisational acumen, courage and effective response to the incident.

The governor assured the people of Kogi that his administration would continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and security structures to protect lives and property.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that the collective support of citizens remains vital to the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman.

This is contained in a statement by Suleiman Idris, Spokesperson to the governor in Gusau, Zamfara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late emir died after spending five years on the throne.

The traditional ruler died on Monday afternoon at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, the state capital of Zamfara, according to a statement from the Emirate.

Suleiman became Emir in 2021, succeeding his uncle, Abubakar Atiku, who was removed by the state government that year and formally deposed in April 2022.

Lawal in his message described the emir’s passing as a profound loss to his family, the Zurmi Emirate, the traditional institution, and the entire people of Zamfara.

‘I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi.

‘His death is a great loss to Zamfara. He will be remembered for his service to his people, his contributions to the traditional institution, and his commitment to the peace and progress of our state.

‘On behalf of the government and good people of Zamfara, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Zurmi Emirate Council, and the entire people of Zurmi Emirate.

‘I pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, rewards his good deeds, grants him Aljannah Firdaus, and gives his family and the people of Zurmi the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’ Lawal prayed.