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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has suspended its State Secretary, Mr Sa’idu Adamu, over allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

Mrs Maria Dogo, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday.

Dogo said the suspension was in line with the provisions of Articles 58(1)(h) and 57(3) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

She said: ‘The decision was reached on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, during a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) held at the party’s secretariat in Kaduna.

‘The suspension, which takes immediate effect, will last for one month pending the outcome of investigations and subsequent decisions of the party.

‘During this period, Hon. Sa’idu Adamu is hereby barred from participating in any party activity at all levels.’

The party assured members and the public of its commitment to internal discipline, fairness, and justice under the leadership of the State Chairman, Mr Edward Percy Masha.

‘The ongoing efforts of the State Working Committee are aimed at strengthening the party’s structures and ensuring accountability across all ranks,’ Dogo added.

Football has long evolved beyond the pitch – it is now one of the most profitable industries in global sports. The world’s top clubs no longer compete solely for trophies but also for brand value, commercial deals, and global influence. These teams have built empires that extend far beyond the stadium, powered by strategic marketing, loyal fanbases, and consistent financial performance.

According to the 2025 Forbes list of the world’s most valuable football clubs, Spanish and English sides continue to dominate the global football landscape. The rankings are based on club valuations, annual revenues, and overall brand strength. Below is the definitive list of the top ten most valuable football clubs in the world, along with what sets them apart financially and competitively.

1. Real Madrid – $6.75 Billion

Revenue: $1.13 billion

Real Madrid remain the most valuable football club in the world, leading the list for the fourth consecutive year and ninth time in twelve years. The Spanish giants continue to benefit from a powerful global brand, strong commercial partnerships, and consistent on-field success.

2. Manchester United – $6.6 Billion

Revenue: $834 million

Manchester United maintain their place near the top through unmatched global recognition and commercial strength. Despite inconsistent performances in recent seasons, their fan loyalty and sponsorship network keep them financially dominant.

3. Barcelona – $5.65 Billion

Revenue: $821 million

Barcelona’s valuation remains strong thanks to their enduring brand appeal and rich footballing heritage. Their large fanbase, global merchandise sales, and media rights deals ensure their continued financial relevance.

4. Liverpool – $5.4 Billion

Revenue: $773 million

Liverpool’s steady growth under Jrgen Klopp has strengthened both their sporting and financial performance. Consistent appearances in major competitions and strategic investments in infrastructure support their high valuation.

5. Manchester City – $5.3 Billion

Revenue: $901 million

Backed by Abu Dhabi United Group, Manchester City combine financial strength with sporting dominance. Their modern football model – built on success, strategy, and sustainability – cements their place among the elite.

6. Bayern Munich – $5.1 Billion

Revenue: $827 million

Bayern Munich remain a benchmark for financial discipline and consistent success. The club’s global reach, fan engagement, and domestic dominance contribute to its strong market value.

7. Paris Saint-Germain – $4.6 Billion

Revenue: $870 million

PSG continue to rank among the top through a combination of global marketing, high-profile players, and major commercial partnerships. The club’s financial backing and strategic expansion have redefined French football’s international image.

8. Arsenal – $3.4 Billion

Revenue: $771 million

Arsenal’s value reflects their solid financial structure, loyal global following, and renewed competitiveness in recent seasons. With the Emirates Stadium and a young, exciting squad, the club is on a path of sustained growth.

9. Tottenham Hotspur – $3.3 Billion

Revenue: $666 million

Tottenham’s valuation benefits from their modern stadium and commercial activities. While major trophies have been elusive, their business operations remain among the most advanced in Europe.

10. Chelsea – $3.25 Billion

Revenue: $591 million

Following a period of ownership transition, Chelsea remain within the top ten due to their established global brand and marketing strength. The club’s focus on rebuilding both on and off the pitch continues to sustain its value.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command as initiated a high level stakeholders meeting with a view to addressing border-related crimes, trade barriers and improve legitimate trade along the Seme border corridor.

At the meeting were representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Army, Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), traditional rulers, and various trade associations, including clearing agents and community leaders.

Speaking at the forum, the Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga decried the persistence of unwholesome practices and multiple checkpoints along the Seme border corridor calling on security agencies and border communities to unite in tackling issues that could tarnish the good image of the country and hinder regional commerce.

According to Adenuga: ‘the checkpoints we have on the roads are too much, it is disgraceful. The CGC has directed that the checkpoints be reduced and on no account should anyone delay a legitimate business.

‘After this meeting, it will not be business as usual. We will create an implementation committee on all that we have discussed.

‘The Comptroller-General of Customs is now the number one Customs officer in the world and Nigeria cannot be different from what is obtainable in other part of the world.

The move, Adenuga said, ‘will facilitate legitimate trade, the better for our country. When trade thrives, crime reduces. That is the vision our Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi has consistently championed – building a legacy of trade facilitation and a conducive environment for economic growth.’

Speaking on the plight of residents, one of the community leaders, Joseph Agoro, argued that majority of the fight and conflicts on the border corridor is caused by camp boys recruited by security agencies along the border route.

He labeled the practice an embarrassment, describing how commuters and residents are often harassed and questioned by individuals who are not legitimate officers.

‘Multiple checkpoints is already problematic. It is more embarrassing to be stopped by Customs and other security agencies, especially the Police, and someone who isn’t an officer would begin questioning passengers. We don’t know who is attending to us. There is no way the residents and villagers wouldn’t complain with such unfair treatments from camp boys. Why should we be harassed just for living along the border corridor,’ Agoro said.

On his part, the Oba of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry, Oba Sejiro Ogungbe expressed appreciation to the Customs for reducing frequent clashes between Customs and smugglers in communities, which he said, often leads to avoidable deaths.

Responding, Controller Adenuga, assured that the multiple checkpoints would be reduced in no distance time. He said the Comptroller General of Customs is working closely with the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser to address the issue.

Adenuga also issued a note of warning to other security agencies, saying, ‘If you don’t have any business to do on that road, don’t come there. If you refuse to comply, you would be arrested because I have the backing of the Comptroller General. ‘

On the use of camp boys, Adenuga warned that any officer who make use of camp boys will be dealt with appropriately as the Service has since abolish the use of camp boys.

Representative of the Nigerian Air Force, Badagry, Capt. H.I Medugu thanked Comptroller Adenuga for initiating the stakeholders meeting due to several complaints along the border route.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Ambassador Olukayode Olugbenga Aluko who was represented by the Defense Attache, Colonel S. Yahaya, assured that all the takeaways at the meeting would be fully implemented by the appropriate authority.

The Senate President’s U-18 Unity Football Tournament has taken a significant step in promoting sports development in Nigeria.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman, Distinguished Senator Musa Mustafa, was recently honoured with the prestigious Grassroots Sports Ambassador Award for his outstanding contributions to nurturing young athletes and promoting unity through sports.

The award was presented by Hon. John Ekpenyong, Tournament Coordinator.

The tournament, which aims to identify and nurture budding football talents, has become a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their skills. With about 20 states participating in the upcoming edition, the event promises to be an exciting display of talent, unity, and healthy competition. Both male and female teams will compete, promoting gender equality and inclusivity in sports.

The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Hon. Ali Muhammed Gombe, Chairman of the Sponsorship, Partnership, and Mobilization Committee; Hajiya Dr. Baheejah Mahmood; Hon. Suleima Zailani; Grace Kumangar; and Mr. Sunny Apes, among others. Mr. Sunny Apes, who doubles as the Accommodation Chairman, Amy Apetagher were also in attendance to witness the presentation.

Last year’s edition was a huge success, with Ebonyi State emerging as the winner after defeating Borno State in the finals. The Senate President was ably represented at the finals by Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, who brought greetings and good wishes to the participants.

By fostering unity, promoting sportsmanship, and creating employment opportunities, the Senate President’s U-18 Unity Football Tournament is empowering the next generation of Nigerian athletes. The tournament’s impact extends beyond the playing field, promoting national unity and providing a platform for young people to develop their skills and pursue their dreams.

Governor of Anambra, Prof. Charles Soludo, has stressed the need to hold Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials accountable for their actions.

He said those who violate electoral laws should be prosecuted and jailed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

Soludo, former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, stated this in a virtual message at the Athena Centre’s Review of INEC’s Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015-2025.

The event was organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership with the theme, ‘A Balanced Assessment of Progress, Gaps and Opportunity’,

According to him, some collation officers had declared results in breach of INEC guidelines, making it wrong to protect such officials from prosecution.

‘My idea is simple. During elections, you should not need to know any security agents or election officers.

‘The political parties themselves must be eternally vigilant. We’ve made progress, but we can achieve much more and faster,’ Soludo said.

He commended INEC’s innovations but criticised a proposal to limit its power to review election results.

The proposal seeks to restrict INEC’s review powers to only cases where results were declared under duress.

‘I think that is where the problem lies. Why would INEC seek an amendment limiting its capacity to review results declared unlawfully?’ he questioned.

Soludo highlighted the need for transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.

He stressed the importance of gradual improvement and constant vigilance to ensure credible elections.

Also speaking, Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), called for a new direction in Nigeria’s politics.

He said a fresh approach was vital for building a democratic and prosperous nation.

According to him, the present political system is flawed and must be reformed to guarantee free and fair elections.

‘We need an environment that allows visionary and honest individuals to contest and win elections,’ he said.

Aregbesola warned against corrupt party structures and political godfathers that discourage credible candidates.

‘Nigeria is the hope of the black race. If this country fails, God forbid, it will be a huge setback for Africa,’ he added.

He urged the judiciary to respect the will of the people and uphold merit, integrity, and transparency.

The Chancellor of the Athena Centre, Mr Osita Chidoka, said the judiciary remains the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s electoral progress.

Chidoka lamented that in spite of technological advancements, court rulings often undermine electoral reforms.

‘The greatest challenge is the judiciary. They keep reversing the progress we have made through technology.

‘Their job is to ensure compliance. Where there is none, the election should simply be redone,’ he said.

Chidoka called for judicial education on the electoral process and said the Athena Centre would host a forum to address this.

Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to credible elections in Nigeria.

Yakubu, represented by Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, INEC National Commissioner, said the commission was dedicated to continuous reform.

‘INEC is committed to using technology to improve elections and ensure integrity in the process,’ he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced in past elections and assured that INEC was addressing them.

Yakubu added that INEC values contributions from civil society, political parties, and the public in its reform efforts.

‘By engaging with stakeholders and tackling these challenges, INEC aims to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent,’ he said.

UEFA have reluctantly approved a Serie A and a LaLiga match to be played abroad, the European governing body has confirmed.

The LaLiga fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal will be staged in Miami in late December, while AC Milan’s Serie A encounter with Como will be held in Perth, Australia, in early February.

Milan opted for a foreign location as their San Siro stadium will be unavailable as both the city and the stadium prepare to host the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on February 6.

Spain’s LaLiga has been pursuing their transatlantic vision for almost a decade, emulating the strategy employed by the NFL and NBA to establish themselves in other markets.

UEFA said its Executive Committee had reluctantly approved the move as an exception, stressing that FIFA’s regulatory framework, still under review, lacks sufficient clarity and detail, and reiterating that it remains opposed in principle to such matches.

‘League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions,’ UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement.

‘While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent.

‘Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.’

Italy’s Serie A welcomed UEFA’s decision.

‘For us, a contingency due to the unavailability of San Siro Stadium has turned into an opportunity to satisfy the many fans of Italian football, who will have the chance to watch the match live in Perth,’ Serie A League President Ezio Simonelli said.

‘It’s also a chance for both teams and Italian football to increase international visibility and grow their fan base.’

Simonelli said that he understood the challenges for supporters, with their teams now set to play almost 13,800 km (8574.92 miles) away from Milan and six hours ahead in time.

‘I’m confident that Milan and Como supporters – who in any case would not have been able to attend the match at the Meazza (San Siro) will understand the sacrifice being asked of them on this occasion, which will ultimately bring significant benefits to their teams,’ he added.

Council of State meeting will hold in Abuja on Thursday, according to Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

It will be a hybrid meeting – physical and virtual – statement from the SGF office added.

Also to hold on Thursday is the meeting of the Police Council.

Both meetings are slated for the Council Chamber of Aso Villa in Abuja.

Council of State is the highest advisory body to the President.

Its responsibility include endorsement of some major appointments as recommended by the President, such as: nomination of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among others.

All living former heads of state and Presidents are members.

Former Chief Justices and governors are also members of the august body.

The statement on the meeting made available by Director of Information and Public Relations in the office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen reads: ‘The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, has extended an invitation to members of the Council of State and Police Council to a hybrid strategic meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025.

‘According to the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, the meeting aims to discuss matters of national importance and key issues affecting national security and policing.

‘This high-level meeting underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to addressing pressing national issues and ensuring the safety and security of citizens’.

This will be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second Council of State meeting.

The first was held on August 13, 2024, attended by former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and the late Muhammadu Buhari.

The meeting gave a vote of confidence to the Tinubu’s administration and discussed key national issues.

After years of financial turbulence, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally returned to profit, a milestone that could see the Super Eagles and Super Falcons smile to the bank in upcoming tournaments.

At its 47th Ordinary General Assembly held in Kinshasa, DR Congo, CAF announced a net profit of USD 9.48 million for the 2023 – 2024 financial year, its first positive balance sheet in several years. The organisation’s total revenue jumped to USD 166.42 million, driven by a surge in sponsorship deals, stricter financial controls, and growing global attention on African football.

CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, described the development as a ‘turning point for African football’s financial independence and sustainability.’

The profit, CAF explained, will be reinvested in competitions, infrastructure, and member associations a move expected to boost prize earnings for national teams and clubs across the continent.

Among the changes: The CAF Champions League winners’ prize climbed by 60% to USD 4 million; the WAFCON champions’ reward doubled to USD 1 million; the AFCON 2023 winners pocketed USD 7 million, a 40% increase from the previous edition.

For Nigeria, that means the Super Eagles and Super Falcons stand to gain significantly in future tournaments as CAF strengthens its financial footing.

With 16 commercial partners now on board, CAF says the era of deficit spending is over. The organisation projects more funds for grassroots development, women’s football, and club competitions, marking what many insiders are calling ‘a new dawn for African football.’

Labour Party(LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has canvassed mandatory submission of academic certificates by candidates for elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) six months before every election.

Obi, in a post on his X yesterday, said the idea could be a part of the proposed amendment to the nation’s electoral law.

In a veiled reference to the forgery saga involving Science and Technology Minister Godffrey Nnaji, the former Anambra State governor wrote: ‘These certificates, alongside details of schools attended, what was studied and years of study, should be made public for verification within 90 days.

‘This process must also apply to appointed officials, ministers and even aides, because when dishonesty starts from the top, it spreads to every level of governance, just like it’s happening now.

‘We must deal with certificate forgery holistically with the seriousness and level of criminality it deserves. Criminal offences should not be dismissed as a mere procedural matter.’

He referred to Indonesia, where, according to him, officials who contested elections with forged certificates or did not attend schools but claimed to have, got kicked out and prosecuted.

The former LP candidate noted that even though Nigeria has similar laws, INEC does not scrutinise certificates before the elections.

He said: ‘(INEC) overlooks complaints of forgery, and when challenged after the elections, the court will dismiss the serious criminal issues as ‘pre-election matters’ without giving this criminal act appropriate punishment.

‘INEC, even after the elections, does not bother to revisit or investigate these serious offences before the next election.’

The former governor said another issue that worries him is how ‘criminals and dishonest people’ scale through all layers of scrutiny by security, parliament and government agencies.

‘Even more disturbing, amounting to double tragedy, is that most of these dishonest people swore an affidavit before a law court attesting to the authenticity of the documents they presented.

‘We are now preparing for the 2027 general elections. INEC has enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims,’ Obi said.

Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has warned that the country’s maritime sector could mirror the ‘mistakes’ of its oil industry if urgent reforms are not implemented to strengthen governance, industrial capacity, and trade competitiveness.

Head of Research at SEREC, Forwarder Eugene Nweke, stated that while the sector holds immense potential for job creation, industrialisation, and regional dominance, it remains weighed down by structural weaknesses that limit its ability to drive national development.

‘Nigeria’s maritime sector holds the promise of jobs, industrialisation, and regional leadership. But unless structural reforms are accelerated, we risk repeating the oil paradox: rising revenues, rising costs, and vanishing welfare,’ Nweke cautioned.

According to him, despite commendable milestones such as reduced piracy incidents, expanded seafarer training, and the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the country’s maritime story remains one of unrealised potential rather than tangible transformation.

He noted that over 80 per cent of the nation’s trade passes through its seaports, yet the sector continues to suffer from systemic bottlenecks that hamper its competitiveness and economic contribution.

SEREC acknowledged recent gains, including multinational patrols that have curbed piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the growth of seafarer training pipelines enabling hundreds of Nigerian cadets to complete mandatory sea-time, and modest progress in establishing inland container depots to decongest Lagos ports. It also commended the renewed effort to rebuild a national shipping identity through a re-emerging national container operator and the formal recognition of the Blue Economy as a policy focus.

However, the group identified critical structural weaknesses that continue to undermine the sector’s growth. It warned that Nigeria’s dormant steel industry remains the greatest obstacle to a viable shipbuilding and repair ecosystem, making the nation dependent on imported materials and uncompetitive in global maritime trade.

‘Without a functioning steel industry, Nigeria’s shipyards will remain import-dependent, uncompetitive, and unable to support large-scale ship repair or newbuilding,’ Nweke said.

The maritime think tank also highlighted challenges including poor multimodal integration, underdeveloped rail and inland waterways, environmental sustainability gaps in port operations, and persistent trade imbalances worsened by heavy import dependence and weak non-oil exports.

It urged policymakers to anchor maritime development on industrialisation, with the revival of steel – even through modular mini-mills – forming the foundation for a credible shipbuilding and repair industry. It also called for practical implementation of the Blue Economy policy, emphasising the need to harness fisheries, aquaculture, ocean energy, and seabed mining under transparent, research-driven frameworks.

Additionally, the centre stressed the importance of multimodal transport integration, urging that ‘rail, barge, and inland port connectivity must become functional to ease pressure on Lagos ports.’

Revenue agencies, SEREC added, must move beyond ‘record collections’ to demonstrating tangible trade impact – reducing port costs, improving cargo flow, and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

Nweke concluded that Nigeria’s maritime potential can only be fully realised through disciplined execution and sustained reform.

‘At 65, the time for ceremonial speeches is over. The next decade must be about execution – steel for shipbuilding, disciplined national carrier governance, green ports, regulated seabed mining, empowered seafarers, and multimodal integration,’ he said.

According to stakeholders, SEREC’s statement reinforces growing calls for the repositioning of the maritime industry as a driver of job creation, industrialisation, and regional leadership, transforming the country from a maritime nation in name to one in practice.