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Concerned elders and families from Borno State have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to intensify efforts to rescue dozens of schoolchildren and other residents abducted in different parts of the state.

The appeal was made on their behalf by the secretary of the Hawul Askira-Uba Elders Forum, Malla Gadzama at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, where the group marked what it described as 100 days of ‘horror, pain and suffering’ for families of the abducted persons.

The forum said families of the victims had endured prolonged anguish and uncertainty following the abductions, describing the continued captivity of the victims for 100 days as unacceptable.

Among those whose rescue the group demanded are 42 pupils and students of Mussa Primary and Junior Day Secondary School, who were reportedly abducted on May 15, 2026, in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The group also demanded the rescue of 36 students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, who were reportedly abducted on June 29 while writing their National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.

It further called for the rescue of 38 persons reportedly abducted along Buratai Road to Maiduguri, as well as other victims abducted along the Chibok route and other vulnerable roads across the state.

The forum said the victims should not be treated as ‘mere statistics,’ stressing that every abducted person represented a family suffering from uncertainty over the safety and whereabouts of their loved ones.

They appealed directly to President Tinubu, as commander-in-chief, to mobilise available national security resources towards securing the release of the abducted children and other victims.

‘Mr President, please bring our children home,’ the group pleaded, and urged the federal government to treat the situation as an urgent national priority.

The group acknowledged the security challenges confronting the country and the sacrifices of security personnel, but argued that the continued captivity of innocent children and civilians should not be allowed to become unresolved cases.

The elders also called on Governor Zulum to use the full weight of his office to press for the immediate rescue of the abducted persons.

The forum cited the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State as evidence that coordinated security operations could secure the release of abducted students.

While commending the federal government and security agencies for the rescue of the Oyo victims, they, however, asked why similar urgency had not been applied to the abducted children and residents in Borno.

‘We are not asking for a preferential treatment. We are asking for equal protection under the law. We are asking for the same urgency. We are asking for the same determination,’ the group said, demanding regular and credible communication with the affected families on rescue efforts.

The National Income Activation Initiative (NIAI) has been unveiled at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as a private-sector-led platform aimed at connecting women, youths and other economically under-engaged Nigerians with opportunities to generate income.

The initiative was unveiled during the Second National Gender Inclusion Conference, #SheIsIncluded 2026, organised by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion in the Office of the Vice President.

Speaking at the conference, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy could not be achieved without greater participation of women in economic activities.

Shettima also highlighted the Federal Government’s shift from policy pronouncements to what he described as an ‘architecture of delivery’, designed to connect women and young people with skills, capital, markets and emerging economic opportunities.

NIAI was among the initiatives highlighted at the conference.

The initiative is built around the pathway, ‘Learn. Activate. Earn,’ with its promoters seeking to address the gap between skills acquisition and actual income generation.

Chief Executive Officer of NIAI, Khurairah Musa, said the initiative was designed to move economic empowerment beyond training and certificates to measurable participation in the economy.

‘Training is important, but training alone does not create income. We have to build the bridge between the skills people acquire and the markets, businesses and opportunities through which they can actually earn,’ Musa said.

She said NIAI connects participants with businesses and opportunity providers in areas including agriculture, ICT and digital services, beauty, sales, commodity sourcing and supply chains, food processing and manufacturing, as well as financial services.

Musa said the initiative had moved from the conceptual stage to implementation, with hundreds of participants undergoing orientation, vendor training and deployment towards income-generating activities.

She said NIAI was also developing systems for participant identification, vendor matching, activity and income tracking, monitoring and reporting.

According to her, the approach is intended to measure economic outcomes beyond the number of people who undergo training.

Musa said the long-term objective was to develop a scalable national income-activation ecosystem capable of connecting millions of Nigerians to private-sector opportunities.

‘NIAI is not about creating another training programme,’ she said. ‘It is about what comes next – connecting people to real businesses, real markets and real opportunities to earn.’

She added that the initiative would continue to work with government institutions, businesses, vendors and other stakeholders to expand opportunities for participants.

The initiative’s unveiling comes amid renewed calls for economic inclusion programmes to demonstrate how skills, financing and other interventions translate into sustainable livelihoods.

For residents of Karu, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), finding a safe and convenient place to exercise has often meant paying for a gym membership, going to a fitness centre in town, or making do with limited secure public spaces fit for exercising. However, the new road infrastructure project is changing that narrative by offering opportunities for physical fitness for residents daily in an environment that was once viewed as tight and unsafe, particularly at night.

The newly rehabilitated and expanded Karu road network in Abuja, which runs from the Karu Interchange to the Customs Clinic Junction, features modern solar-powered streetlights that brighten up the streets at night; a new life that residents of the area are getting used to.

The newly developed road network offers more than just a route for motorists as the improved road network now creates an open space where residents can walk, jog, cycle, skate and stay active without having to pay expensive fees at gyms or go through tiring registration processes for community fitness groups. What was once simply a piece of transportation infrastructure has become a shared public space for health and fitness routines of residents.

For many residents, accessibility matters, as exercise can be difficult to prioritise when the cost of gym, fitness classes or specialised facilities is constantly out of reach. A public space that supports walking and other forms of exercise removes such barriers for those who remain committed and intentional about keeping fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

For many, the benefits extend beyond individual fitness, as a regular physical activity can contribute to healthier lifestyles, while social interaction, on the other hand, helps strengthen a community’s sense of connection, where parents stroll with their children, older residents enjoy gentle exercise and youths also use the space to stay active.

Since the completion of the road, for residents, the most important feature may be its simplicity and access to exercise freely. Residents simply step outside and move to living healthier lifestyles.

‘A pathway to living healthier’

For Aisha Aliyu, a 45-year-old mother of three, the new road doesn’t just represent infrastructural development; it represents more than concrete, asphalt and improved connectivity. It is an investment in providing access to everyone, regardless of income or status, and an opportunity to make exercise part of residents’ daily life.

‘Having a place to exercise close to home makes it easier to include exercise in my daily fitness routine. I won’t have to think of exercise as something extra. I could simply walk, stretch or be active as part of my normal day. It offers residents an opportunity to make exercise part of daily life,’ she said.

On her part, Shade Abimbola noted that time had always been a huge challenge to getting her fitness goals going.

‘Sometimes the biggest challenge is finding the time to exercise, especially when you work in town and come back tired and in heavy traffic late. But with the new road network, everything has changed. I now get home stress-free and can conveniently do my exercise on a well-lit and laid-out road. Now, I have all the time to exercise up till 10pm because of the well-lit road; and interestingly, all for free,’ she said.

For Hajiya Amina Ahmed, the new road network now allows her to engage more in walking instead of always taking her car or a tricycle in a bid to avoid the poor road network, which the community was known for.

Hajiya Amina said, ‘It now encourages me to walk more instead of always taking the car. It was difficult in the past because, aside from the poor road network, one would have to deal with uncoordinated vehicular movement. It was a hassle to navigate this road at night as it was always dark, and just a single road to and fro for motorists and passersby. Now, I just put on my trainers and I am off, walking confidently to the roundabout on my lane without dodging vehicles.’

For residents like Jude Michael, it is an opportunity for networking and getting to know more people in the community.

‘I like the idea of being able to exercise while also meeting and interacting with other residents in the community. Since I started walking and jogging as a form of exercise, I have connected with people, with some being even close-by neighbours I never knew. But as I exercised more, I began to meet people who also exercised and connected with them.

‘Having safe spaces for walking and physical activity would make staying active feel natural rather than like a chore,’ Michael said.

For Mojeed Adams, another resident in Karu, the new road network has given him and his family the opportunity to exercise together by taking strolls in the evenings.

He said: ‘It has allowed families to stay active together, either by walking, riding or skating. My son loves to skate with his friends. The new road network has revived his love for skating, which he does while my wife and I take a walk. My wife sometimes brings her bicycle out to ride on the new road when she wants to get extra cardio done. We are happy that this new road has provided us an opportunity to keep our fitness routine going as a family.

‘With the road infrastructure still getting the attention of many and giving beauty to the environment, many residents believe that engaging in a consistent exercise routine is only possible when the environment around you is accessible. They noted that an accessible and safe environment would remove challenges that could make physical activity feel difficult to achieve.’

Mercy Akpan, another resident said: ‘What we had in the past didn’t make exercise safe or possible in any way. It didn’t fit into my daily lifestyle. But it is different today as the environment has turned my fitness routine from something I have to plan to something that naturally becomes part of my routine.’

Also, Emmanuel Jacob, a resident who has stepped up his fitness routine since the road network became more convenient, believes the surroundings of an environment play a huge role in people’s fitness lifestyle.

‘The environment we live in most times influences our ability to develop healthy habits. When exercise is accessible because of the environment around you, it becomes easier to make it a habit,’ he noted.

Another resident said: ‘I now find it easier to exercise because I don’t have to travel far to find a suitable place. The area used to have terrible roads and always in darkness, but it different now.’ He described the change as an encouragement to remain consistently fit.

Fitness enthusiasts also said the growing number of people using the spaces is creating a sense of community relationship. Residents who might otherwise exercise alone are increasingly sharing the spaces, encouraging one another and making physical activity a more visible part of community life.

Beyond physical health, the growing fitness culture is contributing to a more vibrant social environment. Though more residents engage in evening exercises, morning joggers can be seen exchanging greetings as they move along familiar routes, while groups of residents gather for stretches and other exercises at a particular point.

Health-conscious residents believe the development could have lasting benefits if the infrastructure is properly maintained and expanded. They are calling for continued investment in safe, clean and accessible public spaces that can support walking, jogging, recreational activities and other forms of exercise.

‘Why we exercise at night’

For Karu residents, the change is already visible. As each day draws to a close, with the community interestingly coming alive, an increasing number of residents lace up their trainers, stepping outside to make fitness a part of their daily lives.

Every evening after a long and tiring day, Tina narrated that she sat on her sofa and watched television until she was ready for bed. She always wanted to exercise, but during the day she was too busy with work and other responsibilities. One evening, she decided to try something different after the Karu road network was completed. She put on her trainers and went for a short run. At first, she said she was tired, but after a few days at it, she felt relaxed and enjoyed the short runs.

She soon made the night-time exercise a daily habit. She discovered that exercising at night helped her release the stress of the day, sleep better and feel stronger.

‘I now find exercising easy to do because the roads are well lit and smooth. I started by going for a short run and felt relaxed and better any day I did.

‘The night is quiet and breezy. I can forget about the day, clear my mind and take care of my body and soul at the same time,’ she said.

Her neighbour, Timothy, soon joined her. Every evening, they walked, jogged or stretched together. They encouraged each other and looked forward to their evening workouts.

Also, according to Maryam Abdullahi, evening workouts are now a must for her and some of her neighbours.

She said, ‘I started one day on my way back from a shop. I found it interesting because it was easy and the road was free and well lit. It was also breezy. I told a neighbour about it and we made it a routine to have at least a 30 to 40-minute walk every evening to help ourselves health-wise. One of us didn’t have something appropriate to wear and we encouraged her to wear her hijab; after all, we were just taking a stroll to keep active and not going for a fashion show.’

Exercise doesn’t necessarily have to happen in the mornings. What mattered most for some residents like Maryam was finding a time that worked for her. For Maryam and her neighbours, night-time has become the perfect time to stay healthy, relax their minds, while ending each day on a positive note.

‘Exercise is important at any time of the day. The best time is when you can do it consistently, conveniently and safely,’ Maryam noted.

Why sidewalks are necessary

Some experts noted that while infrastructural development is necessary in communities, especially road networks, sidewalks as provided in most developed countries should be made a priority here in Nigeria, especially the country’s capital city.

‘Sidewalks are necessary in a residential community because they make the neighbourhood safer, accessible and more comfortable for pedestrians. Many believe that sidewalks provide a clear path for residents to walk around the community, malls or nearby bus stops. Children can walk, cycle or play more safely without being directly exposed to moving vehicles.

‘Most importantly, they encourage walking and outdoor activity, which can improve residents’ health. They also provide an avenue for community members to meet and interact, making the community more accommodating and connected,’ he said.

Amos Daniel, an estate developer also said: ‘Sidewalks are an important part of residential planning because they provide safe pedestrian movement and contribute to a healthier, more accessible and more liveable community. Look at places like Maitama; they can’t boast of sidewalks like those of Karu and its environs.’

The developing trend in Karu community suggests that when communities are provided accessible infrastructure, residents are more likely to turn healthy intentions into daily habits.

The project also highlights why modern infrastructure should be a priority in every society. Many believe that better road networks can serve communities in more ways than simply moving traffic. When planned with pedestrians, residents and other users in mind, they become part of a healthier and more inclusive urban environment.

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 26-year-old man, identified as Otaru Jonathan, over alleged defiling a 14-year-old girl in the State.

The incident reportedly happened in Afokoella axis of Okpella community Etsako East Local Government of Edo State.

The State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, said the operatives of the Okpella Police Division received a report concerning the alleged defilement of a 14-year-old girl in the area.

He said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect took the minor on a motorcycle to an uncompleted building at Afokpella axis of the community where he allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.

According to him, the suspect after reportedly having sexual intercourse with the minor subsequently gave her ?2,000, so as not to disclose the act to anyone.

He said the victim was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and attention, adding that the suspect was subsequently arrested and remains in custody.

Daaor explained that investigation was ongoing and that the suspect would be arraigned in court.

A yet-to-be-ascertained number of worshippers have been abducted from the Central Mosque in Dekara town, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Daily Trust gathered that the victims were kidnapped from worship place when terrorists, in a large number, struck while Jumu’at prayer was ongoing.

According to some sources, the terrorists shot sporadically before assembling some of the worshippers and leading them out of the mosque into the forest.

One of the residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent by telephone that Borgu LGA recorded various incidents on insecurity, on Friday.

‘So many things have happened in Borgu LGA today. Terrorists attacked three communities, including Dekara. In Dekara, they went to the Central Mosque while Jumu’at prayer was ongoing and kidnapped more than 60 people. But they did not injure anybody,’ the resident said.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the information and revert, but he had not done so as of the time of filing this report.

As Nigeria moves into another election season, campaigns have officially started, political parties and politicians prepare for rallies, meetings, consultations and other activities that will dominate public spaces in the months ahead. Across communities, politicians will look for supporters, volunteers and large crowds to demonstrate their popularity.

But there’s one group that should never be used to create those crowds: school-age children. A political campaign is an adult activity. A child who hasn’t reached the legal voting age shouldn’t be recruited, transported, paid or mobilised to attend a political rally simply because his or her presence will make the crowd appear larger. Children have a different place in the society. They should be in classrooms, learning centres, homes and other safe environments where they can develop the knowledge and skills they need for adulthood.

This issue deserves particular attention because many of the children easily mobilised for political activities are not enjoying normal childhood. They are often children living at the margins of the society: those who have dropped out of school, those who have never attended school, orphans, almajirai, children working as scavengers or babanbola, children who work as yan jagora or accompany their parents, those living or working in the streets and children from families experiencing extreme poverty.

These children need strong protection from exploitation. Nigeria already has a serious education crisis with more than 20 million out-of-school children, while education deprivation is particularly severe in northern Nigeria.

A boy spends his day collecting plastic and metal from refuse because his family needs the money, while another accompanies his parent as a guide from street to street, soliciting alms.

There’s the almajirai child who spends much of the day outside the protection of a formal education system. There’s the orphan who depends on relatives or strangers for survival, or a child who dropped out of school because his parents couldn’t afford to educate him anymore. There is also the child who hasn’t ever been in a classroom.

For such children, political rallies can become an opportunity for food, money, transportation or other incentives. That’s precisely why adults must be careful. Poverty can make a child vulnerable to manipulation. When a child attends a political rally because someone paid him to be there, we should not celebrate the size of the crowd. We should ask why that child is available to be recruited in the first place.

Crowded roads, uncontrolled movement of vehicles, fights, stampedes, political violence and other forms of disorder can turn a political event into a dangerous environment for children. Young people can also become vulnerable to manipulation, substance abuse and recruitment into violent activities when political mobilisation is poorly controlled.

A child can learn about democracy without becoming part of a campaign crowd. A child can learn about elections without carrying a political poster. A child can learn about citizenship without being transported from one rally to another. In fact, one of the best ways to prepare children for democracy is to educate them, give them the opportunity to read, teach them how government works, teach them about their rights and responsibilities, teach them how to ask questions and evaluate information. Most importantly, teach them that democracy is more than dancing at rallies, carrying flags or shouting slogans.

The irony is that politicians may spend millions of naira organising rallies while millions of Nigerian children remain outside school. UNICEF’s recent reporting continues to show that millions of children lack access to basic education, health care, protection and other essentials. In its 2025 report on Nigerian children, the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) noted that two out of every three Nigerian children lived in multidimensional poverty.

Nigeria does not need a generation of children trained to shout political slogans while their education is neglected. We need a generation trained to think, read, create, innovate, work and lead. Our politicians should, therefore, campaign for the future of Nigerian children, not with their vulnerability. A political rally lasts a few hours. A child’s education can shape an entire lifetime.

Let us protect, educate and prepare the child for the Nigeria we hope to build.

Yobe State produces nearly 10 million heads of livestock annually, making it the largest livestock-producing state in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Governor Mai Mala Buni.

Buni stated this while flagging off livestock vaccines and commissioning facilities at the Livestock Service Centre, Nasari Grazing Reserve, in Jakusko Local Government Area of the state, on Saturday.

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Ali Mustapha Goniri, the governor said the state government had invested billions of naira in critical infrastructure and inputs for livestock farmers since the establishment of the reserve in 2019 in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

He said the development of the livestock service centre was aimed at reducing frequent conflicts between farmers and herders, promoting peaceful coexistence and improving livestock productivity across the state.

‘We remain fully committed to making livestock productivity one of the cardinal objectives of this administration. We will continue to do our best to develop this sub-sector, with the positive impact of improving the livelihoods of our people and promoting food security,’ Buni said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended Yobe for setting what he described as a national standard in livestock development.

He noted that Yobe was among the first states to establish a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development following the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘Yobe State was among the first to establish a Ministry of Livestock Development following the President’s creation of the federal counterpart, and it is clear why. The infrastructure, vegetative resources, and expertise here are second to none,’ he said.

The minister also described the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) programme as one of the most active and impactful agricultural initiatives in the country.

Maiha further announced plans to establish a large-scale modern abattoir in Damaturu following discussions with members of the Yobe State Executive Council.

He said the facility would support in-state processing, cold-chain preservation, labelling and certification of meat products, thereby enabling the state to shift from the export of live animals to the supply of processed and packaged meat to consumers across the country.

‘This is about adding value, creating jobs, and ensuring food security. Yobe has the volume and the vision. With this abattoir, we are not just herding cattle; we are building an industry,’ the minister said.

The National Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr Sunusi Abubakar, said Nigeria currently had seven livestock service centres located in Jakusko-Nasari in Yobe, Wudil in Kano, Dass in Bauchi, Saki in Oyo, Gwagwada in Niger and Mambilla in Taraba states.

He commended Hajiya Mairo Ahmed Amshi for her support towards the establishment of the Yobe centre.

‘When the opportunity came for the livestock service centre, I could not think of a better place than Yobe State. I know the composition of this area, what we have here, and the immense opportunities that exist,’ Abubakar said.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, L-PRES, Hajiya Adama Hussaini Madaki, commended the minister for undertaking a two-day working visit to the state, describing the visit as an opportunity to create more prospects for livestock development in Yobe.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Buni administration to creating an enabling environment for increased livestock productivity and resilient support across the state’s 17 local government areas.

Madaki also appreciated stakeholders in the state for their cooperation and support towards the implementation of L-PRES development projects.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Idris Yusuf Madaki, in his welcome address, commended the Buni administration for its continued support to the ministry and the livestock sub-sector.

The visit underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with states to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector and strengthen food security, job creation and economic diversification.

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has raised concern over the rising deaths recorded across the state in recent days, describing the situation as a worsening security and humanitarian crisis.

Dan’iya, popularly known as Walin Sokoto, said reports from different parts of the state suggested that more than 100 people might have lost their lives in separate incidents within the past 10 days.

He cited the recent attacks in Ungushi, Kebbe Local Government Area, where residents were reportedly killed by bandits, as well as deaths recorded in Wurno and Silame local government areas.

He also referred to the Gorau boat accident in Goronyo Local Government Area, where the reported death toll had risen to 53 while recovery efforts continued.

In a statement signed on Friday by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya said the frequency of the incidents should compel the federal and state governments to take urgent action.

‘The scale and frequency of these tragedies should be a wake-up call to the Sokoto State Government and the Federal Government.

‘Government cannot continue to treat the loss of citizens’ lives as isolated incidents when communities are facing killings, insecurity, displacement and preventable tragedies.’

The ADC candidate accused the authorities of failing to demonstrate the level of urgency required to address the security situation, saying many residents were now living in fear.

He stressed that the protection of lives and property remained the most important responsibility of government.

According to him, ‘No amount of infrastructure, commissioning ceremonies or political programmes can compensate for lives lost when citizens are not adequately protected.’

Just as FIFA President Gianni Infantino finds his global empire fracturing under intense pressure from major confederations, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, is learning that in football governance, the walls close in fast. Both men are trapped in grueling political survival bids, watching their core bases of support evaporate amid unprecedented administrative friction.

For Gusau, much like his counterpart at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, the illusion of absolute control has shattered, leaving him to desperately defend a crumbling terrain against institutional forces determined to force a transition.

Public and stakeholder anger against the NFF President peaked following the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which closely followed the Super Eagles missing out on the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

Under Gusau’s leadership, no fewer than four cadet national teams have failed to qualify for their respective continental and global championships. On the same day that the Super Falcons missed their opportunity to automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup, the Flying Eagles suffered a similar fate at the WAFU B Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, where they were defeated 4-1 in the final by the Junior Stallions of Burkina Faso.

Following these setbacks, pressure began to mount on Gusau to step down from his seat. Prominent sports veterans, including former Green Eagles captain Chief Segun Odegbami and ace broadcaster Dr. Danladi Bako, actively led campaigns calling for an overhaul.

Many football stakeholders believe a credible election into the Executive Committee of the NFF will be possible only after a comprehensive restructuring of the country’s football architecture.

Expectedly, reports soon began circulating that the National Sports Commission (NSC) intended to postpone the NFF Elective Congress in order to install a temporary three-month Normalisation Committee. This development triggered intense debate across Nigeria’s sports community. Names of various stakeholders-including immediate past NFF President Amaju Pinnick-were linked in reports to the proposed committee. Although the NSC neither confirmed nor denied these plans, speculation persisted, leaving Gusau with little choice but to launch a defensive campaign to safeguard his position and his hopes for a second term.

While an administrative overhaul is being discussed, stakeholders, legal experts, and lawmakers have raised critical questions regarding such a move. The foremost concern is whether an NSC directive of this nature would violate global regulations against government interference, given FIFA’s strict stance against third-party or political meddling in national associations. Many fear that direct intervention could trigger an international ban.

Furthermore, because Nigerian law and independent NFF statutes frequently clash, legal experts question the precise framework under which an election scheduled by an independent NFF Electoral Committee could be unilaterally cancelled. Weighing in on the matter, the Senate Committee on Sports cautioned that any action must strictly respect both domestic laws and FIFA regulations.

Additionally, some analysts question whether a temporary three-month committee could meaningfully address long-standing structural issues, such as the flawed Electoral College, weak grassroots development, and deteriorating domestic league infrastructure.

From Normalisation Committee to EFCC, ICPC probe

Gusau’s situation worsened when the football federation disclosed that it was under investigation by anti-graft agencies, specifically the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

These bodies are examining the potential mismanagement of the N12 billion Federal Government intervention fund approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January 2024. The fund was intended to clear outstanding financial obligations across Nigeria’s national teams, including 15 months of salaries owed to Super Eagles coaches and payments due to the senior men’s, senior women’s, and Flying Eagles squads.

Public scrutiny intensified after the legal firm Cromwell and Okeke filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request seeking public disclosure regarding how the funds were spent. The NFF formally declined the request, stating it could not release the documentation while the EFCC and ICPC audits were ongoing.

These investigations became public knowledge shortly after reports surfaced that the NSC and key football stakeholders had taken their concerns to the Presidency, urging Gusau to step down to avoid further disruption to Nigerian football.

Observers note that while the anti-graft probes aim to ensure financial accountability, they also add significant political pressure on the NFF President. Allegations continue to linger that despite the government intervention funds, several national teams remain owed over N1.5 billion in camp allowances and qualification bonuses.

While FIFA strictly frowns upon political interference in football administration, it draws a clear distinction between administrative meddling and state investigations into financial crimes. Local agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC maintain full legal authority to investigate financial improprieties, freeze bank accounts, and prosecute violations of state laws without triggering FIFA sanctions. Consequently, Gusau remains fully exposed to legal process should investigations find evidence of financial misappropriation.

‘There should be no vendetta’

Commenting on the ongoing developments, a former NFF presidential candidate speaking to Weekend Trust Sports on condition of anonymity noted that while administrative reform through a Normalisation Committee could offer a path forward, any transition must be handled transparently and without personal malice.

The source highlighted that long-standing dissatisfaction with the composition of the NFF Electoral College has historically restricted broader participation from competent stakeholders.

‘I think the agitation largely has to do with the NFF Electoral College as it is composed today. It limits participation and locks the door against many Nigerians competent and interested in contributing their quota to the development of football, by way of being part of the Executive Committee.

‘In the past, a lot of Ministers bought the idea but were unable to take any action because of blackmail about FIFA banning Nigeria or things like that.

‘I do not understand or know the premise the present agitation or intention is all about. I only hope it is not vendetta,’ he said.

He emphasised that any transition mechanism should be grounded in fairness to the current board and carried out with explicit FIFA endorsement to ensure long-term stability for Nigerian football.

‘I do not think that going that route in its entirety is a bad idea but I want it to be premised on fairness to the present board and if they are found wanting, why not?

‘I am only emphasising that if it so happens there is the endorsement of FIFA, if it does not frown at it, it will go a long way in advancing our football,’ he said.

Gusau now finds himself facing intense pressure on two distinct fronts: widespread calls for his resignation following national team failures, and ongoing scrutiny from state anti-corruption agencies.

NFF apologises over Women AFCON setback

Though Gusau has not personally made a public statement regarding the crisis surrounding his office, he had, on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, the Super Falcons and the entire Nigerian football family, apologised to the government and people of Nigeria following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a direct qualification ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the ongoing 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The NFF, in a statement said, ‘We recognise the disappointment this result has caused millions of Nigerians who passionately support and identify with the Super Falcons. The team went into the competition carrying the hopes of the nation and the enormous goodwill and support of the Federal Government, and we regret that we were unable to deliver the result expected at this stage. We wish to extend a special and heartfelt apology to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this disappointment.

‘Mr. President has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Nigerian sports and, particularly, to the development and welfare of women in sports. The football family will not forget the unprecedented recognition and rewards extended to the Super Falcons following their previous WAFCON triumph, including substantial financial rewards, national honours, houses and an extraordinary reception.

‘His administration has also continued to support and reward excellence across Nigerian football, including the Super Eagles. These gestures went beyond material rewards; they demonstrated the value Mr. President places on our athletes and his belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire Nigerians.

‘It is therefore with genuine humility and regret that we acknowledge that we have not been able to repay that confidence with the outcome expected at this stage of the competition. We sincerely apologise to Mr. President and deeply appreciate his continued interest, encouragement and investment in Nigerian football.

‘We also apologise to the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, our sponsors, stakeholders and, most importantly, the millions of Nigerian supporters at home and around the world.

‘To everyone who prayed, encouraged, travelled, watched and stood behind the Super Falcons, we share your disappointment. A window of opportunity remains through the CAF play-off pathway, and the Super Falcons are determined to fight for one of the two available CAF play-off tickets and subsequently pursue qualification through the FIFA play-off tournament.

‘We must now regroup, learn from this setback and focus completely on the opportunity that remains. The NFF, technical team and players are committed to doing everything within their power to secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.’

It added, ‘We owe this commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the Nigerian people, to the generations of Super Falcons who built this great legacy and, most importantly, to the young Nigerian girls who dream of representing their country on the world stage.

‘The NFF will also undertake an honest assessment of our preparation, technical planning, logistics and overall operations, with a determination to identify areas requiring improvement and ensure that the team is better prepared for the challenges ahead. We hear the disappointment of Nigerians, we share it and we accept our responsibility. But we are not giving up.

‘Our resolve is to ensure that the Super Falcons return stronger, fight harder and do everything possible to make Mr. President, the Federal Government and Nigerians proud once again.

‘We sincerely thank Nigerians for their unwavering support and urge everyone to continue to stand with the Super Falcons as we pursue the remaining route to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.’

Four members of the same family have lost their lives after a meal in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement on Saturday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said has the government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

He said the family members died after the consumption of a local delicacy identified as Amala.

He said the directive was given by Gov. Ahmed Ododo, who described the incident as deeply troubling.

According to Fanwo, the governor had directed the Commissioner for Health to commence an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with specific focus on the possibility of food poisoning or contamination.

‘The Chief Servant is deeply concerned by this tragic incident and has directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with particular attention to the possibility of food poisoning or food contamination,’ Fanwo stated.

He added that the investigation would seek to establish the facts and determine whether the food consumed by the deceased was contaminated, or if any other medical or environmental factor contributed to the deaths.

He noted that relevant samples and available evidence would be examined in line with established public health procedures.

The government also concerned by reports that the family’s dog died after consuming the same meal, adding that the development would be included in the scope of the investigation.

He said the governor had mandated the Ministry of Health to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure the probe was thorough and that appropriate public health measures were implemented based on the findings.

‘The Government urges members of the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths until the investigation is concluded and the facts are established by the relevant authorities,’ Fanwo stated.

The governor commiserated with the bereaved family and the people of Ihima over the painful loss, and prayed that God would grant them strength and comfort.

He assured residents of Kogi State that the government would release further information to the public as soon as verified facts emerge from the ongoing investigation.

The incident occurred in Ihima, headquarters of Okehi LGA in Kogi Central Senatorial District. (NAN)