The Nigerian and Italian football community are in deep mourning. This follows the shocking and sudden passing of footballer, Emmanuel King Okoye.
The 25-year-old midfielder collapsed during a match on Wednesday.
Okoye was on a visit to family in Nigeria when the tragic incident which took his life occured.
Police Department reports from Notiziario del Calcio and the City of Canicattini said that the footballer sustained a serious head injury in a collision on the field. He collapsed as a result of the impact.
All efforts to revive him by emergency responders proved futile. He passed.
Okoye’s passing has shocked his fans in Italy where the footballer spent much of his playing career with various amateur clubs which include Acri, Palmese, Trebisacce, Tricarico Pozzo di Sicar, Campora, San Fili, and Promosport.
Paying a tribute to its former player, Canicattini Calcio said, “The Pol.D. City of Canicattini is in mourning. Yesterday, April 29, while participating in a match in Nigeria – during what was meant to be a time of peace and family gathering – former Canary striker Emmanuel King Okoye tragically lost his life at the tender age of 25.
“A former player of Acri and Palmese, Emmanuel donned the Giallorossi jersey during the 2018-2019 season. He was known for his dedication, integrity, and love for the game.
“Now, only memories remain, from the outstanding goal he scored in Mazzarrone to the close bond he shared with Massimo Ficara, another angel—like him—who left us far too soon.
“The president, management, coaching staff, and all Canarian athletes extend their condolences to the Okoye family. Farewell, Emmanuel.”
Okoye is the second footballer of Nigerian origin to pass away within the past week. A few days ago, former Super Eagles and Esperance striker Michael Eneramo collapsed and died on the pitch in Ungwan Yelwa, Kaduna.
Just days after Nollywood Actor, Solomon Akiyesi passed on, the Nigeria Movie Industry has again lost Aki na Ukwa Actress, Oby Kechere.
The actress famously known as Ms. Koi Koi for her role in the hit comedy, Aki na Ukwa, died on April 27, 2026, following a prolonged illness.
Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following her untimely passing, and colleagues are honouring her contribution to Nollywood.
The news of her passing was announced by the Guild of Nigeria Actors, DGN, on Friday, May 1, 2026, on its official Instagram page.
Sharing a picture of the actress, the Guild’s, National President, Uche Agbo, wrote: “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Madam Cecilia Oby Kechere, Vice Chairman of the DGN Abuja Chapter”.
“On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire DGN family, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all members of the Abuja Chapter in this difficult time. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
According to reports, the thespian had complained of chest pain just hours before his death.
Her fans have taken to their Social Media handles to pay tribute.
Jessica Chukwu commented: “Chai, onwu, I love that movie she acted alongside pawpaw, aki and amechi monagor, where she was miss koikoi, she was aki and pawpaws teacher and later started dating their father.”
Ugwu Lord Ugwu said, “She speaks with so much eloquence and charisma… We shall surely miss her on the screen. Goodnight Miss koi koi.”
De Octillion PerfectPrince Icardi on his part commented: “All our nollywood legend’s just they go one by one rip ma, beautiful woman.”
Bright EO also commented : “Last was Solomon Akinyesi now Oby Kechere?? Madam Social in Isakaba pt3 & 4.”
tyson98 on his part wrote: “Rest in peace….we all live to die some day na just different bus stops we get to alright from.”
Trouble Sleep, Yanga Wake Am: President Tinubu and the ruling APC seem to be playing with fire. As one wrote this, Fela’s immortal lines keep playing in my head:
“when trouble Sleep, Yanga go wake am, wetin he dey fine, palava, e dey fine, palava e go get oh, palava, e go get.”
The Afrobeat icon sang these lines 54 years ago warning about willful stirring of the hornet’s nest. It’s about one courting trouble and living dangerously and indeed, recklessly without heeding to wisdom.
This seems to be what President Bola Tinubu is on to in the head up to the 2027 elections.
The APC and President Tinubu have clearly adopted a scorch earth stratagem to infiltrate and disrupt opposition political parties. The ultimate goal is to ensure that serious opposition candidates do not get in the ballot. It seems like “Operation bar then from the ballot.”
Of course the APC and its leader, Tinubu have denied this vile tactic but it has happened too many times for it to be coincidental.
The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, was crushed by this demonic method; right before the eyes of Nigerians. The Labour Party which featured the inimitable and formidable candidate, Mr Peter Obi as flag bearer in 2023 was destroyed and disheveled by the same shenanigans of unleashing shadowy nincompoops obviously on the payroll of the ruling party. The LP was embroiled in an endless, orchestra of court cases until Mr Obi had to leave the fold.
The sad irony was that both the courts and the INEC seemed to be in cahoots with the paid scallywags used for the dirty jobs for as soon as Mr. Obi left the party, both the courts and the electoral umpire immediately released the chokehold and allowed the party to breathe once again.
Today, the battle has shifted to the burgeoning coalition, Africa Democratic Congress (ADC).
A nonentity has been suborned to muck-rake in the ADC. The dark crow of a fellow woke up one morning to proclaim he never resigned. And indeed, being vice chairman of the party, he was in line to succeed the chairman of the party. A myriad of court cases were instigated solely to cripple and distract the ADC at this critical juncture of party convention and primaries.
Of course, the ruling party denies it has no hand in the crises bedeviling the opposition folds, but that is just hiding behind a finger. This column can see through the ruse. So is nigh all Nigerians seeing through the smokescreen. They know the genie behind the mayhem.
President Bola Tinubu
DESTROYING DEMOCRACY: In going through this devious route, INEC and the judiciary are coerced and dragged in. Not in recent history have important institutions of state been so damaged.
The handwriting is on the wall. Democracy is tied to the stakes. Nigerians watch as the ruling party connives to shrink the democratic spaces and plot a one party state.
It has become obvious that both the president and his party are in panic mode.
A FARCICAL GOVERNMENT: APC has rendered a most abysmal performance, or shall we call it an abysmal non-performance, over the past three years. The populace is disillusioned. Nigerians are virtually roaring to vote out this farcical government. Before the eyes of Nigerians, their world has become a surreal nightmare.
A so-called reform has turned out to be the hallucinations of a mangled mind. The economy has contracted just as the people have atrophied. All economic indices have fallen so much that even data manipulation, which is the hallmark of this administration, can no longer be sustained.
Today, it seems the only miracle that would save the Tinubu administration from an electoral shellack in 2027 is to make sure no credible opposition is on the ballot against President Tinubu. But that too is trouble.
TINUBU PLAYING WITH FIRE: To try to block the main opposition from contesting in the coming election is akin to playing with fire.
The coalition of politicians in the ADC are way too big and too many to be shut down by the ruling party without getting a bloody fight in return. In fact, without getting a bloody nose.
This needs to be said and said clearly too without trifling or shuffling. There portends a danger of a serious national upheaval if the ruling party and its leaders persist in trying to scuttle opposition.
Nigerians are already totally disillusioned and on the cliff’s edge. The populace is as it were, a tinderbox waiting to conflagrate.
The President and his party goons must recall their hounds out there scheming to kill the ADC. Any more assault on the main opposition coalition could arouse the beast in the streets. It is an augury seeming at once dark and scarlet.
LAST LINE: NIGERIA’S PAGAN POLICE:
It is often said that if you want to know the civility quotient of a country, observe her police at work.
And to say the least, the Nigeria Police at work is an ugly sight to behold.
From junk operational vehicles to scruffy, unregulated uniforms and boots. Add to that, sordid roadblocks solely for the purpose of taking bribes and even making change openly. (Can’t the IGP at least stop his men from making change at checkpoints in full view of the world? It’s the most perverse sight one ever beheld!).
The brutal murder of the young man in Effurun Delta State by the police a couple of days ago, is just a tip of the rot in the force.
While the IGP has scurried to some ad-hoc, face- saving measures, it only proves that nothing has changed since the #EndSARS protests.
As this column once pointed out, it’s a pagan police force Nigeria has today and we wager that it’s beyond any IGP to carry out the required institutional surgery. At least not this one. Sorry to say, he’s a part of the woodwork.
The Lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State at the National Assembly, Hon Leke Abejide, has resigned his membership of the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC.
The development is coming just within 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission restored the recognition for the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee, NEC, of the ADC , following the Supreme Court’s judgment of Thursday April 30,2026 .
However, the Kogi state-born federal legislator is leaving without
accomplishing the task allegedly assigned to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
The source reports that in a viral video online, recently, Gbajabiamila had directed Hon Abejide to stay put in the embattled ADC ,and further disrupt its activities.
“I know you to be a good fight. Don’t leave the party ,stay , fight and scatter them” Gbajabiamila had allegedly admonished Abejide.
But at an interactive session with the media on Friday, May I,2026 in Abuja, Abejide said he has decided to migrate from what he described as the broken bricks in the ADC to a cornerstone in a better political party with a strong structure capable of benefiting his people.
“I joined ADC, nurtured it to national recognition as a political party with representation in both national and state assemblies.
“The party’s structure was funded by me as the then national leader which I have willingly relinquished to the current national chairman, Honourable Nafiu Bala Gombe ,and I wish him good luck as he continues to fight for his right in court.
” I have decided to change the broken bricks in the ADC ,and become a cornerstone in a better political party with a strong structure that will benefit my people.
“The decision is a painful but necessary one to save my political future from those who came to destroy my former party that I laboured hard to nurture and loved dearly”, he stated.
Although he didn’t disclose his next destination, there are strong indications that he may be headed for the All Progressive Congress, APC.
He has however urged his supporters and loyalists to be patient as they will soon hear from him concerning his future.
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, on a 15-day visit to Kenya, Rwanda and France.
This is contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Friday in Abuja.
President Tinubu’s first stop will be in France, after which he will depart for Nairobi, Kenya, to attend the Africa-France Summit scheduled to begin next week.
Co-chaired by President Emmanuel Macron and President William Ruto, the summit focuses on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, restructuring of global financing architecture, and climate action.
President Tinubu’s participation at the summit from May 11th to May 12th. will underscore Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with African nations and the French Republic.
The summit, with the theme – “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” – will provide a high-level platform for African leaders and their French counterparts to deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent, including economic transformation, climate resilience, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, technological advancement, and peace-building initiatives.
At the end of the Kenyan summit, President Tinubu will depart for Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the annual Africa CEO Forum, taking place between May 14th and 15th.
With the theme “Scale or Fail”, this year’s Africa CEO Forum will be the largest gathering of African private sector leaders, investors, and policymakers, focusing on accelerating economic transformation through shared scale, regional integration, and increased cross-border investment.
Held in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the summit brings together over 2,000 top executives and national leaders to debate strategies for building resilient, competitive industries.
At the two summits, President Tinubu will deliver statements highlighting his administration’s ongoing reforms to reposition the nation as a prime destination for investment and growth.
He will also hold high-level meetings with top-tier global and African business leaders.
President Tinubu will be accompanied on the trip by some of his ministers and senior aides. He will return to Nigeria at the end of the Rwanda summit.
The Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has allayed fears that the spiraling cost of aviation fuel (Jet A1 fuel) could truncate the smooth airlift of intending Muslim pilgrims to the Holy Land of Mecca, Saudi Arabia
This is as he assured of Federal Government’s intervention to mitigate the impact of the global surge in prices of aviation on the industry ahead of the airlifting of pilgrims.
The Source reports that there have been palpable apprehension over the possibility that the 2026 Hajj exercise could be severely hampered owing to the operational difficulties being faced by industry operators due mainly to the high cost of Jet 1 fuel used by aircrafts.
Major stakeholders had raised serious concern and doubts about industry operators breaking even in the face of the current challenges going by the terms of their subsisting contract with the authorities as regards the airlift operations.
According to them, while the contract cost entered into had the cost of aviation fuel fixed at N1000 per litre, the product now sells at about N2000 per litre ,thus, making it impossible for operators to meet up.
But a statement on Friday May 1, 2026, from Fatima Sanda, its spokesperson, quoted the NAHCON Chairman as assuring that the Commission is presently engaging all relevant stakeholders within the aviation industry on how to ensure a seamless and efficient airlift exercise.
The Commission dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that contracted airlines and carriers have pulled out from this year’s Hajj exercise owing to challenges.
While acknowledging the challenges, NAHCON however, maintained that claims suggesting airlines unwillingness to participate in the Hajj operations are not in tandem with the ongoing collaborative efforts between the Government and operators.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all necessary arrangements are progressing as planned, and the inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj exercise is scheduled for May 3, 2026”, the Commission stated.
According to the NAHCON Chairman, the Federal Government’s intervention is primarily aimed at striking a balance by way of ensuring that airlines involved in the airlifting do not operate at a loss and at the same time avoiding heaping excessive burdens on pilgrims.
Workers in Bayelsa State have demanded for domestication and implementation of the new Federal Government approved increase of salaries, estacodes, duty tour and other allowances of civil servants in the state.
This was as a result of Federal Government approval of upward review of salaries, and allowances of all civil servants on the consolidated public salary structures (CONPSS) and Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS).
The workers under the umbrella bodies of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and The Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a joint address presented during the 2026 Workers Day Celebration at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, also demanded for the timely approval, conduct and implantation of financial benefits of promotions.
Delivering the address on behalf of the two unions, the state chairman of NLC, Comr. Barnabas Simon in company of his counterpart in TUC, Comr. Edwin Fefegha, appealed for the implementation of annual increment for all category of workers.
He stated that there is urgent need for a new housing scheme for workers in Bayelsa State, saying the economic realities at the moment have made it very difficult for an average worker to cope with the high cost of house rent in the state.
“Most workers cannot afford to rent a decent accommodation talk more of building or owing houses. No thanks to the hike in the cost of building materials”.
He also demanded for implementation of the 25 percent and 35 percent salary arrears and employment of Non-academic staff at the post primary subsector and provisions of uniform allowance for Nurses and other professional health workers.
The labour leader appealed for extension of grade level 10 entry point to all graduate nurses and implementation of the new N80,000 minimum wage for staff of Bayelsa State fire service
Responding to the demands of the workers, the governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri reiterated his commitment towards civil service in the state, saying it’s important to honor workers for there is dignity in labour, “dignity in everything that we do”.
Governor Diri pointed out that, “every year we celebrate the dignity of labour and the extraordinary partnership that is delivering unprecedented prosperity to our people, the people of Bayelsa state, and to every hard-working employee of government, both man and woman, the public and in the private sectors whose toil sustains our state.”
He further said “our civil servants who keep the ministries of government running, our teachers who mould the minds of this generation and indeed the next generation, to our house workers who safeguard our lives, to our security agencies who keep watch.”
Governor emphasized that there is peace and security in Bayelsa state, “to every artisan, farmers and professionals in the private sectors, your dedication and selfless service are the bedrock of our progress, and we remain profoundly grateful.
“The strides we have made together bear eloquent testimony to the strength of unity and the power of a common purpose and synergy between the government of assured prosperity and the workers in Bayelsa State. We call on all Bayelsans and all residents to join us,
“Of these six years’ journey towards assured prosperity, we place our trust in your goodwill and ultimately in God. Your patience, your understanding, and your partnership to fulfill the sacred mandate bestowed on us.
“You have not failed the government of prosperity. Together, we have recorded milestones that speak for themselves from roads that now connect once isolated communities to schools that inspire learning, science and technical colleges.
“To hospitals that restore health, and to investments that create jobs. These are not merely government projects. They are the force of partnership between labor and the government of assured prosperity.
“Collective dedication coupled with the prudent management of public resources has delivered these outcomes for our people who truly deserve them. For me, prompt payment of salaries is an obvious function of government”.
As part of their request, the governor directed that 108 housing units be given to the civil servants in the state.
African Democratic Congress (ADC) has observed that the Federal Government has failed to provide meaningful intervention to cushion the impact of inflation on Nigerian workers.
It criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a failure to protect Nigerian workers from worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and limited job opportunities.
In a Workers’ Day statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, the ADC stated that a government that cannot guarantee safety, create jobs, or stabilise the cost of living is a government that is failing its workers.
The party maintained that many Nigerians are working harder but earning less, as inflation continues to erode wages and the cost of living rises across key sectors, including food, housing, transport, and energy.
The party attributed the situation to policy failures, arguing that insecurity has disrupted farming and business activity, while job creation has not kept pace with the growing workforce.
The party stressed that Nigerian workers are not asking for charity but fairness, adding that “a nation that does not reward work cannot build prosperity.”
The ADC expressed its belief that the dignity of labour must be matched by the dignity of reward, stressing that “This requires an economy that is deliberately structured to create jobs, support enterprise, and ensure that productivity translates into real income for workers.
“On this Workers’ Day, the African Democratic Congress stands in solidarity with millions of Nigerian workers whose daily effort sustains this country, even as the system, under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to fail them.
“Across Nigeria today, workers are doing more and earning less. Rising costs of food, transport, housing, and energy have eroded the value of Nigerian workers daily and monthly wages.
“For many, hard work no longer guarantees stability, dignity, or upward mobility. This is not sustainable. And it is not acceptable.
“This hardship is not accidental. It is the direct consequence of policy choices and governance failures by the APC. Insecurity remains widespread, making it difficult for farmers to produce and for businesses to operate.
” Job creation has stalled at a time when millions of young Nigerians are entering the workforce. The cost of living continues to rise without any meaningful or sustained intervention to cushion its impact on workers.
“That is why, as a party, our commitment is clear: to drive job creation by unlocking key sectors of the economy, especially agriculture, manufacturing, and services; to restore security as a foundation for economic activity, ensuring that Nigerians can work, farm, and do business without fear; to stabilise the macroeconomic environment so that wages can regain their value.
“It will also reduce the cost of living by addressing inflation at its roots, from food production to energy supply; to support small and medium-sized businesses, which remain the largest employers of labour in Nigeria; and to ensure that policies are designed with the Nigerian worker at the centre, not as an afterthought. Workers are not asking for charity. They are asking for fairness. What they have received instead is neglect.”
A presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has paid tribute to workers across the world, with a special focus on Nigerian workers, describing them as the backbone of every nation and critical to national development.
In a message to commemorate International Workers’ Day, Obi commended the resilience and sacrifices of Nigerian workers, noting that despite harsh economic realities, they continue to sustain families, institutions, and the broader economy.
He expressed concern over what he described as the declining value of labour in the country, stating that the current minimum wage no longer guarantees even a modest standard of living. According to him, rising inflation, food prices, and transportation costs have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power, leaving many unable to meet basic needs.
Obi emphasised that no nation can develop beyond the strength and wellbeing of its workforce, stressing that productivity and progress are rooted in the quality and commitment of human capital. He warned that when workers suffer, the nation inevitably bears the consequences, but noted that empowering workers would lead to national prosperity.
The former Anambra State governor also highlighted the political power of workers, urging them to utilise their voice and vote to influence governance. He called on Nigerian workers to support leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion.
Obi further encouraged workers to reject corruption, poor governance, and divisive politics, insisting that collective action can help build a nation where hard work is respected and fairly rewarded.
He concluded by reiterating that a truly productive nation must be founded on justice, fairness, and respect for labour, urging citizens to work together toward achieving such a society.
In a move widely perceived as daring the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, some elders of the All Progressive Congress, APC have procured the expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State
This is as Honourable Kingsley Chinda, popular as O.K., a member of the House of Representatives, and an ally and confidante of Nyesom Wike, has, also purchased the forms. A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, like Wike, Chinda is, however, expected to run under Wike’s Rainbow Coalition – a Coalition of PDP and APC members in the State.
The source reports that following the protracted crisis of confidence between Governor Fubara and his political godfather, Wike has insisted on not being part of any moves for the re-election bid of his protege.
In the wake of the bitter political acrimony which began in 2023, the FCT Minister had publicly declared that allowing Fubara to return for a second term will signal his political death.
Consequently, unconfirmed reports had speculated that one of the key points of the last truce brokered for the twosome by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was that , Fubara will not seek a second term in office.
The APC’s failure to formally welcome Governor Fubara, months after he defected from the Peoples Democratic party PDP, had served to accentuate the belief that there may be an agreement for the Governor not to re-contest.
But while announcing the purchase of gubernatorial form Fubara on Friday, a delegation headed by a Member of the House of Representatives ,Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives said the decision was taken by major party stakeholders across the 23 local councils of Rivers state, alongside former Rivers House of Assembly Leader and ex-Commissioner for Education, Tamunosisi Gogo and others.
Speaking on behalf of the group Abiante said:
“Their action was driven by the “yearnings and aspirations” of Rivers people who he said are calling on Governor Fubara to seek another term in office.
“They argued that the governor’s performance over the past three years has positioned him as a stabilising force in the state’s political landscape. According to the forum, his administration has helped steer Rivers ‘out of the woods’ and restore a measure of order and confidence in governance.
“The decision to purchase these forms is a direct response to widespread calls from across the state urging the governor to continue his leadership,” a member of the delegation said, adding that Fubara’s leadership style has resonated with many residents.
The group also said it would fully support the re-election of Bola Tinubu as President of Nigeria. The support aligns with the broader agenda of the APC at the national level.
However, Governor Fubara has not declared his interest as regards his re-election bid.
According to Abiante, the move is in the best interest of Rivers state and its residents, noting that it also signposts the growing confidence reposed in Governor Fubara by the people.
“This is not new. Even at the national level , stakeholders had in the past procured nomination forms for their preferred candidates.
” It is a democratic tradition rooted in collective will . It is not about how deep your pocket is . It is about what the people feel. And the people of Rivers state have made their position clear: they want continuity” Abiante stated .
This is as he insisted that Governor Fubara never sent nor influenced the stakeholders in their action.
He also informed that the forms will be formally presented the Governor later on Friday.
For the records, another APC chieftain, Tonye Cole, who is an ally of former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, has, also purchased the Governorship forms. He will run under the APC.
At the time of reporting, neither the FCT Minister nor any of his associates has reacted to the development
