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Arokodare Salvage Draw For Super Eagles Against Russia

June 7, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

A 74th minute strike from Tolu Arokodare was all the Coach Eric Chelle-led Super Eagles needed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Russia in the much anticipated International Friendly Match.

The equalizer from Arokodare silenced the vociferous Russia fans at the 75,000 Luzhinski Stadium in Moscow, giving the Super Eagles fans a voice.

Despite the fact that a number of Super Eagles players pulled out of the Friendly due to the Islamic Eid El Kabir celebration, personal and family issues, the Super Eagles gave a good account of themselves, having gone a goal down courtesy of an own goal by Oluwasemilogo Ajayi in the 26th minute.

The Russians had started the match like a house on fire, mounting pressure on Nigerian side, who were able to curtail the attacking prowess of their host by absorbing the pressure and gradually getting into the match.

Chelle started the Match with Maduka Okoye in goal, while the pair of Captain, William Troost Ekong, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi played at the centre of the defense, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi playing in the left and right wing of the defense.

Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche and Moses Simon in the Midfield, while Victor Boniface led the attack.

The best chance of the Super Eagles came late in the first half when Dele-Bashiru saw his right strike saved by Russian, Goaltender, Vladimir Safanov.

Russia grew into the game as they led the game into the second half before substitute, Arokodare scored the much deserved equalizer.

The Super Eagles are now gearing up for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Warriors of Zimbabwe in July 2025.

Obi Decries Five-Year Salary Arrears for UNIZIK Staff, Urges Federal Government to Act

The Source

June 7, 2025

Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the plight of a group of teaching and non-teaching staff at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who have reportedly gone without salaries for five years.

Obi made the call after meeting with the affected staff, who narrated their “shocking and heartbreaking” ordeal. The workers, employed between 2019 and 2020, revealed that despite their valid appointments, they have been excluded from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), rendering them ineligible to receive their lawful earnings.

According to Obi, the situation is not merely a case of delayed salaries but one of total exclusion from the federal payroll system. “They have written petitions and appealed to various bodies, both within and outside Nigeria, yet the situation remains unchanged,” he said.

The consequences of the prolonged salary denial have been dire. The former governor recounted harrowing stories shared by the staff, including evictions from homes, family breakdowns, untreated medical conditions, and in some tragic instances, the death of colleagues who could not afford basic healthcare.

Obi condemned the situation as a reflection of systemic neglect, noting that while the nation continues to decry the poor state of its education sector, the basic obligation of paying educational workers is being ignored. “This is not just a labour issue; it is a moral and humanitarian one,” he asserted.

He urged the Federal Government to take swift and decisive action by enrolling the affected staff onto the IPPIS platform without further delay and ensuring that all outstanding arrears are promptly paid.

“A nation that neglects its educators and university staff undermines its own future,” Obi warned. “Their dignity, like that of every Nigerian worker, must be protected.”

The situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University adds to growing concerns over the welfare of academic and non-academic staff across Nigeria’s public universities, many of whom have faced salary delays, inadequate funding, and poor working conditions.

“You Won’t Regret Decision To Join APC, Uzodimma Tells Akwa Ibom Governor”

The Source

June 7, 2025

Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Sen Hope Uzodimma has told his brother Governor Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, that he will not regret his decision to dump the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Uzodimma spoke at the Akwa Ibom Government House on Friday where he was joined by eight other APC Governors to receive Governor Eno into the APC at an enlarged stakeholders meeting.

“You will not regret this decision to join the Progressives. We are willing, able and capable. We are happy to receive you. It is a home coming for you. We will support you. The President, the leader of our Party will support you. The National Assembly under the leadership of your brother, the Senate President Goodwill Akpabio will support you. We will support Akwa Ibom State,” Governor Uzodimma said.

Governor Uzodimma said that President Tinubu’s reforms have started yielded the desired results and explained that like minds are needed to join him to turn things around completely in the country.

He said Governor Eno has proven to be one of like minds as the Progressives Governors.

Governor Uzodimma explained that Akwa Ibom will never be the same again following the decision of the Governor and the leaders of the State to link up to the national political grid, noting that “rather than interpret what happened as defection, I see it as a movement, a progressive decision.”

He commended the Governor for consulting both widely and wisely with the critical Akwa Ibom State stakeholders, explaining that the quality of persons who attended the defection meeting said it all.

Also, Governor Uzodimma saluted Governor Eno’s performance so far in Akwa Ibom State, explaining that he owed it to the Governor’s organisational mind.

Earlier in his speech, Governor Eno said that he sees his new Party as a vehicle to continue to provide services to the people of Akwa Ibom State and to unite them the more.

He noted that he believes in a united Akwa Ibom State and that whatever platform he finds himself in will be used to advance that course.

Governor Eno lauded the transformation reforms of President Tinubu, and insisted that “for the sake of Tinubu for 2027,” he is glad to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President to deepen the economic and social reforms in the country, and in the interest of Akwa Ibom State.

He reiterated his earlier call on his aides to join him to his new political platform, saying, ” I demand from my first eleven total loyalty and I would want them to join me. I demand complete loyalty.”

Governor Eno thanked Mr, President, the Governors, the Akwa Ibom State leaders, the leaders of all the Parties in the State and everyone who showed solidarity to his new thinking, saying others who are thinking differently now will see reason shortly.

The highpoint of the event was the formal defection of all the Governor’s members of the State Executive Council, the Chairmen of all the Local Government Areas in the State, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the National Assembly from Akwa Ibom.

Governor Uzodimma and his colleagues thereafter handed over to Governor Eno the symbolic APC broom just as the Governor replaced his cap with that of Renewed Hope.

Other Progressives Governors who attended the event include: Governors Babajide Sanwolu (Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Bassey Otu (Cross River).

The Senate President was represented by his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio while the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was also in attendance.

The Chairmen of the APC from adjoining States, key leaders like former Administrator of the State, Group Capt Sam Ewan, former Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere, Sen Effiong Bob, former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Don Etiebet, and too others too numerous to mention.

Millions Of Naira Lost, As Fire Engulfs Popular Kano GSM Market

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 6, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A daylight inferno has razed no fewer than 250 shops and business premises with goods and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed at the popular and ever busy Kano GSM market at the Farm Centre area of the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria.

The fire incident which some eye witness account said occurred at about 2.00 pm on Friday, June 6, reportedly began from the Dan Sileka building inside the market, causing significant damage, and huge losses to over 1000 persons.

According to one insider- source, although between 250 and 300 shops mostly those containing mobile phones and accessories are believed to be involved, there are however over a thousand affected operators.

According him, each of the shops at the large GSM market ,close to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, office,

Kano State Council, are being occupied by, in some cases, over three persons.

It is not, however, clear as to what may have ignited the noon inferno.

As at the time of reporting, a combined team of Kano state Fire Service personnel ,and other security outfits, and public spirited individuals and bodies were still engaged in some clearance and rescue efforts.

The firefighters’ swift response prevented a further spread of the fire to many parts of the market.

According to Adamu Iliyasu the spokesperson for the host local council of Tarauni ,the Executive Chairman, Ahmed Sekure, was among early visitors to the market immediately the incident began .

While expressing his sincere sympathies and solidarity with victims of the inferno, the Local Council Chairman, harped on the imperativeness of adopting proactive steps forestalling such incidents.

Chairman of the traders association of the market Abdulaziz Usman Mai Tabarma, while appreciating the timely response and concern of Sekure ,the Kano state fire Service and others assured that efforts will be made to determine the cause(s) of the fire with a view to preventing a repeat occurrence.

Eid-el Kabir: President Tinubu Calls For Prayers In Support Of Security Agencies, Vulnerables

Ayodele Oni

June 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu on Friday, joined others for prayers at the Eid ground, Dodan Barracks in Lagos as Muslims celebrate Eid-el Kabir.

The president, while speaking to Reporters, called for more prayers for the military and security agencies currently making sacrifices to keep the nation safe, particularly those confronting terrorists and bandits.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, while quoting the president, stated that security agencies and vulnerable citizens should top prayer list.

“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice. We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone.

“We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today.

“We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens.”

At the prayer ground, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, urged the Muslim faithful to remember and reflect on Abraham’s sacrificial life.

“The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not men.”

The Chief Imam called on worshipers to live in peace and consider the needs of their neighbours, the poor and vulnerable.

“If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress.

“We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments.”

Along with President Tinubu, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, as well as the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat, and the former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, were at the prayer ground.

Also at the Eid ground were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; the Group Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu; and President Tinubu’s friend and longtime ally, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo.

Sanwo-Olu Absent At Tinubu’s Lagos Event

The Source

June 6, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

Why was the Governor of Lagos State absent at President Bola Tinubu’s public events in Lagos on Wednesday? That is the question many people are asking. But an ear to ground would reveal that no thanks to a brewing friction, the Governor kept off, allegedly, to avoid a public embarrassment.

The whispers behind closed doors have suddenly become loud publicly.

It began gradually. In whispers, that the once close relationship between President Bola Tinubu and his political son, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has gone sour. Nobody knew why except for the unconfirmed speculation that the President was upset over the aborted impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

The President, the allegation goes, thinks Sanwo-Olu was behind it, and felt betrayed that the Governor could engineer such without referring to him.

Yet nobody could confirm the state of the relationship- warm, lukewarm or cold.

However, it became obvious, political observers pointed out this other day when the President Commissioned 30 kilometers of the over 700- kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal road.

Even though as required by protocol, Sanwo-Olu was at the Airport to receive the President on his arrival, but President Tinubu, pointedly, in a rather awkward and embarrassing manner, shunned him publicly at the event.

As the President walked the line shaking the hands of Governors present and other dignitaries, he pointedly ignored Sanwo-Olu who had bent double, almost, in respect, to shake the President. But President Tinubu gave him the cold shoulder, skipped him, and shook the Governor of Kogi, Usman Ododo. Not a few people were shocked.

But that was not the only snub suffered by Governor Sanwo-Olu. The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Abiodun was chosen to speak at that occasion well above Sanwo-Olu, who rightly is the host Governor, and more important, Chairman of the South-west Governor’s Forum.

But even then, not a few people were taken aback by Sanwo-Olu’s conspicuous absence at President Tinubu’s flag-off of the reconstruction of the Deep Seaport access road, Epe. His seat, well labeled, was empty, but his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, was present.

He was the one President Tinubu specifically addressed whe he wanted to talk about Lagos; he was the one he kind off gave a message for Sanwo-Olu about the intention of the Federal Government to revoke any Island developed along maritime zones without authorization. Even though that message was ostensibly for all Governors, some people felt it was meant for Sanwo-Olu. I’m glad tye Deputy Governor of Lagos State is here. Take it that we will revoke all.those approvals given on setbacks, and please note that we are serious about it. No more approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally”, the President said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s absence was odd but many felt he wanted to avoid the public embarrassment he suffered on the day the refused to shake his hands. The Governor, however, kept himself busy with other State activities.

NAFDAC Bursts Warehouse With Expired Beverages In Kaduna, Arrests Owner

Ayodele Oni

June 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has detained the owner of some expired beverage products after it uncovered a warehouse in Kaduna State allegedly used to distribute the expired non-alcoholic beverages worth an estimated N35million.

Andrew Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Kaduna, who confirmed the arrest said it followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that acting on the information, operatives intercepted two buses and a Golf wagon loaded with expired products en route to Kwanar Dangora in the Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.

Tamanuwa told journalists that the intercepted beverages included 700 packs of Schweppes and 300 packs of Fanta Orange, all of which were past their expiry dates.

“The vehicles were reportedly tracked and stopped before they could reach their intended distribution point in Kano.

“Following the seizure, the operatives traced the source of the consignment to a warehouse in Kaduna, where more expired products were discovered and evacuated.”

Tamanuwa confirmed that the owner of the expired beverages was arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.

He added that the investigation further uncovered a warehouse on Bayajidda Road in Kaduna, where additional expired beverages were found.

According to Tamanuwa, the seized items included 588 packs of Schweppes, 3,508 packs of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and 87 packs of Fanta Orange.

He noted that the products had expired in November 2024 and were subsequently moved to the agency’s warehouse, pending destruction.

Tamanuwa confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the case.

He urged the public to report any suspicious products, especially during the festive season, to help protect public health and ensure consumer safety.

Tamanuwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to remaining vigilant against expired and harmful products, assuring Nigerians of its dedication to safeguarding their health.

Akwa Ibom Commissioner Resigns, Few Hours After Gov Eno Defection

Ayodele Oni

June 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

“Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign.”

This above quote is from a Commissioner, a few hours after Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday.

The Commissioner, Ini Ememobong, resigned, stating that he could not join the APC.

The Governor had earlier told his Commissioners that anyone not ready to join the APC should be prepared to leave the cabinet.

Ememobong was Commissioner for special duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port before his resignation. The 42 year-old was a former State PDP Publicity Secretary (2016-2020), and later Information Commissioner under former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He explained that he tendered his resignation letter in compliance with the directive of the Governor that any appointee unwilling to follow him to APC should resign.

In a post afterwards he said:

“Behold another bend : Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign.

“While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn. My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors.

“This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port). I have, and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.

“About my history in political and public service, I look back with great satisfaction at the work I have done and leave the ultimate judgement to history and posterity. Given another opportunity, I will do more.

“Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.

“I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding.

“As usual, I do not know the future, but I know HE who holds the future and I trust that at the end, all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are the called unto HIS purpose.”

Police In House-To-House Raid In Edo State, Arrest 28 Cultists

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 6, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo state Police Command, on Friday, June 6, 2025, said it has commenced a meticulous house-to-house search and arrest of suspected cult members and other criminal gangs in the state.

This is just as it announced the apprehension of no few than 28 identified cultists in the ongoing operation.

The Source reports that Edo state, in the past few months, has been battling with an upsurge in cult-related violence, attacks, deaths and destruction of both private and private properties.

This has pushed the State authorities and security agencies, particularly, the police into adopting some tough and far-reaching measures in combating the menace.

A statement on Friday from the Command’s spokesperson, Moses Iyamu, informed that the house-to-house search is one of the measures conceived to effectively tackle cult-related disturbances and deaths in the state.

According to him, the 28 suspected cultists were arrested during a coordinated raid on some identified flashpoints between 4 pm and 10 pm on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

He explained that the new measure aims to either completely eradicate cultism, cult-related violence and attacks as well as reduce them to the barest minimum.

The police spokesman stated that the house-to-house search and arrest exercise is mostly anchored on the twin policies of visibility policing and community engagement.

According to Iyamu, 19 out of the arrested 28 suspects found culpable after a rigorous screening exercise have been arraigned .

Three of the arrested suspects, he added, during interrogation, admitted to being members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities.

The Command, while advising cult members to voluntarily renounce the practice and be useful and law abiding citizens, however, vowed to sustain its present onslaught on cultists in the state.

Eno, Akwa Ibom Gov, Finally Dumps PDP, Defects To APC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 6, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Governor of Akwa Inom State , Dr Umo Eno on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Uyo ,the State capital completed the process of his entry into the fold of the All Progressive Congress APC.

The brief but remarkable ceremony which was witnessed by some APC Governors led by the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, ended weeks,, of intense speculations and anxiety concerning the political fate of Governor Eno.

Governor Eno explained that the decision to severe relationship with the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, and join forces with the APC is to align Akwa Ibom with political events at the centre.

The decision, he noted is a product of many months of wide and extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders in the state.

This is just as he emphasized that they are defecting not from the position of weakness, but that of huge strength.

“We are not joining the APC from a position of weakness, but from a position of strength .

“We are bringing value to Akwa Ibom State .We have come into APC with a Ministry of reconciliation.

“After completing rounds of consultations as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have, therefore, decided to progressively move to the APC”, Governor Eno stated.

Further speaking, Eno informed that he had, before the defection ceremony, perfected the processes of his formal exit from the PDP, his original political nest.

The Governor was joined in the defection by members of the House of Assembly, the Governor’s Cabinet members, Chairmen and Councillors of Local Government Chairmen.

The Source reports that the defection of the Governor has since the movement of his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, on April 13, 2025, taken the centre stage of political discuss.

However, his defection was not without some tinge of drama and anxiety, occasioned by rumoured opposition from former Governor Emmanuel Udom, and some chieftains of the PDP in the state .

In fact Eno’s defection plans were reportedly openly opposed by not a few in Ikot Abasi ,during a town hall meeting on Thursday.

Other APC Governors on hand to receive Eno ,were those from Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Edo, and Ebonyi states.

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