Home Blog Page 95

Nwabueze, Coordinator Of Alleged Fake Brands Agency Insists It Has Been In Existence For 16 Years

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
George Buchi Nwabueze
George Buchi Nwabueze

By Ayodele Oni

 

The National Coordinator and Executive Director of the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, George Nwabueze, has revealed that the office has been in existence for 16 years.

 

Refuting allegations that the office is fake, Nwabueze declared “Made in Nigeria Special Project Office is a project office in the OSGF.”

 

Nwabueze, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH noted that he oversaw an office which was under the supervision of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, (ICPC) had on Friday said the President had ordered Nwabueze’s arrest for leading and promoting the outfit, which it tagged as a fake federal agency.

 

The ICPC claimed that the accused was running it with the collaboration of senior public servants in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

 

But in his response, he stated that “We don’t know where fake agency comes from. A programme that has been in the SGF’s office since 16 July 2010 was just discovered yesterday (Friday). After 16 years; Nigeria is a funny country.”

 

Nwabueze spoke while responding to enquiries on LinkedIn, where he had earlier posted his appointment letter to rebuff ICPC’s claim of illegality.

 

The letter, dated October 3, 2025, was purportedly issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

 

It was referenced OSGF/MIN/59310/11/205 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Nadungu Gagare.

 

The letter, addressed to “Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze, National Coordinator, Made in Nigeria Project Office, OSGF, Three Arms Zone, Abuja,” conveyed the approval of his appointment as National Coordinator/Executive Director of the Made in Nigeria Project Office under the OSGF.

 

According to the document, the appointment was for a five-year tenure beginning from July 2025 and was renewable.

 

“I am directed to formally convey the approval of your appointment as National Coordinator/Executive Director of the Made in Nigeria Project Office under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” the letter stated.

 

It added that the appointment followed “a careful evaluation of your commitment, contribution, and capacity in delivering on the mandate of the Special Project Office.”

 

The document listed Nwabueze’s responsibilities to include the supervision and development of programmes, projects and policies; supervision of regional and state coordinators across the 36 states; and organisation of exhibitions, trade expos, economic summits and other promotional initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous products and services.

 

It further stated that the project was to operate temporarily from Room B53, Ground Floor, within the OSGF complex.

 

“Please note that this appointment is at the pleasure of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and in line with the objectives of the Made in Nigeria initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the letter said.

 

Also, another document shared on Saturday on Linkedin by Nwabueze showed that his office sought to be granted the status of a Special Project.

 

The document, dated April 17, 2025, was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Gagare, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. It was referenced PS-PEAO/2025/008/4.

 

The document, titled, ‘A proposal for the Made-in-Nigeria Project to be granted Special Project status’, stated that the initiative had been operating for about five years and had promoted Nigerian-made products and services locally and internationally.

 

It claimed that the project had organised economic forums and trade exhibitions in several parts of the world and contributed positively to the Nigerian economy, particularly in the area of foreign direct investment.

 

The document listed increased employment opportunities, economic growth and poverty reduction among the expected benefits of granting the project special status.

 

According to the proposal, the initiative would also contribute to Gross Domestic Product growth by supporting local industries and encouraging domestic production.

 

It further stated that the project would reduce importation by encouraging Nigerians to consume locally made products, thereby reducing dependence on imported goods, conserving foreign exchange and improving the country’s trade balance.

 

The document added that the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on crude oil and promote the non-oil sector.

 

The Permanent Secretary subsequently invited the SGF to note that granting the project special status would enhance its credibility and performance and enable it to meet its mandate and responsibilities.

 

However, the proposal made clear that the activities of the project were to be reviewed and operational modalities developed.

Finally, Mary Habila’s Remains Are Laid To Rest

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mary Habila Burial

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

After all the controversies, the remains of  Mary Habila, the Nurse who passed within the Ubulu, Ebonyi State Country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, have  finally been laid to rest.

 

She passed on June 27, 2026, inside her chalet in the staff quarters of the Minister’s country home while she and other staff members of the Ministry of Works were in Ebonyi State with Umahi.

 

Her funeral followed the caving in of his family members who finally agreed to an autopsy to determine the cause of her sudden death. The family had, initially, rejected an autopsy based on cultural beliefs. But Umahi insisted on the autopsy before her funeral in order to clear his name after accusing fingers were pointed at his direction by not a few people who refused to listen to his side of what exactly happened.

 

The 26-Year old was buried on Friday, August 21, in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State weeks after her death.

 

The late Habila hailed from Nok, Kaduna State.

 

The circumstances surrounding her death led to public outcry and calls for a thorough investigation to unravel what led to her death.

 

It also led to the call for the removal of Umahi as Minister, as there were speculations that there was more than meets the eye to the circumstances surrounding her death. 

 

But the Minister vehemently denied those speculations and revealed that Habila was like his daughter and that he and his family had been picking her bill for an undisclosed ill-health she had been suffering from. Proof: Umahi asked whoever doubted to go to the Turkish Hospital Abuja and ask for her medical records.

 

Umahi had, also, in a video after his birthday on July 25, said he was surprised that the death of his staff member had been turned into a political issue.

 

“Power and might do not belong to social media, it belongs to God. And God sees the heart of men. What surprised me is that when people took the death of one of my best workers and started to play politics, they said the President should sack me,” Umahi said.

 

He however questioned why he should be removed from office over the incident. 

 

The minister had said, “Why should you sack me? For doing what? So anybody that is working with you and dies, then you must be sacked? But the President surprised all of them. Instead, he said, ‘Dave, go and build more roads”.

 

The Minister had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Habila’s death and said neither he nor any member of his family had anything to do with it.

 

He also criticised those he accused of attempting to profit politically from the tragedy.

 

“My prayer is this: if any member of my family or I had any hand in it, let our own fate be worse than that.

 

“But for those who want to profit from it, for those who want to play politics with it, I give the same prayer to them. If what they are saying is correct, let it be well with them. But otherwise, over the death of the young lady, their own will be worse than that. It’s a fair prayer,” he added.

 

After Habila’s death, her body was moved from Ebonyi State to Abuja for an autopsy after consultations involving her family, legal representatives and authorities handling the case.

 

The transfer followed a request from lawyers representing Umahi for the family’s consent to conduct a forensic examination.

 

The family later agreed to the autopsy but requested that it be carried out in Abuja.

 

In a letter, the family’s lawyer said, “That our client hereby agrees and consent for an autopsy on the body of Late Mary Habila subject to the transfer of the case to the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, FCT.”

 

The family also stated that the decision was aimed at ensuring that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death were properly established.

 

The lawyers said the request was made “to quench the thirst of the General Public, for transparency, fairness and ensuring that the true cause and manner of the deceased death are conclusively established.”

Nollywood Actor, Ogogo Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Taiwo Hassan popular as Ogogo

By Akinwale Kasali

 

 

Veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan popular as Ogogo, has been pronounced dead.

 

The actor has been battling with Stage Four Cancer, prompting his Daughter to call for help last week.

 

The late Actor was reported to have died at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, where he had been receiving medical attention.

 

In an X video, Ogogo’s daughter, Kira Taiwo, is seen reportedly weeping profusely and appealing to her family for help.

 

In the emotional video, Kira was heard saying: “Help me call my sister. My daddy is dead. I can’t believe it, my dad is dead. Mummy, please help me buy my ticket. I want to go home.”

 

His death comes after days of growing concern over his health condition, with members of his family, colleagues and fans rallying support and prayers for the veteran actor.

 

Ogogo had recently been at the centre of an emotional appeal for medical assistance after his daughters revealed that he was battling stage-four cancer.

 

His condition had triggered an outpouring of concern across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with several prominent Yoruba actors and filmmakers organising prayer sessions for his recovery.

 

The actor’s health crisis had also brought together some of his closest colleagues, including veteran stars Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, Bukky Wright, Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje) and Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin), among others, in solidarity and prayers for his recovery.

 

He has over the years carved a formidable reputation for himself in the Yoruba film industry through decades of memorable performances, distinctive screen presence and contributions to the growth of indigenous Nigerian cinema.

 

His death represents a major loss to Nollywood, particularly the Yoruba movie industry, where he was regarded as one of the veterans who helped shape the industry into what it is today.

 

Tributes are expected to pour in from colleagues, entertainers, political figures, fans and admirers across Nigeria and beyond as news of his passing spreads.

 

However, an official statement from the actor’s family or representatives is still being awaited to formally confirm the report.

MURIC Slams Defence Minister Over Insecurity, Asks Him To Shape-up or Ship-out

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Ishaq Akintola - MURIC

By Ayodele Oni

 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has released an update on insecurity in the country, with a submission that the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, (rtd) has failed and should resign.

 

MURIC disclosed that at least 43 people and an Imam were killed in Sokoto state within the past three weeks, while 19 others were kidnapped in the same period.

 

The group pointed out that the minister had failed to honour a pledge he made when he assumed office to end killings across the country.

 

MURIC issued the ultimatum in a press statement signed by its executive director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola.

 

The group described the victims as all being Muslims and framed the attacks as an assault on the symbolic heart of Islam in Nigeria .

 

“If Abuja is Nigeria’s political capital, if Lagos is the country’s economic hub, then Sokoto is the heart of Islamdom in Nigeria.

 

“Any attack on Sokoto is deemed by Nigerian Muslims as an attack on Muslims in general,” MURIC wrote in the statement.

 

The group held the Nigerian Army directly responsible for the security failures in and around the state, and demanded what it called an “iron-clad defence mechanism” in the area.

 

MURIC also pointed to a recent warning from the Department of State Services (DSS) that terrorists were planning to attack tertiary institutions in Sokoto state, describing it as the moment that pushed the group to act.

Christopher Musa
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, (rtd): Minister of Defence

“The Defence Minister has reneged on his pledge to stop killings. He has failed the people of Sokoto. He has failed Nigerians,” the statement read.

 

The group recalled Musa’s own words on assuming office: “I knew that I could not afford to fail myself, fail my nation, fail my family,” and said his conduct in office had contradicted that commitment.

 

MURIC gave the minister until Monday, August 24, 2026, as the start date of the 14-day countdown, demanding visible and verifiable changes to the security apparatus in and around Sokoto within that window.

 

The group was explicit that the city must be made, in its words, “impregnable and unassailable,” adding that “no single ant must climb on the Sultan’s skin.”

 

“The alternative is for the minister to submit his letter of resignation on or before the ultimatum. There is no other option on the table,” the statement concluded.

“Nigeria Must Not Become Klling Field”  –  Peter Obi

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has advised that Nigeria must not allow the worsening insecurity to become normal.

 

A former two-term Governor of Anambra State, Obi called on Governments at all levels to take urgent and decisive action to end the wave of killings, abductions and destruction of communities across the country.

 

Obi, in a statement on Sunday, said the recent attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states had further exposed the worsening security situation in Nigeria, warning that the country must not be allowed to degenerate into a “killing field.”

 

He expressed concern over the recent attacks in the three North-Central states, noting that communities had continued to suffer killings, abductions, displacement and destruction of homes and livelihoods.

 

In Plateau State, Obi cited the attack in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area, where at least 23 people were officially reported killed, while residents reportedly put the death toll above 30. He also noted reports that more than 45 houses were destroyed.

 

He further cited recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where reports put the death toll at over 40, with more than 100 people allegedly abducted, although he acknowledged that the figures remained contested.

 

Obi pointed out that the attacks came amid continuing violence in Benue, where communities had faced repeated killings, abductions and destruction of property.

 

“What is happening to our country?” Obi asked, expressing concern that Nigerians were being attacked in their communities despite the country not being formally at war.

 

According to him, citizens were being attacked in their villages, abducted after prayers, driven from their homes and deprived of their means of livelihood.

 

He argued that the violence in Benue, Plateau and Niger should no longer be treated as isolated incidents, but as part of a wider national security crisis requiring coordinated intervention.

 

“What is happening in Benue, Plateau and Niger is similar to what is happening elsewhere in the country, with some attacks even going unreported.

 

“The violence across these states must no longer be treated as isolated incidents. It is a national security emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.”

 

The presidential candidate urged the Federal, state governments and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and improve intelligence gathering and rapid-response operations.

 

He also called for the rescue of abducted Nigerians and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

 

“Government must protect vulnerable communities, improve intelligence and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians, and arrest and prosecute those responsible,” Obi said.

 

He warned against the continued practice of responding to attacks only after lives had been lost, stressing the need for security agencies to develop stronger preventive measures.

 

“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen.”

 

Obi maintained that the protection of lives and property remained the most fundamental responsibility of government, urging authorities to rise to the challenge and restore the confidence of citizens.

 

“Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of government. Nigerians deserve nothing less,” he said.

 

He concluded with a warning that “Nigeria must not become a killing field”

Osun Election: ADC Candidate, Salam, Says Supporters Let Him Down

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Najeem Salaam

By Ayodele Oni

 

In his first reaction, the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) governorship candidate in the August 15 election in Osun State, Dr Najeem Salam, has said the outcome of the poll was the will of Almighty God.

 

Incumbent governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party was declared the winner of the election, while Salam was distant third.

 

Speaking in a short video, Dr Salam, who spoke in Yoruba language, explained that he contested to better the lives of the people of Osun and not to betray the trust reposed in him by his supporters.

 

“The August 15 Governorship election went as Almighty God wanted it to be. I never disappointed my supporters or collected money from any politician to work for any opposition party,” he said.

 

The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly added that his decision to run was borne out of a desire to improve the welfare of the people.

 

“I contested the governorship election to better the lives of the people. I did not betray any of my supporters. However, most of my supporters betrayed me,” Dr Salam stated.

 

He did not give further details on the alleged betrayal by some of his supporters.

 

ADC national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi had claimed in Abuja that the party worked with Accord which contributed to the victory of Governor Adeleke.

 

The governor had however debunked the claim, insisting that he had no agreement with ADC before, during and after the election.

Former World Bantam Weight Boxing Champion, Zolani Tete Murdered In Cold Blood

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Zolani Tete

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Zolani Tete, Two-Time Bantam Weight Boxing Champion has been shot dead outside his home in South Africa.

 

The 38-Year Old Boxer was shot dead by killers who laid ambush for him outside his home in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, at about 6:30pm on Friday night.

 

According to the Police he had arrived at his residence when he was approached by two unknown armed suspects wearing balaclavas while he was waiting for the gate to open.

 

His killers who are currently at large, reportedly,  emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on Tete and a 27-year-old female passenger, who remains in hospital.

 

 Tete sadly succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead on the scene.

 

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, said the  female passenger sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, as she remains hospitalized.

 

According to Gantana, “In an attempt to escape the hail of bullets, the deceased drove his vehicle into the yard.”

 

The late Boxer held the WBO bantamweight title from 2017 to 2019, and also holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest knockout in a title fight after he knocked out Siboniso Gonya inside just 11 seconds in 2017.

 

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture said: “South Africa has lost one of the finest fighters it has ever produced.

 

“Zolani “Last Born” Tete was shot and killed this evening in Mdantsane, at his own home, at the age of 38. A 27-year-old woman who was in the car with him was shot multiple times and is in hospital tonight. I wish her a full recovery, and I ask that her privacy and the family’s be respected.

 

“I want to speak first to his family and to the people of Mdantsane. There are no words I can offer tonight that will be equal to what you have lost. Your Son’s name will not be treated lightly by this country, and my Department and I are at your disposal in the days ahead, in whatever way is useful to you.

 

“He was sitting at his own gate, waiting for it to open, and that is where they came for him. I will not speculate about who did this or why. That investigation belongs to the South African Police Service, and the detectives working it tonight need support.

 

“Two armed men in balaclavas got out of a car in Mdantsane and killed one of our greatest world champion at his own front gate, and they are still out there tonight. I appeal to anyone who saw anything, who knows anything, who heard anything, to come forward. Somebody in that community knows who did this”, McKenzie stated.

 

Tete last fought in London in July 2022, beating Jason Cunningham by knockout for his 30th professional win in 35 fights, but it was later ruled a no-contest after he failed a drugs test.

 

A year later, he was issued a four-year ban by the UK Anti-Doping Agency after testing positive for stanozolol.

 

His ban ended on July 29 this year and after his death,

Manager Mla Tengimfene, confirmed he was training for a comeback fight on November 29.

 

Since 2022, the late Tete had not fought, but was training for a comeback after a drug ban.

 

Boxing South Africa had said that the deceased ‘inspired a generation of fighters’ with his career.

 

Tete had said in an interview with The Ring earlier in the year, “It’s been a tough and long journey and I am happy it’s finally coming to an end”.

 

The late boxer was still protesting his innocence over the adverse drug test finding, insisting: “I don’t accept the ban because I’m a clean and fair athlete”, he had claimed.

 

When asked if he was going to return to boxing, he said: “Oh yes definitely, my plan is still unfinished.

 

 “It’s been a while since I stepped inside the ring, I am looking forward to my comeback fight and getting back to winning way”.

 

News of his untimely demise had been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the boxing world, including a statement from the sport’s governing body in South Africa.

 

It reads: “Boxing South Africa (BSA) has learnt with profound shock and sadness of the untimely passing of former IBF Junior Bantamweight and WBO Bantamweight World Champion, Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete.

 

“The tragic incident reportedly occurred on the evening of Friday, 21 August 2026, in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tete family, his manager Mlandeli Tengimfene, the All-Winners Boxing Club, and Last-Born Boxing Promotions during this incredibly difficult time.

 

‘Zolani Tete was more than a champion. He was an icon of South African boxing. A product of the famed All Winners Mdantsane boxing stable.

 

“He etched his name in history as one of the country’s few two-weight world champions. His achievements in the ring from winning the IBF junior-bantamweight title in Japan in 2014 to claiming the WBO bantamweight crown, inspired a generation of fighters.

 

“His legacy includes holding the record for the fastest world title defence in boxing history, needing just 11 seconds to stop Siboniso Gonya in 2017.

 

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire boxing fraternity. The sport has lost a true warrior and ambassador.

 

“Further details regarding official tributes and memorial arrangements will be shared upon engagement with the Tete family. We kindly request that the family’s privacy be respected during this period of mourning”, the statement reads.

Imo Records First Successful Robotic-assisted Surgery East Of The Niger

By
The Source
-
0
imo Robotic surgery

 

Imo State has recorded a major milestone in healthcare delivery with the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted surgery at the Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri.

 

The procedure was performed by a team of medical personnel led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a Consultant Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon.

 

Addressing the media,Thursday, at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre (IROC) where the surgery took place, Ekwueme described the operation as a “complete success,” particularly highlighting the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery in the treatment of localised prostate cancer.

 

He said the technology enables surgeons to remove cancerous tissues while preserving vital functions, including erectile and urinary control. 

 

“The success rate of robotic surgery for cancer, especially prostate cancer, is phenomenal,” he said, stressing that “patients should not have to suffer prolonged incontinence or loss of sexual function after prostate surgery.”

 

Governor Hope Uzodimma, who witnessed the landmark procedure, described the development as a major step towards providing residents with quality and affordable healthcare.

 

The Governor told the media that the facility would serve, not only as a treatment centre, but will also “promote early detection and prevention through routine medical check-ups.”

 

Uzodimma disclosed that the facility operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with the majority of its funding coming from the private sector, which he said, “would help guarantee its sustainability and quality management.”,

 

The Governor, therefore, urged residents to enrol in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme to make advanced medical treatment more affordable and accessible to them.

 

On Thursday, at a pre-procedure media briefing at the Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma noted that Imo State was set to record a major healthcare breakthrough Friday, August 21, 2026 with its first-ever robotic-assisted surgical operation at the newly established IROC located within the Imo Specialist Hospital Complex.

 

Uzodimma had described the achievement as a testament to strategic State investments aimed at revolutionising local medical care.

 

“The landmark operation will be led by UK-based consultant robotic and laparoscopic surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, an indigene of Imo State, alongside an international team of medical specialists from Europe and the United States.”

 

​Uzodimma emphasised that the state-of-the-art facility was built, not just for advanced patient care, but as a hub for continuous skill transfer to local healthcare workers.

 

​His words: “Our plan has never been to acquire sophisticated medical equipment and leave it idle. Equipment must be matched with competence, and technology must be matched with training.” 

 

Uzodimma had highlighted: “Robotic-assisted techniques offer superior precision, minimal invasiveness, reduced blood loss, and significantly faster recovery times for patients.

 

​”The Robotics and Oncology Centre is part of a broader upgrade to the Imo Specialist Hospital Complex, which now boasts expanded Intensive Care Units (ICU), advanced diagnostic facilities, modern surgical theatres, neonatal care, and specialized oncology departments.”

 

​The Governor reaffirmed the Imo State’s commitment to expanding coverage through the Imo Health Insurance Scheme.

 

​”The real measure of success will be in the patients treated, the skills transferred, the specialists developed, the lives improved, and the confidence that our people build in our local healthcare system,” Uzodimma insisted, adding, “this milestone is merely the beginning of Imo State’s journey toward becoming a premier destination for specialized medical care.”

Kwara Central Senator, Mustapha Resigns From APC

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Saliu Mustapha

By Ayodele Oni 

 

As a fallout of the  primary election in Kwara state, Saliu Mustapha, senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

 

Mustapha revealed his decision in a letter to the leadership of the party.

 

The senator stated that “Following careful considerations of the recent developments in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, I have formally resigned my membership of the party in the state.

 

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. It follows weeks of extensive consultations and engagements with relevant stakeholders, my supporters, constituents across Kwara Central Senatorial District, and well-meaning Kwarans.

 

“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose. 

 

“Where the path of a political platform no longer sufficiently aligns with these convictions and the aspirations of the people one represents, the honourable thing to do is to chart a new course.

 

“To the leadership of the APC ably led by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I express my deepest gratitude for the relationships and experiences I have been afforded over the years.

 

“To my constituents, supporters, political associates and stakeholders in Kwara State and beyond, I assure you that while my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged.

 

“I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.”Recall that Senator Mustapha contested for the gubernatorial ticket of APC but lost to the Speaker, Salihu-Yakubu Danladi, while he also lost his return ticket to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who is on the ballot of the party for Kwara central.

It was reliably gathered that Senator Mustapha may join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and also clinch the ticket of the party for Kwara Central Senatorial District for 2027 and face APC’s candidate, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

 

The resignation of Senator Mustapha from the APC might not be unconnected with the alleged anomalies that marred the conduct of the APC primaries in the State.

Peter Obi Writes Nigerian Youths As European League Kicks Off, Says ‘Beyond Football, The Match For Better Nigeria’

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has taken his campaign for the January 16, 2027 poll to Nigerian youths to the European football field.

 

As the European football league, which has many Nigerians, especially youths, as fanatical supporters of various clubs, Obi decided to write to them about the future of Nigerian football.

 

Writing on his X handle, the former Anambra State Governor said, “Beyond Football: The Match for a Better Nigeria.”

This weekend, Europe comes alive again with football. Millions of Nigerian youths will be glued to television screens, streaming matches, debating tactics, celebrating victories, and admiring the organisation, discipline, and excellence that make European football the envy of the world. But here is a question worth asking: Why can’t Nigerian football be just as good?

 

“The answer is not a lack of talent. Nigeria has produced world-class footballers who have excelled in Europe because they found systems that reward merit, invest in infrastructure, ensure security, and are governed with competence and accountability. Great football does not exist in isolation. It grows where there is good governance.

 

“The stadiums, academies, transport systems, healthcare, security, electricity, and institutions that support football are products of leaders who make the right choices and citizens who insist on accountability. Nigeria has the talent. What we have lacked is leadership that creates an enabling environment for that talent to flourish.

 

“As I have decided, in the next 150 days, to engage Nigerian youths wherever they gather—in town halls, campuses, online spaces, and even football communities—my message is simple: The future you admire in Europe can be built in Nigeria. But it starts with your vote.

 

“Imagine a Nigeria where our local league is competitive, our stadiums are full every weekend, our clubs attract sponsorship, our coaches receive proper training, and young footballers no longer see emigration as their only path to success.

 

“Nigeria will not emerge through wishful thinking. It will emerge when young Nigerians decide that elections matter as much as football matches. Every goal scored in Europe is a reminder that excellence is possible. Every well-managed league is proof that systems work when honest leadership is in place.

 

“The 2027 presidential election is therefore more than a political contest. It is an opportunity for Nigerian youths to choose the kind of country they want—a nation that exports talent because it is respected, not because its citizens are escaping failed governance.

 

“Cheer for Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, AC Milan, or any club you support. Enjoy every match. But when the final whistle blows, remember that the greatest match awaiting Nigerian youths is not in Europe. It is in Nigeria.

 

“It is the match for good governance. It is the match for jobs, security, education, sports development, and national renewal. And unlike football, where only twenty-two players are on the pitch, every Nigerian youth has a place in this match.

Stand up. Mobilise. Vote. Defend your vote.

 

“If Nigerian youths can passionately follow European football every weekend, they can also passionately build a Nigeria where our own football—and our nation—becomes a source of pride.

 

“The journey towards better Nigerian football begins with the path to good governance. And the path to good governance begins with the decision of Nigerian youths to stand up and be counted in 2027.

 

“Every weekend, starting today, I will come to you with a reminder of January 16, 2027, and our future. We can create world-class standards right here at home.

It’s in your hands, and that new Nigeria is POSSIBLE.”

1...949596...3,151Page 95 of 3,151