June 2025 | Page 30 of 37

Political Earthquake: Governor Umo Eno Dumps PDP for APC, Cites Alignment with Tinubu

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago12 mins

In a stunning political twist, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement, made Wednesday morning, sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape. Governor Eno, who rose to power under the PDP, said his decision followed “a series of consultations” and was rooted in a desire for “progressive alignment” with President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the federal level. “I am deeply grateful to the PDP for the platform and support, but it is time to take a bold step forward. Akwa Ibom must not be left out of the benefits of full national integration,” the governor stated. Despite the dramatic party switch, Eno promised that his commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom remains unwavering, emphasizing that development would continue across all sectors—“regardless of party lines.” This move, however, is likely to reshape political alliances in the South-South and ignite fierce reactions within the PDP’s national structure.

Crypto Chaos: EFCC Declares 2 More Wanted Over ₦1 Billion CBEX Scam

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago12 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Folashade Odelana and Bamidele Ayodele Abiodun wanted over their alleged roles in a staggering ₦1 billion cryptocurrency scam linked to the now-defunct Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX). In a notice issued on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency revealed the suspects’ last known address as No. 17 Oremeta Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, and urged the public to provide any useful information about their whereabouts at any EFCC office nationwide. With this announcement, the number of wanted individuals in connection to the CBEX collapse has risen to 10, as Nigerian investors continue to count their losses. In April 2025, panic erupted when CBEX users were suddenly locked out of their accounts, unable to withdraw funds, sparking nationwide outrage and allegations of fraud. The EFCC had earlier declared eight others wanted, including Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, and Seyi Oloyede. Arrest warrants were also secured for six of them as part of an ongoing crackdown on the suspected syndicate. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede assured the public that investigations were advancing, with some suspects already in custody and “a reasonable amount” of stolen funds recovered. He reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice and recover as much of the looted cryptocurrency as possible.

Basketball: Rivers Hoopers’ Amayo Upbeat Ahead Of US Monastir Clash

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

Rivers Hoopers guard Kelvin Amayo is confident that the KingsMen will showcase a high level of intensity on defense ahead of their seeding game against US Monastir on June 7 in Pretoria. The KingsMen, who are ranked fourth, will be up against third seed, Us Monastir, in a seeding game on Saturday. Kelvin Amayo was gracious and quick to congratulate US Monastir for entering the BAL Season 5 Playoffs as Sahara Conference winners. He said, “I just want to say congrats to US Monastir. I watched them in the Sahara Conference, [and] they played well. They’re definitely not the same team from last year to this year. Amayo, who led the Kalahari Conference in blocks, believes that the team’s defensive efforts will be crucial in limiting the Sahara Conference winners. “I think what we are going to do is showcase a high level of intensity in the defensive end,” Amayo said. The 6-foot-4 guard has a positive record against US Monastir, having helped Rivers Hoopers win 92-88 in the 2024 BAL quarterfinals with 18 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists. Both teams have grown to become familiar foes at the BAL and are now set for the fifth installment of their growing rivalry, with the previous four meetings evenly split at two wins apiece. Most recently, the KingsMen knocked out US Monastir in an electrifying quarter-final showdown at the BAL Season 4, which ended 92-88 in favour of the Hoopers. They face the KingsMen on Saturday, June 7, in one of the four seeding games before the 2025 BAL quarter-finals at 6pm local time (6pm Nigerian time), and Amayo is positive about the meeting. “Everybody is going to have fun, and I think Saturday is a great game for everybody to come and watch.”

Int’l Friendly: Super Eagles Seek to Sustain Winning Mentality Against Russia’s ‘Boys’

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago06 mins

Fresh from winning the four-nation Unity Cup tournament in London, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will seek to maintain their unbeaten run in all competitions since the beginning of this year, when they take on the Sbornaya (The Boys) of Russia at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday night. It is the first official meeting for both countries at senior level, and though Russia have not played competitively since February 2022, they have been busy playing friendly games, the last one being a 5-0 routing of Zambia’s Chipolopolo at the VTB Arena in Moscow on 25th March. The win took their winning streak to eight games. Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on 21st March, were held to a 1-1 draw at home four days later by Zimbabwe in the same series, and then defeated Ghana 2-1 on 28th May before overpowering Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw on 31st May to win the Unity Cup tournament in London. While still in the form of that single and mammoth USSR, the Soviet Union hosted the FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in 1985. The host nation defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a group phase match in Minsk, but when both teams clashed in the tournament’s third-place match, Nigeria triumphed 3-1 after a penalty shootout following 0-0 in regulation and extra time in Moscow. On Friday, Franco-Malian Eric Chelle will be put out a squad that will be determined to earn a critical win for Nigeria, in order to sustain the winning mentality built from the Unity Cup tournament, and also set their eyes confidently on an even more critical couple of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches coming up in September. The Super Eagles, lying fourth in their group, will host Rwanda’s Amavubi in the first week of September, and fly out to Johannesburg four days later to tackle group leaders Bafana Bafana of South Africa in what could be a flaming war. Injuries and withdrawals have combined to tweak Chelle’s ensemble for this encounter, but the spine of the squad is largely intact, with only the fore missing telling performers, such as reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, the peerless Victor Osimhen and AC Milan of Italy’s Samuel Chukwueze – who was in imperious form in London. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has another opportunity to reign between the sticks, with Igoh Ogbu and Benjamin Fredericks (from the Unity Cup in London) tugging for the rearguard shirts with captain William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Semi Ajayi. A rich midfield cast includes Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Papa Daniel and Saviour Isaac. Much will be expected of Simon Moses and Tolu Arokodare in the attack, as Krasnodar FC’s former junior international Olakunle Olusegun hopes fervently for his first senior cap. The iconic Luzhniki Stadium hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, in which France defeated Croatia 4-2. During the competition, Russia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the group phase, and also eliminated Spain 4-3 after penalty shootout in the Round of 16, at the same Luzhniki Stadium. Friday’s encounter will kick off at 8pm Russia time (6pm Nigeria). SUPER EAGLES FOR RUSSIA FRIENDLY: Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC, England) Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers) Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)

Tinubu’s EV Revolution: 12 Nigerian Universities Picked to Build Made-in-Nigeria Electric Vehicles

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

In a bold move to position Nigeria on the global electric vehicle (EV) map, the federal government has selected 12 universities—two from each geopolitical zone—to design and manufacture 100% made-in-Nigeria electric vehicles. The project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s First Nigeria policy, with financing support from the Bank of Industry and other key financial institutions. Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, made this announcement in Uyo during a stakeholder engagement session with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA). He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to EV development and local component production as a pathway to industrial self-reliance. According to Osanipin, these universities are already working on a prototype dubbed the “University Shuttle Bus”—a fully electric vehicle designed and manufactured domestically. “Most parts will be sourced locally,” he said, noting that 10 of the universities already have EV charging stations built in anticipation of the rollout. The project aims not only to reduce import dependency but also to jumpstart a local auto-parts industry with comparative advantages in areas like plastic production and petroleum by-products. “Even global carmakers don’t build all components in-house,” Osanipin explained. “What matters is building a reliable after-sales ecosystem and parts supply chain.” He highlighted the economic opportunity in servicing Nigeria’s 18 million vehicles on the road today, compared to the 500,000 produced annually. “We’re building infrastructure and parts for the future—gradually but deliberately,” he added.

Why Nigerians Still Get Rejected: Expert Spills

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

Paper Perfect, Visa Denied”: Expert Spills Why Nigerians Still Get Rejected Nigerian globetrotter Bethia Idoko, who has visited 90 countries on a green passport, says the biggest killer of visa dreams isn’t money—it’s sloppy paperwork. Embassies comb applications for concrete “home ties,” solid finances, and a crystal-clear itinerary; any gap or inconsistency triggers the dreaded refusal stamp. “Even well-prepared files get double-scrutinised because of Nigeria’s reputation for overstays,” she told Nairametrics. Fake bank statements and “street agents” make matters worse. Idoko warns that forged documents can earn an instant blacklist: “Too many Nigerians are banned from the UK for one dodgy payslip.” She urges applicants to ditch unlicensed fixers, verify requirements on official embassy sites, and remember that a passport “tells a story—use it to prove you travel responsibly and come home.” Her survival kit: build a clean travel history with easier-visa countries, submit immaculate paperwork early, add a compelling cover letter, and pay for reputable advice—because even flawless files can fail. Idoko’s own U.S. visa was once refused: “The officer simply said they weren’t convinced I’d return. It hurt, but I regrouped, improved, and reapplied.” Bias doesn’t end at approval. She’s been grilled for 40 minutes in Norway despite valid papers, a reminder that perception still shadows Nigerian travellers. Meanwhile, Schengen states rejected 45.9 % of Nigerian applications in 2024, costing applicants over €4.5 million in non-refundable fees. Idoko says Nigeria must negotiate stronger visa-reciprocity deals and set up verified information centres so citizens stop betting their savings on guesswork—and losing.

Saudi Club Al-Hilal Lures Victor Osimhen

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

Al-Hilal have made a contract offer to in-demand striker Victor Osimhen. The forward, lit up the Super Lig at Galatasaray last season, scoring 25 goals and providing five assists in 29 games for the Turkish giants. Osimhen, who has previously been discussed by Manchester United and Chelsea, is currently on loan from Napoli and is set to return to the Italian club this summer, where his contract expires in 2026. The 26-year-old scored 31 goals in all competitions as he fired Napoli to a first Serie A title in 33 years in the 2022-23 season, and has since been rated as one of Europe’s elite frontmen. However, he was forced to desperately search for a new club in last summer’s transfer window after Napoli boss Antonio Conte signed Romelu Lukaku and left Osimhen out of his squad. Despite reports of a potential move to Chelsea and a host of Saudi sides, no move permanent move materialised. Last summer, Chelsea legends John Obi Mikel and Didier Drogba reached out to the forward to try and talk him into a Stamford Bridge switch. ‘I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club. I’ll make sure I send him those text messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority,’ said Mikel. ‘But it seems like he loves the club and wants to come to Chelsea. I’m sure he has all the big clubs wanting to sign him. I think if we can secure his signature it would be fantastic for the club. ‘Didier is also speaking to him, sharing his own ideas and what the club means to us. We all want to see Victor come to the club. If it happens, it happens. It’s a huge transfer fee, but if we can match it and get him to the club that would be absolutely fantastic.’

Chelsea Signs Delap From Ipswich Town

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago13 mins

Chelsea have completed the signing of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. The 22-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge on a six-year deal following an impressive Premier League campaign in which he finished as Ipswich’s top scorer with 12 goals and two assists from 37 appearances. “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” Delap told Chelsea’s official website. “It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.” Delap will add to the existing forward options available to head coach Enzo Maresca, including Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Christopher Nkunku and Armando Broja. The transfer means Delap is reunited with Maresca, who worked with him at Manchester City’s Academy. Ahead of Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat at Ipswich in December 2024, Maresca praised the young striker, describing him as a “fantastic player.” “We spent one year [at City] and he scored 24 goals,” Maresca added. “He’s working hard off the ball. On the ball, he understands the game. He can be an important player for England.” Delap will also reconnect with two former team-mates from City’s Academy, Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer. Delap joined Derby County’s Academy at the age of six and he spent a decade there before moving to Man City in 2019. He signed for Ipswich from City in July 2024, quickly establishing himself as a key player in their first season back in the Premier League. One of Delap’s standout performances came against Chelsea at Portman Road where, he scored a penalty and provided an assist for Omari Hutchinson in what proved to be Ipswich’s only home league win of the campaign. Internationally, Delap has represented England at Under-21 level, scoring on his debut in a 3–0 win over Luxembourg in a 2025 UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier. He also remains eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland at senior level.