July 2025 | Page 37 of 48

SWAN Congratulates Malikawa, Musa On Kano Pillars’ Appointments

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago43 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated one of its National Leaders, Alhaji Idris Malikawa Garu, who was recently appointed into the management board of Kano Pillars FC. SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin in a statement on Tuesday through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb Ikenna Okonkwo, also hailed the appointment of Football Star and Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, as the club’s General Manager. President Benjamin noted that the latest decision of Kano State Government in the pilot of Kano Pillars’ leadership affairs is both apt and forward-looking. He said, “The latest announcement by the Kano State Government regarding the management board of Kano Pillars, with the inclusion of professionals, is a cheering one. “As Sports Journalists, we have keenly observed the reaction of teeming Nigerian football lovers (Kano Pillars fans and others) since the appointments were made few days ago, most persons have been saying a lot of good things. “Idris Malikawa and Ahmed Musa are among prominent sports personalities in the board and we believe that their presence will certainly make the difference for Kano Pillars desirous of returning to the peak of performance as long as domestic and continental engagements are concerned.” The Number One Sports Writer in Nigeria then urged them to redouble their efforts in realising the lofty desires of the Kano State Government, Kano Pillars and their followers. While calling for improved Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in the coming season, the President of SWAN assured that the Sporting Media will continuously play its watchdog role with a view to contributing meaningfully to growth of Nigeria Football.

Igbo Group Backs Creation of Anioma State, Submits Memo to Senate Committee

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago33 mins

A prominent pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ndi Asuu Bia Social Cultural Organization, has formally endorsed the creation of Anioma State from the existing Delta State, submitting a memorandum to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution to that effect. The group, which is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), said the proposal seeks to redress decades-long marginalization and disparities in state representation affecting the Igbo ethnic group. This push aligns with the growing momentum behind the Anioma State creation bill, spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly. According to reports, Nwoko has already secured the support of over 80 serving senators. In a detailed four-page memorandum jointly signed by Chief Onyenwemadu Kingsley Kainebi (President), Ofochi Benjamin-Atagana, Esq. (Secretary), and Chief Cosmas Agada Chikeobi (Chairman, Local Organising Committee), the group called for specific constitutional amendments. The memo urged the National Assembly to amend Section 3(1) of the 1999 Constitution to include Anioma as Nigeria’s 37th state, as well as First Schedule, Part I, to list its Local Government Areas and Capital City. The group emphasized that the creation of Anioma State would bring much-needed balance to Nigeria’s geopolitical structure, noting that the Southeast zone currently has only five states, while other zones have six or more. According to the group, the name “Anioma” reflects the tribal identity of the dominant Igbo subgroups in the region. They also stressed that calls for the state’s creation date back to Nigeria’s First Republic. “Creating Anioma State will help reunite Anioma people with their kith and kin in the Southeast, bring governance closer to the grassroots, and eliminate long-standing marginalization,” the submission read. The group urged the 10th National Assembly to adopt the proposal in the spirit of equity, fairness, and national unity.

18-Year-Old Girl Raped by Top Official in Lagos: Family Member Seeks Justice Amid Victim’s Plea for Silence

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago13 mins

LAGOS — An 18-year-old girl has allegedly been raped by a high-ranking government official in Lagos, sparking outrage and calls for justice from a concerned family member. The incident reportedly occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, July 6, 2025. According to a close relative, the victim had gone to meet the man at her mother’s restaurant, where he had previously promised to help secure employment for a member of her family. She later entered his vehicle to discuss the matter, but was allegedly assaulted inside the car. The victim, who has remained withdrawn since the incident, only disclosed the attack days later to her cousin, with whom she currently lives. She begged for secrecy, fearing backlash from both her family and society, and requested only emergency contraceptives to prevent a possible pregnancy. “She told me there was no full penetration but that he ejaculated on her. She’s terrified, not just of the stigma but of being blamed by our family, who often condemn victims rather than protect them,” the relative said. The accused is said to be a well-connected public official, raising concerns about potential attempts to suppress the case. The cousin, visibly angry, expressed frustration at the culture of silence and the power imbalance that allows such acts to go unpunished. “This is not just about my cousin. This is about a broken system. I want justice, but I also don’t want to make things worse for her. She’s scared, and right now I’m the only one she trusts,” he said. Health experts have warned that even without penetration, sexual assault victims may still face risks of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Activists are urging the family to seek immediate medical attention and legal guidance from certified rape crisis centers. The incident has reignited conversations around sexual violence, the culture of victim-blaming, and the urgent need for reform in how such cases are handled—especially when powerful individuals are involved. Efforts are currently underway to connect the victim with trusted support services, though no official report has yet been filed with authorities.

ADC Coalition: Obidients Free to Support Obi, I Have Right to Back Atiku — Dele Momodu

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

ABUJA — Media mogul and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has reaffirmed his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his preferred presidential candidate under the emerging opposition coalition. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Momodu emphasized that his support for Atiku does not invalidate the loyalty of Obidients — supporters of Peter Obi — or any other aspirants within the ADC framework. “My best choice is Atiku, and that’s what I expect Obidients to say about Obi, and Amaechi’s supporters to say about Amaechi,” Momodu said. “This is a game of numbers, and the north remains the most aggrieved region today.” He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of pushing for a southern candidate to emerge within the opposition, claiming it stems from fear of Atiku’s political strength. “They are afraid of Atiku. That’s why they keep promoting campaigns of calumny against him,” he alleged. Momodu stressed the importance of democracy within the coalition, calling on all aspirants to submit themselves to the party’s primary process. “I have never told anyone not to support Obi. He is a very good friend of mine,” he said. “But let everyone go to the field. Let Obidients campaign for Obi, Atikulates for Atiku, and Amaechi’s supporters for him. Let the people decide.” Reiterating his admiration for Atiku, Momodu said the former vice president remains, in his view, a strong example of the leadership Nigeria needs, especially as the ADC prepares to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.

Tinubu Vows Fiscal Discipline, Transparency as Lawmakers Demand Tougher Oversight

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago15 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: Abuja, July 8, 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal governance and transparent use of public funds, pledging to redirect national resources into critical sectors to restore public trust and drive inclusive development. Speaking through the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance on Monday, Tinubu defended the controversial fuel subsidy removal, saying it has enabled the government to fund social safety nets, public transportation, and infrastructure. “A subsidy that disproportionately benefited the affluent and encouraged smuggling was neither equitable nor strategic,” the President said. “We are now redirecting those funds into impactful, people-oriented projects.” He also highlighted key reforms under his administration, including new tax laws designed to expand the tax base, simplify compliance, and enhance revenue collection through digitisation. “We are laying the foundation for a self-sustaining economy that gradually moves away from dependence on oil revenues,” Tinubu noted, citing initiatives like the National Credit Guarantee Company to empower SMEs and grow non-oil exports. On monetary policy, Tinubu praised the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) efforts in stabilising the naira and curbing inflation, stressing better coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities to remove structural bottlenecks, especially in the food supply chain. Lawmakers Demand Accountability, Slam Audit Gaps Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdul Ningi, called on public agencies to respect legislative oversight, warning that failure to honour audit queries and legislative summons was “an affront to democracy.” “PACs are not just committees; they are constitutional bodies empowered to summon any individual over the use of public funds,” he said. “Non-compliance must stop.” House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, decried the over ₦300bn in unresolved audit infractions, revealing persistent non-compliance among MDAs. “Audit recommendations must be implemented with consequences for mismanagement,” he said, noting that fiscal responsibility cannot exist without enforcement. The Speaker also advocated for full digitisation of public financial management systems, including real-time expenditure tracking, automated audit tools, and wider public access to audit reports to boost transparency and citizen engagement. Public Accounts Committees Demand Reform Senate PAC Chairman, Senator Ahmed Wadada, stressed the need to “reimagine Nigeria’s fiscal framework” in response to declining revenues and rising public mistrust. “Every Naira must count—for education, health, infrastructure, and national stability,” Wadada said, citing poor budget implementation, untracked funds, and weak reporting systems. House PAC Chairman, Bamidele Salam, called for a “complete recalibration” of fiscal governance systems, adding that public service must align with constitutional obligations and measurable results. “Fiscal transparency must not remain an elite exercise—it must become a democratic right,” he said. The conference, themed “Fiscal Governance in Nigeria: Charting a New Course for Transparency and Sustainable Development,” brought together lawmakers, government officials, and audit experts to discuss Nigeria’s path toward financial integrity and institutional accountability. As fiscal reforms continue under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stakeholders agreed that achieving sustainable development would require not only policy reforms but also strict oversight, citizen participation, and measurable service delivery outcomes.

João Pedro Strike Sends Chelsea Past Fluminense Into Club World Cup Final

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago32 mins

Chelsea edged Fluminense 1–0 on Tuesday night to advance to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, thanks to a second-half goal from João Pedro. The semifinal, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, saw the Blues withstand early Brazilian pressure before striking decisively after the break. Fluminense started the match on the front foot, threatening Chelsea’s backline with slick passing and aggressive runs. However, the Premier League side grew into the game, with improved midfield control and tactical discipline. The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when João Pedro, introduced as a substitute, latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball, beat his marker, and calmly slotted past the Fluminense goalkeeper. His composure and sharp movement gave Chelsea the edge in a tightly contested encounter. Fluminense pushed for an equalizer in the final stages, but Chelsea’s defense held firm to secure their spot in the final. The Blues will now face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s championship match, as they seek to add another international trophy to their cabinet.

Netanyahu Nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago17 mins

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Donald Trump he nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, using a visit to the White House to further cement the pair’s relationship as the US presses for a ceasefire in Gaza. “He’s forging peace as we speak,” Netanyahu told reporters at the start of a dinner with Trump and other top officials on Monday. “I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee.” “Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful,” Trump said. Netanyahu is not the first foreign leader to nominate Trump, who has long coveted a Nobel. Last month, Pakistan said it would nominate the US leader, underscoring how foreign leaders understand the best way to get what they want is to shower him with praise. In his letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, dated 1 July, Netanyahu said Trump’s efforts had “brought about dramatic change and created new opportunities to expand the circle of peace and normalization.” Netanyahu cited the Abraham Accords, which saw the likes of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain formalize ties with Israel during Trump’s first term. Trump has long expressed irritation about the fact that his first-term predecessor, Barack Obama, won the Nobel Prize in 2009 — a controversial decision that came before Obama surged US troops in Afghanistan. Netanyahu’s visit to the White House — his third since Trump took office in January — comes as the two leaders also take a victory lap on the heels of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. The US joined Israel’s military campaign against Iran and carried out a series of missile strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump claimed the sites were “obliterated” but damage assessments are continuing and the whereabouts of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remains unclear. Trump helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran to end the fighting and is now pressuring the Islamic Republic to return to negotiations. At the dinner, Trump said the US and Iran were set to meet soon and reiterated that he’s open to lifting sanctions on Iran. His envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters that the US and Iran would meet within the next week. “I would love to be able to, at the right time, take those sanctions off, give them a chance at rebuilding,” Trump said at the dinner with Netanyahu. “Because I’d like to see Iran build itself back up in a peaceful manner, and not going around saying ‘Death to America, Death to the USA, Death to Israel,’ as they were doing.” Netanyahu is also visiting Washington as the Trump administration pushes for a halt to the war in Gaza, with the US president raising hopes for a deal that could stop the fighting and see the release of hostages still being held by Hamas. Trump said last week that a ceasefire could be “close” to the conflict that has raged since the attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023 and which has threatened to further destabilize the region. Trump and Netanyahu suggested a ceasefire was in reach, and the Israeli leader hinted that he would be willing to expand the Abraham Accords that normalized Israel’s relations with several regional nations. “I think we can work out a peace between us and the rest of the Middle East with President Trump’s leadership,” Netanyahu said. Netanyahu has accepted a proposal put forward by Trump that would pause fighting in Gaza for 60 days and see the return of some hostages. Hamas said last week it had responded positively to the proposed deal and was ready to immediately enter negotiations. International pressure is mounting on Israel to end its war in Gaza as more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in the military campaign, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Aid agencies are warning the 2 million residents of Gaza are at risk of famine. Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, still holds about 50 hostages, of whom Israel believes 20 are still alive.

Breaking: Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olakulehin, Dies At 90

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has joined his ancestors at the age of 90. Vanguard has learnt that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, exactly one year after he ascended the throne. Born on July 5, 1935, Oba Olakulehin’s death comes just two days after he marked his 90th birthday. He was officially presented with the staff of office by Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, becoming the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. Details later.