August 2025 | Page 26 of 31

Ademola Lookman AWOL at Atalanta Training

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman row with Atalanta saw him fail to attend training on Monday, as he tries to force through the transfer to Inter. The rapport between the player and his club has hit rock bottom and the situation seems to be at a breaking point. According to multiple sources, Lookman was expected at the Zingonia training ground today for pre-season commitments, but was nowhere to be seen. It comes after he published a long statement on Instagram accusing Atalanta of “broken promises” and confirming he had handed in a formal transfer request. La Dea responded in the form of CEO Luca Percassi, who insisted that while they had promised to sell him this summer if a suitable offer arrived, it was to a club outside of Italy, not their Serie A direct competitors Inter. Now this refusal to attend training will further bring matters to a head, as Inter hope they can convince Atalanta by increasing their proposal of €42m plus €3m in add-ons. This gesture just makes it clear how aggressive the action taken by Lookman is becoming, and it remains to be seen how his club will respond. The 27-year-old is under contract until June 2027.

Breaking: Tinubu Gifts D’Tigress N150M Each, National Honours, 3-Bedroom Flats

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded members of the Nigeria’s D’Tigress with mouthwatering gifts for lifting their seventh African Championship at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. The President represented by the Vice President at the Presidential Villa’s Bouquent Hall, Abuja decorated the team and technical crew with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). The President also gifted the players the sum of $100,000,00 (N150,000,000), while the coach and the technical crew $50,000,00. The players and the technical crew were also rewarded with three bedroom flats at the Renewed Hope Agenda Estate, Abuja. President Tinubu commended the skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to the fifth consecutive title, and the seventh overall. He praised the team’s determination to bring glory to the country despite losing the first quarter of the match. “Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud. Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies. You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work. “By winning the AfroBasket trophy for a record fifth consecutive time, you have written your names in history and shown the world what to expect out of Africa,” the President stated. President Tinubu also lauded Head Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team for their exemplary leadership and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their steadfast support. “The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances. “The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup next March. President Tinubu added, “I look forward to receiving the victorious team and the trophy in Abuja, while wishing you all a safe trip.” The Coach Rena Makama-led female team won the Afrobasket finals by defeating the Malian side, 78-64, in a thrilling match Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

MRA Calls on Niger Governor Bago to Immediately Reopen Badegi Radio

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago08 mins

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the closure of Badegi 90.1 FM, a private radio station based in Minna, Niger State, on August 1, 2025, on the orders of the Governor, Mr. Mohammed Umaru Bago, describing the action as illegal, arbitrary and a dangerous assault on broadcasting freedom. It called on the Governor to immediately and unconditionally reopen the station and issue a public apology for the closure. Governor Bago reportedly ordered the State Commissioner of Police to seal off the station for alleged incitement of violence and directed that the license of the radio station be revoked, according to a statement by Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. Mr. Ibrahim claimed in the statement that the “daily activities of the radio station have been unethical”, adding that “Governor Bago also accused the owner of the station of incitement of the people against the government.” Describing the Government’s action as undemocratic, illegal and unjustifiable, Mr. John Gbadamosi, MRA’s Programme Officer, noted in a statement issued in Lagos that criticism of the government is not crime as it is integral to any functioning democracy, in addition to the fact that it is a constitutional right and duty imposed on the media by Section 22 of the Constitution. In any event, he argued, the Governor lacks any constitutional or statutory authority to order the closure of any broadcast station in Nigeria or the revocation of the broadcasting license of any broadcast media organization. Mr. Gbadamosi said: “The Governor’s action amounts to an abuse of his office and a clear breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers under the 1999 Constitution, as amended, particularly Paragraph 9 of the Code. Should the Governor fail to immediately and unconditionally reverse his directives, we will take appropriate action to ensure that he is held accountable for this egregious violation of the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the corollary rights of the people in the State to receive ideas and information.” Citing the provisions of Paragraph 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, which states that “A public officer shall not do or direct to be done, in abuse of his office, any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of any other person knowing that such act is unlawful or contrary to any government policy”, he noted that there is no doubt that the Governor’s actions amount to a violation of the Code as he has no authority to order the shutting down of the station or the revocation of its license. According to him, Governor Bago knows or ought to know that he has no power to shut down any radio station or to direct the revocation of its license, as the regulation of broadcasting in Nigeria is not under his control or authority. He added that by nonetheless purporting to exercise powers and authority which he does not have, in violation of the rights of the owners and staff of the radio station as well as the access to information rights all the residents of the State who receive news and information from the station, the Governor has abused his powers, violated his oath of office and breached the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. Mr. Gbadamosi stated that although it is clear from the action of the Governor that he wants to have in the State only media outlets that will sing his praises, he has to curtail such desires and be prepared to tolerate criticisms and negative reporting from the media since the same Constitution under which he derives his powers and authority, which he is now misusing, has also given the media the duty and freedom to “uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.” He said: “Governor Bago his advised to concentrate is attention and efforts on performing his functions and carrying out the responsibilities of his office in accordance with the Constitution, which states that the primary purpose of government is to ensure the security and welfare of the people, and allow the media to similarly perform the functions imposed on them by the Constitution, the most important of which are reminding the government of its responsibilities to the people and holding the government accountable to the people.” Mr. Gbadamosi urged the NBC to assert its independence in the matter by acting decisively against any attempt to illegally usurp its authority while also upholding the independence of broadcast media under its regulatory purview. He called on Governor Bago to immediately and unconditionally reopen Badegi 90.1 FM and issue a public apology to the proprietors, management, staff, and listeners of the station for the arbitrary and unlawful violation of their rights and also give a public undertaking to respect the independence and freedom of the media to operate without such arbitrary interference or political intimidation.

Minister Musawa Hails D’Tigress on Historic Fifth Straight Afrobasket Title

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — August 4, 2025 Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on their remarkable victory at the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket tournament, where they clinched the title for a record fifth consecutive time. Musawa, who watched the final match live in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, alongside the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, praised the team’s dominant 78–64 win over Mali. “I am overjoyed by D’Tigress’s record-breaking Afrobasket victory,” Musawa said. “Their triumph showcases true Nigerian excellence and resilience. I commend every player, coach, and supporter who contributed to this achievement.” Describing the win as a symbol of unity, dedication, and elite talent, the Minister emphasized that D’Tigress’s continued dominance on the continental stage was not only a reflection of Nigeria’s growing stature in global sports, but also a source of inspiration for young girls and aspiring athletes nationwide. She further stated that the victory would “energise a new generation of athletes,” and underscored the importance of supporting women in sports. In recognition of their historic feat, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to host and honour the team at the Presidential Villa. This latest win cements D’Tigress’s place as the most successful women’s basketball team in Afrobasket history.

WAEC Releases 2025 WASSCE Results, Records Worst Performance in Recent History

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: Lagos, Nigeria — August 4, 2025 The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Monday officially released the results of the 2025 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Lagos, revealing a dramatic decline in candidate performance. Speaking at a press briefing held at WAEC’s national office in Yaba, Lagos, the Head of the National Office (HNO), Dr. Amos Dangut, disclosed that only 754,545 candidates, representing 38.32% of the total 1,969,313 who sat for the exam, obtained credits and above in at least five subjects including English Language and Mathematics. This marks a staggering 33.8% drop from the 72.12% pass rate recorded in 2024, making it the poorest performance in recent history for this school-based examination. The exam, conducted over eight weeks and one day, was marred by controversy—particularly regarding the English Language paper, which many candidates were reportedly forced to write late at night due to logistical delays. There were widespread calls for a review or cancellation of the affected paper. Gender Distribution & Special Needs Candidates Of the total candidates, 976,787 (49.60%) were male and 992,526 (50.40%) female, showing a slight female majority in participation. WAEC also confirmed that results of all 12,178 candidates with special needs—including 112 visually impaired, 615 hearing impaired, and 37 physically challenged—were successfully released along with the general results. Withheld Results & Exam Malpractice WAEC further revealed that the results of 192,089 candidates (9.75%) are being withheld due to alleged involvement in exam malpractice, currently under investigation. This figure reflects a decline from the 11.92% recorded in 2024, which the council attributed to the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in select subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Economics. Dr. Dangut emphasized that the council is intensifying its crackdown on malpractice, warning that not only students but also schools, supervisors, invigilators, and administrators found guilty will face sanctions. He lamented that many students now rely on “expo” and rogue websites for leaked questions rather than preparing adequately. Unpaid Fees & Result Access WAEC also noted that results of candidates sponsored by state governments that have not yet settled examination fees will not be released until payment is received. However, all other candidates can begin checking their results within the next 12 hours via www.waecdirect.org and download digital certificates through the WAEC website using their Smart Identity Cards. Physical certificates will be sent to schools at a later date. Dr. Dangut expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, state ministries of education, security agencies, and examination officials for their cooperation in executing this year’s exam despite widespread economic challenges. He also noted that the cost of administering the exams had risen sharply due to inflation, fuel prices, and increased cost of materials.

US Warns Nigerian Students of Visa Revocation Over Academic Violations

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The United States government has issued a strong warning to Nigerian students and other international students in the country, cautioning them against violating the conditions of their student visas. In an advisory shared on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the US Mission in Nigeria emphasized that students who drop out, miss classes, or abandon their academic programmes without formally notifying their institutions risk having their visas revoked. The mission further warned that such violations could jeopardize eligibility for future US visas, regardless of the visa category. “If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programmes of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future US visas,” the advisory stated. Students were strongly advised to adhere strictly to the terms of their visa and maintain active academic status throughout their stay in the United States to avoid immigration-related issues. The warning serves as a reminder to thousands of Nigerian students currently enrolled in US institutions to remain compliant with visa regulations, especially as the new academic year approaches.

Sudan Crisis: Thousands in Al Fashir Forced to Eat Animal Feed Amid Total Siege

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Al Fashir, Sudan – The humanitarian situation in Al Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, has reached catastrophic levels as thousands of residents are now resorting to eating animal feed to survive a 14-month siege by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The paramilitary group has sealed off the city—home to over 900,000 people—cutting off food, fuel, and humanitarian aid since last year. The siege intensified following the April 2025 sacking of the Zamzam displacement camp by the RSF, effectively closing the last supply route into the city. Rare footage obtained by Sky News shows deserted streets, abandoned markets, and residents hiding indoors amid frequent shelling. Volunteers use donkey carts to distribute minimal food, as aid convoys have repeatedly come under fire and failed to reach the city. “The markets are destroyed, people are dying, and the RSF attacks continue daily,” said journalist Muammer Ibrahim from inside Al Fashir. “This is a monstrous situation.” Aid agencies, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), report that malnutrition rates are ‘catastrophic’, with many families now living in makeshift tents on the city’s outskirts after fleeing the devastated Zamzam camp. Community kitchens offer only small servings of sorghum porridge, insufficient to sustain the population. “There is no food, no work, no aid — and no farming. All signs point to a full-blown famine,” said Mohamed al Doma, treasurer of Al Fashir’s Emergency Response Rooms, who recently fled the city with his family. The IPC Famine Review Committee confirmed famine conditions in parts of Darfur as early as late 2024, and aid groups fear the situation has significantly worsened in Al Fashir since then. Efforts to negotiate aid access remain deadlocked, as the RSF continues its blockade. Aid workers warn that unless humanitarian corridors are urgently established, tens of thousands more lives are at risk.

Israel Kills Over 40 in Gaza as Aid Agencies Call for Immediate Ceasefire

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

More than 41 Palestinians have been killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Monday, including at least 20 people who were reportedly seeking humanitarian aid, according to local health authorities. The escalating violence has drawn urgent calls from international aid agencies, who warn that Gaza is on the brink of irreversible humanitarian collapse unless an immediate ceasefire is implemented. Speaking to Al Jazeera, aid organisations painted a dire picture of the situation in Gaza, where hunger and desperation continue to deepen amid near-total destruction and a critical shortage of supplies. “Without a cessation of hostilities, Gaza is spiralling into a humanitarian catastrophe that may soon become irreversible,” one aid official said. Despite a partial easing of the Israeli blockade since July 27, humanitarian access remains severely limited. Officials in Gaza say over 22,000 aid trucks are waiting outside the Strip, while an average of only 84 trucks per day are currently entering—far below the 600 daily trucks aid groups say are needed to meet basic human needs. Photos emerging from the ground show scenes of devastation and displacement. Among them is Zainab Dakka, a displaced mother seen standing outside her makeshift tent in Gaza City with her daughter and a bag of flour from a rare aid delivery. As food scarcity worsens, many Palestinians are now risking gunfire by scavenging for scraps to feed their families—underscoring the deadly consequences of the ongoing siege. Global pressure is mounting for a ceasefire, but diplomatic efforts so far have failed to yield progress.