August 2025 | Page 28 of 31

8th African Nations Championship: Nigeria Launch Quest for Another Continental Title

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago07 mins

Days after racing to a 10th triumph in the Women Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria will on Tuesday begin another serious quest for a continental title when the home-based senior men’s team, Super Eagles B take on Cup holders Senegal in the opening match of group B of the 8th African Nations Championship. Bronze medal-winners in 2014 and runners-up four years later, Nigeria have blown hot and cold in the 16-year-old tournament that is exclusively reserved for footballers plying their trade with valid contracts in the domestic league of their countries on the continent. Ahead of the inaugural edition hosted by Cote d’Ivoire in 2009 and won by the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Eagles squandered a two-goal lead over arch-rivals Ghana in Accra to end up losing 2-3, and then failed to find the back of the net in the return encounter in Calabar. Ghana qualified instead. Two years later, Nigeria also failed to reach the finals in Sudan. In 2014, Stephen Keshi (of blessed memory) coached the Eagles to a bronze medal finish in South Africa, overturning a 3-0 deficit at half-time against Morocco en route. It was a year after the great Keshi had led the ‘A’ to lift the Africa Cup of Nations in the same country. Nigeria failed to make it out of the group stage in Rwanda in 2016, but then went all the way to the Final in the following edition, losing to hosts Morocco on a frosty night in Casablanca. The country failed to qualify for the 2021 edition hosted by Cameroon, and also painfully missed out of the finals staged by Algeria two years ago. In essence, Nigeria will be making only her fourth appearance at the competition. Christened Pamoja 2024, this year’s African Nations Championship promises a lot of thrills and excitement across five venues in three host nations – a novel arrangement in hosting of sports events on the African continent. The Confederation of African Football awarded a joint bid by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda the hosting right for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and afterwards opted to grant the three nations the opportunity to use the CHAN as a dress rehearsal. The 19 participating countries have been cast into four groups, with groups A, B, and C having five teams, and group D (where Nigeria will feature) having only four, including Cup holders Senegal, as well as Congo and Sudan. Nigeria’s technical and tactical approach to games will be curated by Eric Sekou Chelle, also the gaffer for the ‘A’ team. Chelle has spoken of belief and self-confidence among his 23-man squad, who spent three weeks at a training camp in Ikenne-Remo and another 10 days in Zanzibar (to which was embedded two drawn matches against the Zanzibar National Team). Chelle still has goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Junior Nduka, midfielder Alex Oyowah and forwards Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi – who were in the squad that turned back Ghana’s Black Galaxies 3-0 on aggregate in the qualifiers. However, there have been excellent additions like Steven Mayo and Leonard Ngenge in the defence, Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna and Michael Tochukwu in the midfield, and Temitope Vincent, Shola Adelani and Godwin Obaje in the attack. At the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium on Tuesday, Chelle will go for the maximum points to underscore Nigeria’s ambition, as well as to diminish anxiety ahead of the clashes with Sudan and Congo. Joint-host Tanzania took the first three points of the tournament on Saturday, beating Burkina Faso 2-0 in their group B encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. GROUP A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia GROUP B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic GROUP C: Uganda, Niger Republic, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa GROUP D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria SUPER EAGLES B AT 8TH AFRICAN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars) Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United) Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars) Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International); Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars)

Economic Growth vs. Public Welfare: Is Nigeria’s Rising GDP Helping the People?

Emi Lokan or Lagos Lakon Tinubu’s Federal Projects Spark Unease Over Regional Equity

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Since the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, one state has clearly emerged as the biggest beneficiary of federal projects—Lagos. While no one disputes the strategic and economic importance of Lagos, many Nigerians are beginning to question the sheer volume—and value—of federal allocations being funneled into the state, raising serious concerns about fairness, equity, and national inclusion. For example, in just the first two years of his presidency, President Tinubu has either approved or initiated the following major infrastructure projects in Lagos: Add to these the ongoing University of Lagos Independent Power Project, the Renewed Hope Housing City, and several other smaller federal interventions, and the numbers quickly climb into the trillions. All of this within just two years. Meanwhile, in other regions—especially in the North and far East—concrete federal projects are either minimal or invisible. Kano State, for instance, has little more than an announced Renewed Hope City and some yet-to-be-executed approvals with no real groundwork on the ground. This trend raises legitimate concerns: Supporters of the president often justify these projects by pointing to Lagos’s profitability and position as the country’s economic nerve center. While that may be true, it ignores a vital principle of federalism—balanced development. No region becomes economically viable without significant investment. If the same kind of infrastructure spending were directed toward Kano, Enugu, Sokoto, or Akwa Ibom, they too would become high-yield economic zones over time. Even within the South West, there’s imbalance. Other states in the zone are not seeing the kind of aggressive development Lagos is enjoying. What is playing out appears less like “South West favoritism” and more like Lagos exceptionalism. More troubling is that appointments under Tinubu are also heavily Lagos-centric. Many key federal positions are occupied by individuals with strong political or personal ties to Lagos, sidelining not only other regions, but even Tinubu’s home region in a broader sense. Equity, fairness, and justice should guide leadership decisions—especially in a country as diverse and historically polarized as Nigeria. Preferential treatment on this scale risks deepening divisions, breeding resentment, and fueling narratives of exclusion. For Lagosians with a sense of national unity and justice, this shouldn’t be a matter of partisan defense or tribal loyalty. It’s a call to introspection: Are we witnessing a presidency for all Nigerians—or just for Lagos? As we move toward 2027, these questions will only grow louder. And if the current trend continues through to 2031, historians may one day look back and ask: Was this the most regionally skewed administration in Nigeria’s democratic history? One thing is certain—prosperity without justice is not sustainable. We must speak now, not just for today, but for the record, and for posterity.

Bye-Election: Labour Party Slams INEC Over Candidate Omission, Vows Legal Action

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 2, 2025 The Labour Party has condemned the omission of its candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from participating in the upcoming August 16, 2025 bye-election, describing the move as unlawful, shocking, and an abuse of power. In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, the party accused the electoral body of overstepping its constitutional boundaries and interfering in internal party affairs. “As a duly registered political party in Nigeria, the Labour Party is fully aware of its rights under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) to sponsor candidates in all elections,” the statement read. “The law does not empower INEC to stop any political party from fielding candidates, nor does it allow the commission to pick and choose which elections a political party can participate in.” The party cited the April 4, 2025 Supreme Court judgement, clarifying that the ruling addressed only the issue of jurisdiction of lower courts and did not nullify the current leadership of the Labour Party. According to the party, the apex court emphasized that internal party disputes must be resolved through internal mechanisms. “At no point did the Supreme Court empower INEC to interfere with the internal matters of a political party,” the statement added. “INEC cannot arrogate to itself the powers of the courts or interpret the ruling of the Supreme Court beyond what was clearly stated.” The party demanded that INEC immediately upload the names of its duly nominated candidates for the forthcoming bye-election and cease any further interference in its internal affairs. It further warned that proceeding with the bye-election without Labour Party representation would be a waste of resources and could result in legal consequences. “The Labour Party will explore all lawful means to resist any attempt to harass, intimidate or ridicule our party. INEC’s actions, if not redressed, will be challenged in court.” Urging its members and supporters to remain calm, the party assured that it is committed to protecting its candidates’ interests and will do everything within the law to ensure their names are listed for the August 16 bye-election. It also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to pray for the country, expressing hope for a day when the electoral process will reflect fairness, justice, and accountability.

FG Launches 50 Million Date Palm Project in Jigawa to Combat Desertification

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa August 2, 2025 The Federal Government has inaugurated a major environmental restoration initiative in Jigawa State with the launch of a project to plant 50 million date palm trees, aimed at combating desert encroachment and restoring degraded land in northern Nigeria. The project was officially flagged off by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in collaboration with the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State and the Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) during a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the agency. Held under the theme “Sustaining the Momentum – Ten Years of NAGGW’s Contributions to Environmental Sustainability,” the event underscored the government’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development in the Sahel region. The Minister described the initiative as a crucial intervention to address the growing threat of desertification, which continues to displace communities, degrade farmlands, and threaten food security in the North. “This ambitious project will not only mitigate the harsh effects of climate change and desertification but will also enhance livelihoods, improve food security, and generate green jobs for thousands of Nigerians,” Lawal stated. According to the NAGGW, the date palm trees—well-suited to arid environments—will be planted across key frontline states affected by desert encroachment, with Jigawa serving as the starting point due to its critical ecological vulnerability. The project is also expected to bolster economic activities in rural communities through the commercial value of date palm fruits, fostering both environmental and economic resilience. Stakeholders present at the event praised the Federal Government’s continued investment in climate adaptation strategies, and reaffirmed support for the Great Green Wall programme—Nigeria’s contribution to the African Union’s vision of restoring 100 million hectares of land across the continent’s drylands by 2030.

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Sentenced to 12 Years House Arrest for Bribery and Witness Tampering

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

By Kamal yalwa August 2, 2025 In a historic ruling, a Colombian court has sentenced former President Álvaro Uribe to 12 years of house arrest on charges of fraud and witness tampering—making him the first former head of state in Colombia’s history to be criminally convicted. The 73-year-old, who governed Colombia from 2002 to 2010, was also barred from holding public office and fined $578,000 by the court. The decision marks a significant chapter in Colombia’s ongoing reckoning with political accountability. Uribe, once hailed as a hardliner against guerrilla insurgents and still widely respected in conservative political circles, denied all allegations, labeling the case a politically motivated attack aimed at silencing “a voice for the democratic opposition.” “I maintain my innocence,” Uribe said, confirming that he will appeal the ruling. Despite his legal troubles, Uribe remains a polarizing yet influential figure in Colombian politics, known for his tough stance on security and for founding the right-wing Democratic Center party. His attorney had requested bail while the appeal process was ongoing, but Judge Sandra Heredia rejected the request, citing the former president’s resources and political connections as potential risks. “It would be easy for the defendant to leave the country and evade the imposed sanction,” Judge Heredia said in court on Friday. The sentencing comes amid a wave of high-profile cases across Latin America involving former leaders facing corruption charges. Similar cases in Gabon and Myanmar have seen ex-leaders placed under house arrest, reflecting growing judicial assertiveness across the Global South.

Senator Lawal Slams Tinubu for Prioritizing Kaduna Airport Over Abuja-Kaduna Road

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Kaduna, Nigeria – Senator Shehu Lawal has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as a misplaced priority in infrastructure development, accusing the government of abandoning the critical Abuja-Kaduna highway in favor of an airport project that already exists. Senator Lawal, a former Kaduna Central lawmaker, expressed his concerns in response to recent remarks by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, who claimed that improved security has made it safe for top officials, including ministers, to now travel by road from Abuja to Kaduna. “You drove on the Abuja-Kaduna highway to make a political statement, but your government still abandoned the road and chose instead to start constructing a new airport in Kaduna, even though there’s already one,” Lawal stated via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The Abuja-Kaduna expressway has long been plagued by insecurity, including kidnappings and armed banditry, making it one of the most dangerous routes in Nigeria. While the NSA claimed the recent killing of key terrorist leaders had restored safety, Senator Lawal believes that investment in actual road infrastructure is more critical than optics or symbolic gestures. The Tinubu administration recently commenced construction of a second airport in Kaduna, a move that has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders who argue that funds could have been better utilized to fix deteriorating roads or bolster other essential services. “If the road is truly safe, then the priority should be to fix it properly — not sidestep it with an expensive project that serves the elite,” Lawal added. As the debate continues, public scrutiny grows over how federal infrastructure spending is being allocated, especially in regions still grappling with insecurity and poor transportation networks.

Soludo: Any Politician Promising One Term Needs Psychiatric Evaluation

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has issued a strong rebuke to politicians promising to serve only one term in office, describing such pledges as dishonest and a sign of mental instability. Speaking during a political engagement in Awka on Thursday, Soludo stated that no serious politician with genuine developmental goals would commit to a single term, especially in a challenging political and economic environment like Nigeria’s. “Any politician promising to do just one term needs psychiatric evaluation,” Soludo said bluntly. “Such people are either lying or don’t understand the magnitude of governance. Real transformation takes time, planning, and continuity.” His comment comes amid growing political tension and debate in Anambra State as the 2025 governorship election draws near. The issue of zoning and power rotation has taken center stage, with some southern aspirants proposing a single-term agreement as a way to convince voters and political blocs to support them. Soludo, who is from the southern part of the state and currently serving his first term, has been a vocal advocate for performance-based governance rather than ethnic or zonal sentiments. While he did not mention any candidate by name, observers believe his remark was targeted at aspirants attempting to breach the informal zoning agreement in Anambra, which rotates the governorship among the three senatorial districts — North, South, and Central. Last week, prominent political figures from Anambra North, including some traditional rulers and community leaders, warned against attempts by Southern politicians to contest the 2025 election, insisting that the North should retain the seat to complete its turn. Soludo’s intervention appears to align with the growing call for political sincerity and competence over what he described as “emotional blackmail and gimmicks.” “Let’s not deceive our people. Development is not magic. If someone tells you they’ll fix decades of dysfunction in four years and leave, they’re either lying or need serious help,” Soludo added. He urged voters to focus on candidates with proven integrity, competence, and a realistic agenda rather than be swayed by “cosmetic pledges designed to win cheap votes.” With Soludo yet to officially declare his re-election bid, political watchers say his recent statements are part of a broader effort to shape the narrative ahead of the 2025 contest.

Kemi Badenoch Recalls Harsh Boarding School Experience in Nigeria, Compares It to Prison

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

London, UK — UK Conservative Party leader and Member of Parliament for Saffron Walden, Kemi Badenoch, has spoken candidly about her difficult upbringing in Nigeria, describing her time at a Federal Government Girls’ boarding school in Sagamu as comparable to being in prison. In a recent podcast interview recorded at Westminster, Badenoch reflected on her early life in Lagos, Nigeria, where she lived above her father’s medical clinic. She shared vivid memories of her childhood across three countries — Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom — and how those experiences shaped her values, political views, and resilience. Now a rising star in British politics, Badenoch opened up about being sent to boarding school at the age of 11 — a formative period she characterized by hardship and discomfort. “It was very grim,” she said. “There was no running water. We fetched it with buckets. We had to cut the grass with machetes because there were no lawnmowers.” She revealed that about 300 students were housed in the school’s dormitory, with 20 to 30 girls crammed into each room. The living conditions, she said, were physically and emotionally demanding. She recalled swapping her meals for books and losing a significant amount of weight due to the poor diet and her aversion to certain foods, particularly fish. Reflecting on Family, Identity, and Nigeria’s Legacy Badenoch also offered intimate insights into her family history, including how her parents — both medical professionals — met at university. Her father, a doctor, and her mother, Professor Feyi Adegoke, a physiology lecturer, raised their family in Lagos during what she described as a relatively prosperous period for Nigeria. Born in Wimbledon in 1980, Badenoch explained that her birth in the UK was the result of fertility treatment her parents sought abroad, at a time when Nigeria’s oil wealth enabled affluent families to access private healthcare overseas. “Mr. Roberts, a surgeon based in Wimbledon, helped facilitate my mother’s pregnancy,” she said. “It turned out she had endometriosis, which at the time, doctors in Nigeria said only affected Europeans.” The interview also touched on Nigeria’s colonial legacy and how it influenced the social culture of her parents’ generation. She described seeing photos of her parents from the 1970s, surrounded by what she called “funky, jazzy” Western influences — from disco music to fashion trends — at a time when Nigeria was transitioning out of British colonial rule. Politics, Pain, and Personal Growth Throughout the interview, Badenoch credited her challenging upbringing with shaping her conservative worldview and approach to public service. “Those tough experiences made me who I am,” she said. “They gave me the tools to succeed in a country like the UK, where grit, ambition, and resilience are essential.” Badenoch’s comments have sparked mixed reactions, particularly among Nigerians on social media, where some defended the country’s public boarding school system, while others agreed with her depiction of its harsh realities. As she continues to rise within British politics, Badenoch’s dual identity as both British and Nigerian remains central to her narrative — one that fuses personal adversity with political ambition.