2025 | Page 83 of 143 | Trendbrio.com

Praises for Aluo-led Board as NNL Celebrates Players, Officials, Referees

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

There were commendations from all quarters for the George Aluo-led Board of the Nigeria National League as the management of the second-tier of Nigeria’s domestic football organized its third Awards Ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday. President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who was represented by the NFF 1st Vice President Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, gave kudos to the NNL Board for the innovations it has introduced into the league, and challenged it to keep at the pace in order to take the ‘most important league’ to new heights. On his part, NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman of NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, affirmed that the NNL is on the right track to actualizing full private-sector clubs’ participation, while challenging the NNL board to keep encouraging private sector participation in club ownership and management. He also applauded the accomplishments of the Aluo-led board so far. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, was emphatic that given the various changes and innovations introduced into the league by the present board, the NFF has no regrets in putting the board in charge of the second-tier league. He utilized the opportunity to invite First Bank PLC to consider partnering with the NNL, as a way of giving back to the society and taking the youth off the streets to curb all forms of social vices. In his remarks, former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi commended the warm relationship among the various league bodies and the Nigeria Football Federation. He noted that the present NFF leadership has continued to show genuine passion for football development at the grassroots, while also calling for private sector involvement in sponsorship of the domestic game. Chairman of the NNL, Mr. George Aluo, was full of appreciation to the eminent guests for their warm words of encouragement. He extolled the leadership qualities of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Dr Mohammed Sanusi at the NFF, and attributed the successes recorded so far by the league to the purpose-driven leadership at the NFF. “These Awards are a way of encouraging good performances and good conduct, and also to inculcate the spirit of competition among the various participants in the league. I commend our partners, ProStar Recreational Services Limited and Sportslights Hub for supporting the NNL to organize these awards to encourage our outstanding players, officials and referees.” Chief Executive Officer of the NNL, Mr. Emmanuel Attah, gave a brief background on how NNL secured the partnerships with ProStar and Sportslights Hub. He enjoined both organizations to continue to identify with the league especially as footage of league matches are now being seen in various parts of the country and the world at large.

Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Accuses President of Indifference Amid Rising Violence

2027: PDP Governors Playing Spoiler Role for Tinubu — Atiku’s Coalition

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sabotaging the opposition by aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s interests ahead of the 2027 general election. In a statement by spokesman Salihu Moh. Lukman, the coalition criticized the PDP Governors Forum for rejecting efforts to form a broad-based alliance of opposition parties. Lukman described the PDP as a weakened force, alleging that it had failed Nigerians by not offering credible opposition since losing power over a decade ago. He claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had effectively hijacked the PDP, using actors like Minister Nyesom Wike to ensure the party cannot mount a serious challenge in 2027. He further accused the PDP governors of hijacking the party’s organs and undermining internal democracy. Lukman noted that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP had not met in two years, illustrating the party’s dysfunction. He warned that the governors were now playing into Tinubu’s hands by opposing the formation of a united opposition front. According to Lukman, the coalition’s core mission is to rescue Nigerian democracy by restoring political negotiation, trust, and competitive democratic values. He emphasized that both APC and PDP had failed in this regard, often disrespecting agreements and sidelining democratic institutions. Despite resistance from PDP leaders, the coalition, which includes figures like Peter Obi, Nasir el-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, and other disenchanted APC leaders, remains committed to uniting patriotic Nigerians. Lukman extended a call to all political actors to join forces in rebuilding Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the future of the country depends on it.

Kwara Raises Alarm Over Fake Agriculture Offers

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

As the planting season approaches, the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has observed a rise in the circulation of unsolicited messages on Kwara cial media platforms—particularly WhatsApp—asking farmers and agribusiness owners to submit personal information or register for certain initiatives allegedly linked to government programs, loans, or agricultural input support. The Ministry, in a press statement signed by the Press Secretary, Ashaolu Omotola, categorically stated that it is not in partnership with any unverified platform or group currently soliciting such information. The statement reads; “This is a sensitive period in the agricultural calendar, and we understand that many farmers are on the lookout for genuine support and training opportunities. Unfortunately, this is also the time when dubious individuals or groups may attempt to exploit public trust. “We therefore urge all farmers, agribusiness owners, and cooperative groups across the state to exercise caution and verify all information before engaging. Do not release personal or business data to any platform or individual not officially announced by the Ministry. “The Ministry remains committed to transparency, and to providing timely and credible support to the farming community in Kwara State. In line with this, the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, has emphasized that this alert reflects the Kwara State Government’s commitment—under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq—to proactively safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure transparency across all agricultural support systems. “It also underscores the administration’s forward-thinking approach to strengthening public trust and protecting genuine initiatives from abuse. “We encourage everyone to stay vigilant and avoid falling prey to misinformation. “If you come across any suspicious messages or individuals making unverified claims in the name of the Ministry, please report them through our official communication channels.”

Portable Shows Off New Look, Shaves Off Hair

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has showed off his new look after regaining freedom from the Kwara State Command of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). Portable, in a video that has gone viral, shaved off his hair and was thanking his maker and his fans alike for standing by. Recall, a lawsuit was filed by Saheed Osupa’s management team over alleged intellectual property rights infringement and defamatory actions. Osupa’s team took legal action against alleged intellectual property rights violations and damaging public behaviour. The legal case stems from claims of intellectual property infringement and defamation. Saheed’s management team initiated legal proceedings over alleged rights abuses and public misconduct. In a trending video that informed the public of the street singer’s release, he was seen looking absolutely different. Fans soon noticed that his hair had been shaved off. Another post sighted his public apology to Saheed Osupa for his conduct so far. He remorsefully wrote: “Alhamdulilahi for everything Big Thanks to all my lovers. “ZAZUU am sorry for everything. If i do you bad ninu Ogun ni ogo wa. “To those people outside there wey dey pray for me beg for me una too no go fall 00o. “Only God I never see ogo ni mi, God sent God love me. I love you all. “ZAZUU Ono ope mi Opor, OPOR FAR, Sope Por.”

Ex-Eagles’ Defender, Taye Taiwo, Celebrates 40th Birthday

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Former Super Eagles’ and AC Milan defender, Taye Taiwo on Wednesday celebrated his 40th birthday. The defender born 16 April 1985 took to his Instagram field to announce his new age. “Happy birthday to me. “Nigeria always. Alhamdulilah. “Joyeux anniversaire a moi (Meaning; Happy birthday to me.) Taye Taiwo featured for Nigeria between 2004 and 2012. He played 53 games for the national team and scored 5 goals. He won many laurels with the national teams which includes; a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, African Youth Championship Trophy and also a silver medal at the Netherlands 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Tyson Fury’ll Never Fight Again -Top Promoter Says

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Boxing promoter Bob Arum has insisted that Tyson Fury “will never fight again” after the Brit retired from fighting earlier this year. The Gypsy King retired from professional boxing for the fourth time back in January, throwing into doubt the opportunity to see him take on Anthony Joshua in a highly anticipated Battle of Britain bout. But Fury has come out of retirement three times so a fourth U-turn would hardly be surprising for the former heavyweight fighter. Arum, chief executive of Las Vegas boxing promoter Top Rank, said: “If I was a betting man I would say he will never fight again. Marvin Hagler [former US boxer] had an expression – ‘a rich guy who goes to bed wearing silk pyjamas doesn’t get up in the morning to do road work’. “Tyson, really, I don’t think wants to get up in the morning and do road work and go through the experience of having to train when economically he doesn’t have to do it any more.” Fury’s professional boxing record has seen him win 34 of 37 fights, drawing one and losing two. The draw came in 2018 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles against Deontay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title. Both losses, his last two fights, came against Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian is seen as the one to beat at the moment having become the third man after Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue to become an undisputed champion in two weights within the four-belt era. It comes as Daniel Dubois and Usyk are holding talks over a fight at Wembley Stadium in July. Dunois was due to fight Joseph Parker in February in defence of his IBF belt but illness forced his withdrawal. Usyk has hinted at a retirement soon, but has not committed to such a decision. And it is uncertain whether British fans will ever get their Fury-Joshua clash.

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Interpol Joins EFCC in Crackdown on N1.3tn CBEX Fraud

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a full-scale investigation into a suspected N1.3 trillion crypto fraud linked to the now-defunct digital investment platform, CryptoBank Exchange (CBEX). The EFCC confirmed it is partnering with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to track both local and international culprits behind the scam. CBEX, reportedly operated by foreign nationals in partnership with Nigerians, abruptly collapsed on Monday, leaving thousands of investors locked out of their accounts. Many woke up to find their balances wiped out, with the platform demanding additional deposits before access could be restored. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the commission had already initiated a probe before the collapse, following intelligence reports. “We had our intelligence before the incident. We were already working on it, but now that the scheme has collapsed, the major actors and their collaborators will be brought in,” he said on Tuesday. He assured Nigerians that the EFCC is committed to exposing and dismantling Ponzi schemes like CBEX, highlighting that several similar operations are also under active investigation. “Additionally, there are similar frauds across the country that people are unaware of, and we are working to uncover them. We are on the local collaborators while we are partnering INTERPOL to trace the foreign operators,” Oyewale added. Although the exact scale of losses is yet to be officially verified, unconfirmed reports estimate the stolen funds at over $847 million (about N1.3 trillion), with both Nigerian and foreign investors affected. CBEX, which promised 100% returns within 30 days through online trading, began restricting withdrawals on April 9, 2025. In a move widely seen as a red flag, the platform began demanding deposits of $100 to $200 from users to “verify” accounts before allowing withdrawals — a tactic that lured even more unsuspecting victims before the final crash. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently warned against unregistered trading platforms, emphasizing that the new Investment and Securities Act, 2025 makes it illegal to operate such platforms without proper licensing. SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama urged prospective operators to seek registration to avoid sanctions. Meanwhile, CBEX’s collapse has sparked public outrage. In Ibadan, Oyo State, angry investors stormed the platform’s office in Oke Ado, vandalising the premises and carting away furniture in protest. Security forces, including the Nigeria Police and Operation Amotekun, were deployed to restore order. CBEX had been aggressively promoted on social media and among peer networks, luring thousands with the promise of high returns. Reports indicate the platform changed its domain multiple times between January 2024 and February 2025 — a tactic investigators now see as part of a deliberate effort to evade regulatory scrutiny.

Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property

Killing of 25 Persons in Enugu by Herdsmen Is Fake News – Advocacy Group

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Concerned Professionals for Good Governance, a leadership advocacy group, has refuted reports alleging that 25 persons were killed by herdsmen in Enugu State. In a statement titled “Debunking the Politricks of Insecurity: Enugu State on Our Minds,” the group described the report as false, malicious, and aimed at discrediting the state government’s efforts on security. The coordinator of the group, Mr. Okechukwu Nwafor, stated that after investigating the viral claim, they found no evidence of such an attack in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. He said the report, which claimed dozens were killed and injured, was “a devious fabrication” intended to create panic and undermine the growing reputation of Enugu as a peaceful and secure state. According to the group, Enugu State maintains a digitized security control center and works in close collaboration with the police, military, and other security agencies to ensure the safety of its citizens. It also noted that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration has significantly invested in security infrastructure and public-private partnerships to enhance safety across communities. The group added that attempts to politicize insecurity through the spread of fake news were tactics used by political actors seeking to tarnish the state’s progress in sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. They urged the media and public to verify sensitive reports before accepting or sharing them, especially those related to security and public safety. Reaffirming confidence in the government, the group declared Enugu State safe and on track to becoming a leading destination for tourism, investment, and national events. It called on citizens and media professionals alike to resist the “politricks of insecurity” and to promote unity and truth for the continued progress of the state. Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property