Fola Badmus

Zelenskyy’s Top Aide Resigns After Home Search by Anticorruption Investigators

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, amid an escalating corruption investigation that has shaken Kyiv and raised concerns among Western allies. The announcement came on Friday, just hours after Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) searched Yermak’s apartment in connection with an ongoing inquiry. “The Office of the President of Ukraine will be reorganised. The head of the office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation,” Zelenskyy said in a televised address, adding that consultations on a possible replacement would begin on Saturday. Yermak, a central figure in Ukraine’s wartime diplomacy and the president’s closest adviser, confirmed earlier that investigators had searched his home, saying he was fully cooperating. “There are no obstacles for the investigators. They have been given full access… my lawyers are cooperating with law enforcement,” he wrote on social media. NABU and SAPO said the search was authorised and linked to an active investigation, though the details of the case were not immediately disclosed. Wider corruption probe The search follows a sweeping investigation unveiled earlier this month into an alleged $100m kickback scheme involving Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear power operator. The probe has implicated former senior officials and Tymur Mindich, a past business partner of Zelenskyy. The developments come as Kyiv faces mounting pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump to accept a revised peace proposal aimed at ending the four-year war with Russia. Ukraine and European allies have expressed concerns that earlier versions of the US plan included concessions favourable to Moscow. Political pressure rising Zelenskyy is also facing domestic criticism, with opposition lawmakers faulting Yermak’s influential role in peace negotiations and calling for greater political transparency. Despite the turmoil, Zelenskyy urged unity:“Russia very much wants Ukraine to make mistakes. There will be no mistakes on our part. Our work continues.” A key but controversial figure Yermak, 54, a former film producer and copyright lawyer, has been widely regarded as the second-most powerful man in Ukraine. Since joining Zelenskyy’s political circle in 2019, he has acted as the president’s gatekeeper and chief strategist, playing a crucial role in shaping diplomacy, security policy and wartime negotiations. His resignation comes at a critical moment, as Ukrainian, US and European officials work to refine a potential peace framework and as Russia intensifies military and political pressure. According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Kyiv, Yermak’s departure marks a serious setback:“It couldn’t be more critical for Ukraine. It is negotiating its very survival as a sovereign nation.” The corruption investigation, meanwhile, continues. Authorities say Mindich is suspected of orchestrating the alleged Energoatom scheme, which remains under intensive scrutiny.

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NFF Apologises to Tinubu, FG, Nigerians on Super Eagles’ World Cup Setback

The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to openly and sincerely apologise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), to the Federal Government as a whole; and to millions of Nigerians, most especially our passionate, loyal football fans, following the Super Eagles failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.   Sunday’s loss to DR Congo in the Africa Play-off Final in Rabat remains a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football. For a nation where the Super Eagles serve as a symbol of unity, hope, and collective pride, missing out on the World Cup for a second consecutive time is a disappointment of great weight and emotional depth.   The NFF, the technical crew, and the players understand the gravity of this moment. We understand the expectations Nigerians rightly hold. We understand the passion and sacrifice of a country that has always stood firmly behind its team, through triumphs and trials. And we recognise that our collective effort did not deliver the outcome this nation deserved.   In the dressing room after the match, the pain among the players was palpable. Many struggled to speak.   Throughout the long journey of this qualification campaign, we were privileged to receive enormous support from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission, the National Assembly, key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, our diplomatic missions, the media, and, above all, the passionate fans whose devotion remains unmatched anywhere in the world.   Football in Nigeria is more than a game. It is a national language. A bridge across cultures, a source of pride and emotional identity. A powerful symbol of unity that binds over 200 million people as one family. We owe it to this nation to honour that bond with sincerity, accountability, and action.   As we look forward, our immediate attention turns to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, which begins shortly. This tournament presents an opportunity for healing, for renewal, and for demonstrating the resilience that has always defined Nigerian football.   In the coming days, the NFF Board and Management will enter into a rigorous review process, honest, uncompromising, and strategic. We will evaluate the technical, administrative, and structural gaps that led to this outcome. And we will take decisive steps to reposition our national teams for future success.   We make this solemn commitment to the people of Nigeria: We will rebuild trust. We will restore pride. We will reclaim our standing on the global stage. We will not allow this disappointment to be the final word on Nigerian football.   Nigeria is a nation of resilience, of spirit, of unyielding hope. Just as our people rise from every challenge, so too will the Super Eagles.

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Food Prices Fall Sharply in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa as Supply Increases — Survey

November 16, 2025 A new market survey has revealed a significant drop in the prices of major food items across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, offering much-needed relief to residents after months of food inflation. The survey, conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, Damaturu, Yola-North and Numan, shows steady declines in the prices of rice, maize, beans, pepper, millet, spaghetti and cooking oil when compared to earlier months. In Maiduguri’s Monday Market, a 50kg bag of rice—sold for between ₦78,000 and ₦82,000 in August and September—now goes for ₦64,000 to ₦65,000. A 100kg bag of maize has fallen from ₦60,000–₦65,000 to ₦40,000–₦45,000, while white beans decreased from ₦105,000 per bag to ₦85,000. One of the most dramatic drops was in the price of fresh pepper, which traded as high as ₦70,000–₦85,000 earlier in the year, but now sells for ₦6,500–₦8,500. Millet prices also declined from ₦65,000 to ₦46,000 per 100kg bag, while sorghum fell to ₦38,000 from earlier prices of ₦50,000–₦55,000. Traders attributed the decline to increased supply from local farmers and improved security access to farmlands around Zabarmari, Muna, Konduga, Jere and Mafa. “Prices came down because supply increased,” grains dealer Haruna Bukar said. However, some traders warn the drop may be temporary due to poor storage facilities. “If government provides storage centres, we can keep prices stable,” said retailer Amina Umar. In Damaturu, prices have also fallen sharply. A big measure of white beans, formerly ₦6,000, now sells for ₦3,000, while red beans dropped from ₦4,800 to ₦2,400. Rice now sells for ₦2,500 per measure, down from ₦5,000, and a carton of spaghetti has dropped from ₦19,000 to ₦13,000. An economist with Yobe State University, Dr. Binta Yahaya, linked the decline to massive imports of grains such as rice and wheat by the present administration to curb food inflation. “When supply floods the market, prices naturally fall,” she said, urging government to balance imports with support for local farmers. In Adamawa, a 50kg bag of local rice now sells for ₦32,000–₦36,000, compared to ₦48,000–₦55,000 three months ago. Prices of maize and beans have also dropped significantly. Traders and consumers across the three states appealed to the government to sustain market stability and continue improving road access, transportation systems and farming support. Agriculture expert Dr. Obadiah Noah warned that while lower prices offer short-term relief, heavy dependence on imports could affect long-term food security. He urged investment in irrigation, credit access, rural roads and security on farmlands to ensure sustainable production.

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NDLEA Seizes 396,000 Tramadol Capsules at Yola Airport, Arrests Suspect

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 396,000 capsules of tramadol at the Aliyu Mustapha International Airport in Yola, Adamawa State. The seizure, made on 14 November, comes just a week after operatives recovered more than 171,000 tramadol capsules in coordinated operations across Niger, Benue and Taraba States. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed on Sunday that a 50-year-old suspect, Ahmed Isyaku Nda, was arrested in connection with the Yola interception. He added that operatives also raided a warehouse in Asob Maraba, Karu, Nasarawa State, where they recovered 785 kilogrammes of cannabis belonging to a dealer who fled before officers arrived. In Lagos, the agency also arrested a suspected drug baron who had been posing as a hotelier and businessman. The suspect, Franc CJ Ibemesi, 42, was arrested at his hotel on Ago Palace Way, Isolo, and later taken to his warehouse where officers found 1.76 tonnes of cannabis packed in 42 jumbo bags and four cartons. Recovered cash from the operation included $11,600, £2,000, €2,200, and 50 Canadian dollars. In Osun State, NDLEA operatives foiled an attempt by a syndicate operating in the Orita-Apeje and Araromi-Okeodo forest reserves to distribute over 11 tonnes of processed cannabis. Two trucks transporting the drugs were seized, and seven suspects — Lucky Abiodun, Julius Amos, Victor Ngbikili, Sunday Oduegwu, Ibrahim Akanni, Eze Godstime and Fred Ifeanyichukwu — were apprehended. NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the operatives for their vigilance and urged personnel nationwide to maintain the momentum of the agency’s coordinated anti-drug efforts. The latest string of operations follows the recent recovery of a ₦338 billion drug consignment at the PTML Terminal of the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. The NDLEA says it is working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the UK’s National Crime Agency to track the syndicates behind the shipment.

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World Cup Playoff Final: Chelle Unleashes Osimhen, Lookman on DR Congo

  By BUNMI OGUNYALE   Super Eagles manager, Eric Chelle has named the duo of Ademola Lookman and red-hot striker Victor Osimhen to the lead team’s assault in tonight’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco. Both players are expected to bring their experience to bear as the immediate past and the current African Footballers of the Year against the Congolese. Stanley Nwabali retained his place in goal and he will get cover from Benjamin Fredrick, Saidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey. Stand-in Captain Wilfred Ndidi will marshal the midfield along with Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi. The substitutes for tonight’s tie are; Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolulope Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alhassan Abdullahi, Amas Obasogie, Adike and Chidozie Awaziem. The tie is slated to kick off at 8pm Nigeria time.

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World Cup Playoff: Ndidi Eligible for DR Congo Showdown

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stated that Super Eagles Stand-in Captain, Wilfred Ndidi is eligible for 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff final against DR Congo on Sunday. Super Eagles twitter handle confirmed the development on her page on Saturday. “CAF has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s playoff clash against DR Congo. “Cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs; only confirmed suspensions apply,” Super Eagles twitter tweeted.

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NWFL Launches Mandatory Digital Registration and Licensing Portal for 2025/26 Premiership Season

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has launched a compulsory digital portal for player registration and club licensing ahead of the 2025/26 season. The initiative was announced in a statement issued on Friday, November 14, by the league’s Media Director, Samuel Ahmadu, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise administrative processes and strengthen regulatory compliance across the league. Confirming the development, Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the digital platform represents a significant advancement in the NWFL’s governance standards. “This platform is designed to eliminate manual delays, minimise documentation errors, and provide real-time oversight of all registration activities. It is an important step toward making the NWFL more efficient and globally competitive,” she said. Shabi noted that the portal’s verification features will play a critical role in reducing common infractions such as age falsification, dual registration, and irregular player movement. “The system gives the league the ability to authenticate submitted documents instantly. It strengthens integrity, ensures accountability, and aligns us with international best practices,” she added. The NWFL COO also disclosed that the initiative received strong endorsement from club representatives during the recent Congress in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders approved the digital migration as essential to improving organisational efficiency and strengthening league structures. Under the updated NWFL Registration and Club Licensing Regulations, all clubs are required to complete their player registration exclusively through the new portal from November 14 to 21, 2025. Required documentation includes national identification, passport photographs, verified age records, academic credentials, medical fitness reports, and digitally signed player contracts. Licensing submissions also mandate coaching licences, stadium certification, audited financial statements, ownership documents, and evidence of youth development structures. According to the NWFL secretariat, the digital portal is also a strategic tool to enhance the marketability of the league by improving transparency, data integrity, and administrative professionalism, key requirements for attracting sponsors, commercial partners, and international collaborations.  

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CRIDA Commends President Tinubu Over Reinstatement of Marilyn Ogar, Clearance of Justice Onnoghen

The Cross River State Indigenes Development Association (CRIDA) in Abuja has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reinstating and promoting Mrs. Marilyn Ogar of the Department of State Services (DSS). The commendation comes after the President approved the reinstatement and elevation of Mrs. Ogar, a former DSS spokesperson, and intervened to clear the name of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen. In a statement issued on Wednesday, CRIDA President, Chief Sankara Dickson Unung, praised President Tinubu for what he described as a strong commitment to justice, fairness, and merit. “Mrs. Ogar served the nation with integrity, courage, and professionalism, and her reinstatement is a triumph of truth and faith,” he said. CRIDA also lauded the President for promoting Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye to the position of Chief of Defence Intelligence, noting his outstanding service and leadership in national security. The association extended appreciation to the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for facilitating Ogar’s reinstatement and congratulated her for her resilience and unwavering dedication. “We stand solidly behind President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We see in his leadership a new dawn of justice, merit, and inclusion for all Nigerians,” Chief Unung added.

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