Fola Badmus

Tinubu mourns victims of Enugu tanker explosion

President Bola Tinubu condoles with the government and the people of Enugu state over the fuel tanker explosion, which resulted in the loss of lives on Saturday. The fuel tanker reportedly spiralled out of control and burst into flames while navigating the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the deceased and the injured and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed and quick recovery for those receiving medical treatment. The President called for caution and adherence to safety measures among road users, particularly fuel tanker operators. Furthermore, he directed agencies in charge of enforcing traffic rules to implement measures to prevent recurring fuel tanker explosions nationwide.

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35th AFCON: Super Eagles may draw Cameroon, Tunisia, South Africa

The Draw Ceremony for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals will take place at the Mohamed V National Theatre in Rabat, Casablanca on Monday evening. Three-time African champions Nigeria have been placed in Pot 1, alongside seven-time winners Egypt, three-time champions and Cup holders Cote d’Ivoire, two-time winners Algeria, hosts and 1976 champions Morocco and 2021 winners Senegal. The Nigerian side may however be drawn in same group with other top African football countries which include; Cameroon, Tunisia, South Africa and Mali. Super Eagles’ Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle and Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, alongside the Chairman of NFF Technical and Development Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa will attend the colourful ceremony in the heart of Morocco’s administrative capital. The final tournament that begins on 21st December and ends on 18th January is unique in some ways, including being the first ever to start in a particular year and run into another year. Morocco will play host to Africa again since hosting the 1988 tournament that was won by Cameroon. The North African country was handed the hosting right for the 2015 finals, but ducked at the eleventh hour in the midst of the ebola scare across some nations in the continent. Since then, the country has hosted a plethora of football championships, including the African Nations Championship in 2018 (which she won), the Women Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 (in which she finished as runner-up) and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023. Morocco will also co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup finals alongside neighbours Spain and Portugal. Nigeria’s Super Eagles hold the record for the most medals from the 68-year-old championship: 16 in 20 previous participations. They are three-time winners (1980, 1994, 2013), finished as runners-up on five occasions (1984, 1988, 1990, 2000 and 2023), and took the bronze eight times (1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019). The Eagles lost out in the quarter-finals in 2008 and were eliminated in the second round in 2021. Only in their debut in 1963, and as Cup holders in 1982, have the Eagles failed to proceed beyond the tournament group phase. While Nigeria will be taking part in her 21st tournament (same as DR Congo and Algeria), Botswana and Comoros will be taking part in only their second respective championships. Egypt will be appearing in their 27th tournament; Cote d’Ivoire 26th and; Cameroon and Tunisia 22nd. Hosts Morocco are appearing in their 20th finals and 2012 champions Zambia in their 19th. 2021 winners Senegal are appearing in their 18th final tournament. Nigeria have also played a total of 104 matches at the final tournament, 4th overall behind Egypt (111), Cote d’Ivoire (106) and Ghana (105). While Cameroonian Rigobert Song (who coached the Indomitable Lions at the last finals in Cote d’Ivoire), Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan, Ghanaian Andrew Ayew and Tunisian Youssef Msakni have played in eight tournaments each, Ayew and Song have played the most matches – 36 each. Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o (currently President of FECAFOOT) has scored the most goals in the final tournament – 18 in the 29 matches he played across eight tournaments. Nigeria’s Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) scored 13 goals across four final tournaments between 1988 and 1994. Pot 1: Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire Pot 2: Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso Pot 3: Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Benin Republic Pot 4: Mozambique, Comoros, Tanzania, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Botswana

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Over 90 countries to watch Morocco 2025 AFCON final draw

More than 90 countries, including in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North and South America will watch the the Final Draw of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations A(FCON), Morocco 2025 on Monday night, 27 January 2025. The draw will be conducted at Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco at 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT/ 20h00 Cairo time). It will be streamed live on CAF official website, CAFONLINE.COM and CAFTV (YouTube). Leading the global broadcasters are CAF’s traditional partners, beIN Sport (MENA, Europe, America, South Pacific), Canal+, SABC, Azam Media, AfroSport, Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, SNRT, DAZN and many others. The Draw will be live on the Free to Air Platforms of 46 African countries, including all the 24 participating nations, thus ensuring access for fans. The CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 will takes place from 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026.

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Ogun allocates 100 hectares for Naval Base, Dockyard

The Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced the completion of the formalities for allocating 100 hectares of land in Ode-Omi, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, to the Nigerian Navy for the establishment of a Naval Base and Dockyard. The state waived all fees, amounting to several billions of naira, and forwarded the Certificate of Occupancy to the Naval Headquarters. The announcement was made during a visit by Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, to the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta. Governor Abiodun highlighted the strategic importance of the naval presence in securing Ogun’s riverine areas and supporting economic activities, including the Tongeji Island and Olokola Deep Sea Port, which have high prospects for oil production. The Governor assured that access roads to the site would be ready by the end of the week in preparation for the groundbreaking ceremony. Rear Admiral Oamen commended the Governor’s support for security agencies and emphasized the Navy’s commitment to maintaining security in Ogun’s waterways and coastal areas.

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Strategic Policing: Police dismantles criminal syndicates, recovers 134 firearms, 1012 ammunition

As testaments to the promise of the Force to adopt improved strategies in the fight against various forms of crimes and criminality across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant achievements in its efforts to curb crime, recording the arrest of 179 armed robbery suspects, 100 kidnapping suspects, 152 Murder/homicide suspects, 34 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 77 rape suspects, 110 suspected cultists and recovery of 73 various firearms, 310 ammunition of various calibers. The Police was also able to recover 56 stolen vehicles and rescue 22 victims of kidnapping across the country. In a press briefing at the FID-IRT headquarters on the 22nd of January, 2024, the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force highlighted several outstanding achievements including the arrest of Muhammed Kabir ‘m’ 36 years, and other members of his gang including Donald Okpere ‘m’, and Haruna Ibrahim ‘m’. The gang operates by impersonating military personnel and defrauding victims of millions of naira, using fake alerts after purchasing gadgets and medical equipment. In addition, the operatives arrested Sunday Okwo Ade ‘m’, Monday Solomon ‘m’, David Emmanuel ‘m’, and Shakiru Badmus ‘m’, who are part of a well-known gang that specializes in stealing motorcycles from farmers in various communities in Lagos and Ogun States. 15 motorcycles were recovered from this gang. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to remain steadfast to the core principle of policing which is the safeguarding of the lives and properties of the general populace and creating an enabling environment for the public to go about their daily activities peacefully. The Force will not relent in its pursuit of criminal elements and ensuring justice is served when due and appropriate as the extant laws of our country have laid out.

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COAS pledges to elevate training standards for Nigerian Army personnel

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has committed to advancing the training of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to new heights, aiming to enhance professionalism across the force. Lieutenant General Oluyede made the pledge during his visit to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria on Monday, 20 January 2025, where he addressed personnel at the prestigious military institution. In his address, the COAS emphasized the critical importance of robust training at this pivotal time for Nigeria’s national security. He noted that enhanced training will strengthen military operations and security efforts by equipping personnel with the necessary skills and professionalism to carry out their duties effectively. Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to creating an environment that fosters excellence in training and assured personnel of his full support in ensuring they have the resources to perform at their best. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism and expressed his determination to prioritize personnel welfare and well-being. During the briefing, the Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Abdullahi, highlighted the institution’s recent centenary celebration, marking a century of producing skilled manpower for the Nigerian Army. He also shared key achievements and challenges faced by the institution, expressing gratitude to the COAS for his steadfast support.

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Suspended RCCG pastor, Iluyomade, unveils new ministry in Lagos

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the suspended pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, has launched a new ministry in Lagos called The Family Fellowship. In a video that went viral on Monday morning, Iluyomade was seen celebrating with members during their inaugural service held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The service, which took place on Sunday morning, was marked by joyous dancing and jubilation. Announcing the new ministry on Instagram, Iluyomade invited the public to attend the fellowship. He wrote, “The Family Fellowship invites you specially. Join us tomorrow at the Civic Centre for a special time in the Lord’s presence. Promises to be a great experience.” Iluyomade, formerly the senior pastor of City of David Parish, was suspended by RCCG in 2024 after his wife, Pastor Siju, hosted an elaborate 60th birthday celebration shortly after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent church member and former CEO of Access Bank, along with his wife and son. Many criticised the timing of the celebration, which took place just weeks after Wigwe’s passing in a helicopter crash in the United States, viewing it as insensitive.

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