Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

Mo Salah Slams UEFA Over Tribute to Palestinian Pele Without Mentioning Cause of Death

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has criticised UEFA for omitting details about the death of former Palestinian football star Suleiman al Obeid, widely known as the “Palestinian Pele,” in its tribute post. The Palestine Football Association said al Obeid, 41, was killed on Wednesday by an Israeli airstrike targeting civilians while waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip. In a short post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, UEFA described al Obeid as “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times” — but made no mention of how he died. Salah, an Egyptian international and one of the most influential Arab athletes in the world, responded publicly: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” UEFA has told Sky Sports it will not comment on Salah’s remarks. Al Obeid, born in Gaza City, played for clubs across Gaza and the West Bank and was a key figure in Palestinian football for years. The Palestine FA’s tribute noted that he is survived by his wife, two sons, and three daughters. The criticism comes amid rising concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. According to the United Nations, more than 1,000 people have been killed near aid distribution points and convoys in Gaza since late May, when the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a US and Israel-backed aid system — began operations. Salah has previously called for increased humanitarian aid access to Gaza during the ongoing conflict, which is approaching its two-year mark.

FG Issues Red Flood Alert to 15 Northern States, Warns of 5 Days of Heavy Rainfall

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

By Kamal Yalwa August 11, 2025 The Federal Government has placed 15 northern states on red flood alert, warning residents in high-risk areas to take immediate precautions to safeguard lives and property. In a circular issued in Abuja, the Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre said possible flooding is expected between August 10 and 14, 2025 due to forecasts of heavy rainfall. The statement, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, listed the affected states as: Adamawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, Niger, Taraba, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, and Kwara. Kebbi State tops the list with the highest number of flagged flood-prone locations — 10 towns including Kamba, Kangiwa, Kalgo, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Gwandu, Jega, and Birnin Kebbi. Bokani urged residents to act swiftly by relocating from flood-prone zones where necessary. He also called on local authorities and state emergency management agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities. If you want, I can also make a short breaking-news version of this for social media updates with key points and hashtags to drive engagement.

Governor Oyebanji Dissolves Ekiti State Executive Council

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 11, 2025 The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council with immediate effect. In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro, and released on Sunday evening, all affected Commissioners and Special Advisers have been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Governor Oyebanji thanked the outgoing members for their service and wished them success in their future endeavours. The dissolution, however, does not affect: In addition, all Directors General who are members of the State Executive Council will retain their positions, including:

EFCC, Obasanjo Library Clash Over Sting Operation in Abeokuta

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa August 11, 2025 A sting operation in the early hours of Sunday has triggered a public spat between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The EFCC said operatives from its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta, seizing 18 vehicles and several mobile devices. The agency’s statement did not initially specify the exact location of the raid. Hours later, the OOPL claimed the EFCC had carried out the operation on its premises, describing it as an “invasion” executed in a “Gestapo-like manner” and demanding a public apology. It also threatened legal action against the anti-graft agency. According to OOPL spokesperson Kehinde Adeyemi, more than 50 armed EFCC operatives stormed the facility at around 2:00 am during a private event in the amusement section of the complex. The raid reportedly caused panic among guests, with some sustaining injuries while trying to flee. Adeyemi alleged that the operatives neither informed the library’s management nor presented a search warrant, despite the police being aware of the event beforehand. “This action by the EFCC constitutes a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL’s rights, and violation of the rights of attendees,” the statement read. The OOPL said it would escalate the matter to the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS). EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrests but declined to address the OOPL’s allegations, maintaining that the agency’s earlier statement remained its official position. He said the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations are completed. The OOPL, founded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, houses a library, museum, wildlife park, sports facilities, restaurants, event centres, and a four-star hotel.

Aviation Unions Suspend Planned Strike After Keyamo’s Intervention

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The planned nationwide strike by Nigeria’s aviation unions, slated to begin today, August 11, 2025, has been suspended following a last-minute intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The industrial action was being coordinated by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE). The unions had threatened to ground operations over the delay in implementing an improved salary structure for workers at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). In a joint statement, the unions said the strike was being deferred until the end of August after receiving assurances from relevant authorities. They noted that the Budget Office had issued a “no objection” letter to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, clearing the path for a revised pay package. NAMA management also pledged to commence payment alongside August salaries. Minister Keyamo confirmed the development on Sunday, describing it as a victory for dialogue over disruption. “We are happy to announce that, after our intervention, the planned strike by the Aviation Unions due to commence tomorrow has been shelved,” he said. Keyamo also promised continued engagement with labour unions to address pending issues in the sector. The unions warned, however, that if the new salary structure is not fully implemented by the end of August, they will revisit their strike plans.

News

LASG To Roll Out Inspection Schedule For E-Hailing Operators

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

The Lagos State Government has mandated all e-hailing operators to ensure that their drivers present their vehicles for inspection, in a move aimed at improving safety, service quality, and regulatory compliance across the sector. The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this at a recent engagement with the operators at the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa, Ikeja. He stated that the Ministry has observed the deplorable condition of some vehicles operated by drivers under licensed e-hailing platforms within the State, necessitating a comprehensive audit of all vehicles in use. According to him, any vehicle found unsuitable will not be allowed to operate on Lagos roads. He further decried the growing safety concerns for motorists and the poor service delivery by some operators, stressing that the State Government is committed to safeguarding lives and property, and will not tolerate practices that endanger Lagosians. In addition, the Commissioner raised concerns over the lack of robust databases among many e-hailing platforms, making it difficult to track discrepancies and criminal activities perpetrated through their services. He warned that the Ministry will not hesitate to enforce sanctions where necessary. Speaking on the same issue, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa emphasised that the use of vehicles not registered with the Lagos State Government will no longer be tolerated. He noted that such practices hinder effective tracking and pose significant security risks. According to him, the Ministry will strictly enforce penalties for any infractions. He explained that the digital system developed by the Ministry requires up-to-date data to enable effective regulation of the transportation sector. He added that all drivers must be duly registered and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), urging operators to comply or risk suspension of their licenses. The Permanent Secretary further urged Lagosians to stop booking e-hailing rides offline to avoid bypassing the safety features and accountability mechanisms built into the apps. In response, representatives of licensed e-hailing platforms shared updates on recent upgrades aimed at improving safety and accountability. These include enhanced driver verification systems, mandatory license checks, panic buttons, and improved onboarding/offboarding procedures. The Commissioner concluded the meeting with a call to action, urging all e-hailing operators to conduct their businesses with empathy, prioritising public safety and customer satisfaction over profit-making. He also reminded them to settle all outstanding licensing documentation and resolve all necessary regulatory requirements. Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives from Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Laurie, Vas Acquico, InDrive, Folti Tech, and EDryv.

Sports

SWAN Demands Immediate Inauguration of National Sports Commission Board

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago05 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to immediately inaugurate its 17-member governing board. Established in 1964, SWAN, the umbrella body for all Sports Editors, Reporters, Producers, and Presenters, warned that the Commission is operating in gross violation of its establishing law with the delay of a properly constituted NSC board. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, said the Commission has been functioning without a statutory board since its creation in October 2024, contrary to the NSC Establishment Act 2023. “As a statutory board member of the NSC, I’m compelled to urge the Chairman and Director-General to take all necessary steps to inaugurate the board without further delay,” President Benjamin said. “Operating without a duly constituted board for nearly a year is not only a breach of the law but also undermines transparency and accountability.” He said Section 2(1) of the Act “is very clear” on the composition of the board, which includes representatives from ministries, sports bodies, the organised private sector, academia, medical field, military, persons with disabilities, the Nigeria Football Federation, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, and SWAN. “There is no lawful way to run the National Sports Commission without a properly constituted board. “All major decisions made since October 2024 lack legal backing in the absence of the board,” he added. The SWAN President also linked the situation to a wider pattern of governance lapses in Nigerian sports, citing ongoing litigation involving the Nigeria Football Federation and controversies surrounding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria elections. “The NSC cannot continue to function as a two-man entity – comprising only the Chairman and the Director-General – while 15 other constitutionally mandated positions remain unfilled. “This issue will remain on the front burner until the law is obeyed,” he warned. SWAN further lamented the neglect of the association in the scheme of operations, particularly in overseeing the engagement of experienced, qualified, and skilled Communication Managers to handle media operations of various sports federations. According to President Benjamin, this would “complement the service of the NSC, enhance promotion, and boost the digital marketability of sports for sponsorship drives.” He added, “Ignoring SWAN’s expertise in this regard is a missed opportunity to leverage professional sports journalism for national sports growth.” SWAN also noted that a situation where National and International events are carried out unilaterally without necessary inputs by the professional sports media body was unacceptable. “One of the major reasons why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his wisdom approved a National Sports Commission is to enable accelerated and holistic growth and development of Sports in Nigeria. What obtained in the past when sports was under Ministry or bureaucratic encumbrances is supposed to be a thing of the past with the emergence of NSC. “A situation where unnecessary political/non-professional application or approach is deployed in the day-to-day operations of the Sports Commission is by far not the way to go,” the statement said.

2025 NBPL Gets Tip-Off Date as Rivers Hoopers Seek Three-Peat

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Reigning Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) champions Rivers Hoopers BC will be among a total of sixteen teams to vie for the 2025 NBPL title. According to an official communiqué signed by League Chairman Babatunde Ogunade and Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Secretary General Amina O. Amanchi, action at the 2025 NBPL is scheduled to run from 28 August – 16 November. This will be preceded by a registration period between 11-28 August. The 2025 NBPL is structured to run in four phases (Group, Inter-Group, Playoff, and Final Four), as the sixteen (16) participating teams have been divided into four (4) groups of four (4) teams each across Savannah and Atlantic Conferences (2 groups per Conference), with games to be staged at yet to be named venues. Defending champions Rivers Hoopers have been paired alongside Delta Force, Oluyole Warriors, and Kwara Falcons in Group B of the Atlantic Conference, with Group A consisting of Comets, Police Batons, Lagos Legends, as well as Hoops & Read. In the Savannah Conference, Nile University, Nigeria Customs, Gboko City Chiefs, and Correctional Service make up Group A, while Group B houses Kano Pillars, Plateau Peaks, Gombe Bulls, and Bauchi Nets. Each team is expected to play six (6) games against the other three (3) teams during the Group stage (home & away basis), after which all eight (8) teams (Group A & Group B) from each Conference will meet at a central venue for the Inter-Group Stage. During the Inter-Group Stage each team will play seven (7) games (one against each of the other teams). The top four (4) teams from each Conference (making a total of 8 teams) will then converge for the Playoffs Round which will be played in a knockout format. The Final Four teams will play each other once in a round robin format, with the team accruing the highest points tally after that, crowned 2025 NBPL Champions. Recall that Rivers Hoopers won their sixth league title by defeating Hoops & Read 71-54 in the playoff final of the 2024 NBPL season last November, and will look to retain their crown for the third straight year.