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Fola Badmus

Tinubu Vows to Boost Nigeria’s Electricity Supply

Fola Badmus03 mins

President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s electricity supply through the ongoing Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) being executed in partnership with Siemens Energy. Speaking during a meeting with a Siemens Energy delegation led by Dietmar Siersdorfer, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu said the government remains determined to deliver reliable power to drive industrial growth and improve citizens’ quality of life. The President emphasised that a stable power sector is vital to the nation’s economic recovery, with significant implications for industrial, educational, and healthcare development. “There is no industrial growth or economic development without power. I believe that power is the most significant discovery of humanity in the last 1,000 years,” Tinubu said. “We appreciate the partnership on this initiative. The progress so far is notable, but we know there is still more to be done.” Tinubu commended Siemens Energy and the German government for their support, assuring that Nigeria would continue to provide the necessary resources for the completion of the project. He also directed the expansion of major transformer substations from two to three phases to boost electricity capacity nationwide. “We are all inspired and happy. This is what we want to achieve on the continent—to show the glory of our economic recovery and the banishment of poverty,” the President added. This was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Monday, November 10. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, and Special Adviser on Energy Olu Verheijen were in attendance. In his remarks, the Power Minister said the sector had recorded several critical milestones, including decentralisation, liberalisation, and the signing of the Electricity Act 2023, which has attracted more than $2.2 billion in new investments.

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Ref Watch: Why Liverpool’s Disallowed Goal Against Man City Wasn’t a Clear and Obvious Error – Dermot Gallagher Explains

Fola Badmus06 mins

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained why Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed goal in Liverpool’s 3–0 defeat to Manchester City was not considered a “clear and obvious error” under VAR rules — despite growing frustration from Liverpool, who have lodged a formal complaint with the PGMOL. The Incident Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk thought he had pulled one back at the Etihad Stadium when he headed home a cross, but the goal was ruled out after Andy Robertson was deemed to be obstructing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s line of sight from an offside position. Gallagher’s Verdict “It is subjective without doubt and it’s a grey area because it’s all about interpretation,” Gallagher said on Ref Watch. “Everybody sees things differently — that’s why you can have similar incidents produce different outcomes. There are no hard and fast rules.”Gallagher clarified that the on-field decision was “no goal,” meaning VAR would only intervene if it was a clear and obvious mistake.“VAR asked, ‘Is Robertson in an offside position? Yes. Is he impacting the goalkeeper?’ They decided yes, as he was close enough to interfere. Since the on-field call was ‘no goal,’ it stood.”He added that VAR is not meant to “re-referee” matches:“The referee is only sent to the monitor if there’s a clear and obvious error or a subjective offside that needs review. In this case, VAR backed the on-field decision.” Bothroyd’s View: ‘It Should Have Stood’ Former England striker Jay Bothroyd disagreed, arguing the goal should have been allowed. “When you watch the replay, Donnarumma can clearly see the ball. Robertson ducks out of the way and doesn’t make an attempt to play it,” Bothroyd said. “If anything, [Man City’s] Doku is more in the keeper’s line of sight. Robertson isn’t interfering. It was a poor decision.” Other Matches Discussed on Ref Watch Brentford 3–1 Newcastle: There was controversy at the Gtech Community Stadium as Dan Burn avoided punishment for a challenge on Dango Ouattara in the first half, only to be sent off later for a similar foul. Gallagher said the first decision — no penalty and a yellow card for simulation — was “understandable,” but admitted the two incidents highlighted the fine margins referees face. “There was contact both times. The referee judged the first to be minimal. VAR didn’t think it met the threshold for a penalty. It’s so difficult — that’s the life of a referee.”Arsenal Women 1–1 Chelsea Women (WSL): The Women’s Super League clash produced several controversial moments, reigniting debate over the absence of VAR in the league. Stina Blackstenius had a goal ruled out for handball, though replays showed the ball struck her thigh.“From the referee’s angle, it looked like handball. It was an optical illusion,” Gallagher explained. “If VAR existed in the WSL, the goal would have stood.”Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova also escaped a possible red card for a high challenge on Keira Walsh. Gallagher said:“At full speed, it looked like a fair challenge, but on slow motion, the studs are high. With VAR, that would likely be a red.”Sunderland 2–2 Arsenal (Premier League): There was debate over Dan Ballard’s elbow on Mikel Merino in the box, and Martin Zubimendi’s yellow card for a midfield tackle. Gallagher said neither incident warranted VAR intervention:“Ballard used his arms for leverage; it wasn’t a foul. Zubimendi was unlucky — probably a misread by the referee.” The VAR Debate Continues The series of contentious calls across the Premier League and WSL once again spotlighted the subjective nature of VAR decisions and renewed calls for consistent standards across all levels of English football. “Refereeing has never been more difficult,” Gallagher concluded. “Every angle tells a different story — and interpretation is everything.”

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Two Top BBC Leaders Quit Over Editing of Trump Documentary

Fola Badmus09 mins

Two of the top executives of the BBC resigned abruptly on Sunday following a report suggesting the public service broadcaster had misleadingly edited a speech by President Trump that preceded the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. The surprise resignation of the director general, Tim Davie, and Deborah Turness, the chief executive of BBC News, came several days after The Daily Telegraph published details of a leaked internal memo arguing that a BBC Panorama documentary had juxtaposed comments by Mr. Trump in a way that made it appear that he had explicitly encouraged the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. “Like all public organizations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable,” Mr. Davie said in a statement. “While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision.” Mr. Davie added: “Overall the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as director-general I have to take ultimate responsibility.” Ms. Turness, in her announcement, said, “The ongoing controversy around the Panorama on President Trump has reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC — an institution that I love.” She said that “the buck stops with me” and conceded that “mistakes have been made” but insisted that “recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.” Mr. Trump welcomed the resignations in a post on his Truth Social account. With about 21,000 employees, the BBC calls itself the world’s leading public service broadcaster, and is funded primarily from a license fee paid by Britons who watch TV, supplemented by commercial revenue. It produces a huge range of material, from news to entertainment, and has reach outside Britain through its international broadcasting operations. Pressure had been building on Mr. Davie and senior management of the BBC after the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, reacting to the leaked memo, accused the broadcaster of being “purposefully dishonest” over its depiction of the Capitol Hill insurrection. The leaked memo was written by Michael Prescott, a former journalist who, until June, was an independent external adviser to the broadcaster’s editorial standards committee. The documentary, called “Trump: A Second Chance?” was broadcast last year and, in one section, spliced together footage from comments Mr. Trump made about 50 minutes apart. Mr. Prescott’s critique also included claims that the broadcaster did not cover stories that raised difficult questions about transgender rights, and that BBC Arabic gave a platform to a journalist who had posted antisemitic comments. Mr. Davie was director general for five years and survived a number of other crises at the broadcaster, earning the nickname “Teflon Tim.” This year, the broadcaster was criticized for having failed to cut away during live coverage of the Glastonbury music festival when the performer Bob Vylan led the crowd in chants against the Israeli military. Ofcom, Britain’s media regulator, ruled this year that the BBC had committed a “serious breach” of broadcasting rules by failing to disclose that the narrator of a documentary about Gaza was the son of a Hamas official. And there were controversies over the behavior of several TV stars employed by the corporation. The BBC’s senior leadership was widely expected to issue an apology in front of a parliamentary committee on Monday over the documentary about President Trump, and Mr. Davie appears to have calculated that his position was becoming untenable. Some of the BBC’s senior staff have said they believe that the broadcaster is under attack from partisan opponents. “It’s clear that there is a genuine concern about editorial standards and mistakes,” wrote Nick Robinson, a presenter on Today, the flagship morning radio show, on social media. “There is also a political campaign by people who want to destroy the organization.” In a statement issued after Mr. Davie’s resignation, Lisa Nandy, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, thanked him for his service, described the BBC as “one of our most important national institutions.” But earlier on Sunday Ms. Nandy, in an interview with the BBC, said that decisions about the broadcaster’s editorial standards and guidelines, and the sort of language used in reporting, was “not always well thought through.” She added: “Often it’s left to individual journalists or newsreaders to make decisions.” In a statement, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, welcomed the resignations but added that Mr. Prescott’s report “exposed institutional bias that cannot be swept away with two resignations — strong action must be taken on all the issues it raised.” On social media, Ms. Leavitt reacted to Mr. Davie’s resignation by posting screenshots of two news articles, the first reading “Trump goes to war with ‘fake news’ BBC,” the second from the broadcaster’s own website on Sunday reporting “Tim Davie resigns as BBC director general over Trump edit.” Above the first article, Ms. Leavitt wrote: “Shot,” above the second, “Chaser.” In response, Ed Davey, leader of Britain’s centrist Liberal Democrat party wrote, also on social media: “To see Trump’s White House claiming credit for his downfall and attacking the BBC should worry us all.”

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Olubadan: Trump’s Warning a Wake-Up Call for Nigeria to Confront Terrorism

Fola Badmus04 mins

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has described U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Nigeria as a wake-up call for the nation to confront terrorism head-on and heal religious divisions. Speaking while receiving the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area, the monarch urged Nigerians to unite against terrorism and “fight it to a standstill while placating the aggrieved.” In a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, on Sunday, Oba Ladoja lamented that Nigeria has been battling terrorism for over a decade — dating back to the final years of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2014. “Many people have been killed and property worth an inestimable amount of money destroyed. Multitudes of families, particularly women and children, have been displaced. Kidnappings have taken place,” the monarch said. He noted that successive administrations — from Jonathan to Muhammadu Buhari and now President Bola Tinubu — have made efforts to combat insecurity, but warned that terrorism remains a threat to all Nigerians, regardless of religion. “Terrorists don’t know the difference between Muslims and Christians. They see everybody as prey, while they are the predator,” he added. “We must unite as one people to overcome this menace and also placate our brethren who feel aggrieved by the violence.” Oba Ladoja also praised the peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths in the South-West, urging other regions to emulate such harmony. Earlier, Bishop Wale Oke congratulated Ladoja on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, praying that God grants him wisdom and understanding to lead with fairness and compassion. The PFN President also called on President Tinubu to work closely with U.S. President Donald Trump to address the killings and attacks ravaging several communities across the country, particularly in the North. Meanwhile, President Tinubu on Friday met with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, days after holding a similar meeting with the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama. According to sources, the meetings are part of ongoing consultations with religious and traditional leaders following Trump’s description of Nigeria as a country facing religious persecution and human rights abuses. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, accompanied the Sultan to the meeting. Nigeria’s federal government has since rejected the U.S. characterisation, insisting that violence across the country is driven by multiple factors — not religion — and that the constitution guarantees freedom of worship for all citizens.

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Terrorists Attack Passenger Bus on Ayere–Kabba Road in Kogi, Kill One, Injure Several

Fola Badmus03 mins

A terrorist attack on a commercial bus has left one passenger dead and several others injured along the Ayere–Kabba Road in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Eyewitnesses told reporters that the incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Sunday, when gunmen opened fire on travellers along the busy route. According to a witness, some vehicles narrowly escaped the ambush, while several passengers sustained gunshot wounds. “One person was confirmed dead at the general hospital, while others are receiving treatment for gunshot injuries,” a local source said. Residents say the Ayere–Kabba axis has become increasingly dangerous for commuters, with frequent attacks by armed gangs believed to be operating between Kogi and neighbouring Kwara State. In recent months, communities along the Kogi–Kwara border have witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes, heightening fears among residents and travellers. On Sunday, residents of Yagba East Local Government Area staged a protest in Isanlu, demanding urgent government action over the escalating insecurity in the region. The demonstration, held in front of the General Hospital, Isanlu, followed the killing of an elderly, sick woman who had been abducted by bandits a day earlier. Eyewitnesses reported that protesters blocked major roads, set tyres ablaze, and chanted slogans calling for immediate deployment of more security personnel. Sources said the kidnapped woman was killed after the abductors realised she was too weak to keep up with them in the forest. The killing has sparked outrage and mourning across the community, as residents lament what they describe as government inaction in the face of worsening insecurity. Communities across Yagba East and West have faced repeated kidnappings and armed robberies in recent months, with attacks occurring almost daily. Local leaders have repeatedly appealed to both the state and federal governments to strengthen security presence and protect residents from further violence.

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FG Exceeds Borrowing Limit by N6trn in 10 Months, Raises Debt to N17.36trn

Fola Badmus06 mins

The Federal Government (FG) has borrowed a total of N17.36 trillion from domestic and foreign sources between January and October 2025, surpassing the ten-month borrowing limit set in the 2025 Appropriation Act by N6.06 trillion, or 55.6 percent. According to data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the government secured N15.8 trillion from domestic investors and N1.56 trillion from external sources within the period under review. This borrowing level already exceeds the prorated target of N10.9 trillion set for the first ten months of the year. The 2025 national budget had projected a total borrowing of N13.08 trillion for the entire fiscal year to finance a N13.08 trillion deficit, based on projected revenue of N41.91 trillion and total expenditure of N54.99 trillion. Meanwhile, the Federal Government recently initiated moves to raise an additional $2.35 billion (N3.38 trillion) through a Eurobond issuance, which could push total borrowings to around N20.74 trillion. Analysts estimate that if the current borrowing trend continues, total government debt for the year could approach N23 trillion—about N10 trillion higher than budget projections. Fiscal Indiscipline, Rising Debt Concerns Financial experts have expressed concern that the government’s persistent overshooting of its borrowing plan amid weak revenue growth could trap the country in a cycle of unsustainable debt. Andrew Uviase, Managing Partner at Ecovis OUC, described the trend as “a clear reflection of fiscal indiscipline and poor expenditure control,” urging government to cut waste and improve governance efficiency. Similarly, David Adonri, Vice Executive Chairman of Highcap Securities, said the excessive borrowing stems from “aggressive and unrealistic revenue assumptions,” especially oil-related projections. “The 2025 budget was based on an oil output of 2.06 million barrels per day at $75 per barrel — both overly optimistic,” he said. “Actual output has averaged around 1.6 to 1.7 million barrels, while prices have fallen below $70.” Adonri warned that government’s “addiction to debt” risks eroding fiscal credibility, despite claims of increased revenue from the removal of fuel and FX subsidies. Tunde Abidoye, Head of Research at FBNQuest Merchant Bank, echoed the sentiment, warning that the government’s borrowing spree “is crowding out private sector access to credit” and driving up interest rates. Breakdown of Borrowing The FG borrowed N11.43 trillion through Treasury Bills as of October, a 4.6 percent year-on-year increase from N10.93 trillion in 2024. Borrowing through FGN Bonds dropped by 22 percent to N4.04 trillion, while FGN Savings Bonds rose by 5.6 percent to N40.19 billion. The government also reintroduced Sukuk Bonds, raising N300 billion this year. Threats to Private Sector and Growth Analysts warn that the surge in government borrowing is pushing up yields on government securities — now above 20 percent — discouraging lending to private businesses. Adonri noted that “excessive borrowing by the government escalates the cost of funds and crowds out the production sector,” while Uviase warned that “banks naturally prefer lending to the government over businesses,” stifling industrial growth. IMF, Fiscal Framework at Odds The borrowing overshoot also contradicts Nigeria’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (2025–2027), which targets a budget deficit below 3% of GDP. The IMF and World Bank have repeatedly warned about Nigeria’s rising debt-service-to-revenue ratio, estimated at 83 percent in 2024. Analyst Clifford Egbomeade cautioned that “the government’s excessive domestic borrowing undermines the IMF-backed fiscal consolidation agenda,” adding that even with GDP growth of 4.23 percent in Q2 2025 and inflation moderating to 18 percent, the fiscal gap continues to widen. Calls for Reform Experts urge the Federal Government to strengthen tax reforms, cut recurrent expenditure, and boost non-oil revenue to reduce debt reliance. Abidoye advised government to “reduce the debt ceiling from 60% of GDP and benchmark borrowing against revenue,” while Egbomeade urged “rebalancing borrowing toward longer-term, concessional external loans” to ease refinancing risks. Uviase summed up the concern succinctly: “Without strict expenditure control and honest fiscal management, Nigeria risks borrowing to service debt rather than to finance growth.”

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Troops Rescue 86 Kidnapped Victims, Arrest 29 Logistics Suppliers in Borno — Nigerian Army

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Nigerian Army has announced the rescue of 86 kidnapped victims and the arrest of 29 terrorist logistics suppliers during coordinated counter-terrorism operations in Borno State. According to a statement issued by Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on Sunday, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 OPHK encountered Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists at Dutse Kura on November 9, 2025, while responding to reports of abductions along the Buratai–Kamuya Road. The troops reportedly foiled the attack, pursued the insurgents toward Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up clash near their camp, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. During the operation, 86 abducted civilians, including men, women, and children, were rescued. Troops also discovered and destroyed 11 makeshift terrorist structures within the area. Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, five magazines containing 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles. In a separate operation, troops deployed at Mangada intercepted 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers heading to Chilaria. Recovered from them were two pickup vans, a tricycle loaded with 1,000 litres of petrol, four gallons of engine oil, two gun truck tyres, a large cache of medical supplies, and significant quantities of foodstuffs and provisions. The military confirmed that no casualties were recorded among troops during the operations. The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, urging them to sustain efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East. SANI UBAMedia Information OfficerJoint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI

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Can Liverpool Stop Erling Haaland? City Striker in Messi-Like Form Faces Van Dijk Test

Fola Badmus04 mins

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will face Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in one of the Premier League’s most anticipated fixtures of the season. Haaland, who has scored 27 goals in 17 games for club and country, is in devastating form — and even Pep Guardiola has compared his impact to that of Lionel Messi. The Norwegian striker has averaged nearly two goals per 90 minutes this season, with 13 goals in the Premier League alone — accounting for 65% of City’s total. Guardiola admitted City’s reliance on Haaland is a concern but praised his evolution, saying the 24-year-old is now “performing at Messi and Ronaldo levels.” However, Liverpool may have reason for optimism. Haaland has scored just three times in eight meetings against the Reds, and only once in four Premier League games. Van Dijk, who has often neutralized the striker in past encounters, will once again be tasked with leading the defensive line against one of football’s most lethal forwards. Liverpool’s strategy could take inspiration from Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory over City earlier this season, where Unai Emery’s men limited Haaland to minimal touches and denied him space in the box. Ezri Konsa’s tight marking and Villa’s compact defensive structure forced Haaland into one of his least effective games of the campaign. Van Dijk emphasized after a previous win over City that stopping Haaland requires collective effort rather than individual battles. “It’s all about doing it together and stopping the service,” he said. That service has evolved — with Phil Foden now supplying Haaland most frequently, and Rayan Cherki adding creativity in midfield since Kevin De Bruyne’s departure. Still, few defenders in world football command the same presence as Van Dijk, whose recent form has silenced critics after helping Liverpool secure back-to-back clean sheets. As Jamie Carragher noted, Haaland remains Liverpool’s biggest threat, but Van Dijk could be the key to containing him. Manchester City vs Liverpool kicks off at 4:30 PM (UK) at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, November 9, in a clash that could have major implications for the Premier League title race.

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