Tompolo Dismisses Alleged 21-Day Ultimatum To Federal Government Over Nnamdi Kanu

Tompolo Dismisses Alleged 21-Day Ultimatum To Federal Government Over Nnamdi Kanu

The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, has dismissed reports alleging that he gave the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement issued by his media consultant, Paul Bebenimibo, Tompolo described the viral claim as false, mischievous, and an attempt by detractors to tarnish his reputation. “We wish to state clearly that High Chief Government Ekpemupolo did not author or approve the said publication. It is the handiwork of mischief-makers determined to discredit him because of his uncompromising fight against illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta. Their efforts will continue to fail, as Tompolo remains committed to ending oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” the statement read. Tompolo reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and expressed full support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also reiterated his endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term, emphasizing his confidence in the government’s developmental drive. The statement urged the Federal Government, the media, and the public to disregard the fabricated report, stressing that it does not represent Tompolo’s position or any official statement from his office.

Read More
Wale Edun Elected Unopposed As Nigerian Boxing Federation President

Wale Edun Elected As New Nigerian Boxing Federation President

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has been elected unopposed as the new President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF). The election, which took place on Saturday at the Package B Indoor Sports Hall of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, saw Edun receive all twelve (12) votes cast by delegates. A respected economist and ardent supporter of sports development, Edun expressed his commitment to implementing reforms that would reposition boxing and restore its lost glory in Nigeria. “The focus will be on building structures that nurture talent, strengthen institutions, and ensure that Nigerian boxing regains its rightful place both nationally and internationally,” he said. The contest for the Vice Presidency was more competitive, with Hon. Omonlei Imadu, representing the South-West zone, defeating his North-Central rival, Mighty Mike, by eight votes to four. Imadu, who has championed numerous grassroots boxing programs across the country, described Edun’s election as a new beginning for the sport. “It’s a new dawn for Nigerian boxing. The Honorable Minister’s passion for the sport has been evident through his years of support for grassroots initiatives. Together, we will work tirelessly to realize his vision for the sport’s revival,” he stated. Imadu also applauded the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for conducting a transparent and credible election process.

Read More
NECO Launches London Exam Centre To Expand Access For Nigerians Abroad

NECO Launches London Exam Centre To Expand Access For Nigerians Abroad

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially launched a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, marking a major step in its global expansion strategy to offer credible assessment opportunities for Nigerians living abroad. The new centre, unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, was established in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd. NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the initiative was created to assist Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, were unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications. “Our aim is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora, in line with the Federal Government’s policy on inclusivity and global engagement,” Wushishi stated in a release signed by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani. He described the establishment of the London Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre as a significant milestone in NECO’s effort to extend its global reach. Wushishi added that the council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting approval in Egypt and Burkina Faso. According to him, the London centre will empower Nigerians abroad, promote national pride, and enhance international recognition of NECO certificates, which are already accepted by several universities across the UK — including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University — as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia. In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, applauded NECO for the move, describing it as a vital step toward ensuring that “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.” He noted that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s mission to strengthen educational collaboration with the Nigerian diaspora community. The Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr. John Ibanga, said the new centre would serve as an alternative route for Nigerian students in the UK who face barriers within the British education system, particularly those unable to earn the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). “Many Nigerian children encounter limitations in the UK education system that hinder their academic progress. This new NECO SSCE centre offers a recognised and credible alternative for both young learners and adults pursuing academic or vocational advancement,” Ibanga explained. During a visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the centre, reaffirming that the UK remains a strategic base for expanding educational opportunities for Nigerians abroad. The Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, commended NECO’s move as “a timely and commendable initiative” consistent with Nigeria’s commitment to educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement. “The Mission will continue to work closely with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental goals in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe assured.

Read More

Fabio Wardley: Give Oleksandr Usyk Directions to Ipswich — Bring His Belts and Let’s Get This On

Fabio Wardley: ‘Give Oleksandr Usyk Directions to Ipswich — Bring His Belts and Let’s Get This On!’ Fabio Wardley has called out undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk after stunning Joseph Parker with an 11th-round stoppage victory at The O2 Arena in London on Saturday night. The dramatic win — one of the biggest upsets in recent British boxing history — makes the Ipswich-born fighter the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s WBO title, one of four belts currently held by the Ukrainian star. Wardley, who began his career as a white-collar boxer with no amateur background, has defied expectations to rise through the ranks unbeaten. Now, after dethroning Parker, he is set for the biggest opportunity of his life. “I haven’t sat down and dissected him yet, but that’s a job for next year,” Wardley said after the fight. “It’s a wild one when you piece it all together, but I’m the next one up. I’ve got big broad shoulders, so that’s fine by me — I’ll carry the pressure. But I’m something different. We’ve thrown all the usual guys at him, our top dogs. Let me have a crack and see where we end up.” Wardley’s performance against Parker shocked many, as he weathered early pressure before finishing strongly to claim the WBO Interim title and earn a shot at Usyk. The 30-year-old previously sparred with Usyk in Ukraine and now believes the full-circle moment has arrived. “That’s been the goal for years — the dream fight,” Wardley said. “One of the best to ever do it, all the marbles on the line. I’m not planning on going there to say, ‘Thanks for having me.’ When that bell goes, Usyk’s going to have to work for it.” Wardley is hopeful the fight can take place in early 2026, whether in the UK or abroad. But if he has his way, Usyk won’t have to travel far. “Tell Usyk to turn up — give him the directions to Ipswich!” Wardley joked. “I’ll give him my postcode. He can find me in the garden; I don’t care. Just bring the belts and let’s get this on!” The victory cements Wardley’s remarkable rise from the small halls of Suffolk to world title contention. Reflecting on his journey, he credited his setbacks for shaping him into the fighter he is today. “All the bumps in the road built me,” he said. “People said I was just a white-collar guy who wouldn’t make it. But that built resilience. When I’m in that ring, I believe in me. It’s been a wild ride — and it’s nowhere near finished.” With his victory over Parker, Wardley has positioned himself on the doorstep of boxing greatness. The only question now is whether Usyk will defend his belts against the hungry Brit — or vacate the WBO title to avoid him.Fabio Wardley: ‘Give Oleksandr Usyk Directions to Ipswich — Bring His Belts and Let’s Get This On!’ By John Dennen | Sunday, October 26, 2025 | London, UK Fabio Wardley has called out undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk after stunning Joseph Parker with an 11th-round stoppage victory at The O2 Arena in London on Saturday night. The dramatic win — one of the biggest upsets in recent British boxing history — makes the Ipswich-born fighter the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s WBO title, one of four belts currently held by the Ukrainian star. Wardley, who began his career as a white-collar boxer with no amateur background, has defied expectations to rise through the ranks unbeaten. Now, after dethroning Parker, he is set for the biggest opportunity of his life. “I haven’t sat down and dissected him yet, but that’s a job for next year,” Wardley said after the fight. “It’s a wild one when you piece it all together, but I’m the next one up. I’ve got big broad shoulders, so that’s fine by me — I’ll carry the pressure. But I’m something different. We’ve thrown all the usual guys at him, our top dogs. Let me have a crack and see where we end up.” Wardley’s performance against Parker shocked many, as he weathered early pressure before finishing strongly to claim the WBO Interim title and earn a shot at Usyk. The 30-year-old previously sparred with Usyk in Ukraine and now believes the full-circle moment has arrived. “That’s been the goal for years — the dream fight,” Wardley said. “One of the best to ever do it, all the marbles on the line. I’m not planning on going there to say, ‘Thanks for having me.’ When that bell goes, Usyk’s going to have to work for it.” Wardley is hopeful the fight can take place in early 2026, whether in the UK or abroad. But if he has his way, Usyk won’t have to travel far. “Tell Usyk to turn up — give him the directions to Ipswich!” Wardley joked. “I’ll give him my postcode. He can find me in the garden; I don’t care. Just bring the belts and let’s get this on!” The victory cements Wardley’s remarkable rise from the small halls of Suffolk to world title contention. Reflecting on his journey, he credited his setbacks for shaping him into the fighter he is today. “All the bumps in the road built me,” he said. “People said I was just a white-collar guy who wouldn’t make it. But that built resilience. When I’m in that ring, I believe in me. It’s been a wild ride — and it’s nowhere near finished.” With his victory over Parker, Wardley has positioned himself on the doorstep of boxing greatness. The only question now is whether Usyk will defend his belts against the hungry Brit — or vacate the WBO title to avoid him.Fabio Wardley: ‘Give Oleksandr Usyk Directions to Ipswich — Bring His Belts and Let’s Get This On!’ By John Dennen | Sunday, October 26, 2025 | London, UK Fabio Wardley has called out undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk after stunning Joseph Parker with an 11th-round…

Read More
Madagascar’s New Regime Revokes Citizenship Of Ousted President Andry Rajoelina

Madagascar’s New Regime Revokes Citizenship Of Ousted President Andry Rajoelina

Madagascar’s new government has revoked the citizenship of former president Andry Rajoelina, a move announced in a decree published Friday, ten days after he was ousted in a military coup. The decree bars Rajoelina from running in future elections. It cites his acquisition of French nationality in 2014, which under Malagasy law automatically nullifies Malagasy citizenship. The order was signed by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, and images of the decree have circulated widely in local media. Rajoelina, 51, had faced previous controversy over his dual nationality, which came to light ahead of the November 2023 elections. Despite opposition calls to disqualify him, he won the polls that were boycotted by rival parties. Earlier this month, Rajoelina fled Madagascar after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the army’s CAPSAT unit, refused to carry out orders to suppress ongoing youth-led protests. Rajoelina later said he went into hiding for his safety. Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as transitional president on October 14, promising new elections within two years as the country navigates a renewed political crisis.

Read More

The End of a Nightmare: Governor Alex Otti Flags Off Reconstruction of Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has officially flagged off the reconstruction of a 25-kilometre failed section of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Highway, marking what he described as “the end of a nightmare” for residents and commuters who have endured years of hardship on the dilapidated route. Speaking at the ceremony held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Ahiaeke Umuahia, Governor Otti emphasized that the prosperity of any society depends on deliberate investments in infrastructure, noting that road development remains central to Abia’s economic transformation agenda. He cited historical examples—from the Roman and Chinese empires to the United States and the United Arab Emirates—to illustrate how infrastructure has consistently served as the foundation of national growth and social progress. “You cannot go wrong by investing in standard infrastructure, especially roads in critical corridors,” Otti declared. The governor said the project represents another bold step in his administration’s mission to restore Abia’s infrastructure and open up communities to economic opportunities. He expressed gratitude to the people of Abia for their patience and resilience, assuring them that visible progress would soon begin to erase the painful experiences of the past. Governor Otti explained that although the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road is a federal highway, his administration considers every road used by Abians as a state priority. “We do not accept the doctrine of dichotomy when it comes to roads,” he said, stressing that all major roads across Abia—whether federal, state, or local—will be maintained to support commerce and mobility. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting approval for the state to undertake the project and acknowledged the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for his technical guidance and cooperation. Otti also condemned the attempts by some political figures to sabotage the initiative for selfish reasons, insisting that “political differences should never obstruct the responsibilities of governance.” The governor revealed that the initial contract for the highway was awarded over a decade ago but stalled, leaving the road in a deplorable state. With the renewed federal approval, the state has now engaged Geld Construction Limited, a reputable engineering firm, to execute the project within 18 months. The reconstruction will also include solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and economic activity along the corridor. Governor Otti urged residents to cooperate with contractors during the construction phase, acknowledging that temporary inconveniences such as traffic delays and environmental disturbances would occur. He called for patience, civic responsibility, and community vigilance as the state continues to rebuild critical infrastructure. “Abia is rising from the ruins of yesteryears,” the governor said. “We must all play our part by paying taxes, keeping our communities safe, and rejecting the antics of those who wish to drag us back into failure and neglect.” The governor concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure and building a prosperous new Abia founded on transparency, resilience, and inclusive growth.

Read More

NGF Congratulates President Tinubu, Nigerians on Exit from FATF Grey List

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the people of Nigeria on the nation’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List — a major milestone in restoring international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system. In a congratulatory message signed by its Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the NGF described the achievement as “a clear testament to Your Excellency’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening governance, transparency, and institutional integrity.” Governor AbdulRazaq added that Nigeria’s delisting reflects the positive impact of reforms under the Renewed Hope Administration, emphasizing fiscal prudence, anti-corruption, and the restoration of the nation’s global reputation. The Forum noted that Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List reinforces international trust, boosts investor confidence, and strengthens the foundation for inclusive growth and sustainable development at all levels of government. “Your Excellency, the NGF remains steadfast in its commitment to work with the Federal Government to consolidate these gains, ensure continued compliance with global benchmarks, and build a resilient economy,” the statement added. Nigeria’s exit from the FATF Grey List follows sustained efforts by relevant agencies to improve anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks, aligning the country’s financial practices with global standards.

Read More

INEC Launches AI-Powered Virtual Assistant Ahead of Anambra Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant designed to enhance staff training and operational readiness ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election. The innovative digital tool, known as the INEC Training Virtual Assistant or “INECTrainingBot,” was launched on Friday and is accessible via Telegram. According to the commission, the AI assistant provides 24-hour access to essential election materials, interactive lessons, and on-demand learning modules. This allows electoral officers to train flexibly from any location and at their own convenience. INEC stated that the initiative aligns with its broader goal of leveraging technology to strengthen institutional capacity, improve operational efficiency, and promote credible elections. The platform is expected to significantly streamline the training process, particularly for ad-hoc staff, by providing instant access to updated guidelines, procedures, and simulations related to election management. INEC officials noted that the tool’s interactive design enables users to test their knowledge, receive real-time feedback, and engage with instructional resources in an intuitive and user-friendly environment. The commission further explained that the INECTrainingBot supports multimedia learning — including text, audio, and video — to ensure comprehensive understanding of electoral procedures. With the upcoming Anambra governorship election approaching, INEC expressed confidence that this innovation will contribute to better-prepared staff, smoother operations, and more transparent electoral outcomes.

Read More