Trump Honoured With First-Ever Fifa Peace Prize Ahead Of 2026 World Cup Draw

United States President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize on Friday in Washington DC, just ahead of the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The new accolade, introduced this year by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, recognises individuals who have made “exceptional and extraordinary contributions to peace” and who have “united people across the world.” Trump’s selection had been widely anticipated, given his recent appearances alongside Infantino. At the ceremony, Trump received a large golden trophy, a medal, and a certificate before delivering a speech to attendees. “This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” he said, adding that his diplomatic efforts had saved “tens of millions of lives” and prevented wars before they could begin. Trump also highlighted the strong ticket demand for the upcoming World Cup. “Gianni has done an incredible job. It is a nice tribute to you and the game of football, or as we call it soccer. It is beyond the numbers we thought were possible,” he said. He described the United States as having regained prominence on the global stage. “The world is a safer place now. The USA was not doing well a year ago; now we are the hottest country in the world right now.” The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19. Following his speech, Trump joined Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to conduct the ceremonial draw. Each leader revealed the ball for their nation, which had already been assigned groups, before posing for a selfie with Infantino. Mexico was placed in Group A and will play in the opening match, Canada in Group B, and the United States in Group D. Trump ended with a lighthearted remark on the American naming of football. “We have to find another name for the NFL. This is football, we call it soccer here in the USA but it is really football. It doesn’t make sense that we call it soccer.”

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Akpabio Files N200bn Defamation Suit Against Senator Natasha Over Harassment Allegation

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Federal Capital Territory High Court with a N200 billion defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her public allegation that he sexually harassed her. The suit, filed alongside Motion No. M/12725/2025, demands massive financial compensation, nationwide public apologies, and the total removal of all digital content linked to the accusation. Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed receipt of the court papers on Thursday. “Today being the 5th day of December, 2025, I’m in receipt of the newly instituted 200 billion naira suit against me by Senator Godswill Akpabio claiming defamation on sexual harassment.” She said she welcomed the legal battle, pointing out that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges had earlier declined to entertain her petition. “Now, I am glad that Sen. Akpabio has brought this up because the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges failed to grant me audience in this issue relying on the fact that Godswill Akpabio’s wife had instituted a defamatory case against me. Therefore they couldn’t attend to a matter already in court.” Court documents reveal that Akpabio accused the Kogi Central lawmaker of repeatedly granting media interviews and making online and broadcast statements portraying him as a public office holder who exploited his position for sexual gratification. He argued that the allegations were widely circulated and consumed by millions, leading to severe embarrassment, emotional trauma and long-term reputational damage. Among the reliefs sought are total retractions across all platforms where the claims appeared, complete deletion of related online materials, repeated public apology broadcasts across major media outlets, and the full N200 billion in damages. Attempts to serve the senator directly were reportedly unsuccessful, prompting Akpabio to seek permission for substituted service through an ex parte application filed in December. Justice Kekemeke granted the request, authorising the service of court documents through the Clerk of the National Assembly or any staff within the Clerk’s office at the Three Arms Zone, Abuja. The court order partly reads: “AN ORDER of the Honourable Court granting leave to the Claimant/Applicant to serve the Originating Processes… by delivering same to the Clerk of the National Assembly, or any staff in the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly… AN ORDER …deeming the said mode of service of the processes on the Defendant as good and proper service.” Akpoti-Uduaghan also explained that Senate rules initially prevented her from heading to court over the allegation. “Albeit, I couldn’t proceed to court because by senate rules, I must still present my case before the Ethics committee (same committee that recommended my illegal suspension).” She insisted the lawsuit now opens the door for her to formally prove her claims. “Alas, I now have a chance to prove how I was sexually harassed and how my refusal to give into his demands unleashed series of unprovoked and unprecedented attacks on my person.” She ended with: “See you in court Godswill Akpabio. Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan, Kogi Central.” The matter, listed as Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025, is expected to move to full trial in the coming weeks and is already drawing intense national attention due to the political weight of both parties involved.

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Nigeria’s Oshonaike Joins IOC Athletes’ Commission

Nigeria’s Olufunke Oshonaike has broken new ground after being appointed into the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, becoming the first Nigerian to secure a spot on the influential body. The seven-time Olympian earned the appointment through a nomination by IOC President Kirsty Coventry as part of efforts to complete the Commission’s structure ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Oshonaike joins four other newly selected athletes from different parts of the world. In a statement issued on Thursday, December 4, the IOC announced the latest additions as Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha of Iran (badminton), Husein Alireza of Saudi Arabia (rowing), Cheick Sallah Cissé of Côte d’Ivoire (taekwondo), Olufunke Oshonaike of Nigeria (table tennis), and Mariana Pajón of Colombia (cycling). The selection process was carried out in consultation with the Commission’s chair, Emma Terho. “The Athletes’ Commission is essential in making sure athletes remain at the heart of everything we do. I am deeply grateful to our new members for their commitment and the wealth of experience they bring in service to athletes worldwide.” Oshonaike’s appointment crowns a remarkable career that saw her compete at seven straight Olympic Games, from Atlanta 1996 through Tokyo 2020. Beyond her international achievements, she currently serves on the Athletes’ Commissions of both the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation. Another African appointee, Cheick Sallah Cissé, is a Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist in taekwondo and presently co-chairs the World Taekwondo Athletes’ Commission. With the new members added, the IOC Athletes’ Commission now has 23 members drawn from across all continents, including one representative from the Refugee Olympic Team. The Commission consists of 13 women and 10 men, covering 15 summer sports and five winter sports. Welcoming the new appointees, Chair Emma Terho said their presence would strengthen the Commission’s work. “Their diverse backgrounds, achievements, and experience will enrich our discussions and help us continue to advocate for athletes worldwide.” Reacting to her historic appointment, Oshonaike expressed gratitude and pride. “I am so excited because during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign, I was impressed by the huge support from my country and athletes across the world. This appointment confirms that my efforts did not go unnoticed. It has been my dream to impact the sport that has given me the rare opportunity to live well in life.” The IOC Athletes’ Commission serves as a vital platform within the Olympic Movement, ensuring athletes are directly involved in key decisions. It is made up of up to 23 members, with 12 elected by athletes during the Olympic Games and up to 11 appointed by the IOC President to maintain balanced representation across gender, regions, and sporting disciplines.

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Fuji Legend K1 De Ultimate Declares Interest In Awujale Throne Of Ijebuland

Fuji music icon Otunba Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has formally declared his intention to vie for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland. The announcement comes as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House begins the traditional process of presenting candidates to fill the prestigious position, following the passing of Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON. In a letter dated 3 December 2025 and addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, Ayinde, who holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), stated that his candidacy is guided strictly by Ijebu customary law and Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws. He emphasized that he was born on 3 March 1957 and is a “bonafide son” of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, tracing his ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage—a qualification that makes him eligible for consideration. The Fuji maestro highlighted his decades-long music career and contributions to promoting Ijebu culture, Yorubaland, and Nigerian heritage. He also recalled being conferred with the chieftaincy titles of Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023 by the late Oba Adetona. Separately, the Awujale Interregnum Administration Council, through the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo, formally notified the Fusengbuwa Ruling House that it is their turn to nominate candidates for the throne. The council stressed that the process must follow the rotational arrangement and traditional succession laws. The ruling house leadership, including Chairman Otunba Abdul-Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman Prof. Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf, has been asked to submit nominated candidates within 14 days. An important ritual is scheduled for Tuesday, 2 December 2025, when the Ogbeni Odi will officially carry the Awujale’s Staff of Office, marking the start of the next phase in the succession process. The council called for a peaceful and transparent exercise, emphasizing unity and respect for tradition in filling the historic stool. The Awujale of Ijebuland is one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional positions. The late Oba Adetona, who ruled for over six decades, was celebrated for his wisdom, leadership, and influence on national affairs. His passing has created a significant vacuum in Ijebuland and the wider traditional institution. With K1 De Ultimate officially in the race, public interest in the succession process is expected to rise. While other princes from the Fusengbuwa lineage may also declare interest, the final decision will follow the traditional selection procedures involving the ruling house, kingmakers, and customary structures. As the 14-day nomination period begins, attention now turns to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to see which candidates will be presented and how the succession will unfold.

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Mercy Aigbe Shares That Daughter Michelle Prefers A Small, Low-Key Wedding

Mercy Aigbe has opened up about her daughter Michelle’s request for a low-key wedding. In a recent Instagram post, the mother of two shared that she had just finished a phone conversation with Michelle, who reportedly told her she doesn’t want a big wedding. Mercy wrote: “So I just got off the phone, and the last thing Michelle said is, ‘Mummy, please, I don’t want a big wedding, oh! Please.’ As online mummies and my fans, please help me reply her. @michelleio__ Dey play.”

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Wizkid’s Son Champz Becomes Youngest Nigerian Artiste To Hit 1 Million Spotify Monthly Listeners At 14

Boluwatife Balogun, known professionally as Champz and son of Nigerian music superstar Wizkid, has made history by becoming the youngest Nigerian artiste to reach 1 million monthly Spotify listeners at just 14 years old. This milestone comes on the heels of his debut EP, Champion’s Arrival, a five-track project that blends rap, afro-swing, and Afrobeats, highlighting his budding talent and creativity. The EP also soared to the top of the Apple Music Nigeria Top Albums chart within hours, making Champz the youngest Nigerian artist to achieve that feat. Champz’s early success signals a promising future, showing that he can carve out his own path in the music industry while following in his father’s footsteps. With growing streams and increasing recognition, the young artiste is quickly establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s most exciting rising stars.

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Wike Insists On Staying In PDP Amid Lawmakers’ Defections To APC

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, insisting he will not follow the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and 15 other lawmakers who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Speaking after inspecting road projects in Abuja, Wike described the defections as a consequence of the deepening divisions within the PDP but stressed that he remains committed to the party. “I am still in the PDP. Out of 27 members, 16 or 17 have left, but we still have a good number, about 10, and we will continue to work together,” he said, emphasizing his determination to stay. He called on PDP leaders to act swiftly to resolve the crisis threatening the party’s unity. “If you don’t put your house in order, it is the party that suffers. Those who have left are free, but those who remain will continue to work together,” Wike added. Responding to viral claims that he had been arrested in France, Wike dismissed the reports as false and politically motivated. “Last time, they said I was sick and flown abroad. Now, they claim I was arrested in France. I am focused on my work, and distractions will not deter me,” he said. Wike reiterated that his priority is delivering on his mandate and maintaining the confidence of President Bola Tinubu. “As long as the President is satisfied with my work, I will continue to focus on performance. Criticism will not sway me from my commitment to the PDP,” he said. He added that consistent performance and dedication to the party will eventually quiet critics. “People will ignore lies over time. Critics will always play politics, but I remain focused on my work and loyal to the PDP,” Wike concluded.

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Wilfred Ndidi Named Super Eagles Captain for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Wilfred Ndidi will captain the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following the retirement of William Troost-Ekong. Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, leaving the leadership role in the team open. Ndidi, who led the Super Eagles during last month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs in Morocco, is set to officially assume the captaincy at AFCON. Winger Moses Simon, one of the team’s most experienced players alongside Ndidi, is expected to be named vice-captain. The midfielder made his Super Eagles debut in August 2015 and has since earned 71 caps. He was sidelined for the delayed 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire due to injury.

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