Nigeria Archives | Page 13 of 51

2027: Opposition Coalition Moves to Register New Party – All Democratic Alliance (ADA)

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

By Kamal Yalwa – June 22, 2025 Amid mounting dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, a broad coalition of opposition figures has moved closer to formalising a new political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. The coalition, which includes prominent politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-FCT Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and Dr. Umar Ardo, has submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of a new party named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). Motivation Behind the Coalition Political observers agree that the coalition is largely driven by public discontent over Tinubu’s administration, particularly in areas of national security, governance, and economic development. Coalition members argue that the essence of governance has been eroded under the current administration, and they believe that a united opposition front is the only viable path to rescue Nigeria from worsening socioeconomic conditions. Many coalition leaders—smarting from Tinubu’s 2023 victory—have acknowledged that a fragmented opposition contributed to the outcome of that election. They now aim to consolidate their strength through a unified platform. Strategic Move: ADA’s Formation A sub-committee chaired by Rotimi Amaechi and co-chaired by Dr. Umar Ardo was tasked with assessing the feasibility of building on an existing party or establishing a new one. After extensive deliberation, the committee recommended creating a fresh political brand free of “legacy baggage” and internal strife. In a five-page report titled “Report of the Sub-Committee on the Formation of a New Political Party for 2027 Elections,” the team outlined the strategic and psychological advantages of establishing a new party, highlighting the need for institutional innovation, public trust, narrative control, and broad-based mobilisation. “Registering a new political party is not just a tactical manoeuvre – it is a bold strategic act that redefines the opposition’s purpose,” the report stated. The coalition ultimately endorsed the formation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), described as a national renaissance movement rooted in democratic idealism, visionary leadership, and justice for all. ADA’s Vision and Identity The ADA positions itself as a party founded on moral clarity and public service, symbolised by a tree—representing strength, growth, stability, knowledge, and renewal. Its motto: “Justice for All.” The party’s guiding principles include: The committee believes ADA can bridge ethnic and political divides and rally Nigerians seeking genuine democratic transformation. Current Status and Challenges Despite the optimism, the coalition faces multiple internal and external challenges: Nonetheless, the ADA registration process with INEC is underway, and coalition leaders believe it offers a clean slate capable of energising Nigerians and contesting the 2027 elections credibly. What’s Next? With the party registration in progress and national rollout plans being finalised, all eyes are now on whether key players like Peter Obi will fully commit to the coalition. Analysts suggest that his involvement could secure significant votes from the South East and youth populations nationwide. As internal debates continue within the PDP and other parties, the emergence of ADA signals the beginning of what could be a defining realignment in Nigeria’s political landscape.

FIFA MA Course: Gusau, FIFA Instructors Harp on Hard Work, Integrity and Fraternity

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

The two-week FIFA Member Associations Course for physical and technical instructors, and Young Talents came to a close in Abuja on Thursday with FIFA Technical Instructor Ali Mohamed Ahmed publicly declaring his confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s budding arbiters to reach unprecedented heights in the vocation globally. The physical and technical instructors’ course was activated between 9th – 13th June, while the Young Talents programme lasted between Sunday, 15th – Thursday, 19th June 2025. President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), who also doubles as President of WAFU B, told the young talents to endeavour to put all they have learnt during the course into practice, as the Federation is in the process of elevating more of the young talents to take on higher responsibilities, such as handling matches of the Nigeria Premier Football League. “I am happy that now, we have a total of 86 young talents in our refereeing pool. This deeply gladdens my heart. Last year, we had 40 people undertake this course, and this year, we have 46. Let me reveal to you that 10 of those young talents from last year have been elevated to the NPFL, and none of them was found wanting throughout the season. “Their record of performance gives great hope to yourselves, and also shows that the NFF is right in our commitment to the young talents. However, in order to keep improving, I charge you to always find ways to fraternize, collaborate in all aspects, and bond together to jointly and severally enhance your capacities.” Mohamed, who is from Somalia, said: “I am very satisfied with the group that we worked with over the past one week – the young talents. Their level of assimilation is very high and I see them going places in the work of refereeing. Please always have integrity at the back of your mind in whatever you do. “We know Nigeria is everywhere, qualifying for all major tournaments and winning trophies and putting up podium performances here and there. But it will also be good to have Nigerian referees not only in the AFCON but also at the FIFA World Cup. Having worked with these young ones for the past one week, I can tell you with assurance that the future of Nigerian refereeing is in very good hands.” President of NRA, Hon. Sani Zubairu thanked FIFA and the NFF for the success of the programme, and asserted that the growing confidence in Nigerian referees at home and abroad can be traced to the support that the referees continue to get from the NFF for their capacity-enhancing programmes, and the intentionality of the NFF President. FIFA Fitness Instructor Boubaker Hanachi from Tunisia was also present at the closing ceremony, as well as Nigerian instructors Felicia Okwugba, Peter Edibe, Cecilia Ugbuji, Emmanuel Imiere, Stella Emoji and Promise Uwaeme. There were also President of the NRA, Hon. Sani Zubairu; Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Madam Faith Irabor; deputy chairman Rafiu Umar Gusau; members of the committee, Kabiyesi James Odeniran, Calistus Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, Dr Bello Mohammed, Abraham Zakowi, Waziri Abba Gawe and secretary, Mohammed Ameenu; NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire and; Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Isah Ladan Bosso.

Media Rights Agenda Launches Practical Guide for Journalists

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) on Thursday announced the publication and official launch of a comprehensive new guide titled “Leveraging Digital Tools for Journalism Practice,” aimed at equipping journalists and other media professionals with essential knowledge and tools for modern-day reporting, investigation, and storytelling. According to Ms Ayomide Eweje, MRA’s Programme Officer and author of the 164-page guide, the publication identifies and explains how to use dozens of digital tools and technologies that can enhance the work of journalists across the entire gamut of the journalistic process, from news and information gathering, to news processing as well as news and information dissemination while also giving them cutting-edge tools to protect themselves, their sources of information, their devices and other journalistic materials. She said in a statement issued in Lagos that “The publication is a necessary response to the realities of journalism in a rapidly evolving digital age. It offers practical, hands-on information for journalists about various digital tools to enable them effectively navigate today’s fast-paced digital environment, covering tools for news gathering, fact-checking, cybersecurity, multimedia storytelling, audience engagement, countering misinformation and disinformation, online harassment, and surveillance.” Ms Eweje explained that the publication is also intended to equip journalists with the tools they need not just to survive, but to lead and innovate in their profession while safeguarding their rights, protecting their sources of information, and ensuring the integrity of their work.” She noted that over the past two decades, the tools, devices and platforms used in journalism have evolved at an extraordinary pace with the traditional reporting methods, across the entire spectrum of information gathering, processing and dissemination now being augmented by an ever-increasing array of digital tools for real-time communication and collaboration, multimedia storytelling, investigative research, verification and fact-checking, among others. These tools, Ms Eweje said, have boosted the capacity of journalists to report from remote locations, tell more compelling stories, and engage directly with audiences in ways that were previously unimaginable, although at the same time, they have introduced new layers of complexity and threats, forcing journalists to pay more attention to data privacy, online harassment, platform algorithms, and digital literacy as integral parts of their work. She argued that as journalism continues to evolve, so too must the knowledge, skills, mindsets and equipment of those who practice it, and urged journalists to use the guide and other resources to build their digital capacity and leverage all available digital tools and technological devices in all aspects of their professional practice. She also called on media organisations to invest in digital literacy programmes for their journalists and, where necessary, provide them with financial resources to acquire the required facilities, since not all the tools and devices are available free of charge. In the Preface to the publication, MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, said: “For journalists, the digital era presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges – from the ability to report stories in real time and reach global audiences or even previously marginalised communities, to navigating constantly evolving online threats, including surveillance, online harassment and trolling, hacking and account takeovers, misinformation, disinformation, deepfakes, and censorship, among others. Ms Eweje said MRA would make the guide available to media organisations and newsrooms, journalism training institutions, and media development organisations across Nigeria and the continent and also make it accessible on its website.

Tinubu to Embark on Vacation to Saint Lucia Amid Rising Insecurity at Home Starting June 28

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Nigeria on June 28, 2025, for a combination of official engagements and a private vacation in Saint Lucia, according to Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Speaking during a pre-cabinet briefing on Monday, Pierre confirmed that June 30 and July 1 will be reserved for formal meetings with Caribbean leaders, while the rest of Tinubu’s stay will be a personal holiday. The visit is described as historic, with efforts to deepen ties between Africa and the Caribbean, especially given the shared ancestral heritage between Nigeria and many Caribbean nations. To commemorate the occasion, leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)—which includes Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia—have been invited to participate in high-level talks. Topics expected to be discussed include economic development, education, infrastructure, and diplomatic cooperation. Tinubu’s upcoming trip comes amid widespread national mourning over the recent massacre of over 200 Nigerians in Benue State, raising public concern over the timing of his vacation. It also follows his two-week working visit to Paris in April, drawing renewed scrutiny over the president’s frequent foreign travels amid deepening domestic crises

Nigeria Introduces Real-Time Oil Export Monitoring to Curb Theft and Boost Revenue

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Nigeria’s oil regulator has announced new export regulations requiring producers to obtain an export permit, vessel clearance, and a unique identification number to enable real-time tracking of crude oil cargoes, according to documents seen by Reuters. The move is part of a broader government strategy to curb oil theft, under-declaration, and revenue leakage at export terminals, which have long plagued Africa’s largest oil producer. “The new guidelines represent a significant step toward a more transparent, accountable, and efficient oil export regime in Nigeria,” said a spokesperson for the regulator. Previously, oil producers were only required to notify customs to receive an export permit, a system experts say was vulnerable to manipulation. Under the new Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, exporters must now file advance cargo details including consignee, port of destination, tonnage, and estimated time of arrival. Energy lawyer Ayodele Oni noted the changes were necessary to address systemic issues of “under-reporting, theft, revenue loss, and data mismatches” in the oil sector. The regulator warned that non-compliance could attract penalties of up to $20,000, underscoring the administration’s drive to tighten oversight and improve fiscal accountability in the petroleum industry.

Gusau: We Will Continue to Encourage Grassroots Football Devt.

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago14 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) affirmed on Wednesday that his administration will continue to prioritise the development of football from the grassroots, saying it is the only way to grow the game sustainably, as no one can realistically build an edifice from the rooftop. Speaking at the monthly awards ceremony of the Nigeria National League, held in Abuja, Gusau reiterated that awards remain important projects to be encouraged because they help to spur better performances from all actors in an industry. “One of my NFF’s key commitments is to invigorate grassroots football and the associated leagues, recognizing them as the foundation for the future of the sport in Nigeria. We are grateful that after two and a-half years, we are witnessing tangible progress. By the end of our tenure, we anticipate that Nigerians will observe further positive developments and enhancements within our domestic league,” Gusau said. The NFF boss further highlighted the importance of synchronizing Nigeria’s football calendar with international standards. “This season marks the first occasion that we have successfully aligned our calendar with global leagues, an achievement that many deemed unattainable.” This alignment is not restricted to the top-tier league but also encompasses the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL). Under Gusau’s leadership, substantial advancements have been made to improve the domestic league, and he expressed optimism regarding continued progress in the years ahead. The NFF’s focus on grassroots development aims to secure a promising future for Nigerian football. The NNL Awards ceremony recognizes exemplary performances and accomplishments within the Nigeria National League, shining a spotlight on the deftness of athletes, coaches and teams nationwide. Through the celebration of these achievements, the NFF seeks to foster a culture of excellence and competition within Nigerian football. Also present at the occasion were NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President on Grassroots Sports Development, Prince Adeyinka Adeboye; NNL Chairman, Chief George Aluo; NNL CEO, Mr Emmanuel Attah; former NFF General Secretary, Ambassador Fanny Amun (MON); Chairman FCT FA, Hon. Abba Mouktar Mohammed; representative of the NSC Chairman, Mallam Salihu Abubakar; representative of the NSC DG, Edidowei Oweife; NFF’s Director of Media & Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire; President of NRA, Hon. Sani Zubairu; Chairman of NFF Referees Committee, Madam Faith Irabor and; NNL COO, Danlami Alanana.

Nigeria Poised to End Medal Drought at African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

As Nigeria prepares to host the 23rd African Fencing Championships from June 25 to 29 at Charterhouse Lagos, the Nigeria Fencing Federation is confident that the nation is ready to end its long-standing medal drought at the continental event. With a promising lineup of athletes, the Federation believes this year’s tournament could mark a turning point for Nigerian fencing. According to Federation President Adeyinka Samuel, the sport is experiencing a resurgence, driven by a new generation of talented fencers who have gained valuable experience at international competitions. “On a personal note, as a former athlete, I vividly remember competing at the Senior African Championships in Morocco in 2008, where I narrowly missed a medal,” Samuel said. “To now host this very event as President is the culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication, and a shared vision for Nigerian fencing. This is a gift to our entire fencing community and a legacy moment for our young, aspiring athletes.” While Nigeria has yet to secure a medal at the African Fencing Championships, Samuel expressed strong optimism about the team’s prospects this year. “Our athletes are more prepared than ever before. We’ve invested heavily in coach development, international exposure, and high-performance training camps. With the support of the home crowd, our fencers are mentally and physically ready to make history,” he added. Team Nigeria has brought in an international coach from Italy, held joint training camps with other African nations, and provided targeted support in areas such as nutrition, conditioning, and mental preparation. Samuel emphasized that the goal extends beyond winning medals—it’s about inspiring the next generation of Nigerian fencers. He specifically predicted that Nigeria is on track to win at least two medals, despite the strong competition expected from across the continent. Among the athletes to watch is U.S.-based Peluola Akinbamiro, who will be competing in her first tournament on home soil. The 13-year-old, who participated in the 2025 African and World Junior Championships in Angola and China, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation under the guidance of the Italian coach. “I’m excited to finally compete in Nigeria. We’ve trained hard, and I believe we’re ready to break the medal drought,” Akinbamiro said. Homegrown talent Wisdom Okanlawon also shared his enthusiasm: “It won’t be easy facing some of the best fencers in Africa and the world, but I’m hopeful. This is my first senior tournament, and I believe we can make our presence felt.” Over 200 fencers from more than 26 African countries are expected to compete in 12 events during the five-day tournament. This marks the third time the African Fencing Championships will be hosted in a Sub-Saharan country, following previous editions in Mali (2019) and Senegal (2003 and 2009).

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟐 P𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 B𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐣𝐚 A𝐦𝐢𝐝 H𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 S𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Protest has commenced in the Federal Capital Territory to demonstrate against rising hardship and insecurity in the country. Security agencies had earlier deployed heavily armed personnel to strategic locations across the city, including potential protest hotspots. The presence of operatives was particularly noticeable at major junctions and the national Assembly, among other places where the protesters could have gathered. However, the protest, which coincides with Nigeria’s Democracy Day, commenced in the Apo area of Abuja, where demonstrators were seen chanting solidarity songs and waving placards to express their grievances.