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Tag: Nigeria

Team Nigeria Unveils Squad for 23rd African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigeria Fencing Federation has announced a 12-member squad for the 23rd African Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place at Charterhouse Lagos from June 25 to 29, 2025. This marks only the third time the continental tournament will be hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa, following previous editions in Senegal (2002) and Mali (2009, 2019). Leading the Nigerian team is U.S.-based Inkosi Brou, the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal at an international event. Brou, who recently clinched bronze at the 2025 African Junior Championships in Angola, brings valuable experience to the squad despite being just 17 years old. He has competed in several international tournaments this year as part of his journey toward qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Notably, he is the grandson of the late NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Dora Akunyili. Joining Brou is UK-based Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye, alongside homegrown talent including Wisdom Okanlawon; siblings Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit, Olumuyiwa Ige, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone, Alex Chizim Aninyei, and Babade Adegbola. The women’s squad features Peluola Akinbamiro, Somto Eribenne, Sara Idongesit, and Adebodunrin Thomas. Team Nigeria will compete in both individual and team events across the three fencing disciplines: foil, epee, and sabre. National coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed confidence in the youthful team, noting their potential to surprise more experienced opponents. “Our team is the youngest in terms of age and experience, which reduces the pressure on them. This could work in our favor. We may be young, but we are not intimidated by records or reputations. We are ready to break Nigeria’s medal drought in this tournament,” he said. Italian coach Riccardo Bardin, who has been training the team since his arrival a week ago, also praised the athletes’ potential but urged patience as they continue to develop. In addition to host nation Nigeria, other participating countries include Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Senegal, Mauritius, Angola, Rwanda, Niger, South Africa, Guinea, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde. The tournament will feature 12 events made up of six individual and six team events in foil, epee, and sabre.

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MRA Calls for Stronger Legal and Institutional Protections for Whistleblowers in Nigeria

Fola Badmus06 mins

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and concrete steps to strengthen legal and institutional protections for whistleblowers in recognition of their critical role in exposing corruption, human rights abuses and other wrongdoing, describing them as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and good governance. In a statement issued today in Lagos to mark this year’s World Whistleblowers’ Day, MRA stressed that whistleblowers serve the public interest by courageously disclosing information that would otherwise remain hidden, often at great personal risk, noting that in Nigeria, they continue to operate in a climate of fear, retaliation, and legal uncertainty, which deters many others from coming forward with information about wrongdoing. Ms Ayomide Eweje, a Programme Officer at MRA, said in the statement: “We note that the current whistleblower protection framework in Nigeria remains weak, fragmented, and largely ineffective. The Federal Government continues to threaten whistleblowers with prosecution despite the whistleblower protection provisions in Section 27(2) of the Freedom of Information Act. Besides, the Whistleblower Policy adopted by the Government in 2016 was not designed to provide protection for persons who risk everything to expose corruption, misconduct, human rights violations, threat to public safety, or other wrongdoing, but is merely aimed at assisting the government to recover looted public funds.” According to her, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers has left them vulnerable to threats, harassment, job losses, and physical harm, adding that successive governments in Nigeria have failed to acknowledge the immense value that whistleblower bring to the society and the important role that they play in combating corruption, and ensuring transparency and accountability. Ms Eweje argued that whistleblowers are often motivated by a patriotic duty and a commitment to the greater good, noting that “whistleblowers are the eyes and ears of our society; they step forward so that the rest of us can see and act. When whistleblowers speak up, everyone benefits; public funds are better managed, there is more efficient delivery of public services, trust in institutions grows, and we have better governance. Yet without reliable channels to report wrongdoing, we risk enabling critical information about wrongdoing to stay hidden.” She lamented that despite the essential role that such courageous individuals play in ensuring that powerful actors in the society are held accountable, they continue to face harassment and intimidation, legal hurdles, retaliation instead of protection, sometimes paying for their selfless acts with their lives or liberty. Ms Eweje therefore urged the National Assembly to prioritize the passage of a robust whistleblower protection legislation that guarantees confidentiality in reporting in appropriate cases, shields whistleblowers from reprisals, and establishes secure reporting channels while also establishing an independent whistleblower protection agency with the mandate to investigate reprisals, support whistleblowers, and enforce sanctions against those who retaliate against them. She highlighted the importance of public education and awareness in fostering a culture that values and protects whistleblowing and called on civil society organisations, the media, and professional bodies to work collaboratively to de-stigmatise whistleblowing and ensure that those who speak out are not isolated or vilified. Ms Eweje said: “On this World Whistleblowers Day, we stand in solidarity with whistleblowers in Nigeria and around the world who have paid a high price for speaking out, particularly against powerful individuals in society. We reaffirm our commitment to advocating for their rights and working towards a society where exposing wrongdoing is not only protected but also celebrated as a courageous act of public service.” The theme of the 2025 World Whistleblowers’ Day is “Protecting the Truth-Tellers”, and the Day focuses on raising awareness about whistleblowing, combating corruption, and encouraging a positive culture of speaking up within organisations. This year’s campaign, “we’re all ears,” seeks to highlight the importance of whistleblowing and support those who speak up against wrongdoing.

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WTT Contender Lagos 2025 Unveils Stellar Lineup

Fola Badmus04 mins

The star-studded line-up for the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos has been officially unveiled, with the tournament set to take place from July 22 to 26 in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital. Widely regarded as one of the most thrilling events in the WTT Contender Series, this year’s edition promises a showcase of elite talent from across the globe. Among the headline acts are women’s world No. 9 Hina Hayata of Japan, African champion Hana Goda of Egypt, and rising French sensation Prithika Pavade. Making her debut in Lagos, the 24-year-old Hayata is seen as a formidable challenger to China’s dominance in women’s table tennis. Ranked as the fourth-highest Japanese player in women’s singles, she is a key figure in Japan’s golden generation. A silver and bronze Olympic medallist, Hayata has consistently delivered top-tier performances, earning multiple podium finishes at both the World and Asian Championships. Known for her powerful left-handed play, Hayata was also the most successful athlete in the ITTF Challenger Series—the precursor to the WTT Series—demonstrating her ability to dominate competitive fields. She enters the Lagos tournament as the highest-ranked women’s singles player and a strong favourite for the title. In the men’s singles category, Danish star Anders Lind returns to Lagos, where he enjoys strong fan support. Lind will be aiming to end his title drought but will face stiff competition from Nigerian ace Quadri Aruna, who missed the 2024 edition due to club commitments. Also joining the men’s line-up are Croatian powerhouse Tomislav Pucar, Japanese prodigy Yuta Tanaka, and Africa’s top junior player, Wassim Essid of Tunisia, who will be looking to make his mark against the world’s best. Meanwhile, Tournament Director Kweku Tandoh has reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to elevating the event’s profile. “We are determined to keep raising the bar in hosting a world-class tournament. Our goal is not just to maintain standards but to introduce fresh ideas that continue to attract top talent to Lagos,” Tandoh said. He added, “With some of the world’s best players returning and others making their debut based on the tournament’s growing reputation, it’s clear we’re on the right path. We will keep innovating to enhance the sport.” In a major boost, the prize money has been increased to $100,000, up from $75,000. Players will compete across five categories: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Winners in each event will earn 400 ranking points.

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Continental Fencing Heavyweights Storm Nigeria for 23rd African Championships

Fola Badmus03 mins

Egypt and Tunisia, two of Africa’s fencing powerhouses, have arrived in Nigeria ahead of the 23rd African Fencing Championships, which will take place at Charterhouse Lagos from Wednesday, June 25, to Sunday, June 29. The five-day, 12-event tournament will feature top fencers from across the continent, all vying for the 12 gold medals up for grabs in both individual and team events. Egypt, the most decorated nation in African fencing, has arrived with the largest contingent. Their squad is headlined by the El-Sayed brothers—Olympic bronze medallist Mohamed El-Sayed and world junior champion Mahmoud El-Sayed. Mohamed, 22, claimed bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and also won gold at the 2022 Mediterranean Games. His younger brother, Mahmoud, recently clinched gold at the 2025 Junior World Championships in Wuxi, China, and currently holds the world No. 1 junior ranking. The Egyptian team, which landed in Lagos aboard an EgyptAir flight from Cairo, is determined to defend the overall title they secured in 2024. Tunisia, another fencing powerhouse, has also touched down in Lagos with a strong squad led by Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Farès Ferjani. The 27-year-old is the reigning champion in the individual men’s sabre and will also lead Tunisia’s men’s sabre team. Other participating nations, including Mauritius, Angola, Rwanda, South Africa, Guinea, Morocco, Libya, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, are expected to arrive on Tuesday, June 24, ahead of the tournament’s opening day. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Fencing Federation has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from corporate sponsors and individuals, particularly Charterhouse, the host venue, which also staged the 2024 World Cup. Federation President Adeyinka Samuel stated: “We are truly grateful for the support from government agencies and corporate bodies in helping to put Nigeria on the global fencing map through the hosting of this continental championship. Charterhouse has been a steadfast partner since the 2024 World Cup, and their continued support is deeply appreciated. We hope this inspires other institutions to follow their lead.”

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

Fola Badmus06 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.

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

Fola Badmus05 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.

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Media Rights Agenda Launches Practical Guide for Journalists

Fola Badmus06 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.

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

Fola Badmus02 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

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