Author: Olukayode Oke

NNPC Partners Stakeholders To Revitalise Nigerian Football. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced its commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders in the sports sector to develop and commercialise football in Nigeria. During a meeting at the NNPC Towers on Thursday, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Mr Mele Kyari, expressed the company’s readiness to play a pivotal role in revitalising Nigerian football. “NNPC will be a prime partner in the journey to bring back value to our football, to reshape it, re-engineer it and bring happiness to our people,” Kyari stated. He…

Premier League Approves New Commercial Deal Regulations Amid Division. Premier League clubs have approved significant changes to the rules governing Associated Party Transactions (APTs), despite opposition from Manchester City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa. The vote took place during a meeting in London on Friday and lasted less than 30 minutes. Sixteen clubs voted in favour of the changes, surpassing the minimum requirement of 14 votes, while four clubs opposed the motion. Both Manchester City and Aston Villa had written to rival clubs ahead of the meeting, seeking to rally support against the amendments. APT rules,…

Coach Monday Odigie Steps Down As Bendel Insurance Technical Adviser. In a surprising development, Coach Monday Odigie has announced his resignation as the Technical Adviser of Bendel Insurance, bringing an end to an illustrious four-year tenure with the club. Odigie’s time at the helm will be remembered for remarkable achievements. Under his guidance, Bendel Insurance secured promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with an impressive unbeaten run. The club also clinched the prestigious President Federation Cup title, marking a significant milestone in its history. Notably, Coach Odigie led Bendel Insurance to the CAF Confederation Cup, showcasing…

Lagos Youths Oppose Seyi Tinubu’s Governorship Ambition, Urge Him to Consider Osun State. A coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths has strongly opposed the idea of non-indigenes contesting the governorship of Lagos State in 2027. The group, led by its president Abdul Kareem Whyte, issued a statement on Thursday condemning the endorsement of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by a national youth organisation. The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) recently endorsed Seyi Tinubu for Lagos State governor during its meeting in Owerri, Imo State. CONYL, which describes itself as the umbrella body for youth groups across…

Nigeria And Singapore Strengthen Economic Ties To Boost Non-Oil Revenue. The Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying efforts to diversify its economy by fostering collaboration with Singapore. This partnership, aimed at boosting non-oil revenue and economic growth, was a key topic during discussions led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed a Singaporean delegation on Thursday, highlighting the significance of the relationship between the two nations. “The main focus of our meeting is to underscore the importance of the relationship between us. We are…

Friday Football Gossip: Manchester United Eye Ademola Lookman. Manchester United are reportedly looking to re-sign England international Angel Gomes next summer. The 24-year-old midfielder, currently at Lille, is set to become a free agent when his contract expires. Gomes, a product of United’s academy, left Old Trafford in 2020 but may soon make a return to bolster Rúben Amorim’s squad while, United are also showing interest in Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, with the Atalanta winger being eyed for a potential summer move. While Real Madrid are also believed to be competing for the 27-year-old’s signature .   More Rumors…

Trump Names Pam Bondi As Attorney General After Gaetz Withdraws. US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his choice for attorney general, following the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz from consideration. Bondi, a veteran prosecutor and long-time Trump ally, has a history of high-profile legal work and public support for the former president. Announcing the decision, Trump praised Bondi’s extensive experience in law enforcement, stating: “Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on violent criminals and made the streets safe for Florida families.” Bondi served as Florida’s…

Biden Condemns ICC Arrest Warrants For Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. US President Joe Biden has criticised the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing war crimes arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, calling the decision “outrageous”. The ICC judges stated there were reasonable grounds to believe the three men bore responsibility for crimes committed during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. European nations have shown divided responses to the warrants, with several expressing respect for the ICC’s independence. In contrast, Biden affirmed unwavering support for Israel, stating:…

Akwa United’s Paulinus Okon Makes Academic History. Akwa United midfielder Paulinus Okon has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first student in the University of Uyo’s Faculty of Engineering to graduate with First Class Honours in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Paulinus, who balanced a promising football career with rigorous academic pursuits, earned an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.50. His outstanding performance secured him the title of Best Graduating Student in the department for the 2021/2022 academic session. The achievement was celebrated during the university’s 29th/30th convocation ceremonies in Uyo, where Okon was recognised for his…

Simon Ekpa Jailed In Finland For Terror-Related Offences. Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been sentenced to prison in Finland for inciting terrorism through social media. According to reports by the BBC, a district court in Päijät-Häme found Ekpa guilty of spreading terrorist propaganda in 2021 within the Lahti municipality. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also arrested four other individuals in connection with alleged terrorist activities. Ekpa, who holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and Finland, rose to prominence as the de facto leader of IPOB following the incarceration…

ACF Pledges Support For Northern Candidates In 2027 Elections. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent northern socio-cultural organisation, has declared its intention to back northern candidates in the 2027 elections as part of efforts to address the region’s challenges. Speaking during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the ACF Secretariat in Kaduna, the group’s chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, stressed the urgency of rescuing the North from its current socio-economic and security crises. Osuman criticised the policies of the current administration, describing them as detrimental to the region’s interests. He called for individual and collective action to…

FG, States, And Local Councils Share N1.411 Trillion For October. The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed a total of N1.411 trillion among the three tiers of government for October 2024. The announcement was made during FAAC’s November meeting, chaired by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Mrs Oluwatoyin S. Madein, in Bauchi. According to a statement from Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, the allocation came from a gross revenue of N2.668 trillion. This amount included Gross Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL),…