Author: Olukayode Oke

Rabiu Ali Confident In Super Eagles B Team’s CHAN Qualification. Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles B team’s chances of securing a spot in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Speaking ahead of their crucial qualifier against Ghana, the Kano Pillars captain emphasised his determination to contribute to the team’s success. Ali, who was recently called up to the national squad for the qualifiers, described his invitation as an honour and a testament to his commitment to the game. “It’s a great honour to be invited again,” he told *Punch*. “This year, I wasn’t…

Federal Polytechnic Ugep: House Committee Uncovers Imbalance in Staff and Student Numbers. The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics and other Higher Technical Education has raised concerns over the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, in Cross River State. The institution, established in 2021, currently has only 142 students but employs 154 academic and non-academic staff, with expenditures exceeding N600 million.   This revelation was made during the committee’s oversight visit to Federal Polytechnics in the South-South region. The Chairman of the Committee, Fouad Laguda (APC, Lagos), criticised the institution’s operations and described its spending as unsustainable. The Rector of the Polytechnic,…

EFCC Explains Decision To Withhold Ownership Details Of Seized Properties. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its decision to withhold the identities of the owner(s) of 753 duplexes recently seized in Abuja. According to the agency, its actions align with legal procedures under Nigerian law. On Monday, the EFCC announced the forfeiture of the properties, located in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, to the Federal Government. However, the lack of disclosure regarding the owners sparked criticism from various quarters, including Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election. In response,…

Pastor Tobi Adegboyega Loses Deportation Appeal Amid Fraud Allegations A Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has been ordered to leave the United Kingdom after losing his appeal against deportation. The 44-year-old pastor, who led the controversial SPAC Nation church, had contested the deportation, citing family ties and community work. The immigration tribunal ruled against him, stating that his removal was justified. This comes after an investigation revealed financial misconduct involving £1.87 million in unaccounted funds within SPAC Nation, leading to its closure by the Charity Commission and the High Court over transparency concerns. Pastor Adegboyega, a cousin of actor…

Allegations of Police Intimidation Emerge In Dele Farotimi Case. Reports have emerged detailing allegations by activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, that the Nigeria Police Force is acting on a petition filed against him by renowned legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN. According to sources close to Farotimi, he disclosed during a conversation over the weekend that the petition accuses him of defamation of character. The allegations are reportedly linked to his recently published book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which recounts his personal encounters with Nigeria’s judicial system. The book includes narratives of a past legal case involving…

NYSC Withdraws Corps Members From Kwara School Following Assault Incident. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has withdrawn all corps members serving at Government Day Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin, in the Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State. This decision follows an incident in which a corps member was reportedly assaulted by a teacher at the school. According to accounts, the corps member was allegedly beaten for failing to greet the teacher, an act the teacher deemed disrespectful. The NYSC, in a swift response, condemned the incident and emphasised its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being…

NSWA Appeals For Protection Of Sex Workers From Harassment. The Nigeria Sex Workers Association (NSWA) has called on law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety and protection of its members from harassment, abuse, and extortion across the country. In a statement released on Tuesday and cited by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the National Coordinator of NSWA, Amaka Enemo, expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violence against sex workers. She highlighted a troubling rise in physical assaults and harassment, often perpetrated by clients and law enforcement officers. Enemo urged law enforcement agencies to uphold the dignity…

Naira Gains Strength Against The Dollar At Black Market. The Nigerian Naira began the week with an encouraging appreciation against the dollar at the foreign exchange market, trading at ₦1,730 per dollar on Monday. This marks a ₦5 improvement compared to the previous week’s close of ₦1,735 per dollar. A Bureau De Change operator, Abubakar Alhassan, confirmed the development, noting a steady upward trend in the Naira’s value in recent days. This positive trajectory comes on the heels of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent announcement of an FX electronic matching system aimed at stabilising the foreign…

CIPMN To Enforce Mandatory Certification For Project Managers. The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has announced its commitment to enforcing mandatory certification for project managers across the country, starting in 2025. Speaking at the 2024 Annual Project Management Conference in Abuja on Monday, the institute’s Registrar, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, highlighted the importance of certified professionals in reducing the prevalence of failed and abandoned projects in Nigeria. “Every project manager, including foreign nationals, must regularise their certifications within 12 months of commencing work in Nigeria,” Mbadiwe stated. “Non-compliance is unacceptable. Starting 2025, we will intensify enforcement…

NLC Declares Battle With Six States Over Minimum Wage Implementation. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide strike against six state governments over their failure to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage of ₦70,000. The affected states include Enugu, Abia, Oyo, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Ebonyi. The decision follows growing tensions, particularly in Ebonyi, where Governor Francis Nwifuru’s controversial threat to sack striking workers has drawn criticism. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described the governor’s remarks as “irresponsible and unhelpful,” accusing him of exacerbating an already volatile situation. “Workers’ strike is a lawful response to the failure…

FA Cup Third-Round Draw Delivers Blockbuster Arsenal vs Manchester United Clash. Holders Manchester United face a daunting task in the FA Cup third round after being drawn away to 14-time winners Arsenal, a fixture steeped in football history. United, who defeated Manchester City in last season’s final to claim their 13th title, will travel to the Emirates Stadium for a mouth-watering encounter. Elsewhere, Premier League leaders Liverpool will host League Two side Accrington Stanley, while Manchester City welcome Salford City, owned by members of the famous ‘Class of 92’, including Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, and David Beckham. Dream…

Van Nistelrooy Appointed Leicester Manager, Reflects On Painful United Exit. Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as Leicester City’s new manager, signing a contract until 2027. The former Manchester United striker succeeds Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium and has vowed to establish his authority with the Foxes. Van Nistelrooy’s appointment comes after a brief but eventful stint as interim manager at Old Trafford, where he stepped in following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. During his four-game tenure, the Dutchman led United to three wins and a draw. However, his time at the helm ended when Ruben Amorim was…