Author: Olukayode Oke

France Ramps Up Security For High-Risk France-Israel Football Match Amid Tensions. In response to recent violence involving Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, France is deploying thousands of police officers to ensure security for Thursday’s high-profile UEFA Nations League match between France and Israel at the Stade de France. Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez announced a significant security presence, with 4,000 officers on patrol, including 2,500 stationed at the stadium in the northern Paris suburbs. The operation includes additional personnel on public transport and throughout the capital, while an elite anti-terrorist unit will safeguard the visiting Israeli team. Nuñez described…

Fear Strikes Ikorodu As Armed Robbers Open Fire On Civilians. Residents of the Laketu area in Ikorodu, Lagos State, were thrown into chaos last night around 8 p.m. when four armed robbers opened fire on unsuspecting bystanders. The harrowing incident, reminiscent of a scene from a thriller, left the community in shock. The night was settling peacefully as citizens wrapped up their daily routines, but the calm was abruptly shattered by gunfire. According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men began firing after a trailer unknowingly obstructed their path. In a frantic attempt to escape, the robbers unleashed a barrage…

NNPC Announces Key Leadership Appointments In Major Reshuffle. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has undertaken a significant restructuring of its leadership team, appointing Adedapo Segun as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and announcing other strategic roles aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector. In a statement released on Wednesday, Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye confirmed that Segun, who previously served as Executive Vice President (EVP) of Downstream Operations, will now step into the role of CFO. His prior contributions to the company’s downstream sector have been recognised as instrumental in driving operational success. Other…

Appeal Court Disqualifies Labour Party’s Governorship Candidate For Ondo 2024 Election. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ruled to disqualify Olusola Ebiseni as the Labour Party’s candidate in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, 16 November 2024. The ruling, delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Hamma Barka and read by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, upheld an appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024, effectively barring Ebiseni from participating in the election. Justice Banjoko stated that a Certified True Copy of the judgment would be provided to all involved parties for review. Justice Abba Mohammed supported the panel’s unanimous…

Macron And Starmer Reaffirm ‘Unwavering’ Support For Ukraine In Face Of Russian Aggression. In a show of solidarity, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have vowed their continued support for Ukraine to counteract Russia’s ongoing invasion. Meeting in Paris on Armistice Day, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to backing Ukraine “for as long as necessary,” amidst mounting challenges for European security. The meeting, held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris to mark Armistice Day, saw Macron personally inviting Starmer as a guest of honour. This marked a symbolic moment, as…

FIFA To Introduce New ‘Football Video Support’ System, Allowing Coaches To Challenge Referee Decisions. In a landmark move aimed at enhancing fairness in football, FIFA is reportedly developing a new system called Football Video Support (FVS) that would allow coaches to challenge refereeing decisions. The concept, modelled somewhat after challenge systems used in other sports, would empower coaches to request video reviews of decisions they believe to be incorrect. Under the FVS system, teams would be able to signal for a review when they disagree with a particular ruling on the pitch. While details are still emerging, it’s expected…

Man Killed In Failed Attack On Brazil’s Supreme Court. A man attempting to target Brazil’s Supreme Court in Brasilia was killed on Wednesday evening, apparently by his own explosives. Witnesses reported seeing him throw devices near the court building before two explosions shook the area. No other injuries were reported. The incident prompted a security lockdown, with police deploying a bomb disposal robot to investigate the man’s body. A timer, believed to be connected to additional explosive devices, was found, according to police spokesperson Major Raphael van der Broocke. “Other explosives have already been identified around the body,” he…

Families Reunite With Fallen British Soldiers 70 Years After Korean War. After decades of uncertainty and unmarked graves, the families of four British soldiers who fell during the Korean War have finally been reunited with their loved ones’ remains. A ceremony in Busan’s United Nations Cemetery saw the graves of Sergeant D. Northey, Corporal William Adair, Major Patrick Angier, and Rifleman Mark Foster renamed, providing long-awaited closure to their families. Michael Northey, now elderly and seated in a wheelchair, laid a flower at his father Sergeant Northey’s grave for the first time. Born into a modest family in Portsmouth, Michael…

Equatorial Guinea Secure AFCON 2025 Spot As Togo Fall To Liberia. Equatorial Guinea have secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) without playing, following Togo’s 1-0 defeat to Liberia in their Group E qualifier on Wednesday. This result guarantees Equatorial Guinea a top-two finish in the group, confirming their spot in next year’s finals in Morocco. The Sparrowhawks of Togo had needed a victory in Monrovia to keep their qualification hopes alive, but their dreams were dashed when Mohammed Sangare scored a late penalty in the 83rd minute to hand Liberia the win. This marks Togo’s…

Manchester United and Arsenal In Pursuit Of Bayern’s Leroy Sane Amid January Transfer Battle. Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly in a fierce competition to secure Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, whose contract with the German champions expires next summer. The 28-year-old former Manchester City player is in high demand, with both Premier League giants eager to add his experience and talent to their squads. Sane has flourished at Bayern, but with his contract situation unresolved, the stage is set for a potential move back to England. Meanwhile, Liverpool remain locked in contract discussions with Mohamed Salah. The 32-year-old…

Jiji Honoured For Excellence, Launches Unmissable Black Friday Deals. Jiji, Africa’s leading online marketplace, has been named “Best Retail Organisation in Range Excellence” at the Africa Retail Awards 2024. This esteemed award was presented by the Africa Retail Academy and Lagos Business School – Pan Atlantic University, in collaboration with Nairametrics and KPMG. The accolade celebrates Jiji’s commitment to offering a vast array of products that cater to the needs of millions of buyers and sellers across Nigeria. As Jiji prepares for its highly anticipated Black Friday 2024 event, this recognition shines a spotlight on the organisation’s extensive product offerings.…

NFF Partners With NOA To Boost National Support Ahead Of Super Eagles’ AFCON Qualifier. Dr Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), welcomed representatives from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja. The meeting focused on preparations for the Super Eagles’ decisive 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Rwanda, set to take place in Uyo on 18 November 2024. The NOA delegation, led by Mohammed Wase, Coordinator for Youth Engagement and Inclusion, and Jamil Bagu, visited to affirm their commitment to supporting the national team and fostering a spirit…