NIGERIA NEWS
AFCON: “My prophecy about Ademola Lookman was misinterpreted and misunderstood”
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has clarified that his prophecy on the Super Eagles’ performance at the ongoing AFCON tournament is being misrepresented.
Several individuals had criticised the prophet for allegedly predicting the non-performance of Ademola Lookman, who recently scored a winning goal.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele said some mischievous individuals were twisting his words.
He emphasised that his prophecy referred to the tournament as a whole, not the match against Tanzania.
The prophet insisted that his warning about Lookman remains valid and accused critics of pushing a mischievous agenda.
He urged Nigerians to wait for the full outcome of the tournament before judging his prophecy.
“My prophecy about Ademola Lookman in the ongoing AFCON tournament is being misrepresented and misunderstood by mischievous individuals for reasons best known to themselves.
“The prophecy was a warning, and what I said was that Lookman will not help the team in the tournament, not exactly the match against Tanzania.
“This is just the beginning of the match. We have just started the game and played only one match already; we should all wait before attacking the prophecy. One game cannot judge our performance in the tournament.”
Primate Ayodele also stated that he wants the Nigerian team to win the cup, which motivated his warnings.
“It would be my greatest joy if the Nigerian team wins, but that can only happen if they listen to advice.
“I have always rooted for the Nigerian team and this is why my prophecies about them always come up. I want them to lift the trophy and come back home victorious, but it will only happen if advices are listened to.”
The Jigawa State Police Command says it has arrested several suspected drug dealers and recovered more than 4,600 wraps and quantities of illicit drugs during raids across the state.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, on Wednesday, the police said the arrests were made during intelligence-led operations carried out in different local government areas as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking and related crimes.
According to the statement, one of the suspects, Mutari Shu’aibu, a 20-year-old man from Dutse Local Government Area, was arrested alongside others in towns including Guri, Gumel, Sara, Shuwarin, Sundimina, Kazaure, Miga/Madori, Ringim, Birnin Kudu, and Kafin Hausa.
The police said the suspects were found with a total of 4,658 wraps and quantities of suspected hard drugs, believed to be meant for sale within local communities. The drugs have been recovered and documented as exhibits.
After investigations, the police said all the suspects were charged to court.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Dahiru Muhammad, praised the officers involved for their conduct.
He said the command would not slow down its fight against drug-related crimes.
“The Commissioner of Police commended the officers involved for their professionalism, diligence, and commitment to duty,” the statement said.
It added that the police boss “reiterated that the command will not relent in clamping down on drug trafficking, abuse, and other criminal activities that threaten public safety and the future of youths in the state.”
The Jigawa State Police Command also appealed to residents to support the fight against crime by sharing useful information with security agencies.
The command assured the public of its commitment to keeping the state safe and free from drugs.
The presidency has announced that Femi Gbajabiamila remains the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and has not been replaced.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.
Read the full statement below.
The attention of the presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.
The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government.
We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John PhD CON, has declared 23 December as Idoma Day, to be observed annually by Idoma people worldwide, while unveiling a far reaching blueprint aimed at safeguarding Idoma identity, restoring unity and repositioning culture as a pillar of development.
The royal proclamation was made at the Idoma Cultural Day celebration held on 23 December 2025, under the broader vision of the Idoma International Carnival.
Describing the occasion as a day of pride, remembrance and renewal, the monarch said the gathering was neither for colour nor spectacle alone, but a deliberate declaration of identity and a return to the values, memory and heritage that define the Idoma people.
According to him, Idoma Cultural Day represents the public presentation of the people’s language, rites, dances, proverbs, attire, folklore, food, values and moral order, warning that a people without culture risk losing both direction and future.
The Och’Idoma commended Ochetoha K’Idoma for assuming responsibility for this year’s celebration, praising the President General, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, for what he described as clarity of thought and seriousness of purpose. He stressed that sociocultural institutions thrive only under focused leadership anchored on vision, structure, discipline and continuity.
He also paid glowing tribute to Chief Dr Edwin Ochai, President of the Idoma Association in the United States and a leading driver of the Idoma International Carnival, noting that for thirteen years he sustained the initiative largely with personal resources to ensure that Idoma culture did not fade into silence.
Beyond celebration, the monarch spoke candidly on threats confronting Idoma cultural heritage, identifying insecurity and displacement, erosion of language especially in homes and the diaspora, cultural shame among youths, fragmentation of cultural structures, poor documentation and social media ridicule as major dangers.
To address these challenges, he outlined clear pathways including strengthened community vigilance, deliberate language transmission, restoration of cultural pride through excellence, alignment of recognised institutions, systematic documentation and the promotion of responsible digital conduct, urging every Idoma son and daughter to become a gatekeeper of the people’s image and values.
In a major institutional move, the Och’Idoma announced that activities marking Idoma Day would commence annually from 21 December and culminate on 23 December, with the Och’Idoma Palace designated as the central home of the celebration. He further unveiled plans to upgrade and rebrand the Palace Square to international standards and called on well meaning individuals, corporate bodies and partners to support the project.
Emphasising unity, the monarch warned against rivalry and fragmentation, declaring that the strength of the Idoma Nation lies in one people, one identity and one cultural umbrella guided by mutual respect and shared purpose.
He also announced a series of strategic initiatives, including the establishment of an Annual Idoma Cultural Calendar, standardisation and documentation of heritage, structured youth engagement, deliberate diaspora inclusion, development of cultural tourism and the creative economy, and stronger partnerships with government and institutions.
To guarantee sustainability, the Och’Idoma proclaimed the establishment of an Idoma Cultural Endowment Fund as a permanent financial backbone for cultural development, as well as the institution of a Royal Order of Cultural Merit and Palace Roll of Honour to recognise exceptional service to Idoma identity.
He further directed the development of a Unified Idoma Cultural Brand and Insignia to protect symbols, protocols and presentation from misrepresentation, and adopted cultural competitions in schools as a structured programme to make cultural excellence aspirational.
The monarch also highlighted Idoma cuisine as a tool of cultural diplomacy, identifying Okoho soup as the flagship delicacy, alongside Okpehe seasoning, Okpehe rice and other traditional meals, which he said should be packaged for global recognition.
On unity within the foremost sociocultural structure, he directed that Ochetoha K’Idoma must operate under one harmonised name and identity worldwide, stressing that unity protects diversity rather than erasing it.
As he concluded, the Och’Idoma charged the people to see the celebration as a movement and an enduring institution, expressing hope that Idoma Cultural Day would heal divisions, restore language, protect heritage and announce to Nigeria and the world that the Idoma Nation stands firm.
He offered royal blessings on the renewal process and the Idoma Nation, affirming commitment to cultural continuity, unity and dignity.
NIGERIA NEWS
“My Heart is Skipping”: Voice Note Nigerian Man Sent To His Wife Goes Viral On Social Media
- A Nigerian lady who attended a wedding and could not return home on time as expected by her husband
- The lady has shared a post on TikTok containing the voice note her husband sent to her when he was missing her
- Social media users are reacting to the voice note after they heard what the man said to his wife on Whatsapp
A Nigerian woman who attended a wedding got a funny voice note from her husband who was missing her.
The lady has posted the voice note on TikTok where it went viral and got a lot of reactions from social media users.
The lady said she got an interesting voice note from her husband after she attended a wedding. Photo credit: TikTok/@mrs_nwabueze.
Source: TikTok
In her post, @mrs_nwabueze said there was no network at the location where she attended the wedding.
She said due to a lack of network, she was unable to communicate with her husband.
The post is captioned:
“You left your husband to attend a wedding and there is no network.”
Read also
Lady cries out as driver runs off with bags of rice, emotional story trends: “He don block me”
In a voice note the man sent to his wife, he wondered if she had left him and married another man.
He said in Igbo:
“Where did you say they took my wife to? Baby, let it not be that you have married another husband and forgotten about me. I’m scared. Omalicha where are you?”
Nigerian lady shares funny WhatsApp voice note her husband sent her. Photo credit: TikTok/@mrs_nwabueze.
Source: TikTok
Watch the video below:
Reactions as Nigerian lady shares voice note her husband sent to her
@Shuga’s Thrift-Wears said:
“I follow go the marriage and network dealt with us eeeh.”
@Gabriella Okechukwu said:
“Are you from Arondizuogu?… or you went for a wedding there?…..Asking cos I’m from Arondizuogu.”
@NanzyDike said:
“My husband second. Him fit find me come there.”
@onyibullion said:
“After listening to this,I was like “oh God make I no marry ekuke as husband.”
@That girl said:
“Please someone should translate what he’s saying.”
@Ụtọ Nri Enugu Food Vendor said:
“I married from Anambra state too. They can be dramatic and lovely at the same time.”
@Dimma said:
“I’ll marry once and marry right Amen A nice and caring man.”
Read also
Man cries out as wife abandons him with their 3-month-old baby over “Little misunderstanding”
@Black cherry said:
“Stray bullet don touch us,wetin Arondizuogu do again,abeg we are good people.”
@AKA001 said:
“My husband don beg me tire to follow him to his village but see me see Umuchu next week.”
@blissful joyce said:
“Na why dey say we Anambra Sabi marry woman me wey ozubulu eziora I know wetin my papa dey feel if my mama comot.”
@Anny said:
“My husband will rush come to that wedding venue once he didn’t get you on phone…omo i tire the last time.”
Lady shares message she got from her husband
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian lady expressed joy after seeing the nice message her husband sent to her on WhatsApp.
The lady could not keep the message to herself as she shared it online to show netizens how caring her husband is.
The man had sent her money, but the message that followed the transfer went viral and melted hearts online.
Source: Legit.ng
A young lady has shared a disturbing account of alleged harassment and brutality by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, claiming the incident occurred on December 24, just a day before Christmas.
According to her account, she was stopped and subjected to an unlawful search by the officers.
Lady.
During the encounter, she alleged that a firearm was pointed at her, prompting her to flee out of fear for her life.
She further claimed that she was physically assaulted, including being choked, before being apprehended.
The woman also alleged that she was unlawfully detained and placed in a male detention cell alongside men, an action she described as degrading and traumatic.
She said …
“I never thought I would be a victim of police brut@lity until it happened to me yesterday, on the 24th of December. I was unlawfully searched, a g?n was p0!nt3d at me, I took off and ran away because nobody was going to sh0ot me a day before Christmas. I was ch?k3d, they unlawfully detained and put me in a male’s cell, in a male detention room where men were kept.”
Watch video below …
“I never thought I would be a victim of police brutality until it happened to me yesterday, on the 24th of December. I was unlawfully searched, a g?n was p0!nt3d at me, I was ch?k3d, they unlawfully detained and put me in a male’s cell.”
— Lady shares her experience with Naija… pic.twitter.com/OcPgGwC6Gc
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) December 25, 2025
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has assured residents that there will be a smooth and peaceful transfer of power when his second term ends in 2027.
He said his government is determined to set a new record by handing over without conflict or bitterness.
The governor spoke on Thursday during a Christmas service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area.
“As we approach 2027, not only will we finish well and finish strong, by the grace of God this administration will hand over successfully to a successor,” Abiodun said.
He added, “It will be the first peaceful transition in the 50-year history of Ogun State. By God’s grace, I will sit down as your governor at my send-forth ceremony and also sit at the swearing-in ceremony of my successor.”
Abiodun said his confidence comes from what he described as strong governance, economic growth and people-centred projects carried out by his administration.
According to him, Ogun State’s economy has grown significantly since he took office.
“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met on ground,” he said. “Our budget has moved from about N355bn to over N2.7tr. New factories and industries are springing up across the state.”
He listed some of his government’s achievements to include the reconstruction of over 2,000 schools, job creation, support for farmers and expansion of opportunities for residents.
“We have created jobs, empowered farmers and expanded opportunities for our people, and we are not done yet. We need your prayers to finish strong,” the governor said.
Abiodun also said he remains committed to using his position to serve the people and honour God.
He mentioned the Gateway International Airport and other infrastructure projects across the three senatorial districts as key legacies of his administration.
The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda is helping to stabilise the country.
“The country is gradually stabilising with improved availability of petroleum products, easing inflation and a more stable foreign exchange system,” he said.
Speaking on Christmas, Abiodun reminded residents that the season is not just about celebration but about love, peace and care for others, especially the less privileged.
“Many people think Christmas is about shopping or partying, but that is not what Christmas is about,” he said. “Christmas is about love, loving your neighbour as yourself.”
He added, “Some people give what they no longer need, but God gave us a priceless gift. In the spirit of Christmas, we must remember to give to others and help the less privileged.”
The governor urged people to live Christ-like lives, celebrate moderately and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
In his sermon titled “Christmas Is God’s Best Gift to You,” the Vicar of the church, Venerable Tolulope Akinwande, described Christmas as the season when God gave Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ.
He said the purpose of Christ’s birth can only be fulfilled when people accept Him, noting that Jesus came to save mankind from sin.
Ven. Akinwande also praised Governor Abiodun’s leadership and prayed that the final years of his administration would be even better than the beginning.
Six lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was formally announced, marking a fresh political shift in the state legislature.
The lawmakers were elected on the platform of the PDP but have now aligned with the ruling APC.
Their exit reduces the strength of the opposition in the Assembly and further boosts APC’s influence in the state.
Those who crossed over include Hon. Muktar Nasir Kaura, who represents Kaura North constituency.
Also involved is Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru of Maru North and Hon. Amiru Ahmad Keta from Tsafe West.
Others are Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi, representing Gummi I constituency, and Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama of Bukkuyum North.
Hon. Bashir Bello, the lawmaker for Bungudu West constituency, is also part of the defection.
The lawmakers announced their decision during plenary, where they cited political realignment and the need to work with the ruling party as reasons for their move.
Their defection immediately changes the numerical balance within the Assembly.
With this development, the APC now holds a stronger position in the Zamfara State House of Assembly.
Party leaders of the APC in Zamfara have welcomed the lawmakers, describing their decision as a boost to governance and unity.
The Presidency has reacted to widespread reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff.
According to the report, it alleged that the President had appointed his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, as a replacement.
The reports, which gained traction on social media, sparked intense public discussion and speculation about an alleged shake-up within the Presidency.
Several posts claimed the decision was based on information from unnamed “insider” sources, raising concerns about possible internal changes at the highest level of government.
However, the Presidency has firmly denied the claim. It described the reports as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said there was no truth in the story circulating online.
“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola. There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
“The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.”
The Presidency stressed that both officials continue to carry out their assigned duties without any change in status. It also warned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing confusion or tension within government circles.
According to Onanuga, the report was deliberately fabricated by individuals bent on spreading falsehood and creating unnecessary discord within the administration.
“The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government. We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media,” he said.
The statement urged Nigerians to rely on official channels for credible information regarding government activities and appointments.
It also called on media organisations and social media users to exercise caution and professionalism in the handling of sensitive political information.
Femi Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was appointed Chief of Staff shortly after President Tinubu assumed office.
Hakeem Muri-Okunola, a former Lagos State Head of Service, currently serves as the President’s Principal Private Secretary.
The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Presidency described the report as false and misleading, stressing that no such change has occurred.
What the Presidency is saying
In the statement, the Presidency said the viral claim suggesting that Hakeem Muri-Okunola had taken over the role of Chief of Staff from Femi Gbajabiamila was entirely untrue.
It emphasised that Gbajabiamila remains firmly in office and continues to perform his duties as Chief of Staff to the President.
The statement further clarified that Muri-Okunola also remains in his position as Principal Private Secretary to the President and has not been appointed to replace anyone.
“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
“There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
“The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff,” the statement read in part.
The Presidency said the claim was deliberately fabricated to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension. It urged the media and the public to disregard the false report and verify information before sharing.
What you should know
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff in June 2023, shortly after assuming office.
The Presidency has now reaffirmed that he remains in that role, dismissing claims that he has been replaced by the Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has sparked nationwide debate with his Christmas message, linking Nigeria’s insecurity to deep social failure.
In his Christmas message, the bishop said bandits, kidnappers and extremists are products of the same society they now terrorise.
Society Created the Crisis
Delivering his 2025 Christmas message, Kukah warned that neglect of children, education and values continues to fuel violence.
He blamed years of poor leadership, governance failure and weak social responsibility.
He said those behind killings and abductions did not emerge suddenly or mysteriously.
According to the Christmas message, society itself produced them through broken systems and toxic politics.
“Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers or extremists, they are our children. They came out of our own loins. Our children are our future.”
Hope Amid National Trials
In his Christmas reflection titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” Kukah said Nigeria is passing through painful trials.
The bishop in his Christmas message listed killings, abductions and fear across many communities.
Despite the suffering, he reminded Christians that Christ’s birth symbolises hope in dark times.
The bishop stressed that insecurity, especially in the North, stems from poverty, illiteracy and moral collapse.
Kukah warned that ignoring these root causes could push Nigeria closer to chaos.
As a solution, he called for urgent investment in education and moral renewal. “We must either renovate, educate or perish.”
Children as the Biggest Victims
The bishop expressed concern over the suffering of children in Nigeria’s broken system.
He said many children face kidnapping, abuse, forced labour and early marriage.
He referenced school abductions in Chibok, Dapchi, Maga and Papiri. According to his message, nearly 2,000 children have been affected in Nigeria.
He added that similar tragedies are unfolding globally, citing Gaza and Sudan.
Rejecting Violence and Revenge
Addressing persecution, Kukah rejected armed retaliation by Christians. He urged faith, prayer and moral conduct instead of violence.
Citing scripture, he recalled Jesus telling Peter to put away his sword. “Violence cannot defeat violence.” He said Christianity has survived oppression through resilience, not force.
Call to Leaders and Citizens
The Sokoto-based cleric challenged Nigerian leaders to act responsibly.
The bishop urged leaders to use national resources for the common good.
He said insecurity, poverty and bad governance must be confronted honestly. Despite the grim situation, Kukah urged Nigerians not to lose hope.
“By the birth of Christ, Emmanuel—God is with us.” He added that Christmas light “is a light that darkness cannot overcome.”
Kukah called on Nigerians to reject hatred and division. “We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together. We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together.”
Closing Reflections
The bishop acknowledged efforts by government and security agencies in freeing abducted children. He described repeated school abductions as “one ordeal too many.”
In his final message, the bishop urged Christians to reflect Christ in daily life.
“We do not celebrate Christmas as a feast or a date on our calendar. We celebrate it as a vocation — to let the world see and experience the face of Jesus through lives of love, peace and reconciliation.”
He wished Nigerians a joyful Christmas and encouraged them to remain hopeful.
- …describes him as peacemaker, true servant leader
The Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID) has felicitated with Governor Seyi Makinde on occasion of his 58th birthday.
He group described Makinde as a peacemaker, true servant leader, and a symbol of purposeful leadership.
Governor Makinde celebrates his birthday on Christmas day every year.
A statement by the convener of the group, Moses Eledan, said Makinde’s 58th birthday is a great milestone as well as represents more than a personal celebration.
He stated that the birthday of the governor is a moment to reflect on an enduring legacy anchored in compassion, selfless service, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the people.
OID highlighted the Governor’s rise from humble beginnings, noting that his life journey reflected resilience, integrity, and leadership driven by purpose.
The group commended the Makinde-led administration for transforming Oyo State through strategic infrastructure development and deliberate investments in human capital, adding that these interventions have uplifted lives and strengthened democratic governance in the Pacesetter State.
According to the group, Governor Makinde has earned wide recognition as a unifier and peacemaker, whose inclusive leadership style continues to inspire confidence within Oyo State, and beyond Nigeria.
“As he marks this milestone, we are hopeful that his new year will open greater chapters of hope for Nigeria, reinforcing a shared vision of a more united, enduring, and prosperous nation.”
The convener of the group alluded that Makinde’s selfless act, leadership, character, determination, and commitment to service qualify him to be the future president who will lead Nigeria to greater heights and a wealthy nation.
The group further wished Governor Makinde good health, peace of mind, renewed strength, and wisdom as he continues to serve the people of Oyo State and contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet on Thursday railed against the decision to play the Africa Cup of Nations every four years instead of two, insisting the move was forced upon the continent by FIFA and European clubs motivated by money.
“I am very shocked with it and very disappointed. It is the pride of African football, with the best players in African football,” the Belgian told reporters in Rabat ahead of Friday’s AFCON clash between Mali and Morocco.
“To take it away and make it every four years, I could understand if it was a request for any reason from Africa, but it is all instructed by the big people from (European governing body) UEFA, the big clubs in Europe and also FIFA and that makes it so sad.”
Saintfiet, 52, has managed numerous African national teams including Gambia, who he led to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Cup of Nations.
He was appointed by Mali in August last year and on Friday will lead them out against current AFCON hosts in a key Group A game at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Cup of Nations has almost always been held at two-year intervals since the first edition in 1957 but Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe last weekend announced that the tournament would go ahead every four years after a planned 2028 tournament.
“We fought for so long to be respected, to then listen to Europe to change your history — because this is a history going back 68 years — only because of financial requests from clubs who use the load on players as the excuse while they create a World Cup with 48 teams, a Champions League with no champions,” Saintfiet said.
“If you don’t get relegated in England you almost get into Europe, it is so stupid,” he joked.
“If you want to protect players then you play the Champions League with only the champions. You don’t create more competitions with more load. Then you can still play AFCON every two years.
“Africa is the biggest football continent in the world, all the big stars in Europe are Africans, so I think we disrespect (Africa) by going to every four years.
“I am very sad about that –- I hoped that the love for Africa would win over the pressure of Europe.”
Vanguard News
The post Mali coach protests AFCON’s shift to four-year cycle appeared first on Vanguard News.
* Promises N710m community support in 2026
The member representing Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, has flagged off the distribution of food items and other relief materials valued at about ₦1 billion to widows and constituents across the constituency as part of activities to mark the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Abejide said the gesture was part of his annual humanitarian intervention aimed at supporting widows and vulnerable constituents.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bashiru Abdul Mohammed, Thursday, Hon. Abejide stressed that the initiative has been sustained for about nine years.
According to him, the distribution will cover all the 34 wards and polling units across Yagba Federal Constituency to ensure that residents have food items to celebrate the festive season.
“The distribution of food items is my usual gesture. It will reach the 34 wards and all polling units across Yagba Federal Constituency so that our people can celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
“This initiative did not start today; it has been in existence for about nine years,” Abejide said.
He said the items lined up for this year’s distribution include 24,000 bags of 5kg rice, 10,000 packs of 2kg garri, 10,000 six-yard wrappers for widows, as well as salt, sugar and noodles.
Abejide said the initiative was driven by his passion for philanthropy and his commitment to showing genuine care for widows, especially during the festive period, in line with moral and religious teachings.
He also announced a review of his earlier pledge to support autonomous communities across the constituency. The lawmaker recalled that he had previously promised to support each of the 71 autonomous communities with ₦5 million but was unable to fulfil the pledge due to the demands of his governorship ambition at the time.
According to him, the pledge has now been reviewed upward, with a commitment to provide ₦10 million each to the 71 autonomous communities to support community-based projects.
“By 2026, all the autonomous communities in Yagba Federal Constituency will benefit. A total of ₦710 million will be disbursed to support community development projects,” he said.
The lawmaker, thereafter, formally flagged off the distribution exercise and urged those handling the process to ensure that the items get to all wards and polling units, particularly widows and other deserving beneficiaries across the constituency.
LASTMA announced a fatal tanker explosion involving a Mack Truck conveying diesel, which occurred in the early hours of today at the Oto-Ijanikin axis
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced a fatal tanker explosion involving a Mack Truck conveying diesel, which occurred in the early hours of today at the Oto-Ijanikin axis, in the vicinity of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), inward Agbara, along the Badagry Expressway, Lagos.
Preliminary findings from security investigations indicate that the unfortunate incident was caused by excessive speed, as the tanker driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user.
The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically trapping and claiming the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant.
LASTMA personnel who were actively monitoring vehicular movement within the corridor secured and cordoned off the affected stretch of the expressway to forestall secondary incidents, while immediately notifying the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Ijanikin Police Division for urgent emergency response and security reinforcement.
The LASTMA operatives prevented members of the public who had converged on the scene with containers from scooping the spilt diesel. This timely intervention effectively averted a potential escalation of the tragedy before the arrival of other emergency and security agencies.
Following the successful containment of the blaze and clearance by relevant authorities, the severely burnt tanker was evacuated from the expressway by LASTMA personnel to prevent further road mishaps along the busy transport corridor, while FRSC removed the remains of burnt bodies.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sorrow and extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, particularly poignant during this festive season.
He described the incident as deeply painful and entirely avoidable, reaffirming the Authority’s steadfast commitment to road safety and the sanctity of human life.
Bakare-Oki further underscored the urgent necessity for tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to exercise heightened caution, observe prescribed speed limits and comply strictly with all traffic regulations, noting that reckless driving and speeding remain dominant factors in fatal road traffic crashes across the metropolis.
He also seized the opportunity to caution members of the public against the dangerous and irresponsible practice of scooping petroleum/Diesel products from accident scenes, emphasising that such conduct poses grave and far-reaching risks to both individuals and the general public.
The Presidency has denied a widely circulating report that President Bola Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
It described the report as false, urging Nigerians to disregard such claims.
A statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Gbajabiamila and Okunola still retainsl their positions.
The statement read: “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
“There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
“The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.
“The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government.
“We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media.”