Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

SWAN Commends Security Operatives For The Release Of Kidnapped Sports Journalists. The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has confirmed the release of several sports journalists who were abducted while travelling to cover the first leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Uyo. In a press release issued by SWAN’s National Secretariat, the association’s president, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, expressed relief at the successful rescue of the journalists. SWAN had been in close contact with authorities since the journalists were kidnapped near the Anambra/Imo border. The…

Sports Crew Attacked And Kidnapped En Route To AFCON Qualifier Match In Uyo, One Casualty Confirmed. A media crew from DSTV, travelling to Uyo for the coverage of an AFCON qualifying match, was attacked and kidnapped along the Isseke-Orlu Road in Ihiala. One casualty has tragically been confirmed, while joint security forces have successfully rescued six of the abducted individuals. According to a statement released by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, operations are ongoing to secure the rescue of the seventh crew member, who remains in captivity. The attack occurred…

Court Of Appeal Dismisses Governor Fubara’s Appeal On Rivers State Budget Dispute. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, challenging a lower court ruling that nullified the passage of the state’s N800 billion 2024 budget. The decision was delivered on Thursday by a three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Oyewole, who upheld the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a unanimous decision, the court affirmed the January 22 ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which nullified the passage of the budget by four members of the…

Atiku Criticises Tinubu’s Fuel Subsidy Approach Amidst Rising Hardship In Nigeria. Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has attributed Nigeria’s current economic crisis to the mismanagement of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a statement on Thursday, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as the government’s “haphazard approach” to handling the subsidy, leading to severe economic hardship for Nigerians. Atiku’s comments follow the recent hike in the pump price of petrol by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The price of fuel has surged from…

Sanwo-Olu Engages Turkish Construction Giant For Lekki-Epe Airport Project. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is currently on a working visit to Istanbul, Turkey, where he is leading a delegation to explore potential collaboration with Summa Group, a major player in the global construction sector. The focus of the discussions is the Lekki-Epe International Airport project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity in Lagos State. The visit was announced via the X account of the Lagos Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday, 9th October. The post highlighted the Governor’s efforts to engage with…

13 Ex-Boko Haram Fighters Flee With Weapons And Motorcycles, Defect From Borno Amnesty Programme. Thirteen former fighters of Boko Haram, also known as Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JASDJ), have escaped with rifles and motorcycles provided by the Borno State government. These fighters had been co-opted to join military efforts against the insurgents in the region. These individuals were part of a larger group of ex-combatants who had surrendered under the Borno State government’s reintegration initiative. Last year, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, reported that more than 160,000 former Boko Haram members, along with their families, had voluntarily surrendered…

NFF Rejects Libya Captain’s Claims Of Poor Treatment, Blames Libyan FA For Mismanagement. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed allegations made by Faisal Al-Badri, captain of the Libyan national football team, regarding poor treatment upon their arrival in Nigeria. The NFF insists that the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) is responsible for the disorganisation experienced by their team, the Mediterranean Knights. Mr. Emmanuel Ayanbunmi, the NFF’s Assistant Director of Protocol, clarified that the Libyan FA only notified the NFF that their team would be landing in Port Harcourt, rather than Uyo, just three hours before their arrival on Tuesday.…

Rafael Nadal To Retire At The End Of The Season After Davis Cup Final. Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, has announced he will retire from professional tennis at the end of this season. The 38-year-old Spanish icon will make his final appearance at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, representing his country one last time. In a video message released on Thursday, Nadal confirmed his decision: “I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. I don’t…

Hurricane Milton Moves Off Florida Coast, Leaving Destruction In Its Wake. Hurricane Milton is now moving off the coast of east-central Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center. Despite its shift away from land, the storm is still generating damaging hurricane-force winds and heavy rains, leaving a trail of devastation across the state. The powerful hurricane tore through Florida, bringing tornadoes, floods, and storm surge warnings. Over three million homes and businesses are currently without power, and reports of several deaths have emerged along Florida’s Atlantic coast, though the exact number has yet to be confirmed. In St…

Calafiori Thriving At Arsenal: “It’s Going Very Well, And It Will Get Even Better”. Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has expressed his satisfaction with life at the club, stating that his time in North London has been a transformative experience. The Italian full-back, who joined the Gunners earlier this season, believes his performance will only improve in the months ahead. Speaking about his experience so far, Calafiori said, “It’s going very well at Arsenal, and in 6 months it will be even better, you’ll see.” His words reflect the confidence he has in his development under manager Mikel Arteta and…

Liverpool’s Alisson Becker Sidelined For Six Weeks With Hamstring Injury Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is set to miss around six weeks of action after new test results confirmed he has sustained a hamstring injury. The injury comes as a significant blow for the Reds, who will be without their first-choice keeper until after the upcoming international break in mid-November. Alisson’s absence will likely have a major impact on Liverpool’s defence during a crucial period of the season. The Brazilian has been a key figure for the team, providing stability and consistency between the posts. Liverpool will now look…

Indian Business Icon Ratan Tata Passes Away At 86. Ratan Tata, one of India’s most prominent and internationally recognised business figures, has passed away at the age of 86, as announced by Tata Group, the conglomerate he led for more than two decades. Tata’s leadership transformed the Tata Group into one of India’s largest and most successful companies. During his tenure as chairman, the firm acquired major global brands, including the UK-based car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley, the world’s second-largest tea company. These acquisitions showcased Tata’s ability to guide the company into new markets, elevating its profile…