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 Chukwueze Urges Nigeria to Scout New Football Talents from Local Competitions Super Eagles and AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze has called for increased efforts to discover new football talents through local competitions to secure a brighter future for Nigerian football. Speaking on Sunday after the final match of the 4th Samuel Chukwueze All Stars Football League at Ugba Community School in Umuahia, Chukwueze emphasized that such events could unearth raw talents and propel them onto the international stage. Chukwueze, who scored the decisive penalty in a shoot-out victory for AC Milan against IPOD FC, highlighted his own journey as an example, having been discovered as a young talent at the same Ugba Community Primary School years ago. He noted that organizing grassroots tournaments like his league helps identify hidden players who could represent Nigeria in youth and senior tournaments and eventually shine in major global football leagues. “This is the place I grew up from. I a...

 Benue Governor Suspends Aide Over Sextortion and Blackmail Allegations Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has indefinitely suspended his Special Adviser on Documentation, Research, and Planning, Mkor Aondona, following the aide’s arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of sextortion, cyberbullying, and blackmail. The suspension, announced on Sunday via a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, takes immediate effect pending the outcome of the EFCC’s investigation. Governor Alia described the allegations as “deeply troubling” and emphasized that his administration would not shield any official involved in criminal or unethical conduct. “This administration was elected to serve with integrity and discipline,” the statement read. “Any official involved in acts capable of tarnishing the image of government or eroding public trust will be held accountable.” Reaffirming his commitment to transparency and accountability, Alia s...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: PRESIDENT TINUBU'S ROLE IN THE JUNE 12 STRUGGLE   The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to recent comments made by Alhaji Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa State, on live television, in which he falsely accused President Bola Tinubu of supporting the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.    Alhaji Lamido's claims represent a distortion of history and a regrettable attempt at revisionism. He alleged that President Tinubu only rose to prominence after the formation of NADECO and claimed that Tinubu's mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mobilised market women to back the annulment. These allegations are patently false.   Let us set the record straight: Alhaja Mogaji never mobilised market women to support the unjust annulment. Had she done so, she would have lost her position as market leader in Lagos. While she once had a personal relationship with then-President Babangida, thi...

 ‎Gov. Mbah Inaugurates Social Homes Board, Grants Clemency to 11 Inmates across correctional centres in the state. ‎ ‎In a move underscoring his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social justice, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-Owned Social Homes. The governor also exercised his constitutional powers to grant clemency to 11 inmates across correctional centres in the state. ‎ ‎Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah described the initiative as a vital component of his administration’s promise to protect the most vulnerable in society and ensure equitable prosperity for all citizens. ‎The newly constituted board is chaired by the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, with the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, serving as co-Chairman. Other members include Rev. Canon Chibuike...

 Kaduna Government Demands Justice Over Killing Of Citizens In Plateau State The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 12 Kaduna State citizens in Mangun District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.  The victims were ambushed and killed while traveling to Quan Pan Local Government for a wedding ceremony. Eleven others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attack. Describing the incident as "shocking" and "deeply sorrowful," Governor Sani issued a stern call for justice, urging security agencies to act decisively and bring the perpetrators to book.  "The criminals must be fished out and dealt with accordingly. We must put a stop to the nefarious activities of non-state actors. This madness must stop. Enough is enough," the governor declared in an official statement. Governor Sani also called on Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, to take a firm stance in response to the trage...

 ‎Soludo’s Govt Does Not Recognise Northern Community In Anambra—Miyetti Allah ‎ ‎Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, the lead­er of the Fulani community in Anambra state and the National Deputy Director-General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders As­sociation of Nigeria (MACBAN), has expressed deep concern that Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s government does not recognise the state’s northern community. ‎ ‎Siddiki, who unleashed his laments and remonstrations during an exclusive interview with this journalist at the cattle market Amansea Awka, stated unequivocally that the current government does not invite the northern community to events and does not care if they are cit­izens. ‎ ‎Siddiki stated that the north­ern community was not invited to Governor Soludo’s first, second, and even third anniversary in of­fice, as well as his inauguration ceremony upon assumption of duty as governor of the state. ‎ ‎He stated that, despite the lack of recognition for northerners in the state, all they...

 ‎UNN postgraduate student kidnapped while jogging inside school, k!dnappers demand ₦10m ransom ‎ ‎A postgraduate student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has reportedly been kidnapped while jogging within the school premises during her morning exercise. ‎ ‎The disturbing incident was shared by a user on X (formerly Twitter), identified as @theoriaku, who revealed that the victim is his friend and a Ph.D. student at the university. ‎ ‎According to him, the abduction took place inside the university campus during her usual morning walk. ‎ ‎He claimed that the kidnappers have reached out and are demanding a ransom of ₦10 million for her release. ‎ ‎He further alleged that the school authorities have not taken any concrete action on the matter: ‎ ‎“We have involved the school security who are acting unconcerned about the entire case. The kidnappers are asking for a ransom of ₦10 million. Her details are attached in the pictures above. Any information will be appreciated...

 SECURITY IN ANAMBRA: POLICE CONFIRMS THE RELEASE OF THE ABDUCTED NDLEA ANAMBRA STATE DIRECTOR The Anambra State Police Command today 22nd June 2025 confirmed the release of the abducted NDLEA Anambra State Director, Mr. Daniel Onyishi. It would be recalled that the victim was abducted  in the early hours of 12th June 2025 along Winner Road, Awka. He is currently in safe custody and receiving medical attention.  The Police, in collaboration with sister Agencies, especially the high-powered covert Operatives of the NDLEA led by Mrs Florence Ezeonye, the Zone 12 Commander of the NDLEA, complemented the aggressive rescue efforts which helped the victim's safe return.  Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, *CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD,* has briefed the Police High Command on the development and activated the IGP’s directive to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.  *SP Tochukwu Ikenga* Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command, Aw...

 Today is Windrush Day: a day to mark the contribution of the Caribbean men, women and children who arrived in Britain after the Second World War to help rebuild the country. In 2023, the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush to British shores, The King commissioned ten artists to create portraits of ten pioneering members of the Windrush Generation. These portraits are now proudly hung in Buckingham Palace. More photos below. 

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE TINUBU: "I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SLOW PACE OF ECOWAS STANDBY FORCE"   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the slow pace of activating the ECOWAS Standby Force and urged West African leaders to move swiftly from concept to reality in the collective fight against terrorism and transnational crimes.   President Tinubu raised the concern in his opening speech at the 67th ECOWAS Authority's Ordinary Session in Abuja, one of his last acts as chairman of the 50-year-old regional economic bloc.   The Nigerian leader emphasised the urgency of operationalising the force in the face of escalating insecurity across the sub-region.   "The ECOWAS Standby Force must move from concept to operational reality. I am a little bit worried about the slow pace of its activation, which is taking longer than desired," the President said.   The Nigerian leader noted that threats confronting the region are transnational, driven by ag...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU HANDS OVER ECOWAS LEADERSHIP TO SIERRA LEONE'S PRESIDENT MAADA BIO, CALLS FOR VIGILANCE, UNITY, AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH   President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday in Abuja, handed over the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, expressing confidence in the region's continued path toward peace, stability, and prosperity. The ECOWAS Authority's 67th Ordinary Session closed with the symbolic handover of the Emblem to the incoming Chair.   President Tinubu described it as a profound honour and privilege to have led the esteemed body, adding that he remained deeply humbled by the trust and support extended to him throughout his two-term tenure.   "As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I do ...

 An Arkansas woman that has been missing for a year walked into a gas station and informed the employees that she was a missing person. Police responded and arrested her on an outstanding warrant. 35-year-old Tori Milsak had been a reported missing person since June 6th, 2024. Tori was last seen in Hot Springs, Arkansas. At that time authorities believed Tori might be suffering "mental health concerns". Although she was officially reported missing  on June 6th, (2024), family members at that time reported they hadn't heard from her in weeks. On June 19th, Tori walked into a gas station in Little Rock, Arkansas and informed the staff she was a missing person. The staff subsequently contacted the police who responded to the scene.  Officers began to question Tori and she confided that she had run away from home around a year ago. Police ran her name and confirmed she was in fact a missing person. They also confirmed Tori had an outstanding warrant in Garland County, and she...

 Police arrests 31 year old man in Edo for murdeer. The Edo State Police Command has arrested 31-year-old Joshua Osaigbovo in connection with the alleged mur,der of 21-year-old Osato Festus Edogiaweria in Benin City.  Police operatives exhumed the remains of the young woman from a shallow grave near the suspect's residence in the Iyanomon community, located in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state, where he had buried her.  CSP Moses Yamu, the spokesperson for the command, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, June 20, 2025. He explained that the Family Unit operatives apprehended the suspect through a thorough investigation and technical intelligence.  The investigation began after a missing person report was filed on April 25, 2025, at the Aduwawa Division by Mrs. Ojo. She reported that her daughter, Osato Festus Edogiaweria, had left home on April 20, 2025, with a friend and had not been heard from since. “The case was transferred to the St...

 UK Supports US Bombing of Iran’s Nuclear Sites – Urges Diplomacy The United Kingdom has officially backed the United States’ military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a post on X, said Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.  “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. The US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” he wrote. He called on Iran to return to diplomatic negotiations to avoid further crisis.  But the reaction globally has been mixed. 🇺🇳 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the US strike was a “dangerous escalation” and could spiral into a wider war with “catastrophic consequences for civilians and global peace.” 🇮🇷 Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi strongly condemned the bombing, calling it a violation of the UN Charter and international law. 🇻🇪 Venezuela, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, and 🇦🇺 Australia also criticized the attack, with some...

 32 cows struck dead by thunder, lightning in Ogun A heavy rainstorm on Saturday afternoon has killed not less than 32 cows in the Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. The incident happened at about 12 p.m. at Osara, Obantoko area of Abeokuta. The affected cows were reportedly owned by both the Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba communities in the area. According to the Baale of Osara, Wasiu Afolabi, the Fulani herders in charge of the cows alerted him to the tragic incident at about 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Baale noted that the incident was reported to the Aregbe Police Division as well as the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Afolashade Adeyemo. Afolabi revealed that a meeting with the Fulani has been scheduled to determine the next course of action and to make sure the incident doesn’t disrupt the community’s peace. He said, “We have reported the incident to the Aregbe Police Division as well as the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr. Afolashade Adeyemo, and other people who mus...

 Primate Ayodele reveals those behind Benue killings The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has revealed that the insecurity crisis in Benue state is man-made and those behind it are within the state and federal government. In a statement sent to PM News on Sunday, Primate Ayodele claimed that the insecurity is one of the means to destabilize Tinubu’s government and that his opposition within the government is bent on doing all it takes to make it happen. He further stated that crises are initiated by people, and it would be shocking to know who they are because they are very close to the government. “People causing insecurity in Benue are in the government system, even in the state and federal. Nobody wants to hear their names because it will be very shocking. The problem in Benue is man-made and is initiated by people.” “President Tinubu needs to wake up to these insecurity problems; they want to use it to destabilize his government, and if he do...

 Truck kills minibus driver in Lagos A tragic road traffic accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, along the Old Ipaja Road by Agbotikuyo, en route to Iyana Ipaja, resulting in the death of a commercial minibus driver. The incident involved a fully-laden 40-foot Mack containerised truck was reportedly caused by brake failure, according to officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. This was stated in a statement released on Sunday, by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, Part of the statement read, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) deeply regrets to announce a harrowing road traffic incident that transpired in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, along Old Ipaja Road by Agbotikuyo, enroute to Iyana Ipaja. “The catastrophic collision involved a fully-laden 40-foot Mack containerised truck (MUS 729 XY), which, reportedly due to catastrophic brake failure, toppled onto a commercial minibu...

 Stop dancing to secular music – Actress Eucharia Anunobi tells Christians Seasoned actress Eucharia Anunobi has admonished Christians to stop dancing to secular music. The veteran movie star-turned-pastor claimed that Christians are “dancing with the devil” when they dance to secular music. She urged Christians to seek fun in Godly ways, admonishing them to dance to gospel songs when they desire to go clubbing. Speaking in a video broadcast via her TikTok page, the actress said, “If you want to club, club with Christ. Stop dancing with the devil. I’m the catalyst here to awaken you to your new reality.”

 Ogbomosho’s Chieftaincy Titles Is For Those Who Can Spend Money — Soun The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, has explained that the chieftaincy titles in Ogbomosho land is available for only those willing to spend money towards the town’s development. The Monarch stated this in a widely circulated video online. “If you want to own an Ogbomoso chieftaincy, you don’t need to give Soun any money, but we will tell you what to do to build the town; that’s the truth. “You see that market — it is built by an individual that wants to have a chieftaincy and I have told you that we will build 10 of its kind to North and South [LGA]. And it will be built by anyone who shows interest in the chieftaincy,” he was quoted saying in the video. The monarch also emphasised the prestige and responsibility associated with Ogbomoso chieftaincies. “Soun chieftaincy is not small. If you want a cheap chieftaincy go elsewhere but if you want an Ogbomoso chieftaincy it requires you a lot of money,” he ad...

 Atiku denies ADA, says he’s yet to adopt unregistered party ....Ex-VP’s imminent exit compounds PDP’s woes ....Anxiety, confusion in opposition party A media aide of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said yesterday that he (Atiku) and his group have not adopted All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as their coalition platform, contrary to media reports. Demola Olarenwaju, the Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to the former Vice President, said the group still had issues to sort out with the coalition. The group, Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG), had on Friday applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for registration of ADA as  a party ahead of the 2027 election. State governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some other stakeholders of the party have expressed opposition to Atiku’s move to involve the party in any coalition. It was the party that sponsored Atiku to become vice president in 1999 through 2003 ...

 António Guterres: US attack on Iran gravely alarming — it’s a threat to world peace The United Nations has condemned the United States’ military operation in Iran, describing it as a dangerous escalation that threatens global peace and security. The criticism comes barely a week after US President Donald Trump publicly distanced America from Israel’s conflict with Iran. However, Trump on Sunday said the US had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. He also warned that Iran “will get hit again” if it fails to embrace peace. Reacting to the development via X, Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general, said he was “gravely alarmed” by the use of force in a region already fraught with tension. “I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security,” Guterres wrote. “There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – w...

Olamide Dominates Charts with New Album, Fills Top 10 on Spotify and Apple Music Nigerian rapper Olamide has taken over the music streaming scene, occupying the entire Top 10 on both Spotify and Apple Music Nigeria with tracks from his 12th studio album, "Olamidé". According to Top Charts Africa, he is the first Nigerian artist in 2025 to achieve this feat. The album features collaborations with Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, Asake, Dr. Dre, and others, marking another milestone in Olamide’s influential career.

 US, Israel crossed ‘big red line,’ Iran FM says The United States and Israel crossed a major red line in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran’s top diplomat warned Sunday, saying he was heading to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin. “They crossed a very big red line by attacking (Iran’s) nuclear facilities,” Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said on the sidelines of a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul. He was speaking just hours after President Donald Trump said US warplanes struck three Iranian nuclear sites, nine days into an Israeli bombing campaign targeting its nuclear facilities. “The most dangerous one happened only last night,” Araghchi said while acknowledging he did not know the full extent of the damage done in the strikes, including one at the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo. “I still do not have exact information about the level of damages, but I don’t think it matters… Last night’s attack was a grav...

 Big news is brewing in the political world, and it involves a global icon! Rumors are swirling that Madonna, the legendary Queen of Pop, is reportedly considering a run for Michigan Governor in the 2026 election. This potential move would mark a significant pivot for the Bay City native, who has long used her platform to champion social causes and challenge conventions. With Michigan's current Governor Gretchen Whitmer term-limited, the race is expected to be highly competitive, and Madonna's potential entry would undoubtedly shake up the political landscape. Supporters suggest her fearless approach and ability to connect with millions could bring fresh perspectives and urgency to the state's challenges, from economic disparities to healthcare and education. However, critics are likely to raise questions about her lack of traditional political experience. This development highlights the increasingly intertwined nature of celebrity and politics. Do you think Madonna has wha...

 Igbo female footballer, Chioma Okafor Rejected Malawi which is her mother's country to play For Nigeria her father's country. The Football Association of Malawi (FAM)  informed  the public that, following discussions held with Chioma's parents on 18th June 2025, USA-based women's football Scorchers international prospect Chioma Okafor has decided to commit her international football career to Nigeria. Chioma Okafor has been invited by the Nigerian women football association to represent the Nigeria women National team in the forth coming WAFU competition 

 Solution Fun City To Commence Operations June 28 As Contractors Hand Over Blueprints To Anambra State Govt Solution Fun City is to commence full operations from 28th June, 2025 as the contractors have handed over the project and its blueprints to Anambra state government. The final inspections and handover took place  at the Solution Fun city premises in Awka  The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, her Culture, Entertainment and Tourism counterpart, Mr. Don Onyenji, Managing Director of the operation company, Mr. Mohamed Farrag, Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Mr. Chris Molokwu accompanied the Works Commissioner, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma to the inspection.  More photos below. 

 Anambra State Native Doctor's Association endorseGovernor Chukwuma Soludo for  Second Term  Thousands of native doctors in Anambra State gathered in Awka to meet with some members of the Anambra State House of Assembly and to vocalize their support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration and second term bid because of his numerous legacies, achievements and opportunities given to them. They unanimously made their endorsement known during a meeting held in Awka where they came out in a large number to have direct information about their ethics of operation from Anambra house of Assembly. The members of Anambra house of Assembly reiterated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is not against traditional institution, custom and tradition and their rights, they also brought to their knowledge that the Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill that separated them from evil and criminal practices.  Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Member Representing Ekwusigo const...

 Anglican Communion bars churches within Nigerdelta region from giving politicians platforms to speak in church gatherings. In a later signed by the Archbishop of Nigerdelta province, Most Rev'd  Dr. Blessing  Enyinda, the Anglican Communion has instructed all their churches within Niger Delta region not to grant anyone especially politicians the privilege of addressing the congregation during a service in church. He however stated that if any politician will be given such a platform, the politician should be strictly warned not to make political statements during his service.  He stated that the priest over a congregation should use every courteous means to retrieve the microphone from any politician that order.

 Somali army, AU troops recapture strategic villages from al-Shabaab terrorists The Somali army, supported by African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) forces, has reclaimed the strategic villages of Anole and Sabid from al-Shabaab terrorists after nearly two months of intense fighting, a senior official said. Anole and Sabid, located in the southwest province of Lower Shabelle, are strategic military assets and serve as a vital bridge. Maj. Gen. Sahal Abdullahi Omar, commander of the Somali National Army's land forces, told the media on Saturday evening that the operation "Silent Storm" dismantled al-Shabaab militants and reclaimed the two villages, Anadolu Agency. Long insecurity He said the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group had blown up the bridge and other structures, including a telecommunications mast, before the army’s recapture of the villages. This is the Somali army's and AU peacekeepers' first major victory since al-Shabaab t...

We join the entertainment world in mourning the passing of the remarkable actress Lynn Hamilton, who has died at 95. Hamilton was a familiar and cherished face to generations of television viewers, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances. She was perhaps best known for her role as Donna Harris, the strong and dignified love interest of Fred Sanford on the classic comedy 'Sanford and Son.' Simultaneously, she captivated audiences as the kindhearted Miss Verdie Grant on the beloved drama 'The Waltons,' showcasing her incredible versatility. A veteran of stage and screen, Lynn Hamilton's career was extensive. From her Broadway debut in the late 1950s to roles in films like 'Brother John' and 'Lady Sings the Blues,' and numerous television appearances on shows such as 'The Golden Girls' and 'NYPD Blue,' she consistently brought depth and presence to her characters. Her passing marks the end of an era for many who grew up watchin...