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 FIFA picks Liberian football great Weah to lead anti-racism fight FIFA unveiled a star-studded 16-member Players' Voice Panel on Friday to tackle racism in the sport, with former Ballon d'Or winner George Weah leading the charge alongside greats like Didier Drogba and Brazilian Olympic stalwart Formiga. The diverse group spans male and female players from 14 countries and will advise on anti-racism strategies, participate in educational programmes and contribute to reforms across football. "These 16 panel members will support education at all levels of the game and promote new ideas for lasting change," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement, AFP reported. "They will further push for a shift in football culture, making sure measures to counter racism are not just talked about, but actioned, both on and off the pitch. "Let's be clear on this: racism and discrimination are not simply wrong – they are crimes. All incidents of racism, whether i...

Osun police arrest fake lawyer who practiced for 10 years and duped clients of N50m Anti-fraud operatives attached to Zone XI Police Headquarters, Osogbo, Osun State, have arrested a middle-aged man, identified as Odeh Emmanuel, for allegedly posing as a lawyer for nearly a decade and duping unsuspecting Nigerians of more than N50m. The suspect was nabbed within the premises of a court in Abeokuta, Ogun State on August 28, 2025, where he was standing as a legal representative for an unsuspecting client.  He is currently being interrogated at the X-Squad Department under the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Osogbo. Investigations revealed that Emmanuel had operated in Osogbo between 2018 and 2021, presenting himself as a qualified lawyer and handling several legal matters. The suspect duped numerous innocent Nigerians of their hard-earned money under various pretenses, including legal representation, estate agency, and public consultancy. He claimed to have off...

 Bandits Kidnap Serving Councillor In Southern Kaduna A serving councillor in Southern Kaduna, Hon. David Ali Gwantu, has been abducted by bandits. Gwantu, who represents Gwantu Ward in Sanga Local Government Area, was taken from his residence in Gwantu town in the early hours of Friday.  Reports indicate the attackers stormed his home shortly after midnight and whisked him away in the presence of his family. This abduction comes amid renewed violence in Southern Kaduna. Just last week, seven victims, mostly minors, were buried in Unguwan Rimi village, Kauru LGA, after a deadly terrorist attack that claimed their lives.

 AUTO CRASH AT WULKO, INJURED SEVERAL IN NASARAWA 5th September, 2025    An auto crash occurred Friday evening at Wulko, near Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, involving a Sharon bus loaded with passengers. Eyewitnesses said the accident was triggered by a tire burst, causing the vehicle to lose control. No deaths have been reported, but several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. Rescue efforts by authorities and passersby are underway to move the victims to nearby hospitals for treatment.

 POLICE ARREST WOMAN OVER ALLEGED ATTEMPT TO TRAFFIC THREE CHILDREN IN NASARAWA 5th September, 2025   The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old woman, Aisha Hashiru, for allegedly attempting to traffic three minors in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday in Lafia. According to him, the suspect was caught on September 4 at about 5:45 p.m. by vigilant residents at Orange Market, Mararaba, while attempting to abduct the children. She was rescued from being lynched after operatives of Mararaba ‘A’ Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, intervened swiftly. The rescued victims were identified as Fatima Auwal, 4, Shafiyi Auwal, 5, and Amina Auwal, 6. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect sneaked into the residence of one Ramatu Auwal and abducted her three children. She was intercepted shortly after, and upon interrogation, confessed...

 FG Mourns Victims of Borgu Boat Mishap It is with a heavy heart that the Federal Government received the distressing news of the boat mishap in the Borgu area of Niger State, which claimed the lives of about 32 people. This tragedy is particularly painful coming barely four months after devastating floods wreaked havoc in Mokwa, also in Niger State. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Government, and the people of Niger State. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy. The Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), will provide the necessary support to the victims’ families and survivors, working closely with the Niger State Government to ensure prompt relief and assistance. We commend the Niger State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency, for its swift rescue operation, which ensured that all passengers of the ill-fated boat were accounted for. I will u...

 The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the National Sports Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a National Arts, Cultural, Creative, Tourism and Sports Innovation Hub within the Moshood Abiola National Stadium precinct, Abuja.  The hub will feature a range of facilities, including a National Museum of Arts and Culture, Entertainment Arena and Performance Centre, Youth Creative and Entrepreneurship Centre, and Sports Heritage Pavilion.  The partnership aims to harness the creative, cultural, and sports sectors for national development, youth empowerment, and global visibility. The project will operate as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and is expected to drive economic growth, creativity, and innovation. One more photo below. 

 Trump to Rename Department of Defense as "Department of War" President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Friday to rename the Department of Defense the "Department of War," a White House official announced Thursday.  The move aims to leave a lasting mark on the federal government's largest agency. The executive order will authorize Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and department officials to use titles such as "Secretary of War," "Department of War," and "Deputy Secretary of War" in official correspondence and public communications, according to a White House fact sheet.  Additionally, the order directs Hegseth to propose legislative and executive steps to make the renaming permanent. The renaming of the Department of Defense is the latest in these efforts to reshape federal institutions.

 First Lady Felicitates With Muslims At Eid-El-Maulud    Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has called on Muslims to sustain their prayers for peace, prosperity and progress of the nation. She made the call in a message where she  extended warm greetings to Islamic faithful across the country on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Maulud. She says the celebration, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a time to reflect on his exemplary life of humility, compassion, forgiveness and devotion to Allah, and a reminder for them to embody these values in their daily lives, showing love, kindness, and unity to one another.

 Abuja: NAFDAC Arrests Unlicensed Chemical Producer, Seals Illegal Factories The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (#NAFDAC) has arrested a local footballer, Ikechukwu Elijah, in the Apo-Waru area of Abuja for allegedly manufacturing and distributing hazardous, unregistered chemicals to unsuspecting members of the public. The suspect, who operated an illegal factory in a residential building, was known for counterfeiting popular brands of chemicals and insecticides. Initially, when approached for interrogation, he denied any knowledge of chemical production in the area. However, he later confessed to the crime and admitted ownership of the illegal facility. In a related operation, the team discovered and sealed an illegal water factory, MZEE Table Water, in the Damangaza district of Abuja for producing various brands of packaged water in unhygienic conditions with a fake and expired license. Acting on discreet intelligence, the team also moved swiftly to ...

 Nigeria reaffirms ties with Qatar on its 54th Independence Day Nigeria congratulates the State of Qatar on its 54th anniversary of independence.  Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, conveyed warm felicitations, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in trade, energy, security & education. Yusuf Tuggar, in a message to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, commends the resilience, unity, and progress of the Qatari people.  He also recognises the two nations’ collaboration within the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other global platforms aimed at promoting peace, development, and security. Nigeria, therefore, reaffirms its readiness to deepen bilateral ties and explore new areas of partnership for mutual benefit, while wishing Qatar continued peace, prosperity, and national advancement.

 College Of Petroleum And Energy Studies Kaduna To Launch Postgraduate Programs The College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), established by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), is set to begin postgraduate programs. PTDF’s Executive Secretary, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, made the announcement on Tuesday during a facility tour with officials of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in Kaduna. According to him, more than 2,000 applicants have already been screened for PhD programs, with the institution scheduled to admit its first set of students in September 2025. Mr. Aminu explained that the college was created to strengthen local capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.  Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the institution is approved to award MSc and PhD degrees. He noted that PTDF previously sponsored over 15,000 Nigerians for trai...

 Chikun Legislative Council Suspends Supervisory Councillor For Health, SA On Special Duties, Over Defamation Allegations The Legislative Council of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has suspended two senior appointees of the council chairman, Engr. Salasi Nuhu Musa, over allegations of defamation. At its 9th plenary sitting held Friday in Kujama, the lawmakers resolved to suspend Hon. Zubairu Mikail, Supervisory Councillor for Health, and Hon. Rabiu Muhammed Musa, Special Adviser on Special Duties. According to the council, the officials allegedly made statements considered defamatory to the person of the executive chairman, actions deemed contrary to the Code of Conduct and Ethics expected of public officeholders. The Speaker of the council, Hon. Dogara A. Audu, who presided over the sitting, said the decision was unanimous among members. “Such conduct not only undermines the dignity of the chairman’s office but also threatens the integrity of this council,” the resolut...

 Kaduna State Council Of Imams And Ulama Divided Over El-Rufai's inflammatory Comments Kaduna State Council of Imams and Ulama has dissociated itself from a statement allegedly issued in its name in response to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State Chapter, over remarks credited to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. In a clarification signed by its Chairman, Mallam Ibrahim Nakaka, the Council said it neither authorized nor mandated Dr. Yusuf Yakubu Arrigasiyyu to speak on its behalf, stressing that his comments were his personal opinion and not the official position of the body. “The Council has no interest in joining issues with former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, CAN, or any political actor on matters that risk inflaming passions or threatening peace in our state,” the statement read. The group emphasized that Kaduna has endured too much religious and ethnic strife and that what residents need now is unity, dialogue, and efforts to consolidate peace and development in...

ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE 2025 EID-UL-MAWLID: ENUGU CP FELICITATES MUSLIMS, CALLS FOR TOLERANCE AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE  The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, heartily felicitates Muslim faithful in Enugu State on the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). He prays that the timeless virtues of peace, love, humility, and sacrifice exemplified by the Holy Prophet shall continue to dwell in our hearts, homes, and land. CP Giwa urges Muslim faithful and all residents of the State to emulate these virtues in their daily lives, while also using the occasion to foster peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and unity. He further reassures the good people of Enugu State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as the maintenance of law and order during and after the celebration. The CP enjoins citizens to be law-abiding, remain vigilant, and promptly report s...

 BENUE INTERIOR DESIGNER STABBED TO DEATH BY EX-BOYFRIEND IN LAGOS 5th September, 2025      A young interior designer, Deborah Moses, popularly known as Deb’rah Porsche, has been brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend in Lagos, months after ending their relationship. The suspect, identified as Lintex, from Otukpo in Benue State, allegedly tricked estate security on Wednesday night by posing as a dispatch rider before scaling the fence to gain access to Deborah’s residence. According to activist Meddy Olotu, the suspect first attempted to cut her gas pipe in a failed bid to trigger an explosion. When that plan failed, he reportedly broke into her apartment and stabbed her multiple times until she died. Deborah’s sister revealed that she had broken up with Lintex over a year ago, but he persistently stalked her, often issuing threats like, “If I don’t have you, nobody will. If I don’t marry you, blood will flow.” The 26-year-old, who had just completed her NYSC and was ...

 GOV. ALIA DONATES ₦5M EACH TO FAMILIES OF 76 FALLEN SECURITY PERSONNEL IN BENUE 5th September Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has announced a ₦5 million donation to each of the 76 families of security operatives who lost their lives while defending peace in Benue State. He further directed the Commissioners for Education and Women Affairs to coordinate additional relief measures for the affected families.

 Deputy Speaker Kalu Resolves Indigenous Contractors’ Dispute with Federal Government In a major breakthrough, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, successfully mediated a resolution on Thursday, ending a prolonged standoff between the Federal Government and indigenous contractors across Nigeria. Appointed by Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as Chairman of the House Special Committee on Budget Implementation, Kalu convened a marathon meeting lasting over four hours, attended by over 80 contractors, their leadership, and key government officials, including Finance Minister Wale Edun and Accountant-General Shamseldeen Ogunjimi. The open dialogue addressed grievances related to delayed payments, which had sparked protests among the contractors. Following the discussions, Kalu announced that all parties reached a mutually beneficial agreement, averting further disruptions and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy. Payments to contractors are set to...

 Goodluck Jonathan Alleges Betrayal During 2015 Re-Election Bid Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that he faced significant betrayal during his 2015 re-election campaign. The remarks were made in Benin City, Edo State, during the 70th birthday celebration of Chief Mike Aiyegbeni Oghiadomhe, a close ally and former Chief of Staff. Speaking at the event, Jonathan described Oghiadomhe as one of the few loyal friends willing to stand by him, emphasizing the prevalence of disloyalty in Nigerian politics. “Politics in the Nigerian standard is about betrayals,” Jonathan stated. “I have witnessed a lot of betrayal during the 2015 election. You will find it difficult to see somebody who says the same thing in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening.” Oghiadomhe served as Jonathan’s Chief of Staff from 2010 to 2014 during his presidency. The former president’s comments come amid growing speculation about his potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election under ...

 PRESS RELEASE: ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT DISMISSES SIX (6) CIVIL SERVANTS OVER SALARY PADDING. The Abia State Government has approved the dismissal of six (6) staff of the Ministry of Justice following their indictment in a salary padding scheme uncovered during an internal audit and administrative inquiry. The affected officers were found to have engaged in the manipulation of payroll systems, resulting in the unlawful receipt of excess salaries over a sustained period. The dismissed officers are: 1. Mr. Dickson Uche Eze – Principal Accountant (SGL 12) 2. Mrs. Esther Emeruwa – Senior Accountant (SGL 10) 3. Mrs. Ijeoma Jonathan – Chief Executive Officer (Accounts - SGL 14) 4. Mrs. Treasure Isinguzo – Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts - SGL 13) 5. Mrs. Chioma Victoria Erondu – Principal Executive Officer (Accounts - SGL 12) 6. Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze – Senior Executive Officer (General Duties - SGL 09) The disciplinary action followed a detailed investigation by the Abia State...

   'DON'T CALL ME ONANA', Adebayo Adeleye to Nigerians; “To the esteemed public, I wish to clarify a pressing matter regarding my identity. My name is Adebayo Adeleye, and I am a Nigerian goalkeeper. Unfortunately, some individuals have been mistakenly referring to me as Andre Onana, the renowned Cameroonian goalkeeper. “I kindly request that the public refrain from associating me with Andre Onana, as we are two distinct individuals with different nationalities and careers. I am proud to be Adebayo Adeleye, a Nigerian and I would appreciate it if my correct identity is respected and used in all references.”

 NEMA Distributes Relief Items to Flood Victims in Abia The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), began distributing relief items to victims of the 2025 floods in Abia State on Thursday in Umuahia. The relief materials, including cartons of spaghetti and macaroni, were handed over to representatives of the affected communities. Mr. Nnamdi Igwe, Head of NEMA’s Owerri Operations Office, represented by Search and Rescue Officer Mr. Sunday Iweala, described the distribution as part of NEMA’s response to flood disasters impacting various communities in the state. He noted that the intervention, approved by the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, aims to alleviate the suffering of affected residents. “It is a little assistance from the Federal Government, and we believe it will reach the affected people through SEMA,” Igwe said. He also urged communities to adopt practices that could mi...

 Sudan rebels committed crimes against humanity in El-Fasher city - UN The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have committed multiple crimes against humanity during the siege of El-Fasher in Sudan's western Darfur region, a UN-mandated mission said on Friday, Reuters reported. Those come on top of atrocities by the RSF in a broader civil war now in its third year, the mission said in a report that strengthened earlier findings. "The RSF has further committed crimes against humanity, including large-scale killings, sexual and gender-based violence, looting, and the destruction of livelihoods — at times rising to persecution and extermination," the chair of the fact-finding mission, Mohamed Chande Othman, said in a statement. Living under siege The three-person UN team is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate abuses. It said it based its latest report on more than 200 interviews, many of them with survivors of violence, as well as video material and submissi...

 PDP have zoned presidency to Wike, Tinubu – Kenneth Okonkwo Former spokesperson of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, has claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has effectively zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike. Speaking on Channels TV’s breakfast show on Friday, Okonkwo alleged that Wike has consistently imposed his will on the PDP, warning that the former Rivers State governor openly works against the party. “You were there when Wike said he will be supporting the presidential candidate of another political party. So where is it? And he have told you that anything and anybody that goes against whatever he says, he will ignite fire in his state, if he is a state governor. And he has told you that whatever he says is law,” Okonkwo said. He recalled that Wike disregarded the South East’s preference for Udo Okoye as PDP’s National Secretary, insisting instead on Samuel Anyanwu, who event...

 Tinubu approves ₦1.85bn for Education, rehabilitation of rescued Chibok Girls President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the education and rehabilitation of the rescued Chibok girls, approving a total of ₦1.85 billion to sustain their academic and welfare support until 2027. The Ministry of Education, in a statement on Thursday, explained that the government has so far committed ₦1,854,277,768 to cover tuition fees, accommodation, vocational training, psychosocial care, medical support, and parental assistance.  “Mr. President has continued to approve the payment of tuition, accommodation, and associated fees to AUN to safeguard the education of these young women. “The Federal Government has committed the sum of ₦1,854,277,768 to complete the Chibok Girls Intervention Programme, covering tuition, accommodation, vocational training, psychosocial care, and other support up to 2027,” the statement read. Education minister Tunji Alausa noted that the ...

" It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.    Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.    The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess’s life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people".

 Troops kill 13 suspected bandits in Benue, Plateau states The Nigerian military says its troops have killed 13 suspected kidnappers and key bandit kingpins during operations in Benue and Plateau States. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Thursday on recent military activities across different theatres of operation. According to General Kangye, the troops not only dismantled the criminal network terrorising the North-Central states but also foiled an oil theft attempt valued at over ₦28 million and destroyed 17 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta. “Troops eliminated some key terrorist commanders during firefights as well as through air bombardments. They have also arrested terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals. “The lives of Adamu Buba and Abdulahi Karu, who have been terrorising a village in Bassa local government area of Plateau State, were taken off when two suspected gun runners were arrest...

 NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS ( NSCDC ). LAGOS STATE COMMAND . PRESS RELEASE. LAGOS STATE COMMANDANT PERFORMS NEW SETS OF GROUNDBREAKING IN IMOTA AND ISIU. "Isiu Division of the NSCDC, Lagos State Command is the first Security Division in Isiu, ..."  In pursuit of the Corps' mandate, the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Lagos State Command, Mr Keshinro Adedotun has today, Thursday, 4th September, 2025, performed another two ( 2 ) new sets of groundbreaking ceremony, on the sites where the Imota and Isiu Divisions ( in Imota and Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area ), will be situated, respectively. The Lagos State Commandant, while delivering his address at the ceremonies, today, lauded, the efforts of traditional institutions towards ensuring adequate security for their people, with the provision of sites and assistance to build befitting Divisional and Area Command offices, for the Corps to operate smoothly in the...

 UN suspects all sides in DR Congo conflict guilty of war crimes Gross rights violations, possibly including war crimes and crimes against humanity, may have been committed by the Rwanda-backed M23 militia and the Congolese military and its affiliates in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to United Nations investigators. A fact-finding mission by the UN Human Rights Office said on Friday that it has determined that all sides in the devastating conflict had committed abuses since late 2024, including summary executions and rampant sexual violence in the provinces of North and South Kivu. Eastern DRC, a region bordering Rwanda, has been plagued by non-state armed groups and suffered extreme violence for more than three decades. Since taking up arms again at the end of 2021, the M23 armed group has seized swaths of land in the restive region with Rwanda’s backing, triggering an armed conflict with the DRC military, resulting in a spiralling humanitarian crisis t...

 World Cup Qualifiers: Eagles Determined To Turn Fortune Around, Says Simon Super Eagles winger Moses Simon says there is no excuse for the team’s string of poor performances, as they hope to turn their fortunes around against Rwanda and South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifying series,  The Super Eagles are at risk of missing back-to-back FIFA World Cup tournaments after their poor start in the ongoing series. Nigeria are fourth in Group C with seven points after just one win, one defeat and four draws from their previous six games. Three of those draws came at home, including an uncompromising 1-1 result to Zimbabwe in June. Only the top team from each of the qualifying groups will pick an automatic spot to the USA, Canada and Mexico, and the Super Eagles are currently six points behind leaders South Africa with four games left to play. Nigeria must win their four remaining matches to have a realistic shot at qualifying. “We just have to win, there are no excuses. It doe...

 Kaduna Police Summon El-Rufai, Seven ADC Leaders Over Alleged Criminal Conspiracy Police in Kaduna State have issued a summons to former governor Nasir El‑Rufai and seven other key members of the African Democratic Congress ADC , prompting claims of constitutional overreach and a brewing political showdown The police want all eight to answer to charges of criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous hurt. They are to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on Monday, September 8, 2025. The summons come amid heightened political tension in the state. The letter, dated September 4, 2025, signed by DCP Uzainu Abdullahi, directs El‑Rufai and six named ADC leaders—including Bashir Sa’idu, Ja’afaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed, Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini, to appear at SCID on September 8, 2025 to 'clarify the allegations reported against them' by complainants  On Thursday, police sealed the ADC Se...