Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

South Africa Calls For Inclusive Talks To End Russia-Ukraine War As Zelensky Prepares Visit. South Africa has reiterated its stance that any negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine must involve all relevant parties, as President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a state visit to discuss the matter. President Cyril Ramaphosa extended an invitation to Zelensky following criticism of separate negotiation efforts led by Russia and the United States, which did not include Ukraine or its European allies. The ongoing war was a central topic at South Africa’s inaugural G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, which concluded on Friday. However, the…

No State Creation Request Meets Constitutional Criteria – Deputy Speaker. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that none of the 31 proposals for state creation have met the constitutional requirements necessary for approval. Speaking at a two-day retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Kalu—who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution—announced that the submission deadline has been extended to 5 March 2025. This extension aims to give applicants more time to fulfil the necessary conditions. “This retreat may further extend the deadline if we…

Hamas Returns Incorrect Body Amid Hostage Exchange, Sparking Israeli Outrage. In a recent development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of a severe breach of the ongoing ceasefire agreement. The contention arose when Hamas returned the body of a Gazan woman instead of the expected remains of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas. Netanyahu expressed profound indignation, stating, “In an unimaginably cynical manner, they did not return Shiri to her small children, the little angels, and instead placed the body of a Gazan woman in a coffin.” He further vowed to ensure that Hamas “pays the full price for this…

Rights Activist Deji Adeyanju Warns Senate President Akpabio Against Harassment Of Female Lawmakers. Prominent rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has issued a stern warning to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging him to cease the alleged harassment of female senators or face potential visa ban advocacy. Adeyanju’s statement comes in response to recent incidents within the Senate that have raised concerns about the treatment of female lawmakers. During a Senate session on Thursday, tensions escalated when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan protested a change in her seating arrangement without prior notice. The situation intensified as she voiced her objections, leading to a…

Champions League Last 16 Draw Sets Stage For Exciting Knockout Battles. The UEFA Champions League knockout stage is set, with the last 16 draw revealing tantalising clashes as teams begin their journey towards the final. With Europe’s elite clubs vying for continental glory, fans can expect high-stakes drama in the weeks ahead. One of the standout ties sees Paris Saint-Germain face six-time winners Liverpool in a heavyweight battle, while record-holders Real Madrid take on city rivals Atlético Madrid in a fiery Madrid derby. Arsenal, returning to the knockout stage, will face Dutch side PSV in a match that promises…

ICPC Reaffirms Ex-Naval Chief And Brigadier-General Remain Wanted. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed that former Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (Rtd.), and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka remain on its wanted list over allegations of involvement in a N3 billion fraud. Dismissing reports suggesting that amended charges had exonerated the two ex-military officers, the Commission labelled such claims as misleading and baseless. In a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, the ICPC clarified that the charges against them had only been amended, not withdrawn. “For the avoidance…

NFF Sets 25th February Deadline For CAF B-License Coaching Course Registration. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that registration for the upcoming CAF B-License Coaching Course will close at midnight on Tuesday, 25th February 2025. The four-month course is scheduled to run from April to August and is aimed at enhancing the capacity of Nigerian coaches. According to NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, the course is open to both male and female coaches and will be delivered in modules. It is part of the federation’s broader strategy to equip coaches across the country with modern coaching skills.…

Spanish Court Finds Luis Rubiales Guilty Of Sexual Assault. Spain’s High Court has found former football federation president Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. He has been fined over €10,000 but was acquitted of coercion. The ruling, announced on Thursday, also prohibits Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within a 200-metre radius or communicating with her for one year. Rubiales, 47, faced charges following the controversial incident at the 2023 Women’s World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney. Alongside three former football federation officials, he was also accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly declare…

Nigeria Coach Eric Chelle Identifies Home-Based Players For National Team Consideration. Nigeria’s national football coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed his admiration for several players in the domestic league who have the potential to earn a national team call-up. Chelle, who was appointed in January, recently attended two league matches to assess local talent. He watched Ikorodu City take on Plateau United in Lagos and later observed the Remo Stars’ clash with Kwara United in Ikenne. Speaking to the media afterwards, Chelle revealed that four players caught his attention in the Lagos match, while three others stood out in…

Babangida Admits Abiola Won June 12 Election, Expresses Regret Over Annulment. Former military president General Ibrahim Babangida has admitted that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, describing its annulment as a regrettable decision influenced by a military cabal led by General Sani Abacha. Babangida made the revelation at the launch of his autobiography, A Journey in Service, where he reflected on the controversial decision that prevented Nigeria’s transition to democracy. He acknowledged that the election was credible, free, and fair, but claimed he was outmanoeuvred by internal forces within his administration. He stated,…

US Denies Allegations Of Funding Boko Haram. The United States government has strongly denied allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding the Boko Haram terrorist group in Nigeria. Speaking at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting in Abuja, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr, dismissed the claims, stating that there is no evidence to support such accusations. He reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and assured that strict monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure aid reaches the intended recipients. “There is absolutely no evidence that I…

Trump Signs Executive Order To Halt Federal Funding For Undocumented Migrants. US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at cutting off federal funding used to support undocumented migrants, the White House has announced. The order instructs federal departments and agencies to identify government-funded programmes that provide financial assistance to individuals residing in the US unlawfully and take corrective action. According to a White House fact sheet, the directive also prohibits federal funds from being used to support ‘sanctuary’ policies in states and local communities that provide protections to undocumented migrants. Additionally, it mandates stricter eligibility…