Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Nigeria and India have further solidified their long-standing partnership by signing three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on cultural exchange, customs cooperation, and survey collaboration. The agreements were formalised on Friday during a ceremony at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with representatives from both nations emphasising their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Ambassador Ahmed Dumoma Umar, Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary (Economic Relations) of India, represented the Indian government. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Umar described the MoUs as significant milestones, highlighting their potential to foster…

DSS Arrests Alleged Vote Buyer In Ondo Governorship Election. Officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a suspected vote buyer in Akure, Ondo State, during the ongoing governorship election. The individual was reportedly found with two ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags filled with cash at St Stephen’s Primary School, Ijomu Akure, on Saturday morning. The arrest highlights concerns over electoral malpractice in the state, particularly in areas like Akure, Ondo Town, Igbara Oke, Ilara-Mokin, and Okitipupa. Reports indicate that voters were allegedly encouraged to take photographs of their ballot papers and present them as proof to collect…

Wike Defends Housing Provision For Judges Amid Criticism. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the government’s decision to construct housing for judges, dismissing claims that the move compromises judicial independence. His remarks follow criticisms from human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who labelled the initiative as unconstitutional and potentially damaging to the judiciary’s image. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had, in September, approved the construction of 40 housing units for judges and justices in Abuja’s Katampe District. These units are allocated as follows: 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Federal…

Jake Paul Defeats Mike Tyson in Controversial Exhibition Match. YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul claimed a points victory over two-time heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a widely criticised bout that left fans frustrated. The eight-round exhibition, held in front of 70,000 spectators in Texas and streamed globally on Netflix, showcased a 27-year-old novice outlasting a 58-year-old legend far removed from his prime. Tyson, who has not fought professionally in 19 years, struggled against Paul’s youthful athleticism and consistent jabs. The fight ended with judges unanimously scoring in Paul’s favour: 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. Fans, however, were less impressed, with many leaving…

FIFA Club World Cup Draw Set To Launch Expanded 32-Team Format. The FIFA Club World Cup is preparing for a landmark debut with an expanded 32-team format, as fans eagerly await the December 5 draw in Miami. This new tournament structure will determine the group stage line-ups, promising an exciting competition featuring some of the world’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. The tournament, set to take place across the United States from 15 June to 13 July, represents a significant shift in the Club World Cup’s format, marking it as one of the biggest…

Mali, Zambia, And Zimbabwe Secure 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations Qualification   Mali, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have successfully qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), joining the growing list of teams set to compete in Morocco. With one round of qualifiers remaining, the trio sealed their spots following a dramatic weekend of football action. Mali’s Victory Ensures Group I Top Spot   Mali secured their place at the finals with a 1-0 win over Mozambique in Maputo, thanks to Kamory Doumbia’s decisive first-half strike. The victory assures the Eagles of top spot in Group I. Mozambique, however, must…

CBN Directs Banks To Prioritise ATM Cash Disbursements. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive requiring commercial banks to prioritise cash disbursements through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to alleviate cash shortages experienced by citizens. This announcement, made by Solaja Olayemi, the Acting Director of the CBN’s Currency Operations Department, aims to ensure seamless access to cash for Nigerians. Banks failing to comply with the directive face the risk of sanctions. The apex bank also cautioned against distributing naira notes to parties engaged in illegal currency hawking. Amidst these measures, data from the CBN reveals that…

Olympique Lyon Handed Provisional Relegation To Ligue 2 Amid Financial Crisis. Olympique Lyonnais, one of France’s most iconic football clubs, faces a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 and a transfer ban due to ongoing financial struggles. This decision, announced by French football authorities, reflects Lyon’s failure to meet stringent financial compliance standards. The crisis deepened following a dismal start to the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, where the club remained winless after 12 matches, leaving them at the bottom of the table. Fan discontent has also grown, with protests and direct confrontations with players, expressing frustration over the team’s poor…

Tributes As Late Chief Of Army Staff Lt. General Lagbaja Is Laid To Rest. Tears flowed and tributes poured in on Friday as the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest in Abuja. The solemn ceremony marked the end of an illustrious military career spanning decades. The burial, held at the National Cemetery in the nation’s capital, concluded two days of funeral rites that began earlier in the week in Lagos. His casket, draped in Nigeria’s green and white national colours, arrived at the cemetery at approximately 3 p.m. in a white…

Ex-CBN Deputy Governor Testifies On Naira Redesign Controversy. Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Obiora, has disclosed that the CBN Board did not recommend the controversial 2022 naira redesign policy to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking on Thursday during his testimony in Abuja, Obiora revealed that the CBN Board first learnt of the naira redesign on 15th December 2022. He was testifying as the fifth prosecution witness in the trial of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who faces charges including unlawful printing of new naira notes. Led in evidence by Economic and Financial…

Ecuadorian Footballer Marco Angulo Dies in Tragic Car Accident at 22. The football world is in mourning following the tragic passing of Ecuadorian national team player Marco Angulo, who has died at the age of 22 after a car accident earlier this month. Angulo, who was on the roster for Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, was remembered by his club for his warm personality and the positive influence he had on teammates and fans alike. FC Cincinnati issued a heartfelt statement, expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to Angulo’s family, friends, and all who knew him. The club highlighted…

Hero In The Air: Bruno Fernandes Assists Unwell Passenger On Flight To Lisbon. Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes came to the aid of a fellow passenger on a flight to Lisbon this week, displaying quick thinking and compassion when a man appeared to lose consciousness mid-flight. Fernandes, who was en route to join Portugal’s national squad, swiftly assisted the passenger, helping him to a seat and ensuring he was stable until further help could be provided. The passengers on board expressed their gratitude and admiration for Fernandes’ actions, with many noting his calm and supportive response in an unexpected…