Author: Faith Babatunde

A coalition of civil society organisations and informal workers has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to ensure that the redevelopment of Jabi Lake Recreational Park does not negatively affect the livelihoods of hundreds of people who depend on the facility for their businesses. During a peaceful protest in Abuja, the groups clarified that they support the redevelopment project but called for greater transparency, stakeholder engagement and adequate compensation for traders likely to be displaced. They also demanded the publication of the project’s Memorandum of Understanding and questioned the procurement process behind the concession. The coalition further appealed for the…

The president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al-Misehal, has resigned following the Green Falcons’ early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia finished bottom of Group H with just two points after draws against Uruguay and Cape Verde, and a 4-0 defeat to Spain. Announcing his decision on X, Al-Misehal accepted responsibility for the disappointing campaign and apologised to fans. He said stepping down would allow the federation to begin a new chapter despite his tenure still having time remaining. Al-Misehal spent seven years leading Saudi football, overseeing the country’s successful bid to host the 2034…

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged the Federal Government to prioritise repairing Nigeria’s existing roads instead of embarking on new highway projects. Obi said major roads such as the Asaba–Benin Expressway, a key route linking several South-East, South-South and North-Central states to Lagos, have deteriorated badly, causing severe traffic congestion and economic hardship. According to him, government resources should focus on reconstructing and maintaining critical infrastructure that directly benefits Nigerians rather than projects that attract political attention but offer limited immediate impact. He stressed that functional roads remain essential for economic growth, transportation and business activities across…

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has awarded a full educational scholarship to Chiazo Umeaniba after she scored 344 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. The announcement was made during the first anniversary celebration of Solution Fun City in Awka after the governor learnt that the student, who also serves as her school’s senior prefect, achieved the impressive score. Soludo pledged to sponsor her education from undergraduate level through to a PhD, expressing confidence that she would graduate with first-class honours. The governor also highlighted Solution Fun City as part of his administration’s efforts to position Anambra as a…

The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency has called on families to make HIV prevention and awareness a regular topic of discussion to help reduce new infections and eliminate stigma. Speaking during an interview on Arise News, the agency’s Executive Director, Dr. Nkem Okeke, said tackling HIV should not be left to government and healthcare workers alone, stressing that parents, religious leaders, schools, communities and the media all have important roles to play. He noted that open conversations within families would encourage early testing, improve access to treatment, reduce discrimination and promote healthier lifestyles among young people. Okeke reaffirmed ANSACA’s commitment…

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has apologised to citizens following the country’s early elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blaming poor leadership and incompetence within the nation’s football administration. South Korea exited the tournament in the group stage after finishing behind co-hosts Mexico and South Africa despite opening their campaign with a victory over the Czech Republic. In a statement on X, Lee criticised the appointment of “incompetent people” to key positions and pledged sweeping reforms to the country’s sports administration to prevent similar failures. The disappointing campaign has also intensified pressure on coach Hong Myung-bo, while captain…

Analysts say the delayed response in petrol prices reflects the complexities of Nigeria’s deregulated downstream sector, where existing crude purchase contracts, logistics costs, foreign exchange rates, and refinery pricing strategies all play a role. Consumers, however, continue to express frustration, arguing that pump prices rise almost immediately when crude prices increase but rarely fall at the same pace when global oil prices decline. Industry observers expect further reductions in the coming weeks if crude oil continues to trade below recent highs. Many Nigerians are hoping that lower fuel prices will eventually translate into reduced transportation fares and lower costs of…

The case is expected to draw significant public attention given Bodejo’s prominence as a leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore association. Legal experts note that the proceedings will test the EFCC’s evidence regarding the alleged cash transactions and the source of the funds in question. As the matter is now before the court, observers have stressed the importance of allowing due process to take its course while maintaining the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The trial could also contribute to broader discussions about financial transparency, compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, and the handling of large cash transactions in…

Stakeholders within the aviation industry have long argued that multiple taxes, charges, and operational costs continue to hinder the growth of local airlines, making profitability difficult in an already challenging business environment. Onyema’s call adds to growing demands for reforms aimed at improving the sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation sector. Industry experts believe that a comprehensive review of existing charges could help reduce operational costs, encourage investment, and strengthen domestic carriers. Industry operators have repeatedly warned that without significant reforms, more airlines could struggle to survive amid rising fuel costs, currency fluctuations, and infrastructure challenges. They argue that creating a more…

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers actors and stunt performers face while bringing scenes to life, often under challenging filming conditions. Many industry professionals have called for stronger safety protocols and risk assessments on movie sets to prevent similar occurrences. Despite the traumatic experience, Oko’s message of gratitude resonated with fans, many of whom praised her resilience and wished her a full recovery. The accident has also sparked conversations within Nollywood about the need for better insurance coverage and medical support for actors injured during productions. Some filmmakers and actors have stressed that while realism is important in…