Category Archives: News

I never once doubted Buhari’s sincerity or his patriotism – IBB

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Former military Head of State, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) on Monday mourned former President, Muhammadu Buhari, saying he never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism .

Babangida in a tribute he wrote, said:”it is a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of Buhari, who was my friend, brother, course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood.

“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna.

“From those early days, Buhari stood out quietly yet resolutely, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.

“Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection.”

Read Also: Nigeria mourns as Tinubu pays Tribute to late Buhari

“Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country.”

Beyond the uniform and the public glare, Babangida said he knew Buhari as a deeply spiritual man, a man who found solace in faith, and who carried himself with the humility of someone who believed in a higher calling.

“We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don’t — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism.

“His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President.

“It is the loss of a symbol, a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic.

“A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life,” he said.

Babangida expressed his deepest condolences to Buhari’s wife, Aisha, his children, grandchildren, and “the nation he loved and served.”

“May Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

“May his legacy endure,” Babangida prayed.

(NAN)

BREAKING: Chelsea make history with 3-0 Club World Cup Triumph over PSG

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Chelsea have etched their name into football history after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in the final of the first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup, capping a remarkable season in which they overcame the reigning UEFA Champions League winners on the grandest global stage.

In front of a packed crowd at MetLife Stadium, Chelsea delivered a dominant first-half performance that stunned the French champions.

Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, calmly slotting home after a sweeping move.

Read Also: Chelsea beat Brighton & Hove Albion

The 22-year-old midfielder added a second just seven minutes later with a precise finish into the bottom corner.

João Pedro put the contest beyond doubt before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to make it 3–0.

PSG, who lifted their first Champions League title earlier this year with a commanding 5–0 win over Inter Milan, were outplayed in all departments.

With the win, Chelsea become the first English club to claim the rebranded Club World Cup and the first to defeat the current Champions League holders in the final, an achievement that will resonate across continents and underscore the Premier League’s continued dominance on the global stage.

The Club World Cup, contested by 32 teams, carried a record prize fund, and Chelsea are likely to receive as much as $125 million for their victory tonight..

Nigeria mourns as Tinubu pays Tribute to late Buhari

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman whose legacy will endure for generations.

Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom. He was 82.

In an official statement released by the Presidency, Tinubu said: “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today.”

He praised Buhari’s decades of public service and dedication to Nigeria, noting his tenure as military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985 and as a democratically elected president between 2015 and 2023.

“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures,” Tinubu said. “Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.”

Read Also: Former President Buhari dies at 82

He described Buhari as a leader who stood firm in turbulent times, championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption, and consistently placed the country above personal interest.

President Tinubu extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, their children, the entire Buhari family, and the people and government of Katsina State, particularly the Daura Emirate.

“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Tinubu said.

As a mark of respect, Tinubu ordered all national flags to fly at half-staff for seven days starting Sunday. He also announced that the Federal Executive Council will hold an emergency session on Tuesday in Buhari’s honour.

“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country,” the statement added.

President Tinubu prayed that Allah would forgive Buhari’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while expressing hope that his life would inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.

23 things to know about late former President Muhammadu Buhari  

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

The sad news of his demise was announced on X, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu on Sunday afternoon.

According to Garba Shehu, Buhari died on Sunday at a hospital in the United Kingdom.

He wrote; “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIRRAJIUUN.

“The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu

“Buhari, this afternoon in a clinic in London.

“May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.

Read Also: Former President Buhari dies at 82

Here are things to know about late former President Muhammadu Buhari 

1. Buhari was born to a Muslim family on December 17, 1942. He was 82.
2. He was the twenty-third child of Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fula chieftain originally from Dumurkul in Mai’Adua, and his mother Zulaihat.
3. He was named after the ninth-century Islamic scholar Muhammad al-Bukhari.
4. Buhari was four years old when his father died, and Waziri Alhassan, the son of Emir Musa dan Nuhu, became guardian to Zulaihat and her children.
5. He attended Qur’anic school, where he helped in rearing cattle.
6. He had his primary education in Daura and Mai’Adua and graduated in 1953.
7. He was admitted into Katsina Middle School (later Katsina Provincial Secondary School), where he completed his secondary education from 1956 to 1961.
8. During his sixth form, he served as the house captain and head boy.
9. In 1960, he received a scholarship from Elder Dempster Lines for a summer visit to the United Kingdom.
10. In 1962, at age 19, Buhari was one of 70 boys selected for recruitment into the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC).
11. From 1962 to 1963, he trained as an officer cadet at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England.
12. In January 1963, at age 20, he was commissioned a second lieutenant, appointed Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta, and attended the Platoon Commanders’ Course in Kaduna.
13. From 1965 to 1967, Buhari commanded the Second Infantry Battalion and was appointed brigade major of the Second Sector, First Infantry Division.
14. In the 2003 Presidential Election, Buhari ran under the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and lost to President Olusegun Obasanjo (PDP) by over 11 million votes.
15. In the 2007 Presidential Election, he was again ANPP’s candidate. He received 18% of the vote against Umaru Yar’Adua (PDP).
16. In the 2011 Presidential Election, after founding the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buhari ran against Goodluck Jonathan. He came second with over 12 million votes.
17. In the 2015 Presidential Election, Buhari contested as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. He won the election after Jonathan conceded, and was sworn in on May 29, 2015.
18. In the 2019 Presidential Election, Buhari was re-elected for a second term, inaugurated on May 29, 2019, in Abuja.
19. Buhari frequently traveled to the UK for medical treatment, including a 104-day stay in 2017.
20. In 1971, Buhari married his first wife, Safinatu (née Yusuf). They had five children together, four girls and one boy.
21. In 1988, Buhari and his first wife Safinatu divorced. Safinatu later died in 2006.
22. In December 1989, Buhari married his second and current wife Aisha Buhari (née Halilu).
23. They also had five children together, a boy and four girls: Aisha, Halima, Yusuf, Zahra “Zarah” and Amina.

Late Olubadan: We are celebrating, not mourning – Son

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Mr Olasumbo Owolabi, the eldest son of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, has said his father left lasting legacies of a life well-lived and worthy of celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olasunmbo stated this during the family announcement of the Oba’s demise at the private residence of the traditional ruler on Monday in Ibadan.

Olasunmbo, represented by the former Commissioner for Information in Oyo State, Mr Toye Arulogun, said his father made significant impacts and landmark achievements while he lived.

He said that the endeavours of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, cut across politics, business, military career and traditional matters.

Read Also: Who becomes the next Olubadan?

“We are not mourning because it is a double celebration of his 90th birthday and glorious passing to eternal glory.

“We also give glory to God because he left enduring legacies for the family,” he said.

NAN reports that the family announcement was preceded by the palace traditional talking drum final display, signifying the end of the late Oba’s era.

Olakulehin, who ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, barely two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

His reign followed that of Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.

(NAN)

Tinubu promises to address diaspora issues

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President Bola Tinubu has pledged to address the challenges facing Nigerians in Saint Lucia and other parts of the world through diplomatic engagement.

He made the pledge on Wednesday during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia.

The event was organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), chaired by Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

A statement on the event, issued by Presidential Spokesperson Mr Bayo Onanuga, was released to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians living in Saint Lucia to remain law-abiding and serve as good ambassadors of the country.

“My plea to you all: continue to be of good behaviour, don’t break the law,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a student in the U.S. five decades ago, Tinubu emphasised the importance of focus and hard work.

Read Also: Tinubu travels to France on private visit

“Life is about working hard, being consistent,” he noted.

Assuring the community of government support, Tinubu stated, “For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed.”

He highlighted efforts by his administration to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, saying, “We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. But we have been able to rescue the economy.”

He also noted improvements in oil revenue management and foreign exchange policy.

Dabiri-Erewa lauded the contributions of Nigerians in Saint Lucia and encouraged them to stay connected to their homeland.

Mr Smart Duah, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), raised concerns about a 2,500 dollars annual work permit fee as one of the challenges faced by the community.

Father Festus Iwuagwu, a Nigerian priest in Saint Lucia, said the large turnout reflected the community’s respect and affection for the President.

Dr Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, a paediatrician and graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, welcomed the President and shared her story of raising two doctors in Saint Lucia.

She added that her husband had since returned to Nigeria, where he now served as Chief Medical Director at a new federal medical centre.

As a token of appreciation, the Nigerian community presented President Tinubu with a portrait made by Doris, a medical student and talented artist.

(NAN)

JUST IN: Liverpool’s Diogo Jota dies in road accident

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Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 following a tragic car accident in Spain.

The crash occurred on the A-52 motorway, around kilometre 65, near Palacios de Sanabria in Zamora province.

According to Spanish sports daily MARCA, Jota lost his life at the scene.

Read Also: EPL: Haaland scores hat trick as Man City beat Ipswich 4-1

“Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota dies in a traffic accident in Zamora province,” the outlet reported in a statement on Thursday morning.

His 26-year-old brother, Andre, was also killed when their vehicle caught fire after the collision.

Born in December 1996, Jota first joined the Premier League on loan with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017 before signing for Liverpool, then league champions, in 2020.

Garba Shehu to launch book on Buhari’s administration

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The Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, says arrangements have been concluded for the launch of a book on the administration of the former president.

Shehu told newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja that the book, which he authored, was titled: “According to the President: Lessons from a presidential spokesman’s experience.”

The book, according to him, seeks to provide a reading material to students of communication, journalism practitioners and researchers on the lessons learned in his many years of presidential communications.

Shehu also said that the book, which chronicled the administration of the former president, was written to inspire students aspiring to have career in journalism and public relations.

“The book is not a personal biography but a guide written to inspire students who aspire to have a career in journalism and public relations.

Read Also: The life and legacy of late Dr. Doyin Okupe

“It is also an authoritative account of what President Buhari did with his eight years in office,” he said.

Shehu further stated that the book tried to build on what Mr Femi Adesina, a former Special Adviser to the President on Media Publicity and several others had written.

He added that the book was to authoritatively document the achievements and some of the historic decisions of the Buhari administration in eight years.

“It brings President Buhari up close: How did he govern? What did he eat? And the clothes he wore for some occasions,” he said.

Shehu added that the book was analytical and informative in its approach, saying it was packed with personal anecdotes.

He explained that the book shared experiences of a cross spectrum of reporters and editors in dealing with the author in his work as presidential spokesman.

According to him, it is not possible in a 260-page book to explain the significant works, policies and programmes undertaken by the administration in its eight years.

He, however, said that it was not in doubt that Buhari brought the country to a new pinnacle in the efforts to lay the foundation for a self-reliant Nigeria.

“These included bringing a culture of personal integrity and setting new benchmarks in transparency with the institution of the Treasury Single Account, Tax Identification Number (TIN), BVN, IPPS, Whistle Blower; the usage of NIN number and the various other transparency-enhancing schemes,” he said.

Trial of ex-REA Finance Director stalled over hearing impairment

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 The trial of Abubakar Sambo, the Director of Finance and Account of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), could not proceed at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to his hearing loss.

 Ishaka Dikko, SAN, who appeared for Sambo, told Justice Musa Liman about his client’s ill-health.

When the matter was called for commencement of trial and the defendant walked into the dock, Dikko stood up and told the court that they were not ready to proceed with the hearing.

The senior lawyer told the court that Sambo had been battling with the hearing challenge for some time which he had been managing medically.

He said the defendant’s present state of health was that he could hardly hear when one speaks to him, except if it reduced into writing.

Justice Liman however asked Dikko if there was any medical report to certify Sambo’s state of health but the lawyer apologised, saying he only got to know the latest development about three days ago.

When the judge asked Osuobeni Akponimisingha, lawyer to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), about his submission, the prosecuting counsel said they had a witness in court and were ready for the trial.

He, however, did not oppose Dikko’s application for adjournment and Justice Liman fixed Nov. 6 for the trial.

Sambo, who was re-arraigned before Justice Liman on Jan. 28, is being prosecuted for allegations bordering on N1.84 billion fraud.

He was re-arraigned on three-count charge for allegedly diverting the funds to personal accounts.

Read Also: Alleged cybercrime: Court grants Speed Darlington to N20m bail 

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts, and admitted to bail on earlier bail conditions granted by a sister court, presided over by Justice Bolaji Olajuwon.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Olajuwon had, on June 24, 2024, granted Sambo a bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in the like sum.

The judge held that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court with original certificates of occupancy (CofO) which must be deposited with the deputy chief registrar of the court.

She equally ordered the sureties to provide affidavits of their tax clearance in the last three years with a one passport photograph each.

Justice Olajuwon adjourned the matter until Oct. 17, 2024, for commencement of trial.

However, the judge was transferred to another division of the court, making the case to start denovo (afresh).

NAN reports that the anti-corruption commission had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/209/2024, sued Abubakar Abdullahi Sambo as sole defendant.

In the charge filed on May 10, 2024 by Akponimisingha, an Assistant Chief Legal Officer in the commission, the ICPC alleged that Sambo sometime in March 2023 while being the Payment Finaliser on the Government integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform of REA did finalise the payment of the totai sum of N1.84 billion (N1,835,000,000.00).

It alleged that the funds were done in different tranches for the use of Henrrientta Onomen Okojie, Asuni Adejoke Aminat, Usman Kwakwa, Laure Shehu Abduilahi, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approval, thereby contributing to the economic adversity of the REA.

The commission said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 68 of the Public Enterprise Regulatory Commission Act, CAP. P39, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

In count two, Sambo was accused to have used his access password to access the REA’s GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of the sum of N1.84 billion in different tranches for the use of Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without authority.

The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 6(4) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015.

In count three, Sambo was alleged to have conferred corrupt advantage on Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye when he used his access password to access the REA’s GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of N1.84 billion in different tranches for their use for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approvals.

The ICPC said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

NAN reports that Karaye, Titus and Okojie were also arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court on separate four-count charge preferred against them.

While Karaye and Titus were arraigned before Justice Nwite on June 13, 2024, Okojie was arraigned on June 14, 2024.

Usman Ahmed Kwakwa was also arraigned on June 13, 2024 on separate criminal charge before the judge and all of them were admitted to a N50 million each with two sureties each in the like sum.

(NAN)

Owolabi Salis become as first Nigerian to visit space

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U.S.-based lawyer and politician Chief Owolabi Salis has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first Nigerian to travel into space beyond the Kármán line, the boundary separating Earth’s atmosphere from outer space, roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level.

Salis was part of Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, which successfully carried its crew on a suborbital flight before landing back at the company’s facility in West Texas. Friends, family members, and supporters were on hand to greet the returning astronauts with hugs, cheers, and emotional celebrations.

Emerging from the spacecraft wearing his flight suit and a traditional African cap, Salis stood out as the only Black astronaut in the crew. He dedicated his historic journey to victims of discrimination and civil rights violations, describing the moment as deeply meaningful and symbolic.

The NS-33 mission, known as Solstice-33, included six other crewmates: Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Jim Sitkin, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Leland Larson. Together, they experienced the breathtaking sight of Earth suspended in space, a perspective Salis said profoundly transformed him.

“Space is a humbling place,” he reflected. “All those leaders causing trouble on this planet should be sent to space, they would come back humbled and sober.”

Salis, who has traveled extensively across the globe, including journeys to the extreme reaches of the North and South Poles, called the spaceflight “an eye-opener.” He described the experience as “stupefying and emotionally overwhelming,” recounting how he gazed in awe at the cosmic panorama and felt as though his soul was transported into another dimension.

Read Also:Sanwo-Olu swears in eight Permanent Secretaries

“It drew me closer than ever before to my Maker, the invisible one whose mind designed this unfathomable universe,” said Salis, who also leads the Soul Maker’s Ministry Worldwide and is the author of Equitocracy: A Diversity-Based Democracy.

For him, the voyage was more than scientific exploration; it was a spiritual pilgrimage. “I went into space seeking answers about the mystery of existence and the soul,” he explained. “Floating like a bird, I saw our planet hanging in space, with no visible force holding it. That is profoundly mysterious.”

Owolabi Salis become as first Nigerian to visit space

He continued, “If Earth can orbit so precisely, then a Spirit Being must be in charge. I believe that the true Controller of the Universe lives within us and connects to our souls. This Being may not be the same as those described in many of the religious texts on our planet.”

Salis said he hoped his journey would inspire Africans and people of African descent around the world to see the boundless possibilities before them and to encourage Black nations to invest in space science and technology.

“In embarking on this adventure, I wanted to fire the imagination of fellow Africans,” he said. “We must awaken from age-old slumber and join the global community in advancing space travel and scientific innovation. It’s time to lift the esteem of our race and accelerate development.”

Reflecting further on what he called “a humbling experience,” Salis challenged both political and religious leaders to look beyond their earthly ambitions.

“Those who boast of power should know that in space, your influence means nothing,” he said. “All those who thrive on creating chaos, and those who propagate empty vanities, should spend a day in space to understand who truly deserves our praise, the Almighty Lord of the Universe, the Maker and Owner of all souls.”