Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George has reflected on his team’s comfortable home victory over Abia Warriors, DAILY POST reports.

Finidi’s side thrashed Abia Warriors 3-0 in a Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, matchday 36 encounter encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Abia Warriors put up a resolute display at the back in the first half, but conceded thrice after the break.

Azeez Falolu scored the curtain raiser five minutes after the break.

Timothy Zachaaria, and Bello Babatunde later added two more goals for the hosts.

“It was a good game, I would say. In the first half, we didn’t create much. We only had one glaring chance that we missed — a glaring header. There was another chance but not as clear-cut as the first,” Finidi said after the game.

The Port Harcourt club will face Wikki Tourists in their next game at the New Jos Stadium this weekend.

NPFL: Finidi lauds Rivers United’s home win over Abia Warriors

Ogun State etched its name in Nigeria’s aviation history on Sunday night as the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport handled its first international flight, airlifting Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The milestone not only marked the commencement of Hajj operations in the state but also positioned Ogun as a rising force in regional and international air transport—emerging as the first departure point for Nigerian pilgrims in this year’s exercise.

The flight, operated by Max Air, departed Iperu at about 11:00 p.m. with 345 pilgrims—151 males and 194 females—alongside officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. After a 4,600-kilometre nonstop journey, the aircraft landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport around 4:15 a.m. Nigerian time.

Beyond the symbolic departure, the event was underscored by the successful handling of a large-capacity international aircraft—widely regarded as the biggest to have landed at the airport. The development signals the facility’s readiness to accommodate wide-body operations, reinforcing its compliance with global aviation standards and its capacity for long-haul international travel.

The airport, commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has transitioned swiftly from a newly unveiled project to a fully operational international gateway.

Speaking shortly before departure, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the inaugural flight as a defining moment in the state’s development trajectory.

“What we celebrate today goes far beyond the arrival and departure of an international aircraft; it is a testament to focus, determination, resilience, commitment, sacrifice and teamwork,” the governor said.

He noted that the successful operation reflects Ogun State’s growing infrastructure capacity and strategic ambition, positioning it as a hub for commerce, investment, and global connectivity—particularly given its proximity to Lagos.

Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for designating the airport as one of the centres for Hajj operations. He also charged the pilgrims to uphold the image of Nigeria by demonstrating discipline, integrity, and respect throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, represented by Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new departure point would significantly ease logistics for pilgrims across the South-West by eliminating the need for long-distance travel to other airports.

He noted that Gateway International Airport stands out as the first state-owned facility in the region cleared for Hajj operations without limitations, attributing the achievement to its modern infrastructure and strict adherence to international aviation standards.

Traditional and religious leaders, including the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, described the project as transformative, noting that it has effectively removed the long-standing stress associated with international travel through Lagos.

The Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, urged pilgrims to approach the exercise with a sense of responsibility, reminding them that they represent both Ogun State and Nigeria on the global stage.

On behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu described the moment as historic, while several travellers expressed excitement at being among the first beneficiaries of the new international gateway.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims were received by Hajj officials, processed through immigration, and transported to their accommodations in Medina ahead of the commencement of Hajj rites.

Beyond the immediate success of the Hajj airlift, the development highlights a broader strategic achievement. By delivering its inaugural international flight, leading the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims for 2026, and successfully accommodating a wide-body aircraft, Ogun State has demonstrated both vision and execution.

The initiative of Governor Abiodun has not only transformed infrastructure into functionality but has also firmly positioned Ogun as an emerging aviation hub—opening new pathways for economic growth, investment, tourism, and global engagement.

With this milestone, Ogun State has moved decisively from ambition to reality, securing a strategic foothold in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Kayode Akinmade: Gateway International Airport officially goes global with historic Hajj flight

The National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has ratified the appointment of a 13-member Caretaker Committee headed by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as chairman.

The decision was taken at the Makinde-backed 103rd NEC meeting held on Monday in Abuja, following a motion moved by the Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, and seconded by the party’s ex officio member, Clement Fagboyede.

Other members of the committee include Taofeek Arapaja, who was appointed National Secretary, as well as Daniel Ambrose, Hamza Abuya, Ihediwa, Isah Abubakar, Theophilus Dakashan, Ini Ememobong, Aribisala Adewale Idowu, Baru Shaffi, and Okechukwu Obiechina.

Details soon…

Makinde-Backed PDP Appoints Turaki As Interim National Chairman is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Maverick singer Seun Kuti has ruled out any possibility of reconciling with Afrobeats star Wizkid, declaring that their rift is permanent following comments made about his late father, Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.

The longstanding tension between the two artists began after Wizkid claimed he was greater than Fela in response to Seun’s call for fans to stop comparing the “Ojuelegba” crooner to the late music icon.

Speaking during a recent podcast interview, Seun made it clear that he has no intention of mending fences with the Starboy boss, stressing that disrespect toward his father remains unforgivable.

When asked by the host if he and Wizkid had resolved their differences, Seun responded firmly.

“It is on for life. I don’t have anything to say about him but it is on for life. You don’t say things about my dad and then it is fine. There is no coming back from that,” he said.

Seun’s remarks reaffirm the deep divide between both artistes, with the son of the Afrobeat pioneer maintaining that certain boundaries, particularly regarding his father’s legacy, cannot be crossed.

My Fight With Wizkid Is For Life – Seun Kuti is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Adamawa State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted its State Executive Council, with Saidu Komsisiri as chairman.

Komsisiri is a former caretaker committee chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and hails from the same Jada Local Government Area as ADC foremost member, Atiku Abubakar.

The new exco has Joseph Kwatri as deputy chairman, while Isa Ahmad became the state secretary and Emmanuel Dominic the assistant secretary.

The 33-member council includes three vice-chairmen for the Central, Northern and Southern zones in the persons of Abubakar Ahmed, Yunusa Buwsngci and Mohammed Bobboi, respectively.

Announced as state treasurer of the NDC was Bala Jingi, with Danladi Daniel as his assistant, while Mustapha Birboduwomi became the financial secretary, with Musa Mairiga as assistant financial secretary.

It may be recalled that the fortunes of the NDC in Adamawa State received a significant boost last week when the foremost female politician in the state, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, joined it after defecting from the ADC.

The NDC now sees itself as Nigeria’s new political bride, poised to make exploits.

The new state chairman, Saidu Komsisiri, told newsmen that the party would ensure it holds its members together so that they can muster the necessary strength in number and unity of purpose to make an impact in 2027.

Adamawa NDC constitutes new exco, appoints ex-ADC leader chairman

Influencer Priscilla Ojo, daughter of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, has spoken about her mother’s generosity and compassion, recounting how the actress opened her home to numerous children and even breastfed one of her relatives.

Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Priscilla described her mother as deeply selfless, revealing that their home frequently served as a refuge for extended family members and others in need.

“Even more than 10, they were not just living with us. Sometimes I would wake up and see another child and I would ask, ‘Mummy, who is this? Why is she sharing my room?’” She said.

She recalled how, as a child, she often found it difficult to understand why her personal space was regularly shared with unfamiliar children.

“You know how kids like to rule their own space. I would ask, ‘Why is she on my bed?’ And my mum would say she is somebody’s auntie’s daughter,” she said.

Priscilla further highlighted the extent of her mother’s kindness, revealing that Iyabo once breastfed one of her cousins.

“She has a lot of children. She even breastfed one of my cousins. That is how golden her heart is,” she said.

According to Priscilla, her public remarks were also motivated by a desire to defend her mother during controversies surrounding her latest movie project.

“I wanted to be the one to speak up for my mum when there was backlash for her new movie. She’s always standing up for people, but when it was her turn, everyone was silent. I didn’t care if people would drag me. I just didn’t want her to feel empty,” she said.

She also reflected on her upbringing, praising Iyabo for successfully raising her and her brother as a single mother after her parents’ separation.

“My parents fell out of love, and my mum played the role of both parents very well. I didn’t feel like a father figure was missing,” she added.

My Mother Took In Over 10 Children, Breastfed Cousin — Priscilla Ojo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kano Pillars technical adviser, Mohammed Babaganaru, has expressed disappointment with his team’s defeat to Kun Khalifat FC.

The Sai Masu Gida suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kun Khalifat FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday.

Nnorom Nmesoma and Ebetomame Oghenetega were on target for the home team, while Luis Dadong scored Pillars’ only goal of the game.

Babaganaru blamed loss of concentration for his team’s defeat.

“It was not the result we wanted despite our determination to get a victory in the game,” Babaganaru told Puyaka.

“They scored first and we equalised after which we conceded again, I think we lost the game to loss of concentration towards the end.

Kano Pillars dropped to 14th position on the league table with 45 points, two points above the relegation zone.

NPFL: Babaganaru rues Kano Pillars’ loss to Kun Khalifat FC

Francis Barthlomew Chima, widely known as OmoBarca, has formally resigned his membership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, citing unresolved legal disputes and ongoing leadership crises within the party.

In a resignation letter dated May 4, 2026, and addressed to the Ward Chairman of the ADC in Ward 09, Alaba Oro, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, the grassroots politician announced his immediate exit from the party.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the local government chairman and the Lagos State leadership of the ADC.

Chima explained that persistent legal challenges at the party’s national level have created uncertainty and eroded confidence among members and supporters.

He noted that the internal instability has made it increasingly difficult for committed party faithful to effectively mobilise and function within the existing structure.

According to him, a viable political platform must provide stability and an enabling environment for service delivery and engagement with the electorate.

He, however, stated that the current situation within the ADC, particularly in Ajeromi Ifelodun, no longer meets those expectations.

His resignation comes against the backdrop of reported leadership disputes and legal controversies within the party nationwide.

The ADC has recently been embroiled in disagreements over its leadership structure, including issues relating to recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and ongoing court cases.

Despite his departure, Chima expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging the relationships built and experiences gained during his time as a member.

He also assured his supporters that his next political steps would be communicated in due course.

Observers in Ajeromi Ifelodun suggest that the development may trigger fresh political realignments in the area, particularly as activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Francis Chima resigns from ADC over leadership crisis

Political thugs on Monday went on rampage and attacked the venue of the congress of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Enugu.

DAILY POST reports that the venue of the Congress, Aborigene Hall, Enugu, came under attack after members of the party gathered for the event.

The development comes barely 24 hours after former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and ex-governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, defected to the party in Abuja.

Recall that the duo were formally received into the party by NDC national leader, Seriake Dickson, alongside other top executives and supporters at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Sunday evening.

At the Enugu convention, DAILY POST gathered that problem started after a motion was called for the dissolution of the protem State Working Committee.

Following the motion, suspected political thugs emerged and ordered everyone out of the venue.

“They started by bringing down some of the banners and then ordered everyone out of the place.

“They joined the NDC just yesterday, Sunday, after Mr Peter Obi defected to the party, now they want to hijack the entire structure,” an angry party member said.

Meanwhile, DAILY POST learnt that the congress later went on, with the Enugu chapter of the party announcing a former aide to ex-governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Dr. Johnpaul Anih, as new State Chairman.

Anih, who previously served as Special Assistant on Youth Affairs to Ugwuanyi, emerged victorious at the NDC state congress held on Monday in Enugu.

Political thugs disrupt NDC Congress in Enugu

The allocation — the largest ever committed to the sector by the state — channels 98% of its funds into capital projects, including ₦23.9 billion for rural road construction to open up farming communities.

Kaduna State Government has approved ₦108.38 billion for the Ministry of Agriculture in its 2026 budget — a record allocation that dwarfs previous years and sends the clearest signal yet that the state intends to position itself as the agricultural powerhouse of northern Nigeria.

A review of the state’s 2026 Approved Budget by THE WHISTLER discovered the expenditure represents over 10% of Kaduna’s total ₦985.92 billion budget for the year.

Of the ₦108.38 billion allocated to agriculture, an overwhelming ₦106.57 billion — about 98.3 percent — has been designated as capital expenditure, meaning it is earmarked for building infrastructure and expanding productive capacity rather than day-to-day administrative costs.

That capital weighting is extraordinary by any measure and suggests a government making a long-term bet on transforming the state’s agricultural base, rather than simply sustaining the status quo.

The largest chunk — ₦82.21 billion — flows directly to the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters for core capital projects. Analysts expect this to cover large-scale irrigation schemes, mechanisation programmes, grain storage facilities, and agricultural value-chain infrastructure intended to draw in private sector investment and cut post-harvest losses that currently bleed billions from the state’s farm economy each year.

But one of the most strategically significant allocations sits under a sister agency: the Kaduna State Rural Roads Agency, KADRARA, which has been handed ₦23.87 billion to construct and rehabilitate rural access roads. Development experts have long identified poor rural road networks as the single biggest constraint on agricultural output in northern Nigeria — even when crops are planted and harvested, they frequently cannot reach markets in time, leaving farmers to absorb losses that eventually push them off their land.

The largest chunk — ₦82.21 billion — flows directly to the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters for core capital projects. Analysts expect this to cover large-scale irrigation schemes, mechanisation programmes, grain storage facilities, and agricultural value-chain infrastructure intended to draw in private sector investment and cut post-harvest losses that currently bleed billions from the state’s farm economy each year.

But one of the most strategically significant allocations sits under a sister agency: the Kaduna State Rural Roads Agency, KADRARA, which has been handed ₦23.87 billion to construct and rehabilitate rural access roads. Development experts have long identified poor rural road networks as the single biggest constraint on agricultural output in northern Nigeria — even when crops are planted and harvested, they frequently cannot reach markets in time, leaving farmers to absorb losses that eventually push them off their land.

The Kaduna State Agriculture Development Agency, KADA, which delivers extension services, inputs distribution, and farmer training across the state’s 23 local government areas, receives ₦1.10 billion in total funding. While modest compared to the headline capital figures, KADA’s allocation ensures the human infrastructure of farming — trained agents advising smallholders on seeds, fertilisers, and crop management — continues to function.

The Kaduna State Livestock Regulatory Authority, KADLRA, receives ₦144.21 million. The modest sum belies the agency’s critical role in a state where pastoralism and crop farming have for years existed in an uneasy, often violent tension. Formalising livestock routes, regulating grazing, and certifying livestock traders are tasks that, if done well, could significantly reduce farmer-herder conflicts that have cost the state billions in destroyed crops and displaced communities.

For businesses operating in or around Kaduna’s agricultural economy, the budget cycle that opens this year creates substantial opportunities. Civil engineering firms capable of executing rural road contracts, suppliers of construction materials, agro-processing investors, cold-chain logistics operators, and agricultural input companies should all expect heightened procurement activity from state agencies in the months ahead.

The investment also carries risks that the business community cannot afford to ignore. Nigeria’s track record with large agricultural budget lines is patchy — disbursement delays, procurement irregularities, and poor last-mile execution have repeatedly blunted the impact of well-intentioned public spending. The question for Kaduna in 2026 is whether this record commitment will be matched by record delivery.

Placed against the state’s wider budget, agriculture’s ₦108.4 billion ranks fourth behind education (₦243.98 billion), health (₦144.55 billion), and public works and infrastructure (₦179.22 billion) — a ranking that reflects both the breadth of social needs facing the state and the government’s recognition that no long-term economic stability is possible without feeding its people first.

Official implementation reports and procurement notices from the Ministry of Agriculture are expected to begin circulating in the second quarter of 2026.

Why Kaduna’s 2026 Budget Excites Agribusiness Investors is first published on The Whistler Newspaper