No fewer than 49 people have died of thirst after a truck conveying them through a remote desert area in northern Niger Republic broke down, leaving the passengers stranded for several days without water. The victims were part of a group travelling from Mali to Niger to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha with […]
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The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has cleared former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, as the duly elected Presidential candidate of the party for the next election.
The party has also cleared 420 candidates across all positions for the 2027 general elections.
Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, National Publicity Secretary of the PRP, in a statement, said the decision was reached on Friday, following the review of the report of the primaries appeal committee.
He said following the review, former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, was “validly elected as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027 general elections.”
The appeal committee also upheld four other primary election outcomes.
“All other candidates have been duly cleared to contest in the upcoming elections, with the exception of Tarauni Federal Constituency, whose election has been nullified.” the statement said.
Ishaq further said in line with “our commitment to active participation in the electoral process, the PRP is proud to field a total of 420 candidates across all positions in the 2027 general elections.
“We remain committed to principles of internal democracy and service and to delivering a credible and transformative leadership for Nigeria.” he said.
2027: PRP Ratifies Donald Duke As Presidential Candidate is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Rangers Chairman, Rangers Chairman Amobi Ezeaku has confirmed that technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu will remain in charge for the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
Ezeaku gave the assurance during a chat with the media in Enugu.
The Flying Antelopes boss stressed that the club will do everything possible to back the tactician to achieve success next season.
Ilechukwu led Rangers to win their ninth NPFL title last season.
“I will be direct as the young tactician will stay with the club next season,” Ezeaku stated when the question of the plan to replace Ilechukwu was raised.
“I spoke with Ilechukwu on their arrival with the Super Eagles in Portugal, and he told me his challenges, and we have assured to address them next season.”
Ilechukwu is expected to lead Rangers in the CAF Champions League next season.
NPFL: Rangers confirm Ilechukwu remains technical adviser amid exit rumours
The Federal Government has approved its first National Policy on Menstrual Health and
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Iran on Saturday slammed World Cup co-host the United States over what it called “discriminatory treatment” in not granting visas for some members of the Iranian delegation to the tournament.
The Iranian embassy in Turkey said in a post on X, while referring to an earlier announcement by US envoy Tom Barrack that visas had been granted to players, described the denial of visas to a large portion of the managerial and executive staff, technical advisers, and others who are an integral part of any national football team as the highest level of discriminatory treatment.
On Friday, Barrack praised the US embassy in Ankara over its “work processing visas for Iran’s national football team” after the head of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, said on the same day that the Iranian delegation had submitted passports for visas.
Iran’s ability to participate in the World Cup was further called into question after Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver last month because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
This year’s World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. All three of Iran’s group matches are in the US.
Of the three host countries, Mexico is the only one that does not classify the IRGC as a terrorist entity, whereas the US and Canada have both made it clear they will not admit people with links to the elite military force.
The Iranians relocated their World Cup base, which was initially planned to be in Tucson, Arizona, to the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana. The players are scheduled to land in Tijuana early Sunday morning.
Iran is due to play their first Group G match on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, where they will also face Belgium before taking on Egypt in Seattle.
Iran Condemns US Visa Denials For World Cup Officials is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Teenager Mirra Andreeva beats Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska to become the youngest woman to win the French Open since Monica Seles 34 years ago.
The 19-year-old tennis sensation and eight seed, lived up to the hype and came of age by sealing her maiden Grand Slam title by ending the fairytale-run of 114th-ranked Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska with a 6-3 6-2 victory at Roland-Garros.
The Russian became the youngest player to win the women’s singles title since Monica Seles, who was 18 when she landed her third straight French Open in 1992.
Chwalinska was attempting to become the first qualifier to capture the title in Paris.
Russia’s Andreeva, who lives and trains in France, may not have had the majority of the crowd behind her because of the political landscape and perhaps because of her opponent’s underdog status, but there is no doubt she is a phenomenal talent and a worthy Grand Slam champion. She is also the first Russian female grand slam singles champion since Maria Sharapova dropped to her knees in celebration in 2014.
“You’re a very tricky opponent. Wouldn’t want to play you one more time. No, it’s okay. I hope we play many more finals in the future,” Andreeva said during the trophy ceremony.
“It was a big dream of mine to win this tournament. I can’t believe that I’m holding this trophy.”, Andreeva added.
Andreeva Beats Chwalinska, Becomes Youngest French Open Champion is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
The Gboko Local Government Health Authority in Benue State has evacuated 20,000 crates of expired Coca-Cola products from Gboko Main Market following a routine inspection that reportedly uncovered beverages that had expired since 2024.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Director of the Gboko Local Government Health Authority, Mrs Wede Victoria, alongside environmental health officers and market security personnel.
According to health officials, the expired products were still openly displayed for sale within the market despite having exceeded their recommended consumption dates.
Mrs Victoria stated that the action became necessary to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with expired beverages.
She noted that the consumption of expired carbonated drinks could result in stomach discomfort, food poisoning and other health complications.
As part of the exercise, health inspectors removed the affected products from traders’ stalls and transported them to a government storage facility pending destruction in accordance with applicable health and safety regulations.
Authorities also invited traders linked to the seized stock for questioning while investigations continue to determine how the products entered the market.
Officials said efforts are underway to trace suppliers and establish whether there were breaches in distribution, storage or retail practices.
Some traders reportedly claimed they were unaware the products had expired, while others expressed concern over the financial losses resulting from the seizure.
Residents of Gboko largely welcomed the intervention, noting that many consumers purchase packaged drinks without routinely checking expiry dates before consumption.
The health authority has warned traders to regularly inspect product expiry dates and adhere to proper storage standards.
Officials stressed that shops found selling expired or substandard products could face sanctions, including confiscation of goods and possible prosecution.
Health authority seizes 20,000 crates of expired Coca-Cola products
“The sponsors of terrorism are our real problem. Go after them. If the President cannot deal with them, he should…”
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Deputy National Chairman, (South) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Barr Ben Nwoye, on Saturday, expressed delight over the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and Peter Mbah for second terms in office by political leaders and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District.
Nwoye described the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to continuity.
He spoke at the Okpara Square, Enugu, during a gathering where stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District publicly declared their support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah.
Addressing the crowd, the APC chieftain praised the leaders of the district for what he described as a bold and visionary decision aimed at sustaining ongoing development efforts at both the federal and state levels.
“I have seen people like the former governor of old Anambra State; I have also seen the former Senate president, Chief Ken Nnamani and I have equally seen a lot of the founders and leaders of Enugu State here, all for the endorsement of our dear President, Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. I’m quite impressed because your presence shows political maturity”, Nwoye said.
He noted that continuity in leadership would provide the opportunity to consolidate existing achievements and complete projects already initiated by the two administrations.
Nwoye particularly lauded Governor Mbah for his developmental strides across Enugu State, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure, economic and social development programmes.
According to him, the governor’s performance had earned him widespread support across political and regional divides.
The APC deputy national chairman also used the occasion to highlight the importance of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a key factor behind the peace and political stability the state has enjoyed since 1999.
“Rotation among the three senatorial districts has given us peace since 1999.
“It is good that this event held today in addition to those of Enugu West and North senatorial zones so that our people will know where we are going,” Nwoye said.
He explained that the zoning formula had ensured fairness and equitable distribution of political power among the state’s three senatorial districts, thereby fostering unity and inclusion.
Nwoye urged political stakeholders to continue supporting the rotational arrangement, which he said had helped to maintain a peaceful political atmosphere in the state.
“The stakeholders should sustain the peaceful political atmosphere in Enugu State brought to us through the zoning of the governorship position,” he added.
The endorsement event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives and supporters from across Enugu East Senatorial District, many of whom expressed confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah.
2027: Enugu’s endorsement of Tinubu demonstration of political maturity – Nwoye
The Executive Officer of Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Captain Daniel Beecroft, has attributed the recent remarkable achievements recorded by the Naval Base to the visionary leadership and commitment of its Commander, Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu.
Beecroft made the remarks during the Officers’ Ceremonial Dinner held as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy in Warri, Delta State.
He described Commodore Tasiu as a transformational leader whose dedication to personnel welfare, infrastructural development and community engagement has revitalised the Base and strengthened its operational effectiveness.
“Tonight, I reserve a very special appreciation for our visionary leader, the Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu,” Beecroft said.
According to him, the Commander has “written his name in gold” by organising what he described as a first-of-its-kind ceremonial dinner in the history of the Base, while also spearheading significant improvements in infrastructure and personnel welfare.
Beecroft noted that under Commodore Tasiu’s leadership, NNS DELTA’s 70th anniversary celebrations went beyond ceremonial activities to directly impact host communities through a series of humanitarian and development initiatives.
He disclosed that the Base carried out educational outreach programmes at Ogiame Primary School, distributing more than 1,200 notebooks, textbooks, teaching aids and school bags to pupils.
The command also organised a medical outreach in Ubeji Community, where over 1,000 residents benefited from free medical consultations, laboratory tests, eye examinations and dental services.
In addition, widows of fallen personnel received support, while sporting competitions involving youths, security agencies and paramilitary organisations were organised to promote unity, teamwork and community engagement.
Beecroft further highlighted the commissioning of several projects within the Base, including a modern transit accommodation facility and institutional accommodation for the Executive Officer, sponsored by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
He commended the Delta State Government for its continued support to NNS DELTA , particularly the ongoing foreshore wall project, which he described as critical to the protection of the base’s operational infrastructure.
The naval officer also expressed appreciation to the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, for his support and interventions on behalf of the command.
Beecroft paid tribute to former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola (Rtd), describing his presence at the anniversary celebrations as a source of inspiration to officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy.
He urged stakeholders and partners to sustain their support for the Navy, stressing that collaboration remains essential to maritime security, community development and national progress.
In his address at the dinner, Commander NNS DELTA Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu, highlighted a series of community-focused activities undertaken by the Base as part of the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
He said host communities benefited from food distribution, healthcare services and assurances of continued support from the Delta State Government through the Commissioner for Special Duties, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
According to him, the Base also conducted an educational outreach at Obiyame Primary School, where more than 1,200 notebooks, textbooks and teaching aids were distributed, while every pupil received a school bag.
“By investing in these children, we are investing in the future of Nigeria. Education remains the shortest path to sustainable development,” Tasiu said.
The Commander further disclosed that several projects were commissioned during the anniversary celebrations, including a one-storey self-contained transit accommodation within the Base and a well-furnished executive accommodation provided by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
He added that the Navy took its celebrations to Ubeji Community through a medical outreach programme that provided free consultations, laboratory tests, eye examinations and dental care to over 1,000 residents.
Tasiu also noted that football, volleyball and tug-of-war competitions involving youths, security agencies and paramilitary organisations were organised to foster teamwork, unity and community engagement.
“The event demonstrated that teamwork, training and shared responsibility can overcome any challenge. That is the model we must continue to apply in our joint operations on land, at sea and beyond,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola (Rtd), and other partners for their support towards the success of the anniversary activities.
Tasiu reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Delta to strengthening civil-military relations, securing Nigeria’s waterways and contributing to the development of host communities.
Other speakers at the event commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to national security, maritime safety and community development over the past seven decades.
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola (Rtd), described the Armed Forces as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s unity, urging security agencies to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities.
“The Navy and the Armed Forces are the keystone of Nigeria’s unity. We must continue to strengthen our institutions and preserve the values that have kept this nation together,” he said.
Retired naval officer, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, praised the Nigerian Navy for maintaining its tradition of professionalism and excellence.
“The Nigerian Navy has come a long way. Seeing younger officers carry forward the tradition of excellence gives us confidence that the future of the Service is secure,” he stated.
Also speaking, Brigadier General Efe Dafioghor (Rtd) stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies in addressing contemporary security challenges.
“Security is a collective responsibility. The cooperation we see among the military, security agencies and host communities remains essential to sustaining peace and stability,” he said.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the longstanding partnership between the Police and the Nigerian Navy.
“The Nigerian Navy has remained a dependable partner in securing our waterways. The synergy between the Navy and the Police continues to yield positive results in the fight against crime,” he said.
The speakers unanimously congratulated the Nigerian Navy on its 70th anniversary and expressed confidence in the Service’s ability to continue contributing to national development and security.
The Officers’ Ceremonial Dinner marked the climax of weeks of activities organised by NNS Delta to celebrate the Nigerian Navy’s 70 years of service to the nation.
Nigerian Navy at 70: NNS DELTA’s success story driven by Commodore Tasiu’s vision — Beecroft