Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The Osun State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, has urged prospective corps members for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course to embrace discipline, patriotism and active participation throughout their service year.

Speaking during an official briefing at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede on Saturday, Kubiangha welcomed the corps members and congratulated them on their successful mobilisation.

He described the orientation course as a vital stage in preparing participants for effective national service and personal growth.

“The Orientation Course is one of the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC Scheme and it is designed to instil discipline, leadership qualities, teamwork, self-reliance and a spirit of national unity among participants,” he said.

Kubiangha stated that the NYSC scheme remained an important platform for fostering national integration, promoting cultural understanding and contributing to national development and encouraged the corps members to take full advantage of the activities lined up for the three-week programme.

According to him, “the orientation activities include drills, lectures, sporting events, citizenship and leadership training, as well as the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.”

He noted that the SAED initiative offers corps members opportunities to acquire vocational and entrepreneurial skills capable of enhancing self-employment and wealth creation.

On welfare and security, the State Coordinator assured participants of the management’s commitment to their safety and well-being throughout the orientation exercise.

He advised them to promptly report health challenges or security concerns to camp officials and make adequate use of the medical facilities available on camp.

“We are committed to your welfare and security. You should remain security conscious at all times and avoid actions capable of exposing you to unnecessary risks,” Kubiangha said.

The coordinator who addressed issues relating to relocation, places of primary assignment and service procedures stressed that posting to places of primary assignment is strictly based on established guidelines and is free of charge.

He warned corps members against attempting to influence postings through monetary inducement or unofficial channels and emphasised the importance of discipline and proper conduct.

While warning that violations of camp rules and regulations could attract sanctions, including appearance before the Camp Court or decamping, he urged the corps members to uphold the values and integrity of the NYSC and to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of their institutions and families.

Osun NYSC coordinator urges corps members to embrace discipline, patriotism

British No.1 Emma Raducanu shrugged off a “tough” injury scare as she battled into the Queen’s Championships semi-finals on Saturday.

Raducanu beat Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3 7-5 in a match delayed by a day after heavy rain in west London, which means she will have to also play her semi-final, against American teenager Iva Jovic, later the same day.

She needed three match points to see off world No 78 Rakhimova in a tense service game, screaming with delight as she booked her place in the last four – which will feature two Brits, after Katie Boulter sealed her biggest win by ranking, over world No 2 and Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, late on Friday.

The 23-year-old said: “It was a match of ups and downs, I’m really grateful for the support I had in some really tough moments, and closing out that second set.”

The victory signals Raducanu’s return to the sharp, aggressive baseline tennis that fueled her hard-court final appearance in February. By maintaining her unblemished set record this week, she establishes herself as a formidable contender heading into the tournament’s concluding stages.

Raducanu Battles Into Queen’s Semi-Finals Despite Injury Scare is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Ex- Ivorien International, Yaya Toure has been appointed as manager of Slovakian giants Slovan Bratislava, the club confirmed on Saturday.

The 43-year-old Yaya Toure, put pen to paper on a three-year contract in the Slovakian capital.

“I’m very happy and excited; honestly, I can’t wait for us to get to work together on Monday,” Toure said in a club statement.

“I want to build on that while also bringing something new and unique of my own. Football is everything to me. I love challenges and am incredibly excited to coach a great club with a rich history, a beautiful stadium, and high ambitions.”

The Slovan Bratislava job will be Toure’s first as the head coach of a senior team after retiring in 2020. Toure has previously worked as an assistant at Olimpik Donetsk in Ukraine, Akhmat Grozny in Russia, Standard Liege in Belgium, and most recently with the Saudi Arabian national team alongside Roberto Mancini, under whose tutelage Toure won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2012.

Club chairman Ivan Kmotrik Jr. called the appointment of Yaya Toure the beginning of a new era for the 24-time Nike Liga winners.

“I am very pleased that Yaya Toure is our new head coach,” Smotrik said.

“I am glad we agreed on a three-year contract and that together, we will begin building a new era for Slovan Bratislava. My goal was to bring in someone with the experience at the highest level of world football – and who is also highly motivated to make a name for himself as a coach.”

Toure faces a tough start, as Slovan Bratislava will find out their opponent for the Champions League second qualifying round at the draw in Nyon on June 17th.

Slovanian Club Slovan Bratislava Appoint Yaya Toure As Manager is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Presidential candidate representing the National Rescue Movement, NRM, Esther Okereke, has asserted that June 12 should not merely be regarded as a date on the calendar.

Okereke emphasized that 33 years ago, Nigerians from all tribes and faiths united not for a political party, but for a shared vision.

The presidential hopeful spoke in a statement released to mark the June 12 Democracy Day.

She stated that Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, China Ubani, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransom-Kuti, and countless unnamed Nigerian student leaders, journalists, and civil rights activists who faced the threat of violence did not sacrifice their lives for mere rhetoric, but for a Nigeria where children can learn without fear, mothers can heal without begging, and young men can find employment without relying on connections.

“If we forget them, we dishonor their memory. Therefore, today we remember. However, remembrance without action is merely lamentation. And Nigeria has grown weary of lamenting,” she expressed in a statement she personally signed on Friday.

“My fellow citizens, I will not deceive you. Democracy is in distress,” she continued.

“The court you seek for justice may sometimes fail to deliver it. The vote you cast in hope may sometimes vanish along the way. The market where a mother sells garri sees her profits consumed by inflation before the day ends.

“Having 100 million Nigerians living in poverty is not just a statistic. That is my neighbor. That is the orphan I assisted last week. That is you and me! If I stand here and pretend that everything is fine, I would be lying.

“But Nigeria can thrive again. Not through magic, but through hard work. Hope is not merely wishing. Hope is making a decision. And I have made my decision; you should too.

“I am not asking for your blood. I am asking for your commitment today, just one more sacrifice. To the youth: Do not flee Nigeria. Flee from fear. Your skills in coding, your music, your entrepreneurial spirit — that is the new oil.

“To the civil servants: Serve with pride once more.

To the diaspora: Return home. Not out of pity, but in partnership, with your collective determination.

“My fellow Nigerians, the heroes of June 12 did not perish so that we could engage in arguments on social media. They sacrificed so that we could collaborate effectively.”

‘Democracy is in distress’ – NRM presidential candidate, Esther Okereke

DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS MOURNS THE PASSING OF RETIRED MAJOR GENERAL RABE ABUBAKAR, REAFFIRMS RESOLVE TO ERADICATE TERRORISM

The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) convey its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians. Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information. He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts. His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN.

The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return.

This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens. 

In response to series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation.

We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorists activities across the nation are held to account.

SAMAILA UBA

Major General

Director Defence Information

13 June 2026

More than three months after his vehicle was allegedly stolen while covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Congress in Bauchi, a correspondent of Leadership Newspapers, Khalid Idris Doya, says he has yet to receive any form of sympathy or compensation from the party.

Doya said the incident occurred on March 3, 2026, when he attended the APC State Congress at the party’s state secretariat along Maiduguri Road, Bauchi, following an official invitation to cover the event.

According to him, he arrived at the venue in his Pontiac Vibe 2004 model vehicle and parked it within the vicinity of the secretariat before joining other journalists and party members for the exercise.

“I was officially invited to cover the proceedings of the APC State Congress as part of media coverage of the event. I attended the congress venue at the Next Level APC Secretariat, Bauchi, with my vehicle,” Doya said.

He explained that the vehicle was parked between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. while the congress was in progress but was nowhere to be found when he returned.

“The vehicle was parked within the vicinity of the venue while the congress was ongoing. Regrettably, due to the crowd that gathered at the congress venue, some unknown individuals stole the vehicle,” he said.

The stolen vehicle was identified as a Pontiac Vibe with chassis number 5Y2SL62833Z408918 and registration number BAU-100HB.

Doya said he immediately reported the incident to the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Bauchi, and has since cooperated with security agencies in efforts to recover the vehicle.

“Despite these efforts and reports made to the relevant security authorities, there has so far been no information regarding the whereabouts of the vehicle,” he added.

The journalist further disclosed that he informed the APC leadership about the incident both verbally and through formal written communication. However, more than three months after the theft, he said the party has neither publicly sympathised with him nor offered any form of assistance.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the APC leadership in Bauchi on the matter were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The incident has raised concerns among media practitioners over the welfare and protection of journalists assigned to cover major political events in the state.

APC abandoned me after my car was stolen at party’s congress – Journalist laments 

The Katsina State Government has confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of bandits, describing the incident as a tragic loss to the state and the nation.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, the government said the retired Army officer died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.

The government said despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.

It described the late general’s abduction and death as a monumental loss, not only to his family and Katsina State but to the entire country.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and Nigerians at large, describing the development as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for a more coordinated response to insecurity.

The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with the Federal Government and security agencies to combat banditry and ensure those responsible for the crime are brought to justice.

He also assured residents that the government’s determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property remains unwavering.

The Katsina State Government prayed for the repose of the late retired major general and strength for his family to bear the loss.

BREAKING: Kidnapped Retired General Dies In Captivity is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Some residents of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, on Friday staged a protest calling for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation.

The protesters, who are predominantly youths, also called on eligible voters to ensure that they get their Permanent Voters Card, PVC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a video clip making the rounds, the protesters were heard saying, “get your voter cards, Tinubu must go”.

DAILY POST reports that there were a series of protests across the country on Friday as Nigerians marked the 2026 June 12 Democracy Day.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, activist, Omoyele Sowore and some celebrities led the EndBadGovernance protest in Lagos and Abuja, respectively.

Watch video

Rivers: ‘Tinubu Must Go’ protest rocks Portharcourt [VIDEO]

‎The Anambra State Government has demolished a collapsed three-storey building under construction in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, near Onitsha.

The demolition is an effort to strengthen compliance with building regulations and protect lives and property.

‎The demolition was carried out on Friday by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development following technical assessments that declared the structure unsafe and a threat to nearby residents and properties.

‎The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu said the action aligns with the state government’s commitment to orderly urban development, public safety, and strict enforcement of approved building standards.

‎He explained that the demolition was a preventive measure aimed at averting future disasters rather than punishing the developer, stressing that unsafe and distressed structures would not be tolerated.

‎The building, located in Umuoma Village, reportedly collapsed on May 18 while construction workers were still on site, although no casualties were recorded.

‎Preliminary findings attributed the collapse to the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices, including the stacking of blocks before adequate curing and the use of unsuitable reinforcement materials.

‎While inspecting the site during the demolition, Barr. Ojukwu disclosed that the project violated several building regulations, including the absence of approved permits, non-compliance with setback requirements, and excessive development beyond the capacity of the land.

‎He warned developers, contractors, and property owners against ignoring established planning laws, noting that the ministry would intensify monitoring and enforcement across the state.

‎According to the commissioner, the government is reviewing existing laws to impose stricter sanctions on developers who fail to meet approved standards, with criminal penalties among measures being considered.

‎Ojukwu also urged builders to engage qualified professionals and comply with regulatory requirements, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to urban regeneration projects, including key infrastructure developments planned for Nnewi.

Anambra doubles down on unsafe construction sites, demolishes failed building near Onitsha

United States striker, Folarin Balogun, scored twice in their 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

Balogun found the net in the 31st minute before adding a second just before half-time.

His first-half brace also saw him become the first American player in 96 years to score more than one goal in a single World Cup match. 

Balogun was born in Brooklyn, United States, to Nigerian parents. Although he was born in America, he spent only a short time there before moving to England with his family, making him eligible to represent the United States, England and Nigeria.

After the match, he described the performance as a dream come true.

“A real dream, you know? It’s a dream, it’s a dreamy night,” he told reporters after.

“I’ve not been able to take it all in afterwards… I’m sure when I get back to my hotel and I rest, I’m sure I’m going to really be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is.”

2026 World Cup: Nigerian-born striker, Balogun makes history as USA beats Paraguay