Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The State Finals of the Abia Soccer Fest tournament have commenced, with matches taking place across three centres in Abia State.
In Umuahia, the opening fixture featured Isuikwuato against Arochukwu.

While carrying out the ceremonial kick-off at Ubakala Mini Stadium on Friday, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, urged the players to remain disciplined as they strive for victory.

Prince Nwachukwu stated that the Abia Soccer Fest was created to discover football talents at the grassroots level and bring out players from local communities.

“The essence of this entire competition is, first and foremost, to draw out talent from the various communities.

“And I am happy to say that some of the players I am seeing here, some of them are 17, 18, so we are happy that they are coming out,” Prince Nwachukwu stated.

He further revealed that 57 outstanding players were identified during the local government phase, adding that many of them are expected to remain in contention as the tournament progresses.

“We will pick up all these players and then have them compete amongst themselves so that they can have opportunities in bigger clubs and showcase their talents.

“So apart from drawing out the talent, we also want to use it as a bonding strategy for communities to interact through the medium of sports,” Nwachukwu stated.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, noted that the competition has already produced over fifty exceptional players and disclosed that international scouts would be invited for possible recruitment.

Nwaobilor encouraged the teams to adhere strictly to the rules, approach every game with seriousness, and remain hopeful of being selected alongside other discovered talents.
He also commended the State Governor, Alex Otti, for his consistent dedication to advancing sports development.

The Vice Chairman of the Abia State Soccer Fest Local Organising Committee, Captain Eric Asomugha, explained that the kick-off signals the beginning of the tournament’s second phase, which will see the 17 local government champions compete in four groups.

Captain Asomugha added that the initiative has provided youths with a platform to showcase their abilities globally and advised participants to maintain discipline throughout the competition.

According to him, “the whole idea of Abia Soccer Fest is for community engagement, youth empowerment, and talent hunt.

“We want to give opportunities to our great footballers who are in the grassroots.
“So, we’ve gone deep into the villages. And mind you, this competition is being played by 184 wards in the state from the 17 Local Government Areas.

“So, we have two phases. Phase 1, we played 166 matches across the 17 Local Government Areas. And today, we are kicking off the second phase, which we call the State Finals, where the 17 Local Government champions will be competing against each other for the state championship,” Asomugha explained.

In her remarks, the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, applauded Governor Alex Otti for his support toward youth development and urged all participating local governments to observe the rules of the game.

At the end of the encounter, Isuikwuato secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Arochukwu.

Youth Talent Takes Centre Stage At Abia Soccer Fest Finals is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

By Matilda Ikediobi

The Chief Executive Officer of Inocul8, Dr. Emmanuel Egbroko, has dismissed claims circulating among some members of the public that the hepatitis B vaccine can cause infection, describing the belief as misinformation that continues to hinder public health efforts.

Dr. Egbroko made the clarification while speaking on hepatitis B awareness, urging Nigerians to embrace vaccination as a safe and effective way to prevent the disease. He also warned that many people could already be living with the virus without knowing it, increasing the risk of late diagnosis and complications.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and is transmitted through contact with infected blood, unprotected sexual contact, sharing of sharp objects, and from mother to child during childbirth. Health experts note that many infected individuals may not show symptoms in the early stages, allowing the virus to silently damage the liver over time and potentially lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

According to Dr. Egbroko, fears that the vaccine can transmit the disease are unfounded. He explained that the Hepatitis B vaccine does not contain a live virus, but rather a harmless viral protein that trains the immune system to recognize and fight future infections.

“The vaccine cannot cause hepatitis B infection because it does not contain the virus itself,” he said, adding that reported mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or slight fever are normal immune responses and not signs of illness.

The Chief Medical Director of Inocul8, Dr. Paul Ogboji, also noted that misinformation, particularly on social media, has contributed significantly to vaccine hesitancy. He said many people wrongly associate normal post-vaccination reactions with infection, leading to fear and avoidance of immunisation.

The organisation, Inocul8, said it is intensifying public awareness campaigns to address misconceptions and improve understanding of infectious diseases.

Health experts continue to stress that hepatitis B remains a significant public health concern in many parts of Africa, including Nigeria, where undiagnosed cases are common. They maintain that vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive measures against the disease.

Dr. Egbroko urged Nigerians to seek accurate medical information and to prioritise vaccination as part of long-term protection against hepatitis B infection.

The post Expert rejects Hepatitis B vaccine infection claims, urges wider immunisation appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement with VERXID Technologies Limited for the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system, known as VPASS, across Nigeria’s domestic airports.

According to a statement issued by Chindaya Adamu, Director of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the agreement was signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The statement noted that the initiative is aimed at strengthening aviation security, improving data integrity, and boosting revenue generation across the sector.

Keyamo said the introduction of VPASS would eliminate discrepancies in passenger data caused by inconsistent airline records and tackle cases of unauthorised boarding.

According to the minister, the system will ensure that all passengers on domestic flights are properly identified, closing existing gaps that allow individuals to bypass standard identification procedures.

He noted that while strict identity verification measures are already in place for international travel, the VPASS system will extend similar standards to domestic operations.

“The system will subsequently be expanded to cover private aviation, to further strengthen security oversight across the sector,” Keyamo added.

The minister described the project as a comprehensive reform that will promote transparency, accountability, and safety in the aviation industry.

He said implementation will begin with infrastructure deployment by the concessionaire, followed by a nationwide sensitisation campaign to drive public awareness and compliance.

Keyamo also commended key stakeholders, including the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for their roles in advancing the initiative.

In his remarks, Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the government remains committed to modernising the aviation sector through technology-driven solutions aimed at improving efficiency, security, and passenger experience.

Also speaking, Adebola Agunbiade, Director of Commercial and Business Development at FAAN, said the VPASS system would reduce reliance on physical identification at airports.

She added that the deployment of facial recognition technology will enable seamless passenger processing in line with global best practices.

Johnson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the ICRC, said public-private partnerships remain critical to strengthening infrastructure, improving airport standards, and enhancing national security.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of VERXID Technologies Limited, Adebayo Bankole, assured that the company would deploy a secure and integrated identity management system across airports nationwide.

Bankole said the solution will enhance passenger verification, curb unauthorised movement within airport facilities, and support revenue assurance through accurate data analytics.

FG Moves To Tackle Identity Fraud At Nigeria’s Airports is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed his plans to reposition Umuahia in his administration, through infrastructural development and economic expansion.

Otti made this known on Friday, at the Umuahia Township Stadium during a Grand Civil Reception organised in his honour by the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, comprising Umuahia North, Umuahia South, and Ikwuano Local Government Areas.

He noted that his administration has a clear vision for the State Capital and the focus is on infrastructural development and economic expansion to achieve it.

“The transformation of Umuahia has only just begun, we already have a clear vision of what we want the city to become.

“We are not trying to reshape Umuahia after any other place, our goal is to build it to reflect its own identity,” he said.

The governor stressed that his admission is focused on completing ongoing projects such as the Umuahia Stadium and the Amachara Specialist Hospital.

He disclosed his plans to establish a five-star hotel in Umuahia, noting that the project would boost tourism, investment, and business activities.

He assured residents that the ongoing reforms would bring permanent changes, adding that the state has moved beyond past setbacks.

“By the time we are done, Umuahia will not remain the same. Once good governance is firmly established and people’s dignity restored, there will be no desire to return to the past,” he stated.

He further described leadership as a responsibility anchored on stewardship and service to the people.

“Leadership, for us, is about stewardship. Once you remove stewardship, it becomes self-interest.

“We must always remain guided by principle,” he added.

Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Augustine Okezie, praised the Governor’s efforts, noting that his adminstration has renewed hope and confidence in governance.

Mayor of Umuahia South, Chinedum Enwereuzo, described the level of development across the constituency as the highest ever seen and pledged continued support for the administration.

National Secretary of the Labour Party, Darlington Nwokocha, while welcoming former federal legislator, Chief Oluchi Ibeji, and his supporters into the party, assured them of fairness and equal opportunities.

Ibeji in his remarks, praised the governor’s leadership, saying it has restored hope to the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia and pledged continued political support.

Stakeholders including Uzodinma Okpara, Monday Ubani, Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi and Victor Ikeji and other prominent individuals commended the Governor Otti, for his development progress, especially in infrastructure, healthcare, and social welfare.

Otti Targets Economic Expansion, Infrastructure Upgrade In Umuahia is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Omotayo Abioye, a 40-year-old Nigerian woman and mother of three, has passed away in the United Kingdom following what has been described as a brave fight against breast cancer.

The news of her death was shared on Friday via X by Benjamin Kuti, also known as Oluomo of Derby, a former president of the Nigerian community in the UK. He disclosed that Abioye died on Sunday, leaving behind “three beautiful children, aged 11, nine, and seven”, whom he said were her greatest pride and legacy.

“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, Omotayo Abioye, who departed this life on Sunday, the 5th of April, in the United Kingdom,” Oluomo wrote.

“A devoted mother, loving wife, caring sister, cherished aunty, and dear friend who transitioned at the age of 40 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.”

He paid tribute to her character, describing her as “truly one of a kind, kind, generous, and full of life, with a radiant and bubbly spirit that lit up every room she entered”.

“She loved deeply, laughed freely, and had a beautiful gift for bringing people together whether through her passion for dancing or her warm, welcoming nature,” he added.

Oluomo further noted that Abioye remained steadfast in her faith throughout her illness, maintaining strength and grace despite the challenges she faced.

“Her life was a powerful testimony of resilience, strength, and hope,” Oluomo said.

“In this moment of grief, we humbly call on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to stand with the family.”

He revealed that members of the Nigerian community in the UK have begun raising funds to ensure Abioye receives “a befitting and dignified farewell, and to support her children as they begin a life without their beloved mother”.

Appealing for public support, Oluomo encouraged donations through a GoFundMe initiative.

“No amount is too small. Your support, prayers, and kindness will go a long way in honoring her memory and easing the burden on her loved ones,” he said.

“May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

The post Nigerian mum of three dies in UK after cancer battle appeared first on Vanguard News.

Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Saturday claimed a landslide victory in an election that secured his sixth straight term at the helm of the strategically placed Horn of Africa nation.

Guelleh won Friday’s presidential election with 97.8 percent of the vote, according to official results.

He beat his sole opponent Mohamed Farah Samatar, little known by the general public, who secured just 2.2 percent of the vote, according to interior ministry figures.

“Re-elected”, the 78-year-old declared in a social media post ahead of the official results, after early results gave him a huge lead.

Guelleh has ruled the tiny nation of one million people for 27 years with an iron grip. He has made his name leveraging Djibouti’s key location to turn it into an international military and maritime hub.

Its 23,000 square kilometres (8,900 square miles) hosts military bases and contingents from France, the United States, China, Japan and Italy, generating substantial financial, security and political benefits.

Guelleh won the last election in 2021, boycotted by most of the opposition, with more than 97 percent of the vote. He had announced he would step down this year but a constitutional amendment in November removed the upper age limit of 75 for presidential candidates.

Some polling stations stayed open an hour later because of delays opening at the start of the day. But few people in Djibouti doubted who would win.

Amid heavy security, Guelleh, widely known by his initials IOG, voted before noon at City Hall alongside his wife, while Samatar cast his ballot earlier.

“By the grace of God, we have arrived here, and we hope that this will end in victory,” Guelleh told reporters.

Guelleh has plastered the capital with campaign posters and drew thousands to his rallies, while Samatar has struggled to gain support.

The national broadcaster aired one of Samatar’s events, with only a few dozen people present.

Samatar is the little-known leader of the Unified Democratic Centre (CDU), a party with no seats in parliament.

“I’m going to vote for Ismail Omar Guelleh because he has a good programme for young people. I don’t even know what his opponent looks like,” Deka Aden Mohamed, 38, told AFP.

– Unemployment and debt –

Guelleh has faced little opposition since succeeding the country’s first president, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, in 1999. He had been Aptidon’s chief of staff.

In 2005, Guelleh was re-elected unopposed.

His candidacy is seen by some as offering “stability” in the troubled Horn of Africa region, but analysts say it is driven by the absence of a unanimously accepted successor.

The health of the president has come under scrutiny.

Despite claims by the Djibouti League of Human Rights that the vote is a “masquerade”, people told AFP they were eager to vote.

“It’s a duty to go vote,” said Yussuf Mohamed Hussein. “I’m going to vote for the president; Samatar, I don’t even know him.”

Around 70 percent of young Djiboutians are unemployed and the country’s development has come at the cost of substantial debt, particularly to China.

Djibouti is situated on the key Bab al-Mandeb strait, which divides the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

Without agriculture to rely on, the country depends on ports for 70 percent of its gross domestic product, with Ethiopia its main maritime outlet.

The nation is accused by human rights organisations of repressing dissent, while Guelleh faces claims of favouring his own majority Issa ethnic group at the expense of the Afar minority.

AFP

The post Djibouti president claims sixth straight term appeared first on Vanguard News.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a young lady identified as Adetutu Aderibigbe in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Sources narrated that the lady was kidnapped by gunmen numbering about four.

The incident according to sources occured on Wednesday.

It was learnt that the victim was kidnapped around 6:00 pm at the front of her residence at the Bolumole area in Ibadan.

She was subsequently taken away in a black Lexus Jeep with no number plate.

The whereabouts of the victim remain unknown as of the time of filing this report on Friday.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

He said that efforts were ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victim.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Friday said, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the incident occurred on 8th April 2026 at about 1800hrs at Bolumole Area, off Ring Road, Ibadan.

“Upon her arrival and while attempting to enter her premises, she was accosted at the gate by four armed men wearing masks and subsequently forcefully taken away in an unregistered black Lexus vehicle.

“A family member who was present at the scene was left unharmed”.

Gunmen storm Ibadan, kidnap young lady

Super Falcons striker, Blessing Nkor has sealed a move to Belarusian Women’s Premier League club, Dynamo Brest, DAILY POST reports.

Nkor signed a short-term contract until the end of the 2026 season.

The 22-year-old last played for Spanish club, Deportivo La Coruña.

Injury disrupted the forward’s spell at Deportivo La Coruña as she managed only one appearance for the club.

Nkor has also played in Tanzania for Yanga, and Turkish club Gaziantep Asya Spor.

She has been capped once by the Super Falcons.

Transfer: Super Falcons forward seals move to Belarusian club Dynamo Brest

The Opta SuperComputer has given Arsenal a 97.17% chance of winning the Premier League title.

With only seven fixtures left to play, Mikel Arteta’s men have been installed as overwhelming favourites to be champions.

Ahead of Saturday’s early kick-off against Bournemouth at the Emirates, the Gunners sit nine points clear of Manchester City.

City themselves have been given a 2.83% chance of beating Arsenal to the title, despite having a game in hand.

Opta has predicted that the teams that will finish in top four – Manchester United and Aston Villa – have no chance of winning the league.

Liverpool is also projected to grab the final automatic Champions League spot.

EPL: SuperComputer predicts title winners, top four places ahead of Game Week 32

The lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, James Faleke, has publicly declared support for Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, to succeed as governor in the 2027 elections.

Faleke made his position known via a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, urging party faithful and his supporters across Lagos to rally behind Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress prepares for its primaries scheduled for May.

“Good evening all. As we prepare for Party primaries next month, I urge all our supporters in Ikeja Federal Constituency and Lagos State to support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State from 2027–2035 IJN. Amen!” he wrote.

Within the APC, there are indications that leaders are gravitating toward a consensus approach that could see Hamzat emerge as the party’s governorship flagbearer in Lagos.

In neighbouring states, similar alignments are reportedly taking shape, with party insiders favouring Senator Olamilekan Adeola, widely known as Yayi, for Ogun State, and Senator Sharafadeen Alli for Oyo State.

These preferences are believed to have stemmed from discussions held during a meeting between APC stakeholders from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states and President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on March 23.

Sources familiar with the developments disclosed that a follow-up meeting involving the President and key party figures from the South-West was convened to fine-tune strategies and make crucial decisions ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Participants at the Lagos meeting reportedly engaged in extensive deliberations, focusing on party direction and the selection of candidates for key positions.

Those present included the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; as well as the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zaccheaus Adedeji, among other prominent APC stakeholders.

The post Faleke endorses Hamzat for Lagos gov position appeared first on Vanguard News.