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Mali’s Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, has been killed during coordinated attacks on military sites across the country, dealing a devastating blow to the West African nation’s military government.

Camara, one of the most influential figures within Mali’s ruling military leadership, was killed a day after his residence in the garrison town of Kati came under simultaneous attack by an al-Qaeda affiliate and Tuareg rebels. He had been seen by some as a possible future leader of Mali.

Attackers carried out a suicide car bomb assault on Camara’s residence in Kati, a heavily fortified military town about 15 kilometres northwest of the capital, Bamako, where Interim President Assimi Goita also lives.

Kati is considered one of the most secure locations in the country, yet fighters from the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, along with Tuareg fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front, were able to launch the attack.

Interim President Goita was reported to be alive and well in a secure location, having been moved to safety when the attack began, and remains in command of the military.

Gunmen attacked several other locations across Mali, including Bamako, as well as Gao and Kidal in the north and the central city of Sevare. The sounds of heavy gunfire and loud explosions could still be heard in Kidal on Sunday, with the operation described as still ongoing more than 24 hours after it began.

Analysts noted that the two armed groups, which had previously been fighting each other, joined forces last year and agreed to work together against the state.

“These are two groups fighting for different objectives but they came together and what we have seen over the last few days is the actual implementation of this agreement,” said analyst Bulama Bukarti, who warned that more battles for control of territory and strategic locations were likely in the coming days.

Camara was a central figure in the military government that seized power after back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021. His death has been described as a major blow to the country’s armed forces.

The African Union, the secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United States Bureau of African Affairs all condemned the attacks.

Suicide Bomb Kills Mali’s Defence Minister In Coordinated Militant Attack is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

There are growing concerns over a troubling pattern of state-led interference targeting the activities of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.

Recent revelations from the politician himself, backed by explosive accounts from activist Aisha Yesufu and community leader Manasseh Allen, suggest a coordinated effort by authorities to block Mr. Obi from speaking at universities and even donating educational equipment to secondary schools.

The controversy gained fresh momentum after Mr. Obi was prevented from delivering a keynote lecture at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, scheduled for 9:00 am on Saturday. Despite months of preparation, the university authorities reportedly pulled the plug on the event at the last minute.

Expressing his disappointment, Obi noted that this was not an isolated incident but part of a recurring theme involving over ten similar cancellations across the country, including at his alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

“Universities are meant to be centers of learning, open dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas,” Obi stated. “When platforms for constructive engagement are repeatedly constrained, it reflects a worrying shift away from these ideals.”

He contrasted the situation in Nigeria with his recent experiences abroad, where he has lectured freely at world-class institutions like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and Yale within the last 24 months.

While the university cancellations highlight a restriction on intellectual discourse, a more startling revelation emerged regarding a botched charitable intervention in Borno State.

Following the OAU incident, activist Aisha Yesufu and Manasseh Allen revealed how “politics” allegedly stopped a donation of ICT equipment to the Government Secondary School in Chibok, the site of the infamous 2014 mass abduction.

According to Manasseh Allen, the school principal had reached out because the institution lacked a single computer. Peter Obi reportedly moved to donate computers, printers, and financial aid. However, the Borno State government machinery allegedly blocked every attempt to deliver the items.

“First we were denied from going. Then Mr. Peter Obi suggested we visit the capital and give them or any neighboring state, that was also turned down. The next was bringing the principal and some teachers with students to Abuja. They were not allowed to come,” Aisha Yesufu recounted.

The fallout in Chibok allegedly turned punitive. Allen claimed the school principal was queried and transferred for daring to speak about the school’s lack of facilities.

Furthermore, a circular was reportedly issued by the State Ministry of Education, forbidding any school from receiving aid or allowing visitors without the express permission of the Commissioner, a move Allen describes as a strategy to prevent opposition figures from gaining “political points” through philanthropy.

“To them, it’s about politics and control,” Allen said. “They cannot do it, and they do not want to allow those who can do it.”

These combined incidents have provided an answer to critics who frequently ask why Peter Obi’s charitable visits are mostly concentrated on private and missionary-owned nursing and health institutions.

Aisha Yesufu clarified that the choice is born of necessity rather than bias. “It is a normal thing we face. The ones run by government would not allow him to visit or the officials take anything from him,” she explained.

The developments have sparked a wider conversation about the health of Nigeria’s democracy and the independence of its institutions.

Mr. Obi warned that the trend of shutting down intellectual and philanthropic spaces for political reasons is a threat to national progress. “We must ask ourselves: what kind of nation are we building if spaces meant for intellectual engagement are gradually shrinking?” he asked.

As at the time of this report, neither the management of Obafemi Awolowo University nor the Borno State Government has issued an official statement to explain the specific reasons for blocking the scheduled lecture or the donation of the ICT equipment.

How State Power, Politics Stall Peter Obi’s Philanthropy, Engagements is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Coco Gauff battled sickness as she dug deep to come from a set and a break down and beat Sorana Cirstea to reach the last 16 of the Madrid Open.

Despite struggling with a stomach virus that saw the American third seed vomit into a bin midway through the second set, Gauff fought back to claim a 4-6 7-5 6-1 victory.

Several players have been struggling with illness in Madrid this week, including six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, who said she had “zero stability and zero energy” after retiring from her match against Ann Li on Saturday.

Marin Cilic withdrew before his second-round tie with Joao Fonseca on Friday, while Liudmila Samsonova also dropped out of the tournament because of illness before her third-round match with Linda Noskova.

Gauff asked for a medical timeout in the second set against Romanian 25th seed Cirstea, and when asked how she got through the match, she responded: “I don’t know honestly.”

She added: “I think I got what everybody else is having here in Madrid, unfortunately. So, I’m just going to try to push through for tomorrow.

“I did start to feel better, not feeling like I had to throw up. They gave me some pills, so that definitely helped.

“But I was really tired… The first part was literally just trying to keep whatever I ate down. Once they gave me something to help with that, then I was just nauseous and tired. But I can deal with that.”

Gauff will play Czech 13th seed Noskova in the last 16 as she continues her preparation on clay before next month’s French Open, where she is the reigning champion.

Gauff’s win over Cirstea means she has reached the fourth round in Madrid for the third straight year.

Last year she was beaten in the final by world number one Aryna Sabalenka before avenging that defeat a month later in the final at Roland Garros.

Gauff Beats Cirstea In Madrid Despite Stomach Virus is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Ogun State governor and two-term senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ibikunle Amosun, has insisted that he never

asked or pressured aspirants to withdraw from the 2027 senatorial race.

Recall that a stakeholders’ meeting of the Ogun Central Senatorial District was held in Abeokuta on Thursday, to deliberate on the possibility of adopting a consensus candidate.

According to reports from the meeting, Amosun had reportedly listed three aspirants as having agreed to step down for him.

This, however, led to a backlash and the aspirants denying having any conversation or agreeing to step down for the former governor.

Reacting to the incident on Sunday, Amosun in a statement by his media office described such claims as “misrepresentation” of proceedings at a the meeting.

According to the statement titled, “Ogun Central APC Meeting: Setting the Record Straight – Amosun”, the former governor stated that it will be undemocratic and unacceptable for him to request anyone to withdraw from the race.

The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to media reports about a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun Central Senatorial District held last Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the residence of Chief Olusegun Osoba on the nomination of candidates for the 2027 general election.

“Many of the accounts of the meeting were complete misrepresentation of the proceedings. The meeting was convened at my instance, when there were insinuations about my candidature for the election.

“At the meeting, I recalled that three senatorial aspirants from the district had visited me to seek my support for their candidacy and that each of them volunteered that if I am interested in contesting for the office, they would withdraw their candidacy.

“Nowhere throughout the meeting did I request anyone to withdraw from the race for me because that would be undemocratic and unacceptable.

“I wish to reiterate that I am not only a democrat, I have contested and won election twice to the office of Governor of Ogun State and twice as a Senator of the Federal Republic. What I said at the meeting, which I reiterate is that I would not be part of a primary election whose result is predetermined.

“I advise the media to report proceedings of meetings correctly by cross-checking accounts given by interested parties” the statement concluded.

Amosun denies asking other aspirants to step down from 2027 senatorial race

Students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, have developed an electric tricycle and an AI-powered food delivery platform to tackle transport, energy and logistics challenges.

The projects were unveiled during an institutional innovation showcase, where students presented solutions addressing Nigeria’s mobility constraints, rising fuel costs and inefficiencies in urban delivery systems.

The Deputy Registrar, Centre for Communication Information and Public Relations, Mr Adekunle Adams, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Adams said the initiatives reflected the institution’s commitment to practical learning, adding that students were encouraged to create solutions with real-world impact.

He said Higher National Diploma Mechanical Engineering students, led by Chukwuma Chisom, developed the electric tricycle, which emerged the overall best innovation.

According to him, the project demonstrated technical ingenuity and teamwork, earning commendation from evaluators for its relevance to Nigeria’s transport and energy needs.

He said the team converted a petrol-powered TVS tricycle into a fully electric vehicle to reduce fuel dependence, cut transport costs and promote eco-friendly mobility.

Adams noted that the innovation could support the transition to cleaner energy while offering a cheaper alternative for commercial transport operators.

He explained that the students replaced the combustion engine with a 72-volt, 4-kilowatt brushless direct current motor, smart controller and lithium battery system.

He added that the configuration improves energy efficiency, reduced noise pollution and lowered maintenance requirements compared with conventional petrol-powered tricycles.

Adams said the prototype delivered about 45 kilometres per charge, while a proposed commercial model was projected to cover nearly 200 kilometres daily.

He said the extended range model was designed for commercial viability, particularly for intra-city transport and last-mile connectivity services.

He noted that another highlight was an AI-powered food delivery ecosystem by student innovator Uba Mathew, aimed at improving meal recommendations and logistics.

According to him, the platform leverages artificial intelligence to personalise user experience, streamline vendor operations and optimise delivery routes.

He said the system could benefit small food vendors by increasing visibility, improving order management and enhancing customer satisfaction.

According to him, the platform integrates customer reviews, predictive demand systems and rider performance evaluation to enhance accountability and service quality.

Adams added that the innovation addressed inefficiencies in existing delivery services, particularly delays, poor coordination and lack of performance tracking.

Meanwhile, YABATECH Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, urged youths to embrace creativity and technology, stressing that innovation is vital to economic growth.

Abdul emphasised the importance of skills development, urging students to align their ideas with national priorities and global technological trends.

He reiterated the institution’s support for innovation-driven education, noting that such initiatives position graduates for entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

YABATECH Students Unveil Electric Tricycle, AI Delivery Platform is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Veteran gospel singer, Prince Goke Bajowa, has threatened legal action against his colleague, Boye Best over copyright infringement.

While accusing Boye Best of always singing his song ‘Iwo Ko Lodami’ on every live performances and shows without acknowledging him, Bajowa said, “it is both misleading and unfair to present it in a way that suggests ownership or exclusive rights, especially when you have evidently benefited from its widespread use.”

Speaking in an Instagram video release on Sunday, Bajowa who tagged his outburst as a final warning to Boye Best, also threatened that failure to properly acknowledge him as the original owner will attract legal action.

Bajowa further explained that Boye Best refused to acknowledge him despite an earlier communication.

“This is a final warning to you Boye Best @boyebest you have continued to use my song Iwo Ko Lodami indiscriminately across multiple platforms and events, despite earlier communication making it clear that you do not own the rights to this work.

“While no one has stopped you from performing the song. Let this serve as a clear notice, going forward, you must properly acknowledge the original owner, Goke Bajowa, in every use of the song. Failure to do so will leave no choice but to pursue appropriate actions to protect the integrity and ownership of the work. This matter should not be taken lightly”, the singer said.

Watch the video

Gospel singer, Bajowa threatens legal action against Best over alleged copyright infringement

The Ogun State Police Command has debunked a viral video alleging the presence of armed bandits in the state.

DAILY POST reports that the drone footage currently circulating on social media, showed armed men operating within a forest in Ogun State.

The video was accompanied by a male voice saying, “We are trying to show you some video footage of the hideout of kidnappers here in Ogun State. We were able to capture this with our drone cameras, so people should be mindful of their movement henceforth.

“Yes this is a hideout can you see that, a lot of people are being detained by their captors………they are trying to aim at the drone camera but it’s not easy because as you can see the drone doesn’t stand stable. But thank God for this discovery, people should be very careful and mindful with their movements” it added.

When contacted on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, told DAILY POST that the video it does not originate from Ogun State or any part of Nigeria.

Babaseyi described the video as misleading and false, adding that credible fact-checks revealed that the footage was recorded in Kenya during an operation involving cattle rustlers and was captured by a General Service Unit (GSU) drone.

He said, “The video is false, misleading, and does not originate from Ogun State or any part of Nigeria.

“Preliminary findings and credible fact-checks reveal that the footage, which shows some individuals cooking in a bush setting, was recorded in Kenya during an operation involving cattle rustlers and was captured by a General Service Unit (GSU) drone.

“Further verification indicates that the video was first uploaded online in 2022 and has since been deliberately recirculated with a false narrative to create panic and misinform the public about the security situation in Ogun State” the image maker added.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, condemned the spread of unverified and deceptive content, noting that it is capable of causing unnecessary fear and undermining public confidence in security agencies.

He stressed that there is no intelligence or operational report to support the claim of any such criminal presence within forests or any part of Ogun State.

Ojajuni called for calm and reassured residents that the command remains proactive and committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property through intelligence-led policing, strategic deployments, and sustained operational vigilance across the state.

He advised the public to disregard the viral video and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of inciting panic or disrupting public peace, warning that the spread of false information and inciting content will not be tolerated.

“It’s false, misleading”- Police debunk viral armed bandits video in Ogun

British tight end Seydou Traore was a late-round pick in the NFL Draft along with Uar Bernard, a Nigerian yet to play a game of American football.

Traore is the first graduate of the UK-based NFL Academy to be drafted, having been selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 180th overall pick.

The 23-year-old has French-Algerian and Ivorian heritage and was born and raised in London, where he played for the London Warriors as a teenager.

He was part of the NFL Academy’s first intake in 2019 and spent five years in college football in the USA before showcasing his talent through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme this year.

Former Warriors player Efe Obada was the first IPP product to play in the NFL and he went on stage in Pittsburgh to announce the Dolphins’ pick.

“This isn’t just another name on a card, this is living proof that the dream is possible,” said British defensive end Obada, who has witnessed Traore’s development having helped the academy from its inception.

Traore became the third IPP product to be selected in an NFL Draft, after Australia’s Jordan Mailata in 2018 and Britain’s Travis Clayton in 2024.

Clayton was also part of the NFL Academy’s first intake in London but only spent a brief period with the programme, now based in Loughborough, before coming through the IPP.

Traore completed the programme before moving to the US to play high school football in Florida.

He played college football for five years, earning a scholarship with Arkansas State in 2021 before transferring to Mississippi State in 2023.

Now 6ft 4in and weighing 244lb (111kg), he caught a total of 131 passes for 1,482 yards and 10 touchdowns from 48 college games, scoring five of those TDs last season.

“He’s kind of a raw, athletic ball of clay, if you will,” said Miami’s general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. “He should only get better.

“He hasn’t been playing football real long, so that was what was intriguing to us, especially at that value [fifth round].

“We felt he’s a player who’s ascending, whose best ball is in front of him, and who can be a problem for defences in time. We had our eyes on [him] for a while and he fell to us at the right value, so we took a shot.”

Eagles put faith in Bernard ‘passion project’

Obada, who was born in Nigeria, returned to the draft stage near the end of the seventh and final round to say: “Pittsburgh, you are now witnessing history being made.”

He then announced that with the 251st overall pick, the Philadelphia Eagles had selected Bernard, making him the second player from this year’s IPP class to be drafted.

The 21-year-old, who has been working as a personal trainer, has not yet played organised football but his potential was identified during NFL training camps in Africa.

He earned a spot on the IPP programme, where his athleticism astounded NFL scouts and thrust him into contention for a late-round pick.

“It’s a dream come true for me because I’ve worked hard for this,” Bernard said. “I’ve not played football, but I’ve gone through some drills that made me believe that I’m going to get better every day.”

Bernard is 6ft 4in and weighs 306lb (139kg), and has been earmarked as a defensive tackle.

He is said to have just 6% body fat and in pre-draft tests he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds and had a 39-inch vertical jump – exceptional figures for a defensive player of his size.

Mailata had a similar impact on NFL scouts in 2018. The former rugby league player had also never played football, but the Eagles felt they could mould him into an NFL player.

Mailata spent two seasons developing on their practice squad before making his first start in 2020. He then helped them win the Super Bowl in 2025 and is now one of the best offensive tackles in the league.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was willing to take on the challenge of doing the same with Bernard.

“We wanted to take the chance on the kid,” he said. “We’ve had great success with that programme. We spent a lot of time with him, worked him out.

“For us, it was a passion project. He’s got a lot of tools in his body. [We] understand it’s going to take time. It was pretty cool. [It’s] certainly unusual with that guy.”

‘Dream Is Possible’ – Nigerian, Briton Selected In NFL Draft is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu has called for stronger national unity in Nigeria, warning that tribalism and division are largely caused by failures in leadership.

He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking as keynote speaker at the Arewa Twitter Connect event held in Kano, themed “Beyond the Timelines.”

In his address, Shehu said many of the challenges facing the country are linked to selfish leadership and a lack of accountability, which he believes have shaped the behaviour of citizens over time.

He explained that people in society can generally be grouped into different categories based on their mindset and actions, noting that some focus only on themselves while others think about the wider society.

“According to Greek philosophy on nation-building, every society is made up of four categories of people. The first are fools, who think only about themselves, plan only for themselves, and care only about themselves, where if they have food, they don’t care if others starve.

“The second are tribalists, who think only about their tribe, protect only their tribe, and ignore others as long as their own group is not affected.

“The third are citizens, who think beyond themselves, feel the pain of others as their own, and are willing to sacrifice comfort so others can live better. And the fourth are idiots, who repeatedly choose to remain victims, today a victim, tomorrow a victim, always a victim without learning or changing their situation,” he stated.

According to him, leaders play a major role in shaping these attitudes: “Who creates fools? It is leaders. Leaders contribute substantially to creating selfish people when they show greed, arrogance, and a lack of concern for the masses.”

He warned that when leaders enrich themselves and ignore the people, it encourages selfish behaviour among citizens.
“If a leader comes into office poor and suddenly becomes extremely wealthy, building mansions and living large while the people suffer, others begin to think that selfishness is normal,” he said.

Shehu also linked rising tribal sentiments to bad leadership, saying those in authority often deepen divisions through their actions and decisions.

He said tribalism grows when leaders fail to act fairly and break public trust.
“The same leaders who break laws, fail to keep promises, and steal resources are the ones creating tribalists and divided citizens,” he said.

The analyst also criticised the protection of corrupt individuals in society, warning that it weakens national unity.
“As long as Nigeria continues to give shelter to criminals, thieves, and corrupt people, the country will remain divided along ethnic and religious lines,” he added.

Shehu further called on religious and traditional leaders to play a stronger role in promoting integrity and accountability, rather than enabling corruption.

He illustrated his points with examples of how traditional and religious leaders sometimes shield criminals from facing justice by protecting them and describing them as their “sons.”

He also gave examples of honesty and patriotism from other countries, noting how trust and discipline help societies function better elsewhere.

He urged Nigerians to embrace a stronger sense of citizenship, where people care for one another regardless of background.
“Citizens are those who feel the pain of others as their own pain,” he said.

He stressed the need for empathy and national responsibility.

Shehu ended his speech with a call for reflection and unity, urging Nigerians to choose nation-building over division and self-interest.

Tribalism in Nigeria driven by leadership failure – Mahdi Shehu

Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Ms Emem Usoro, has urged graduating students of Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU, and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria to remain resilient and uphold excellence in their career endeavors.

Usoro said CBN is working hard to build a strong economy that would support their dreams and make them part of a global economy full of immense opportunities.

She stated this during her conferment of an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration (honaris causa) at AKSU’s 9th, 10th,11th and 12th convocation ceremonies held in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, on Saturday.

The apex bank deputy governor announced that the organization has developed systems and implemented policies that brought the country back from economic disaster.

“So, as you graduate today into a new world that is complex yet, full of possibilities, you must remain hungry for knowledge and be perpetually curious. Do not be afraid to ask questions and do not be apathetic to new knowledge. Always remember that excellence is rarely accidental but is a fruit of preparation, sacrifice, and perseverance!

“At the Central Bank of Nigeria, we are working hard to build a resilient economy that would support your dreams and make you part of a global economy that is full of immense opportunities.

“In great synergy with the Federal Government, we have aligned our monetary policies with its fiscal reforms, which have already achieved exchange rate and macro-economic stability, boosted economic growth and is fostering an inclusive economy for sustainable development,” she said.

Usoro also announced plans by the CBN to support AKSU in its academic and research work for greater impact in Nigeria, noting that countries without vast mineral resources such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea among others have achieved significant economic development by capitalising on brilliant minds of their young ones and their abilities to build, invent and innovate.

She added that investment in academic research and intellectual competence would invariable build and strengthen the economy.

While congratulating fellow honorary recipients, Usoro encouraged the graduands especially the females to remain focused and ambitious and “not to be deterred by societal and cultural constraints in the pursuit of their dreams”.

“Always prepare relentlessly, build the right competencies and stand firmly in excellence! Do not be afraid to reach for new heights as many women, including my humble self, have gone before you and we are already breaking barriers and glass ceilings in different sectors.

“Speak up for yourself! Be heard, be bold and be assertive but learn to do so with grace and humility. I look forward to celebrating you as you shatter your own glass ceiling,” she added.

A total of 6,779 first degree graduands and 746 postgraduate students graduated from the institution within the period under review.

CBN tasks graduands on resilience, excellence, assures of better future