Category: Uncategorized

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has said he would participate in the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in spirit.

El-Rufai spoke while responding to questions from journalists after appearing at the Kaduna State High Court for a hearing on his case with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

A journalist asked, “How about the ADC convention tomorrow?” El-Rufai responded, “I will be there in spirit.”

DAILY POST reports that the ADC, the party housing the coalition of opposition leaders, is expected to conduct its convention in Abuja on Tuesday.

Although there was uncertainty regarding the venue for the convention, the party’s Press Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, told our correspondent that it will be held at the Rainbow Event Centre, Area 11, Abuja.

Watch video.

‘I will be there in spirit’ – El-Rufai responds to question on ADC convention [VIDEO]

Cross River State Government has announced plans to begin a comprehensive profiling of all mining and quarry operators as part of

The Federal Government has said Nigeria is participating in the 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., as part of efforts to advance its economic reform agenda and strengthen its global investment profile.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, the Ministry of Finance said the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is leading the country’s delegation to the meetings holding from April 13 to 18.

According to the ministry, the engagements come at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty, with Nigeria seeking to consolidate its fiscal position and deepen collaboration with international partners.

“Wale Edun leads Nigeria’s delegation to IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings amid fresh global economic pressures,” the statement read.

It added that the minister is holding a series of high-level discussions with key stakeholders, including multilateral institutions, development partners, and international investors.

Wale Edun Leads Nigeria’s Delegation to IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings Amid Fresh Global Economic Pressures

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, OFR, CVO, is in Washington, D.C. this week leading Nigeria’s delegation to the… pic.twitter.com/b4OIlTTl9d

— Federal Ministry of Finance (@FinMinNigeria) April 13, 2026

“Against a backdrop of intensifying global economic uncertainty, the Minister is engaging with multilateral institutions, development partners, and international investors through a series of high-level bilateral and policy discussions,” the ministry said.

The statement noted that the engagements are aimed at promoting Nigeria’s economic reforms and enhancing its standing in the global financial system.

“These engagements are focused on advancing Nigeria’s reform agenda, strengthening its fiscal outlook, and reinforcing its investment case on the global stage,” it added.

The IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, and economic stakeholders from across the world to deliberate on global economic challenges and policy responses.

The post Wale Edun leads Nigeria’s delegation to IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings appeared first on Vanguard News.

Sunderland have condemned the racist abuse directed at forward Brian Brobbey on social media following Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Tottenham, saying it highlights the “ongoing and unacceptable frequency of this behaviour”.

The club reported the abuse to the Premier League, social media platforms and the police and said they “expect swift action to be taken against those responsible”.

Brobbey is the latest Premier League player to be sent social media abuse this season, with four players, including team-mate Romaine Mundle, targeted in one weekend in February.

This month a man was arrested over accusations of racist abuse directed at Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida during the match at Newcastle United in March, a game that was paused by the referee, in line with the Premier League’s anti-discrimination protocol.

A Sunderland statement read: “We stand firmly with Brian and offer him our full and unwavering support.

“This is not an isolated incident. Recent abuse directed at Romaine Mundle and Lutsharel Geertruida highlights the ongoing and unacceptable frequency of this behaviour, both inside stadiums and online.

“Racism is abhorrent and has no place in our game or in society, and we will continue to call it out clearly and unapologetically every time it occurs.

“Football must be a safe and inclusive environment for all – without exception.”

The Premier League said in a statement: “We are disgusted by the ongoing discrimination players are facing on social media and are committed to working with clubs, authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to address this issue, as well as supporting investigations to bring those responsible to justice.

“Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including custodial sentences, football banning orders and criminal records.”

Netherlands international Brobbey was involved in a second-half incident at the Stadium of Light when he nudged Tottenham defender Cristian Romero into his own goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky. The injured Romero then left the field in tears.

The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) is investigating the abuse of the four players in February, which also included Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare,

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has said reports of online abuse are at record levels, increasing by a third compared to last season.

UKFPU deputy director Mike Ankers said that it has seen an increase of about 115% in the number of reports.

Last November, investigation found that more than 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts, including death and rape threats, were sent about managers and players in the Premier League and Women’s Super League in one weekend.

The season-opening Premier League game between Liverpool and Bournemouth in August was stopped after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by someone in the Anfield crowd.

Sunderland Condemn Racist Abuse Of Brobbey is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former England captain Wayne Rooney says Manchester City “will have the edge” psychologically in the Premier League title race.

Leaders Arsenal, who are six points clear having played one game more, travel to Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he said City “know how to win the title” and “have a manager who knows how to do it”.

“I think City will have the edge on that, just purely the manager and players they’ve got. They will be able to stay a little calmer than the Arsenal players,” said Rooney.

“They will be worried because when you go on a run and lose a few games, you start thinking ‘where’s the next goal, the next win going to come from?’ That negative mindset really has an impact on your performance.”

Manchester City beat Chelsea 3-0 on Sunday to take advantage of Arsenal slipping up with a 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth on Saturday.

Rooney said that whoever wins Sunday’s “title decider” in Manchester will be favourites to win the league.

He added that he thinks a draw will be a “good point” for Arsenal, who may need to “play dirty”.

Rooney added Mikel Arteta’s side must “be tough to break down, make sure there’s no gaps between the lines and try to hit them on the break”.

He added: “Whether the fans like that type of football or not, they have to do anything to stop City winning. They need to be resilient enough to stop City from scoring.”

‘Will be a disaster’ if Spurs go down

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, end the weekend sitting in the relegation zone, following their defeat at Sunderland and West Ham’s win against Wolves.

Rooney said Spurs’ performance was “a bit flat” in the north east, which prevented them being able to have a new-manager bounce in Roberto de Zerbi’s first game in charge.

“Sometimes you get a bounce but I think you get that when a new manager comes in and you are front-footed and aggressive on the ball,” he said. “I thought they were a bit in between.”

The former England striker added that De Zerbi “needs to find some answers quickly” and that dropping to the Championship would be disastrous for the club.

“It will be a disaster for them if they do go [down],” said Rooney. “I think that’s where some of those players probably are looking at it thinking if they go down they can move on and go to a different club.

“If they don’t get back in the Premier League in the first year, that will be an absolute nightmare for them.”

Tottenham have not won a Premier League match in 2026 and their next game is at home to Brighton on Saturday.

Rooney said they must figure out a way to win to help boost their confidence.

“If they can do that then they give themselves a chance. The longer it goes without winning is difficult for them.”

Man City Have Psychological Edge Over Arsenal – Rooney is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Ayetoro Gbede community in Ijumu Local Government Area has called on critics of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to

The Ondo State Police Command has begun investigations after a 28-year-old man, Femi Agbeye, allegedly attacked and killed two of his female siblings and a five-year-old girl, said to be his daughter, in the Government Reserved Area, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident reportedly occurred on April 8 at the Agbeye family residence on Doctor’s Road, Okitipupa, where the suspect was said to have gained access to the apartment, locked himself inside and carried out the attack.

When the NTA crew visited the scene, the suspect’s father, Ade Agbeye, alleged that his son had a history of substance abuse and prior violent threats against family members.

“He had been involved in the use of illicit substances and had been threatening to kill his mother and me for some time,” he said.

He added that the situation escalated fatally on the day of the incident.

“When we entered the house, we saw the bodies of the children on the floor in their mother’s room. I immediately went to the police to inform them about the incident,” he said.

Ade further claimed that the suspect had earlier been arrested but was released against his wishes.

“He had previously been arrested but was released against my wishes before going on to commit this heinous act,” he added.

Some residents in the area also said the suspect was seen forcing his way into the apartment before the attack.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident, with the Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, stating that investigations are ongoing.

“The command assures the good people of Ondo State, particularly from Okitipupa, that due diligence will be carried out in this case and nobody should be apprehensive or raise any unnecessary alarm,” he said.

He added that the command would ensure justice is served.

“The command is capable, and we will ensure that justice is served,” he said.

Man Kills Daughter, Two Siblings In Ondo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

China has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered digital platform designed to support people living with Parkinson’s disease, as the country grapples with a rising burden of age-related illnesses driven by its rapidly ageing population.

The system, developed by Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, is expected to ease pressure on healthcare services by reducing repetitive consultations and expanding access to reliable medical information for patients and caregivers.

Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, is increasingly common among older adults, with symptoms ranging from tremors and stiffness to impaired balance and coordination.

With China’s large and ageing population, the number of people living with the condition has continued to grow, placing additional strain on specialists and long-term care systems.

According to Chen Biao, director of the hospital’s Parkinson’s disease clinical research and treatment centre, the AI platform can handle up to 90 per cent of routine patient enquiries, allowing physicians to devote more time to complex and critical cases.

Built on more than two decades of clinical research, the tool integrates medical records, academic studies, reports, educational materials, and peer-reviewed global literature to deliver evidence-based responses.

Accessible via smartphones, the platform enables users to ask questions about the disease and receive verified information instantly.

However, it does not provide personalised treatment recommendations, ensuring that diagnosis and treatment decisions remain under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.

The service is also linked to the hospital’s digital system, allowing users to schedule appointments and access prescription services more efficiently.

Developers say future upgrades will incorporate wearable technology to assist with medication tracking, rehabilitation, daily care, and mental health support, with the aim of creating a more comprehensive, long-term care model for patients.

The initiative reflects China’s broader push to leverage technology in addressing healthcare challenges associated with an ageing society, while improving access to care for millions living with chronic conditions.

China Unveils Digital Doctor For Parkinson’s Care is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Iran has dismissed claims that it charged Indian oil tankers fees for passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with its envoy to India describing the reports as untrue.

Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi, Iran’s ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, said Indian vessels that recently moved through the strategic waterway were not required to pay any tolls to Tehran.

He emphasised the strong ties between both countries despite current global tensions.

“In this difficult time, we have good relations. We believe Iran and India share common interests and a common fate,” the ambassador told reporters.

The clarification comes amid heightened attention on maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the American navy to block the strait, targeting vessels alleged to have paid toll fees.

Iran denies charging Indian tankers fees in Strait of Hormuz

Singapore has announced plans to admit about 40,000 permanent residents annually over the next five years as part of efforts to manage demographic pressures and sustain long-term economic growth.

The policy adjustment, disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during the Budget 2026 Committee of Supply debate in Parliament, reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to balance population growth with workforce demands and an ageing society.

According to the government, the planned intake is slightly higher than the approximately 35,000 permanent residents granted in the previous year, signalling a gradual but deliberate increase in admissions.

Gan explained that immigration levels would continue to be carefully managed in line with demographic realities and national capacity.

“We estimate an intake of about 40,000 PRs annually in the next five years, slightly higher than the 35,000 PRs we granted last year,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining a stable citizen base to ensure social and economic stability.

“We must maintain a stable citizen core, hopefully one that is growing modestly over time, to keep our society and our economy dynamic and vibrant,” he added.

Official figures show that Singapore’s permanent resident population has remained steady at around 540,000 in recent years, with PR status continuing to serve as a key pathway toward citizenship.

In addition to PR admissions, authorities expect to grant between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years, depending on fertility rates and broader population trends.

Gan noted that PR approvals would remain flexible, shaped by applicant suitability, demographic needs, and infrastructure capacity, as the government continues to refine its long-term population strategy.

The policy forms part of Singapore’s broader approach to sustaining economic competitiveness while addressing persistently low birth rates and an ageing population.

A comprehensive review of the country’s population framework is expected by 2030 as policymakers reassess future labour and demographic requirements.

Singapore Plans 40,000 New Permanent Residents Annually Next Five Years is first published on The Whistler Newspaper