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A former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, has revealed that he did not receive security votes at any point during his eight years as governor of the state.

Fashola made the disclosure on Friday while speaking at a June 12 Democracy Day event organised by The Platform, where he participated in a panel discussion alongside former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

During the session, the former governor responded to questions regarding the use and impact of security votes allocated to state governments, particularly in light of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

Fashola dismissed the notion that governors routinely receive security votes directly, describing such assumptions as misplaced.

He maintained that throughout his tenure as Lagos governor, no security vote funds were paid to him personally.

According to him, all funds belonging to the state government during his administration were managed through established institutional channels rather than being placed under the direct control of the governor.

The former Minister of Works, Power and Housing under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari explained that revenues accruing to Lagos State while he was in office were domiciled within the state’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

His remarks came amid ongoing public discussions about the management, transparency and accountability of security votes by state governments across the country.

I did not receive security votes as Lagos governor – Fashola

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has distributed 31 operational vehicles to security and law enforcement agencies in the state to combat crimes and social unrest.

Handing over the vehicles at the Governor’s Office Ochoudo Centenary City Abakaliki, the Governor observed that one of the ways security and social disorder can be contained is to arm security agencies to
respond to emergencies and distresses.

According to the Governor, “The selfless services rendered by the Service Chiefs are very tremendous and commendable, especially the technical knowledge and digital skills they have adopted to provide security”.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the performance of the security and law enforcement agencies who have kept vigil to protect lives and properties of residents.

“I am very impressed with the Army, Police, Department of Security Service, NDLEA, FRSC, Custom, Immigration , Prisons and Civil Defense Corps.

“After our security council meeting, we agreed to procure vehicles to respond to distresses and security challenges”.

Explaining the rationale behind the donation of the operational vehicles, the Governor acknowledged pockets of social disturbances from non state actors in the state’s suburb.

“We have been challenged in our local areas. We looked at the challenges and saw the necessity of providing these vehicles because security is everybody’s business”.

He urged the benefitting agencies to ensure the exhibition of ownership spirit in the management of public facilities and assets to serve the purpose of which it was procured.

“I have very much confidence that these vehicles will be handled the same way the other materials are being handled”.

Nwifuru Distributes 31 Operational Vehicles To Boost Ebonyi Security is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for renewed commitment to ending child labour and protecting the rights of children across the country.

In her message on Friday to mark the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, Mrs Tinubu said the theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” underscores the need to safeguard every child’s right to safety, education, dignity and well-being.

She stressed that no child should be deprived of the opportunity to learn, grow and fulfil their potential as a result of forced labour.

She noted that children belong in homes, classrooms, playgrounds and other safe environments where they can thrive.

“No child should be denied the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams because they are subjected to forced labour. Children belong in homes, classrooms, playgrounds, and safe environments where they can grow and thrive,” she said.

The First Lady further urged governments, communities and stakeholders to continue investing in the welfare of children while creating opportunities that empower families to provide adequate care and support.

“Let us all raise a red card against child labour and work together for a fairer and a promising future for every child,” she said.

She also felicitated with children and advocates working to end child labour, wishing Nigerians a meaningful World Day Against Child Labour.

The World Day Against Child Labour, launched in 2002, is held annually on June 12, and is intended to foster the worldwide movement against child labour.

Let’s Raise Red Card Against Child Labour, First Lady Urges Nigerians is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Liverpool on Friday confirmed the departure of three coaches from the coaching staff.

They are Sipke Hulshoff, Ruben Peeters and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Hulshoff is a first assistant coach and lead physical performance coach.

Peeters joined Liverpool as part of Arne Slot’s new backroom team following his arrival as head coach in the summer of 2024.

Van Bronckhorst, meanwhile, arrived at Liverpool last summer to take up a role as an assistant coach within Slot’s set-up.

However, the three coaches will now leave their posts following the announcement of Slot’s departure as head coach last month.

“Everybody at LFC thanks Sipke, Ruben and Gio for all their efforts and contributions to the club and wishes them the best for the future,” Liverpool’s statement partly read.

EPL: Three coaches leave Liverpool

The Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S Abubakar,  has revealed that N76 million  was  realised from the  foreign exchange differentials of pilgrims’ Basic Travelling Allowances(BTA).

A statement issued by Governor Uba Sani’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa  on Friday, recalled that the equivalent of the N76 million has been disbursed to Kaduna   pilgrims, where each of them received    123 Saudi Riyals as refund.

The statement added that the  Executive Chairman of the Agency made the explanation   in an exclusive interview with select broadcast journalists in Makkah on Thursday.

According to Malam Salihu, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON) had earlier pegged the $500 Basic Traveling Allowance of each pilgrim at N1,143 per dollar, amounting to N721, 500 per pilgrim.

‘’However,  the value of naira had appreciated as at the time of the airlift of pilgrims; when the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) was giving  pilgrims their BTAs,  naira  exchanged  for N1,350.74 to a dollar,’’ he added.

The Executive Chairman  further explained that the naira equivalent of $500 BTA then decreased to N675,370 per pilgrim, adding that   the forex differentials amounted to N46, 130 per pilgrim.

‘’We then wasted no time in announcing to the pilgrims that each of them was entitled to a refund of  123 Saudi Riyals. And we have finished disbursing the money,’’ he added.

Malam Salihu faulted the argument that the money should have been channelled to the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, to facilitate Hajj operations.

He argued that the money is from the difference in exchange rates of the pilgrims’ BTA, so it rightly belonged to the pilgrims and not the Agency.

The Executive Chairman commended Governor Uba Sani for giving the  Agency all the necessary support  to succeed, adding that he has always acceded to its demands.

Malam Salihu who  also praised Kaduna State pilgrims for giving pilgrim officials all the required support, also called on them to lend the same support as the countdown for the outbound journey begins.

According to him, the airlift of Kaduna pilgrims will commence on June 15, going by NAHCON’s  schedule, adding that the return journey will follow the same sequence like as the airlift to Saudi Arabia.

‘’Those who came on the first flight will be the first set of pilgrims that will be airlifted back home and the sequence will continue like this till the fifth flight. We will not allow people to jump  the queue.

‘’However, allowances can be made for unforeseen circumstances like a pilgrim who suddenly falls  sick or some kind of emergency. In that  situation, it is our officials that will forfeit his or her seat for the pilgrim,’’ he clarified.

The Executive Chairman further warned  pilgrims against excess luggage, advising that non adherence strictly to the prescribed kilograms will delay  their return journey from Saudi Arabia.

He said all  pilgrims  have  been given  two 23 kilograms bags and are  allowed a hand luggage that should not exceed eight kilograms, adding that they should not carry any sharp object, zam-zam water or any liquid on board the aircraft.

How we disbursed N76 million to Kaduna pilgrims – Chairman

The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada, has passed away.

A palace source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the monarch’s death in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Friday.

According to the source, Oba Isioye-Dada died at his residence in Ibadan after a brief illness. The source added that a delegation of Omo Oye had already proceeded to the late chief’s home following news of his passing.

Until his death, Oba Isioye-Dada occupied the prestigious position of Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, one of the key chieftaincy titles within the traditional hierarchy of the ancient city.

His death is expected to trigger a series of promotions within the Balogun line of the Ibadan chieftaincy system, affecting several chiefs and high chiefs, including All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship aspirant, Sharafadeen Ali.

In line with the traditional succession structure and subject to the approval of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Ali is expected to advance from the position of Ekaarun Balogun to Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland.

Similarly, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin is expected to move from Ekerin Balogun to the rank of Asipa Balogun of Ibadanland as the succession process unfolds.

BREAKING: Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Isioye-Dada is dead

Arsenal have stepped up their bid to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to see Tonali as vital squad depth with the Gunners expected to play around 60 games again next season.

However, Newcastle United’s lack of European football means Tonali could push to leave St James’ Park this summer.

Arsenal will have to battle Manchester United for the Italy international’s signature as the Red Devils are also keeping tabs on the player.

Meanwhile, in another development, Fulham star Antonee Robinson has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, The Sun reports.

Man United manager Michael Carrick is keen to bolster his options at left-back, with Luke Shaw his only option in that position at the moment.

This comes after the departure of Tyrell Malacia from Old Trafford.

The report added that Lewis Hall is another name on Man United’s radar, but Robinson could be a cheaper alternative for Carrick’s side.

Transfer: Arsenal step up bid for Tonali as Man Utd enter race for Robinson

South Africa defender Ime Okon has reacted to Bafana Bafana’s disappointing defeat to Mexico, DAILY POST reports.

Hugo Broos’s side went down to a 2-0 defeat to the co-hosts in the opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday night.

Julian Quiñones, and Raul Jimenez were on target for Mexico in the game.

Okon said it is important for the team to move on from the defeat and focus on the next game.

“It was a tough game, we had them at times. We just look forward, we’re positive. We know it’s a loss but we’re looking to the next game now,” Okon told SportyTV after the match.

South Africa will face Czech Republic in their next game at the Atlanta Stadium.

World Cup 2026: South Africa will bounce back from Mexico defeat – Okon

Police officers on Friday fired tear gas at citizens protesting bad governance and insecurity in the country.

The protesters stormed the streets of Abuja on Friday as the country marked its 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democracy.

The demonstrators are demanding the government’s intervention in the areas of economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and the escalating cost of living.

DAILY POST recalls that insecurity in Nigeria has increased in recent times with the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, respectively.

Also, DAILY POST reports that there is an upsurge of hardship in the country as citizens grapple to provide decent meals for their families.

June 12: Police fire tear gas at protesters, journalists in Abuja

Betway, a premier online sports betting and gaming brand, today announced awardwinning music executive, entrepreneur and cultural icon Don Jazzy as its new brand ambassador in Nigeria.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential entertainment figures, Don Jazzy is a defining force in Nigerian popular culture. As founder of Mavin Records, he has shaped the careers of some of Africa’s biggest music stars while building a personal brand synonymous with confidence, creativity and ambition. His impact extends far beyond music, with a deep connection to millions of fans and followers who see him as a leading voice in contemporary culture.

As Betway continues to strengthen its presence in Nigeria, Don Jazzy will become the face of the Betway brand, reflecting the confidence, boldness and ambition that Betway stands for. He will feature across Betway’s consumer touchpoints, strengthening the brand’s connection with fans and players across the country.

The partnership marks a key moment for Betway in Nigeria, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering a more engaging, locally resonant experience that reflects the energy and pride of Nigerian customers.

Neal Menashe, Chief Executive Officer of Super Group, the parent company of Betway, said: “Don Jazzy is a cultural force whose influence transcends entertainment. His commitment to excellence and community empowerment aligns with the core values Betway champions as we enter this exciting new chapter in Nigeria. This partnership puts confidence, authenticity and passion at the centre of our brand, and we’re proud to join forces with such a local star.”

Don Jazzy added “Betway is a brand that understands ambition, creativity and confidence, which is why this partnership feels like such a natural fit. I’m excited to represent Betway in Nigeria and to be part of a brand that that values culture, connection and authenticity.”

About Betway
Betway is part of Super Group: the global digital company which provides first-class entertainment to the worldwide betting and gaming community.

Super Group (SGHC) Limited is a holding company for a leading global online sports betting brand (Betway) and multi-brand gaming businesses (Spin). The group is licensed in multiple jurisdictions, with leading positions in key markets throughout Europe, North America and Africa. The group’s sports betting and online gaming offerings are underpinned by its scale and leading technology, enabling agile operation and execution in a diverse range of markets. Its proprietary marketing and data analytics engine empowers it to responsibly provide a unique and personalized customer experience. Super Group was placed at number 5 in the latest EGR Power 50 rankings. For more information, visit www.supergroup.com.

Betway Group is a leading provider of innovative and exciting entertainment across sports betting, casino and esports betting. Launched in 2006, the company operates across a number of regulated online markets. Betway prides itself on providing its customers with a bespoke, fun and informed betting experience, supported by a safe, secure, fair and responsible environment.

Betway is a member of several prominent industry-related bodies, including International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), iGaming European Network (iGEN), the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS), Sports Wagering Integrity Monitoring Association (SWIMA) and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), and is ISO 27001 certified through the trusted international testing agency eCOGRA.

For more information about Betway please visit: www.betway.co.za

MEDIA – media@supergroup.com

Betway appoints Don Jazzy as Brand Ambassador for Nigeria