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Spain midfielder Fermin Lopez has been ruled out of the World Cup with a broken bone in his foot.

The 23-year-old fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Barcelona’s 3-1 La Liga win against Real Betis on Sunday.

The Spanish champions did not give a timeframe for his return.

“The operation went very well and I’m already looking forward to coming back stronger, both physically and mentally,” Lopez wrote on Instagram.

“Life and football can be cruel when you least expect it or deserve it. But you have to accept that it’s all part of the journey.

“It’s a very tough time for me and yet another challenge in my career that I will overcome – of that you can be sure.

“Now it’s time to support the national team and my team-mates from home.”

Lopez has seven Spain caps and was likely to have been named in the squad, which will be named on Monday, for the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Spain begin their campaign against Cape Verde on 15 June before playing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.

Lopez scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 48 games for Barcelona in all competitions this season despite twice suffering a groin injury.

He played 28 minutes of Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign.

Barcelona Midfielder Lopez Ruled Out Of W/Cup is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Peace Corps of Nigeria, PCN has expressed grave concerns over the continued invasion of educational institutions by bandits across the country with callous abductions of innocent pupils and teachers for ransom purposes.

The Corps warned that the systemic criminal assault on the academic system, if left unchecked, will undermine the fabric of the educational sector. 

Addressing a media conference in Abuja on Wednesday, National Commandant of the Corps, Dickson Akoh lamented that the wanton attacks on schools will not only induce severe psychological trauma and pervasive fear among students, but will also profoundly discourage parents from sending their wards to schools and colleges, thereby jeopardizing the future of Nigerian youth.

In view of the escalating insecurity across the country, most notably the frequent invasions, targeting, and kidnapping of staff and students, Akoh canvassed the deployment of Peace Corps personnel to educational institutions to tackle the challenges headlong. 

According to him, “the initiative seeks to deploy a layered security framework that integrates grassroots monitoring with robust early-warning systems to detect and mitigate threats before they escalate. 

“By training and deploying disciplined officers and men as specialized safety officers, the initiative will address critical issues such as cultism, drug abuse, and unauthorized access, establishing a proactive, community-driven presence within schools and colleges to safeguard lives and property.

“Operating at the front-lines of the educational institutions, deployed personnel will focus primarily on continuous surveillance and intelligence gathering within school perimeters. 

“By maintaining a constant, vigilant presence, the Corps will be strategically positioned to identify vulnerabilities, track suspicious activities, and detect potential security breaches by intruders. 

“This critical, real-time intelligence will be seamlessly and rapidly transmitted to conventional security agencies, creating a vital link that enables a rapid, coordinated response to neutralize threats before harm can befall the academic community.

Akoh pleaded with the appropriate authorities to consider the position of the Corps towards combating banditry in schools so as to safeguard the educational future of the citizens and national development of the country. 

Peace Corps raises concerns over continued bandits’ invasions of schools across Nigeria

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has stressed the critical role of accurate measurement and standards in driving effective policymaking, industrial development and consumer protection in Nigeria.

Director General and Chief Executive of SON, Ifeanyi Okeke, stated this on Wednesday during the 2026 World Metrology Day celebration held in Abuja.

The event, themed “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making,” brought together government officials, regulators, captains of industry, development partners and members of the organised private sector to reflect on the importance of measurement science in national development.

In his welcome address, Okeke said reliable data, accurate measurements and verifiable standards have become indispensable tools for governments, industries and regulators in making informed decisions in a rapidly evolving global economy.

According to him, without confidence in measurement systems, public trust in institutions and regulatory frameworks could be weakened.

“Effective policymaking depends heavily on reliable data, accurate measurements and verifiable standards,” he said.

“Governments, industries, regulators and consumers all require trustworthy measurement systems to make informed decisions that impact lives, businesses and national development.”

The SON DG noted that measurements influence nearly every aspect of daily life, including fuel dispensing, medical diagnostics, food and pharmaceutical safety, industrial production, environmental monitoring, energy distribution and digital technologies.

Okeke described metrology as fundamental to scientific advancement, industrialisation, international trade, healthcare delivery and economic growth.

He said the Standards Organisation of Nigeria continues to prioritize metrology as one of its core mandates through calibration, testing, inspection and standards development activities aimed at promoting traceability, fairness and compliance across sectors.

“At the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, metrology remains one of our core mandates in strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure,” he said.

He linked the importance of accurate measurement to the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy, stressing that Nigeria’s products and services must comply with internationally accepted standards to compete effectively in regional and global markets.

According to him, accurate measurement is not merely a technical requirement but a strategic economic tool capable of boosting innovation, facilitating trade, improving consumer confidence and attracting investment.

The SON boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with stakeholders, including government institutions, manufacturers, academia, laboratories, development partners and consumer groups to improve metrological capacity nationwide.

He also urged industries and businesses to invest more in calibration systems, quality control mechanisms and conformity assessment processes to improve productivity and reduce waste.

“I wish to particularly encourage industries and businesses to invest more in proper calibration systems, quality control mechanisms and conformity assessment processes,” he stated.

“This is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for improving productivity, reducing waste and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian products in regional and global markets.”

Okeke called on stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to promoting accurate measurement, evidence-based policymaking and a stronger quality culture capable of supporting economic growth and consumer protection in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Standards Council of SON, Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa, highlighted the critical role of metrology in national development and policy effectiveness.

According to Inuwa, the Standards Council remains committed to providing policy direction and institutional support to enhance standardisation, quality assurance, and metrology across Nigeria.

He noted that the Council continues to work closely with SON management to strengthen the country’s quality infrastructure and improve service delivery.

He stressed that accurate measurement systems are essential for effective policymaking, adding that decisions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and trade must be based on reliable data to ensure credibility and efficiency.

The Chairman further stated that Nigeria’s drive toward industrialisation and economic diversification requires consistency, compliance with international standards, and improved technical capacity.

He emphasised that SON’s work in calibration, testing, conformity assessment, and standards development remains vital to national progress.

Inuwa also pledged the continued support of the Standards Council for investments in laboratory infrastructure, technical capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s quality ecosystem.

SON Pushes Accurate Measurement To Strengthen Policy Making, Industrial Growth is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

 The collated results from the seven wards of Constituency 1, Ado Ekiti have declared Ayodeji Sunday Adarabierin winner of the House of Assembly election.

According to the official tally released by electoral officials, Adarabierin polled 4,577 votes across the constituency, defeating his closest rival, Adegbite Ayo, who secured 676 votes.

Ward-by-ward breakdown:

· Ward 1: Adarabierin – 934, Adegbite – 0

· Ward 2: Adarabierin – 580, Adegbite – 7

· Ward 3: Adarabierin – 0, Adegbite – 557

· Ward 4: Adarabierin – 1,766, Adegbite – 47

· Ward 5: Adarabierin – 481, Adegbite – 20

· Ward 6: Adarabierin – 364, Adegbite – 4

· Ward 7: Adarabierin – 452, Adegbite – 41

Total valid votes cast: 5,253

Adarabierin’s victory margin stands at a commanding 3,901 votes.

Adarabierin wins Ado Ekiti Constituency 1 Seat

The Kano State Government has claimed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf once approached President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a possible political defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the consent of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The claim was made by the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, during an appearance on the Arise TV Morning Show.

Bature said the alleged discussions formed part of wider political movements and consultations already shaping narratives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the move was not done in isolation but reportedly had the backing of key political figures within the state.

He said, “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had at a point approached President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue of defection into the APC, and this was done with the consent of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.”

He added that the political conversations remained part of unfolding developments in the build-up to the next election cycle.

Bature also alleged that some political alignments across the country suggest ongoing negotiations among key actors, though he stressed that many of the claims circulating remain part of political discussions rather than confirmed agreements.

Gov Yusuf approached Tinubu over planned defection with Kwankwaso’s consent — Sanusi Bature

The Administrative and Finance Committee of the West African Examinations Council has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Nigeria National Office under Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut.

The decision came at the Committee’s 240th Meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The body, WAEC’s highest advisory panel on administrative and financial matters in Nigeria, said it was satisfied with the management’s handling of operations and staff engagement.

The Committee commended Dr. Dangut and his team for what it described as exemplary leadership, operational efficiency, and institutional discipline. It noted that the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, 2026, had continued without disruption despite recent union-related concerns.

After reviewing the Council’s operations, the Committee said management’s approach reflected professionalism, strategic focus, and commitment to WAEC’s core values. It reaffirmed support for the current leadership and expressed confidence in its capacity to advance the Council’s mandate.

The Committee also cautioned against actions that could undermine WAEC’s institutional reputation and integrity.

WAEC management reassured candidates, parents, state ministries of education, and other stakeholders that operations nationwide remain stable and on course. It restated commitment to transparency, staff welfare, and maintaining a peaceful working environment.

The statement was issued Tuesday, 19 May 2026, by the Public Affairs Department and signed by Acting Head of Public Affairs Moyosola F. Adesina.

The vote of confidence comes as WAEC engages with staff unions on workplace issues while conducting the 2026 WASSCE across Nigeria.

WAEC Nigeria Office Gets Commendation After Smooth WASSCE 2026 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs following a major “spygate” scandal, with Middlesbrough reinstated after an independent disciplinary commission ruled in favour of the Teesside club.

The decision means Middlesbrough will now face Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday, May 23, replacing Southampton.

The ruling came after the English Football League’s independent commission heard the case on Tuesday, following allegations that Southampton staff illegally filmed opponents’ training sessions ahead of key fixtures.

In addition to expulsion from the play-offs, Southampton were also handed a four-point deduction for next season after admitting “multiple breaches” of EFL regulations.

According to the EFL, the club accepted responsibility for the unauthorised filming of opposition training sessions before matches against Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough during the play-off semi-final.

“Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025-26 season,” the EFL said.

“Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.”

The controversy began when Middlesbrough reported Southampton to the EFL after alleging that a Southampton staff member spied on one of their training sessions on May 7 ahead of the semi-final clash.

Southampton have appealed the decision, with the hearing scheduled for Wednesday. The EFL acknowledged that the appeal outcome “could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.”

The club has strongly criticised the punishment, describing it as excessive and unprecedented.

In a statement, Southampton said the sanction was “manifestly disproportionate to every previous sanction in the history of the English game.”

Chief executive Phil Parsons apologised for the incident but insisted the punishment went too far.

“What happened was wrong,” Parsons said.

“But the club cannot accept a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence.”
Parsons also apologised “to the other clubs involved, and most of all to the Southampton supporters” who he said “deserved better from the club.”

Southampton pointed to Leeds United’s infamous spying controversy involving Marcelo Bielsa in 2019, when Leeds were fined £200,000 for observing Derby County training sessions.

However, the EFL noted that regulation 127 – which specifically bans observing an opponent within 72 hours of a game – was introduced after the Leeds incident.

“Southampton has been denied the opportunity to compete in a game worth more than £200m and one which means so much to our staff, players and supporters,” Parsons added.

“We believe the financial consequence of yesterday’s ruling makes it, by a very considerable distance, the largest penalty ever imposed on an English football club.”

The Saints also referenced several previous sanctions in English football, including Luton Town’s 30-point deduction in 2008-09, Derby County’s points deduction in 2021, Everton’s Premier League punishments in 2023-24 and Chelsea avoiding points deductions despite financial rule breaches earlier this year.

“We say this not to minimise what occurred at this club, which we have accepted was wrong,” Parsons said.

“We say it because proportionality is itself a principle of natural justice.

“The Commission was entitled to impose a sanction. It was not, we will argue, entitled to impose one that is manifestly disproportionate to every previous sanction in the history of the English game.”

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough welcomed the ruling and said the verdict protected the integrity of football.

“Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s disciplinary commission hearing,” the club said.

“We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct. As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday.

“Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly.”

Southampton supporters who purchased tickets for the play-off final will be entitled to full refunds while the appeal process continues.

Southampton Expelled From Championship Play-Offs Over ‘Spygate’ Scandal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigeria has emerged as one of the world’s leading countries in workplace adoption of artificial intelligence, according to new international studies released on Wednesday. The report ranked Nigeria among the top nations integrating AI tools into daily professional activities, with 39 per cent of employees reportedly using artificial intelligence tools every day at work. Only […]

The post Nigeria ranks among global leaders in workplace AI adoption appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Akinyode Oyewusi, has dismissed claims that the legislature in the state operates as a rubber stamp of the executive.

Oyewusi also said the legislature remains a critical institution in shaping Nigeria’s democracy.

The Deputy Speaker made the remarks while speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Osun State Council Guest Platform themed “The Role of Legislature in Shaping Democracy in Nigeria”, on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Represented by his media aide, Segun Amure, he accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of undermining the independence of local councils in the state.

Addressing the issue of local government autonomy, the Deputy Speaker said “the administration of Olagunsoye Oyinlola allowed local governments to operate freely”, but alleged that “autonomy was eroded under the leadership of Rauf Aregbesola through the introduction of the Joint Accounts Committee (JAC).”

According to him, “the centralisation of local government administration through JAC effectively weakened grassroots governance, adding that no state in Nigeria is currently practicing full local government autonomy.”

On the implications of local government autonomy, Oyewusi warned that “officials allegedly involved in withholding local government funds would face sanctions, stressing that such actions undermine governance at the grassroots level.”

The Deputy Speaker rejected claims that the Assembly merely endorses executive decisions, insisting that the House has carried out significant interventions across the state.

He listed the Assembly’s involvement in issues such as “the University of Ilesa (UNILESA), workers’ audit, and oversight duties, as well as intervention in the Akinlalu killings and subsequent visits to victims alongside the executive arm of government.”

Oyewusi also highlighted infrastructure efforts, including the rehabilitation of the Akinlalu road abandoned since 1976, work on the Ile-Ife bridge, and the Ora Igbomina mini water works project.

He disclosed that the Assembly was planning a public engagement initiative aimed at bringing parliamentary activities closer to the people in order to enhance transparency and participation.

On oversight in the health sector, Oyewusi said the administration of Ademola Adeleke had improved primary healthcare centres across the state, noting that many facilities were previously neglected.

He, however, alleged that funds withheld by some local government officials had negatively impacted healthcare delivery, particularly at the primary level.

Speaking on the role of lawmakers in promoting peace, the Deputy Speaker said legislators must remain at the forefront of fostering peaceful coexistence in society.

He cited communal issues between Asipa and Ipetumodu, as well as a kingship dispute in Edunabon, stressing that traditional rulers play a key role in maintaining peace within their domains.

Oyewusi also emphasised the importance of peaceful conduct during elections, urging political parties and their supporters to avoid violence and embrace unity before, during and after electoral processes.

He maintained that “effective lawmaking, oversight and appropriation functions remain essential to democratic development. Nigeria’s democracy would improve when the Independent National Electoral Commission is truly independent.”

In his remarks, the Osun NUJ Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, called for an Electoral Act that would strengthen democracy.

Aboderin stated that the country was yet to achieve a fully workable electoral framework, adding that while democracy begins with the legislature, the executive arm has often reduced its powers.

He expressed optimism that lawmakers would continue to improve their performance in the interest of democratic governance.

Osun legislature not rubber stamp — Deputy Speaker insists

Domestic violence remains a serious problem in many homes across Nigeria. In Oyo State, cases involving physical abuse, sexual violence, intimidation and emotional abuse

The post How to report domestic abuse anonymously in Oyo state appeared first on Tribune Online.