Category: Uncategorized

As the August 15 Osun governorship election draws near, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has assured that the commission would offer full cooperation to media practitioners.

Mrs Babalola also assured that the August 15 governorship election in the state will be credible, free, inclusive, and transparent.

The Osun INEC REC gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) to the INEC State Office in Osogbo on Monday.

While restating that the media is a critical stakeholder in elections, INEC, and society, she said, “If there is no media, society cannot be informed. When it comes to election matters, there is misinformation and disinformation, and the media is needed to correct these anomalies.”

She also assured that she will work with the media community to ensure a credible, free, inclusive, transparent, and fair governorship election.

“I believe that your coming today is not just for coming. We will work with you. The way we have gone is beyond just getting unverified information. We need the media for voter education due to your wide coverage. The media also passes accurate information because of your access to INEC and ability to get the right information for us instead of relying on gossip.

“Also, you encourage issue-based campaigns from political parties because you also focus on politics, programmes, and development. You also give accurate reports on elections, and the people hear them.”

She maintained that the media is an advocate of peaceful coexistence and tolerance in society, adding that INEC will do its part in disseminating information to the media.

While warning that tampering with election results attracts a jail term with no option of fine, she urged media practitioners and their organisations to register for accreditation so as to operate without restrictions on election day.

Mrs Babalola also disclosed that security agencies have assured the commission of their full cooperation in protecting lives and property during the election period.

Earlier, the Chairman of OOPA, Abioye Lawrence, who welcomed the Osun INEC REC to the state, urged her to carry along media practitioners and deliver a credible election on August 15.

Osun guber: INEC assures media practitioners of cooperation

 

 Ilebaye’s father wanted her to give him N50m from the money she won. She has sponsored his medical trip to India and spent over N30m on him- mother of reality TV star says (part 1)

Ms Lami Calista, the mother of the winner of BBNaija All Stars edition, Ilebaye Odiniga, has denied claims that Ilebaye has never been of financial assistance to her father.

In a voice recording that has gone viral, Ilebaye’s father, Emmanuel Odiniya, accused Ilebaye of not being of financial assistance to him. He alleged that since winning the N120 million cash prize from the show in 2023, Ilebaye has not assisted with his medical bills but goes around to lavish money on other people. He made particular reference to Ilebaye spraying wads of Naira notes on her fellow housemate, Cross Okonkwo, during his wedding.

In a chat with LIB today May 11, 2026,  Ms Lami said her ex-husband’s anger towards Ilebaye is because she refused to hand over all the cash prize to him and also refused to give him N50 million after she refused to hand over all her money to him. She said contrary to his claim, Ilebaye has sponsored his medical trips to India and has spent nothing less than N35 million on him

‘’When Ilebaye came out of the house, she gave the father N7m when he was going for his treatment in India. This was in 2023. Even  when he was going last year, she gave him N5 million as well. The father still called and said the money wasn’t enough. Ilebaye had to send extra N3 million to him. That is asides the N1 million she gives to him’’

She told LIB that Ilebaye pays the school fees of her two young brothers and that the fees runs into millions of Naira. 

‘’Must she give him all the money? How much did he spend when she went to Big Brother? I am surprised he is putting his eyes on the money of the girl.  I am surprised! He has money. Why is he putting his eyes on the one the child has? Is he not ashamed? If he is complaining, what of me the mother? This girl wanted to open a shop for me, the father refused, saying until he gives permission, she has no right to open a shop for me. Did I complain? Have I one day complained? I am sorry to bring this out but the truth has to be said’’

The family of 17-year-old Jinkai Yusuf Simon has called on security agencies and child protection authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance after she reportedly left for school in Zaria, Kaduna state, and did not return home.

Jinkai, an SS1 student of St. Bartholomew’s Secondary School, is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Yusuf, who are of Ngas origin from Plateau State but currently reside in Banki, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to the family, the teenager had been living with her elder sister, Jennifer Yusuf Simon, in Kuregu, Zaria, before she was reported missing on March 9, 2026.

Speaking with journalists, Jennifer said her sister left home for school as usual but failed to return later that day.

“She went to school that morning, but when it became late and we could not reach her, we became worried and started searching for her,” she said.

The family said concerns deepened after a neighbour reportedly informed them that Jinkai’s school bag had been seen with a younger child linked to one of her friends identified as Rukkayya.

According to the family, further checks revealed that some of the missing teenager’s personal belongings were no longer in the house.

Jennifer alleged that inquiries later pointed to possible communication between Jinkai and a man identified as Abdulsamad, though the claims have not been independently verified by authorities.

The family also stated that school officials confirmed the student attended classes on the day she disappeared but reportedly left the school premises shortly after examinations began and did not return.

According to relatives, some classmates later mentioned that the teenager had previously spoken about plans to relocate to Kano State.

The matter was subsequently reported to community leaders, religious authorities, and security agencies in Zaria.

Family members further claimed that they were later shown photographs allegedly depicting the teenager dressed in a hijab, alongside documents purportedly obtained in Kano State indicating changes to her name and personal details.

However, the authenticity of the documents and the full circumstances surrounding the teenager’s disappearance have not been officially confirmed by law enforcement authorities.

The family has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, child protection agencies, and human rights organisations to intensify efforts to locate the teenager and establish the facts surrounding the case.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Youth Council has also expressed concern over the incident, describing the allegations surrounding the teenager’s disappearance as disturbing and deserving of urgent investigation.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Bahal Nanpyal Mark, the council called for a thorough investigation by relevant security and child protection agencies, including the DSS, police, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The council urged authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the teenager while also calling for calm and restraint as investigations continue.

“We call for a swift action to secure the rescue, protection, rehabilitation, and safe reunification of Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon with her family”

“The authorities should also identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals involved in this criminal act, to ensure justice is served and to deter future occurrences”

The council said that that the case bears the clear markings of child trafficking, exploitation, and abuse, adding that as a minor, Miss Jinkai cannot legally give informed consent, and any attempt to manipulate her identity, age, or religious affiliation constitutes a grave injustice that must not be tolerated

Legal and child rights advocate Hayatudeen Ali said cases involving missing minors require careful and professional handling, particularly where issues relating to religion, identity, or possible coercion are alleged.

He stressed the importance of allowing security agencies to conduct independent investigations capable of determining whether the teenager left voluntarily or may have been subjected to undue influence or manipulation.

Family, Plateau Youth Protest Alleged Forced Conversion, Detention Of Teenager is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has expressed his opinion on whether Marcus Rashford’s loan agreement should be made permanent this summer by the club.

The English player, currently on loan from Manchester United, set the stage for the Catalans’ El Clasico victory on Sunday by scoring a free-kick in the ninth minute.

The Blaugrana have the option to permanently sign Rashford for €30 million.

However, the LaLiga champions have not yet disclosed their position regarding the extension of his contract with the club.

Following Rashford’s remarkable performance against Real Madrid, Koeman clarified his viewpoint on the matter.

The Dutch coach emphasized that Barcelona would ‘deeply regret’ if they chose not to secure Rashford on a permanent basis.

Koeman is of the opinion that €30 million is a steal for a player of Rashford’s caliber. He also pointed out how the forward ‘thoroughly dismantled’ Real Madrid in the El Clasico with his pace and intensity.

Koeman was cited by Diario AS as saying, “If Barcelona allows him to return to Manchester United after this loan, I believe they will deeply regret it.

“Because 30 million euros in today’s market for a player with these attributes, these statistics, this experience… that is a bargain.

“Rashford poses a threat to teams. Madrid appeared frightened every time he turned and sprinted. Against Real Madrid, he utterly overwhelmed them on the counter-attack. The speed, the intensity, the directness, the confidence—Madrid could not cope with him.”

Koeman concluded by stating that it would be ‘absurd’ if the Barcelona management opted against signing Rashford permanently due to hesitance about paying €30 million for him.

“Every time Barcelona moved forward, he was the threat. He scores a free kick in El Clásico, stretches the entire defensive line, creates numerical advantages, presses, gets behind the defense, and yet there are individuals within the club who hesitate to pay 30 million euros? That seems absurd to me.”

LaLiga: ‘You’ll deeply regret it’ – Ronald Koeman warns Barça over Rashford decision

Former Spain midfielder, Xabi Alonso, is believed to be the leading candidate to become Chelsea’s new manager, according to talkSPORT.

The Blues are hoping to appoint Liam Rosenior’s successor before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.

They have already made contact with Alonso, who is out of job after he was sacked by Real Madrid.

Fulham’s Marco Silva and outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola both remain on the list.

Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and ex-Flamengo coach Filipe Luis are the other names under consideration.

Luis was a name Chelsea discussed before appointing Rosenior with talks eventually centring on a potential switch to Strasbourg prior to Gary O’Neil’s appointment.

EPL: Xabi Alonso set to become Chelsea’s next manager

The National Youth Council of Nigeria has urged the Arewa Youth Assembly to channel its energy toward issues such as unemployment, education, insecurity, among others affecting the welfare of youths, rather than politics.

The council stated this on Monday during a press conference held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Recall that the Arewa Youth Assembly had on Sunday called for the impeachment of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, over their alleged involvement in the crisis rocking the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).

According to the group, the actions of the two governors posed a threat to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and could destabilise the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting to the call on Monday, the NYC National Vice President, Comrade Kehinde Olorunjubelo; Ogun State Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Organization, Comrade Emmanuel Ojo; and the Financial Secretary of Gateway Progressive Youth, Awonowo Oluwafemi, described the move as misplaced and counterproductive.

They faulted the Arewa Youth Assembly for making such a demand, insisting that youth groups should not be drawn into internal party matters that have no bearing on the welfare of young Nigerians.

Olorunjubelo said, “Education, insecurity, and unemployment are what affect us. These are the issues we should channel our energy toward, not politics.

“This action by the Arewa youths is unacceptable, and we frown at it. We urge all Nigerian youths to stay away from getting involved in party issues. There are other pressing challenges facing us. I hereby encourage the youths and urge them to remain focused and committed only to leadership and policies that affect Nigerian youths.”

He argued that the PGF is an internal APC structure with its own mechanisms for resolving disputes and that using the name of northern youths to advance partisan interests undermines the credibility of youth advocacy nationwide.

“Stay clearly away from party issues. The party has a structure, its constitution, and laid-down principles on how it resolves its internal issues.

“Youths should not dabble in Progressive Governors’ Forum politics, and they should not bastardise the youth constituency with this kind of politics influenced by disgruntled elements,” he added.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Organization, Comrade Emmanuel Ojo, urged young Nigerians to avoid being used as proxies in intra-party battles.

Ojo noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun has worked effectively to advance the President’s agenda, stressing that his efforts deserve commendation, not condemnation.

Channel your energy to welfarism of youths – NYC tells Arewa youth assembly 

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has revealed how his teammates reacted to the reported altercation involving Real Madrid players Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde prior to El Clasico.

As the highly anticipated clash between the two LaLiga giants approached, Real Madrid found themselves in the spotlight for negative reasons.

Reports from Valdebebas claimed that Tchouameni and Valverde were involved in a physical confrontation during a training session.

Real Madrid subsequently announced that disciplinary measures would be taken against the two midfielders, while Valverde reportedly suffered a head injury that prevented him from featuring in El Clasico.

Alvaro Arbeloa included Tchouameni in the starting lineup for the match, but goals from Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres secured victory for Barcelona.

With the win, the Catalan club clinched the LaLiga title for the 29th time. Achieving the feat against their fiercest rivals and in front of their home supporters made the occasion even more memorable.

Following the celebration of back-to-back league titles with Barcelona, a reporter asked Garcia about the club’s reaction to the reports of unrest within the Real Madrid camp.

The 25-year-old admitted that the news came as a surprise to the entire team. However, he declined to comment further, insisting that Real Madrid should handle their own internal matters.

Garcia said, according to Barca Universal, “Well, obviously, it came as a surprise to the whole team, but anyway, today we’ll enjoy the victory and let them get on with what they have to do.”

Garcia, a product of La Masia, left the club during his youth to join Manchester City. He returned to Barcelona in 2021 and has since won three league titles.

El Clasico: Eric Garcia reveals how Barça players reacted to fight between Real Madrid midfielders

A legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, Buhari Yusuf, has said that zoning is not democratic.

Buhari stated this while appearing as a guest on an interview programme on Trust TV on Monday.

He said that successive constitutions have always rejected the idea of zoning.

He was speaking on the idea of zoning the presidency ahead of next year’s general elections.

“Zoning is a ceasefire in democracy, a ceasefire that stops and starts anytime elections come up. It doesn’t solve the problem; rather, it increases the tempo.

“Essentially, zoning and all these divisive vocabularies are not democratic in nature. You don’t give me an option to choose, then compartmentalize my options along certain geographical lines.

“By your action, my right to choose among multiple offers is obviated, and therefore it is not democracy. This concept has been rejected since the creation of Nigeria.

“The post-independence constitution rejected the idea of zoning. The most famous constitutional literature, which is the 1979 Constitution, rejected it, and all subsequent constitutional progressions have also rejected the idea of zoning,” he said.

2027: Zoning is ceasefire in democracy – Buhari

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dismissed attempts to associate him with issues surrounding the screening of aspirants in Rivers State…

The post 2027: Wike denies interference in Rivers APC screening appeared first on Tribune Online.

Barcelona midfielder Gavi has expressed his support for Lionel Messi-led Argentina as the frontrunners to win the 2026 World Cup.

The Spaniard played 77 minutes in the El Clasico at Camp Nou, where Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0 to secure the Spanish title for the second consecutive year.

In a conversation with D Sports, as shared by All About Argentina on X, reporters asked him about the forthcoming World Cup.

The 21-year-old was unable to participate in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph due to injury but is now prepared to represent La Roja at the World Cup next month.

Although Spain enters the tournament as the reigning European champions, Gavi does not consider them the outright favourites to lift the trophy.

Instead, he backed Lionel Messi and reigning world champions Argentina as the strongest contenders.

Gavi believes the Barcelona legend remains the best player in the world and insisted that Argentina would remain the best team as long as Messi is part of the squad.

He said, “Argentina are the biggest favourites for the World Cup because they are the current champions.

“Leo Messi is the best player in the world, and as long as he is on the field, they will be the best team.”

Recently, Lionel Messi became the fastest player to reach 100 goal contributions in Major League Soccer (MLS).

He scored and provided two assists in a 4-2 victory over Toronto FC, reaching the milestone in just 64 regular-season MLS matches, 31 games fewer than the previous record holder, Sebastian Giovinco.

World Cup 2026: ‘As long as he’s still playing’ – Gavi names country to win trophy