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Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will make his comeback against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 25 July.

It will be his first appearance in the ring since he survived a fatal car crash in Nigeria in December.

Joshua, who was a passenger in the car, was injured, while two members of his team were killed.

The British fighter’s most recent appearance in the ring was against Jake Paul earlier that month.

The 36-year-old attended Tyson Fury’s recent comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov and was called out by his British rival immediately after he secured a comfortable decision win.

Talks are under way for the long-awaited bout to take place later this year, but first Joshua will face 35-year-old Albanian Prenga, who has a 17-1 record.

Joshua To Have First Fight Since Car Crash is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian military has unveiled plans to formally engage retired personnel in efforts to address rising violent conflicts across the country through mediation, conflict resolution and community-based peacebuilding.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed this at the flag-off of a mediation and conflict resolution skills training for veterans in Abuja.

The training was organised by the Retired Members of Nigeria Armed forces (REMENAF), in collaboration with Mediation Training Institute and Defence Headquarters.

The training is aimed at equipping retired military personnel with modern skills in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.

Oluyede said the initiative reflects a strategic shift towards strengthening non-kinetic approaches in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, where violent conflicts are increasingly driven by local disputes and community tensions.

He stressed that military operations alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, noting that early intervention, dialogue and structured mediation remain critical to preventing escalation of violence.

“This initiative reflects the understanding that sustainable security requires both kinetic and non-kinetic responses.

“Veterans possess the experience, discipline and credibility needed to intervene in community disputes and help prevent violence before it escalates.

“They understand the cost of conflict and are uniquely positioned to promote dialogue, restraint and reconciliation at the grassroots level,” he said.

The CDS explained that the initiative would also strengthen early warning systems and improve information flow from communities to security agencies, while remaining non-operational and complementary to existing security structures.

The President, Coalition of Concerned Veterans Association, Isaac Oguntuyi, described the programme as a continuation of national service, urging beneficiaries to cascade the training to other veterans across the country.

He said retired personnel remain committed to national stability and must continue contributing to peacebuilding efforts.

Similarly, National Coordinator of Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF), Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, said veterans were well placed to support intelligence gathering, community engagement and conflict prevention due to their operational experience.

The initiative signals a growing emphasis within the military on preventive security strategies aimed at reducing pressure on frontline troops by addressing conflicts at their root.

The training is expected to enhance grassroots mediation capacity and strengthen national efforts to reduce violent conflicts through non-kinetic means.

Military Unveils Plans To Engage Veterans In Tackling Rising Violent Conflicts is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A leadership tussle has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu both laid claim to the party’s leadership in the state, citing directives from President Bola Tinubu.

The competing claims, made via separate Facebook posts on Monday, have stirred fresh debate over the party’s structure and control ahead of future political contests in the state.

Benjamin Kalu, in his post, suggested that President Tinubu had reaffirmed a leadership model that places responsibility for state party affairs on top-ranking political office holders like himself.

He wrote: “Thank you, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for insisting that governors should handle the issues of the party in the states with APC governors, while the highest-ranking political office holders like the Deputy Speaker take care of the affairs in Abia State.”

Kalu added that the President reiterated this position during a recent engagement, noting that the arrangement had historically strengthened the party’s internal cohesion.

“You have always worked with this model all through the ward, local government and state congresses and it has brought us great success. It has united the party more than ever before and we are ready to win elections in Abia State,” he stated.

He further expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, saying: “Abia APC has never been this united and forward-looking thanks to your support. We will deliver Abia votes overwhelmingly.”

However, in what appeared to be a direct counter, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu – who represents Abia North and is a former governor of the state – also claimed to have received a mandate from the President to coordinate party activities in the state.

In his own Facebook post, the senator wrote: “I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Emphasising his political experience, Orji Uzor Kalu described himself as “the most senior governor in the state” and pledged to work with stakeholders to strengthen the party.

“I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders, in line with the President’s directive, to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose, and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the President’s re-election,” he added.

The parallel assertions have created uncertainty within the party’s Abia chapter, with both leaders invoking presidential backing to justify their roles.

Orji Kalu, Deputy Speaker Clash Over Who’s Abia’s APC Leader is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Shola Adegun is in pole position to be appointed new head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 men’s team, the Golden Eaglets, DAILY POST reports.

Adegun, who is one youngest coaches in the domestic scene in Nigeria will replace Manu Garba.

Garba failed to qualify the Golden Eaglets for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

Adegun’s first major job was with newly promoted Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, club, Sporting Lagos.

The young tactician has also worked with top academies in Nigeria including Clique Academy, Barcelona Academy and AS Roma.

He handled Plateau United in the first half of the current season, before he was sacked with the Jos club fighting against relegation.

Shola Adegun favoured to lead Golden Eaglets

Residents of the Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received assurances of inclusive and effective representation at the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This assurance was given by an aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat, Sarah Ivie Adidi, during a courtesy visit to the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the weekend, where she formally declared her ambition and congratulated the newly elected party executives.

Sarah was received by the party chairman, women leader and other key executives, who pledged their support and emphasized the need for unity and collective progress within the party.

Speaking during the visit, Sarah noted that her engagement with party stakeholders and supporters in Bwari was informed by “a commitment to grassroots politics and inclusive governance”. She stressed the importance of “collaboration in addressing the developmental challenges facing the constituency”.

Sarah assured residents that, if elected, she would “work closely with the area council leadership, community stakeholders and relevant agencies to drive sustainable development and improve the overall standard of living for constituents”.

Describing Bwari Area Council as a critical and strategic component of the FCT’s political landscape, she said its relevance in shaping electoral outcomes and governance priorities cannot be overstated.

Sarah outlined her vision to transform the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency through people-oriented programmes which will focus on infrastructure development, quality education, skills acquisition, youth empowerment and improved healthcare delivery.

She promised to amplify the voices of the people and ensure their needs are adequately addressed at the national level.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bwari Area Council, Joshua Ishaku Musa, said the party would work to support Sarah in achieving her aspirations.

Reps aspirant pledges collaboration with area council leadership, stakeholders

Ibom Air has warned that it may be forced to reduce its flight frequency in the coming days as the rising cost of aviation fuel pushes operations to the brink.

In a statement issued on Monday, and signed by its Group Manager of Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, the airline described the current pricing regime as an “unprecedented crisis” that is no longer financially sustainable for domestic carriers.

According to the airline, the cost of fuelling a single flight has surged dramatically within a short period.
It said that while it spent an average of N2.1 million per flight in January, the figure had climbed to about N7.6 million as of April 26, representing an increase of over 350 per cent in just seven weeks.

The Airline operator expressed concern over what it termed a pricing contradiction, noting that despite increased local supply of Jet A1 fuel—largely attributed to operations of the Dangote Refinery—domestic prices remain significantly higher than global benchmarks.

“Domestic airlines are baffled at why the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria has ballooned to this level, far above what is obtainable in other parts of the world,” the statement said.

The airline added that while international carriers typically adjust capacity in response to relatively modest fuel price increases, Nigerian operators have continued to absorb higher costs to keep airfares stable and services running.

However, Ibom Air said the situation has reached a breaking point, warning that it may be compelled to scale down operations.

“It is clear to us that the current conditions are unsustainable. We will have to take whatever ameliorating actions we can in the days ahead, including reducing our capacity if necessary,” Essienette stated.

The company urged fuel marketers to review their pricing structure and cautioned that if the current trend persists, airlines may soon find themselves operating solely to cover fuel expenses, with little margin for other operational costs.

Ibom Air Faces Capacity Cuts Over Jet Fuel Surge is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The electricity crisis in Nigeria has taken a fresh political turn as a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, launched an attack on President Bola Tinubu over the worsening state of the power sector.

In a statement issued on Monday, Eze criticised the President for attributing the country’s persistent electricity challenges to past administrations.

He described the move as an attempt to deflect responsibility from his government’s perceived failures.

The ADC chieftain recalled Tinubu’s campaign promise ahead of the 2023 general elections, where he pledged to fix Nigeria’s long-standing power sector crisis through reforms.
According to Eze, the current situation reflects the opposite, with widespread outages and repeated national grid collapses across the country.

“Today, what Nigerians are witnessing is total and horrifying darkness. The power sector has collapsed, with the national grid crashing at will and no lasting solution in sight,” he said.

Eze argued that rather than shifting blame, the President should take responsibility and apologise to Nigerians for failing to deliver on his promise despite significant budgetary allocations to the sector over the past three years.

He further described the administration’s performance as disappointing, accusing it of ineptitude, corruption, and excessive borrowing, while insisting that the electricity situation has continued to deteriorate.

The ADC chieftain also raised concerns about the safety of electricity workers, noting that public frustration over poor power supply has increasingly been directed at them.

Responding to Tinubu’s recent claim that flaws in the privatisation of the power sector by previous administrations are responsible for current challenges, Eze dismissed the argument, stating that the President had promised solutions, not excuses.

“Even if the privatisation process was flawed, Tinubu assured Nigerians he would fix it. He never said he would blame past governments,” Eze stated.

He also referenced Tinubu’s campaign remark urging Nigerians not to vote for him if he failed to improve electricity supply, saying the current situation suggests that the President has fallen short of that commitment.

Eze urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable, adding that continued hardship and poor electricity supply have heightened public dissatisfaction with the government.

Tinubu had earlier maintained that structural weaknesses embedded in the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector have hindered progress over the years, a position that continues to generate debate among political stakeholders.

ADC Chieftain Slams Tinubu Over Worsening Power Crisis is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A Kebbi woman unexpectedly gave birth to twin boys on Sunday during a political fundraising event organised by the state’s First Lady, Zainab Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi.

The event, held at Haliru Audu Stadium to mobilise support for women’s organisations, was attended by Governor Nasir Idris, his wife, and party loyalists.

According to witnesses, the woman had come to the gathering seeking assistance when she suddenly went into labour and delivered the babies at the venue. She and the newborns were later moved to a hospital for proper medical care.

Reacting to the development, the member representing Suru/Bagudo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bello Dallatun Ka’oje, announced a donation of N5 million to the mother on behalf of the governor to support her treatment and the children’s naming ceremony.

Woman delivers twin boys at Kebbi First Lady’s fundraising event

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a direct warning to citizens engaging in xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, telling them plainly that taking the law into their own hands will not be tolerated, even as he acknowledged the legitimate frustrations many South Africans feel about illegal migration.

Delivering his keynote address at the 2026 Freedom Day national commemoration in Bloemfontein on Monday, Ramaphosa said South Africans must not allow concerns about migration to breed prejudice toward fellow Africans. “We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans,” he said, adding firmly, “We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia directed towards people from other African countries or any other parts of the world.”

The President was careful to balance his condemnation of xenophobia with an acknowledgement of the pressures driving public anger. He confirmed that his government was actively clamping down on illegal migration and on businesses flouting the law by hiring undocumented workers, and said corruption within the immigration system was also being rooted out. But he drew a firm and unmistakable line between legitimate state enforcement and mob justice, making clear that no citizen had the authority to substitute themselves for the law. “We will not allow people to take the law into their own hands,” he declared.

Addressing those who had framed the attacks on foreign nationals as a response to genuine economic grievances, Ramaphosa said frustration could never justify violence or hatred. “We extend hospitality to those who are guests in our country, with the expectation that generosity is honoured with respect for our society and its laws,” he said.

Invoking the history of the liberation struggle, Ramaphosa reminded South Africans of the debt the country owed to the rest of the continent. He said South Africa did not walk alone into freedom, having been carried by a tide of solidarity from African nations that opened their borders to liberation fighters, shared their homes and spoke for South Africa when it could not speak for itself.

“As a nation that defeated colonialism and apartheid through international solidarity, we carry a responsibility to advance constitutional values beyond our borders,” he said, warning that it must never come to pass that South Africa tramples on the African fellowship that made its freedom possible.

This year’s Freedom Day marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections and was held under the theme “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship.” Bloemfontein was chosen as the host city because it is South Africa’s judicial capital and home to the Supreme Court of Appeal, a fitting backdrop for a speech that placed the rule of law at its centre.

The remarks on xenophobia came against a backdrop of weeks of escalating anti-foreigner violence across several South African provinces, including attacks on Nigerian and Ghanaian traders, the killing of two Nigerian nationals at the hands of South African security personnel, and intelligence warnings of fresh protests planned in Gauteng Province between Monday and Wednesday this week, with demonstrators intending to pile further pressure on the government over the presence of foreign nationals in the country.

Ghana had earlier summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over the harassment of its citizens, while Nigeria’s Consulate in Johannesburg issued a formal condemnation and demanded justice for the two Nigerians killed.

Ramaphosa Warns South Africans: Stop Attacking Foreigners is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has delivered a forceful defence of his government’s decision to pursue direct peace talks with Israel, pushing back sharply against Hezbollah’s characterisation of the negotiations as treason and surrender, and turning the accusation squarely back on the group.

In a series of pointed statements, Aoun made clear that his administration had set a firm precondition for any formal negotiations with Israel, telling Washington from the outset that a ceasefire must come first before broader talks could begin.

He dismissed claims by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem that Lebanon was entering negotiations from a position of weakness, saying critics should wait for the talks to begin and judge the outcome before passing verdict.

On the treason accusation, Aoun was direct. He said what his government was doing was not treason, and that real treason was committed by those who take their country to war to serve foreign interests. He asked a pointed rhetorical question that struck at the heart of Hezbollah’s political standing, questioning whether those who dragged Lebanon into war had sought any national consensus before doing so. He also asked how long the people of southern Lebanon would continue paying the price for wars fought on behalf of others, referencing both the conflict tied to Gaza and the more recent campaign linked to support for Iran.

Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel on March 2, two days after the United States and Israel struck Iran. The fighting since then has killed more than 2,500 people, wounded over 7,000 and displaced more than one million Lebanese.

Laying out his ultimate objective, Aoun said his goal was to formally end the state of war with Israel through an armistice agreement similar to the 1949 accords that brought decades of relative calm to the border without requiring full normalisation of relations.

He challenged critics who viewed any such deal as a defeat, asking whether the 1949 armistice was a humiliation. He added that he would not accept a humiliating deal but was equally resolute that the path of continued armed resistance was not one he could accept.

Lebanon President Blasts Hezbollah Over Rejection Of Israel Peace Talks is first published on The Whistler Newspaper