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Australian teenager Gout Gout has run 200m faster than sprinting great Usain Bolt did at the same age.

The 18-year-old clocked a superb time of 19.67 seconds to win at his national championships on Sunday.

It was the first time that Gout had gone under the 20-second mark legally, after a wind-assisted 19.84 last season, and is the leading time in the world this year.

He had the quickest-ever time by a 16-year-old – setting a national record of 20.06 – when he burst on to the scene in 2024. Sunday’s mark in Sydney was quicker than the Jamaican eight-time Olympic champion’s time of 19.93 back in 2004.

Aidan Murphy, who was second to Gout, also beat the 20-second mark with a time of 19.88.

“This is what I’ve been waiting for,” said Gout, who was born in Queensland to parents from South Sudan.

“We have such incredible athletes in Australia and me being able to race these athletes, we push each other to the limits. Two Australians sub-20. I mean, this is amazing.

“There’s a big weight off my shoulders knowing I ran it legally, and I have the speed and my body to run times like that. So, it definitely feels great, and ready for more.”

Gout has indicated that he will skip the Commonwealth Games, which begin in Glasgow on 23 July, to focus on the World Under-20 Championships in Oregon in early August.

Australian Teenager Faster Than Bolt At 18 In 200m is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Marie-Louise Eta has become the first woman appointed to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues after being named interim head coach of Bundesliga side Union Berlin.

Her appointment until the end of the season follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, whose team lost 3-1 to bottom side FC Heidenheim on Saturday.

Union Berlin, who sit 11th in the 18-team Bundesliga, are 11 points clear of the automatic relegation zone with five matches remaining but have only won twice in 14 league outings in 2026.

Eta, 34, is no stranger to breaking barriers, becoming the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach, also with Union Berlin, in November 2023.

She deputised for then-manager Nenad Bjelica, who was serving a three-match suspension, during a 1-0 win over Darmstadt in January 2024 to become the first woman to lead a Bundesliga team from the touchline.

Eta, a former Germany youth international and Women’s Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam, has been working as Union Berlin’s under-19s manager since July 2025 and will become the club’s women’s head coach in the summer.

“We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season and will not allow ourselves to be blinded by our league position,” said Horst Heldt, Union’s director of men’s football.

“Our situation remains precarious. The performances shown in recent weeks do not give us confidence that we can turn things around with the current set-up. We have therefore decided to make a fresh start.”

Eta pointed to the challenges she faces, with Union seven points ahead of St Pauli, who sit in the relegation play-off spot.

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” she said.

“I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations.

“I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points.”

Eta’s appointment comes more than 25 years after Carolina Morace became the first woman to manage a men’s professional team in Europe when she joined Italian third division side Viterbese in 1999.

Corinne Diacre spent three seasons in charge of Clermont Foot in France’s Ligue 2 from 2014 to 2017, leaving to become head coach of the France women’s team.

In July 2023, Hannah Dingley became the first woman to manage a professional men’s team in English football when she was appointed caretaker boss of Forest Green Rovers, although she did not lead the side in a competitive fixture.

Union Berlin Appoint First Female Head Coach is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State prepares for its governorship primary ahead of the 2027 general elections, emerging developments suggest growing resistance to the candidacy of Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode among some indigenous groups in the state.

Findings by THE WHISTLER indicate that several indigenous stakeholders, including traditional rulers and sections of the APC leadership, are opposed to Hamzat’s potential emergence as the party’s flagbearer to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

A member of one of the indigenous groups, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Hamzat as an “unacceptable aspirant,” alleging that concerns over his origin and long-standing political influence are fueling the opposition.

The source claimed that Hamzat hails from Afowowa-Sogade in Ogun State and alleged that his family has maintained political relevance in Lagos for decades while retaining roots outside the state.

“Hamzat is from Afowowa -Sogade in Ogun state where his late father was the king. His junior brother succeeded their father. His elder brother Ganiu Hamzat is the present Commissioner for local government affairs in the same Ogun state. Hamzat’s family has benefitted from Lagos state for over 50 years, using Lagos as a toss ball while they maintain their loyalty to their state of origin,” the source told THE WHISTLER.

“Obafemi Hamzat has been in government continuously for about 25 years, serving under Fashola as Special Adviser, commissioner under Ambode, Special Adviser to Fashola as Minister of Works , Deputy governor, two terms under Sanwo-Olu. Enough!”

Despite the opposition, Hamzat remains one of the prominent figures in Lagos politics. He is the son of the late Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat and Alhaja Kehinde Hamzat. His father served in the Lagos State House of Assembly and later as Commissioner for Transportation between 1979 and 1983.

An engineer by training, Hamzat served as Commissioner for Science and Technology under former governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, and later as Special Adviser on Works to Fashola during his tenure as Minister of Works, Power and Housing. He has been Deputy Governor since 2019.

Another party insider also confirmed that resistance exists within certain blocs, noting that such opposition could affect electoral outcomes if not addressed.

However, Hamzat’s aspiration has received backing from key figures within the party. A prominent group within the APC, The Justice Forum, has reportedly declared its support for him.

The group has directed its members to vote for Hamzat as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election, positioning him as a potential successor to Sanwo-Olu.

Members of the group include Fashola; ex-Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Tajudeen Olusi; among others.

THE WHISTLER gathered that the deputy governor will be contesting the party’s ticket alongside an entrepreneur and Badagry indigene, Samuel Ajose, who is also seeking to succeed Sanwo-Olu.

Sources further indicated that factors favouring Hamzat among some APC leaders include his long-standing loyalty to the party’s power structure, technocratic competence, ability to balance political interests, electoral acceptability, continuity appeal, and relatively low level of political aggression.

Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, publicly endorsed him.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Faleke urged party members across Lagos to support Hamzat’s governorship ambition.

“As we prepare for Party primaries next month, I urge all our supporters in Ikeja Federal Constituency and Lagos State to support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State from 2027–2035 IJN. Amen!” he wrote.

Faleke’s endorsement has, however, drawn criticism from Ibile Parapo, an umbrella body of indigenous groups in Lagos, which described his position as “provocative and insulting.”

The group alleged that Faleke is a member of an APC screening committee for governorship aspirants, arguing that his endorsement compromises his neutrality. It called for his withdrawal from the committee and the appointment of a replacement.

“For brevity, Faleke is among the 8 member committee, set up by the APC, to screen all the candidates vying for the seat of the Governor. His position is already compromised and we demand immediate retraction of all his twitter handle and in other print/electronic media,” the group said in a statement.

The group also stressed that Lagos indigenes must have a decisive voice in determining the state’s leadership.

Reactions have continued to trail Faleke’s endorsement, with several indigenous stakeholders expressing strong reservations.

Meanwhile, GAC, the highest decision-making body of the Lagos APC, reportedly met with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos last week – second meeting in a space of one month. Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, some online reports claimed the governorship ticket had been narrowed to Ambode and Hamzat. However, party sources have dismissed the reports as inaccurate.

“Not even close to the truth,” a source said, adding that multiple aspirants remain in contention.

Those reportedly in the race include Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa; Chief of Staff to the Governor Tayo Ayinde; Senator representing Lagos East Tokunbo Abiru; Commissioner for Environment Tokunbo Wahab; and former PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor).

Ambode, an incumbent at the time, lost the APC governorship ticket to Sanwo-Olu in the party’s 2018 primary. Reports indicate that he is gearing up for a comeback in 2027.

Sources say Ambode is also considered non-indigenous and therefore faces similar resistance as Hamzat.

Born on June 14, 1963, he is an accountant, administrator, and public finance management expert. A former Accountant-General of Lagos State, Ambode held several sensitive financial positions during his 27-year career in the state civil service.

His selling points, according to some party members, include the prospect of serving only one constitutional term if chosen by the party, as well as having initiated and completed several infrastructural projects while in office as governor.

However, sources within indigenous groups hinted that Abiru, who hails from Ikorodu, is emerging as a strong contender for the party’s ticket.

Among indigenous advocacy groups, organisations such as the De Renaissance Foundation, Prominent Indigenes, and Omo Eko Pataki Forum have intensified campaigns for greater inclusion of Lagos indigenes in the 2027 governorship race, deploying both traditional and digital mobilisation strategies.

In a related development, Adediran (Jandor), has dismissed claims that any candidate has been endorsed by the party leadership.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, Adediran said all aspirants would participate in a credible primary process.

He also reiterated his commitment to party discipline, stating that he would abide by any consensus arrangement adopted by the leadership.

“We restate, in line with the official position of the Lagos State APC leadership as communicated by the State Chairman, that no aspirant has been anointed and that all aspirants will participate in a credible primary election.

“Dr. Adediran is firmly committed to this process and is preparing accordingly, engaging party members and strengthening his grassroots structures.

“At the same time, he remains guided by party discipline. Should our leader and the leadership resolve to adopt a consensus candidacy, JANDOR will fully align with that decision, irrespective of who emerges,” the statement read.

Adediran cautioned party members against treating individual endorsements as the official position of the APC, stressing that only decisions from party leadership should be regarded as binding.

THE WHISTLER recalls that the state APC chairman Cornelius Ojelabi early this month noted that the party has no anointed candidate for any elective position.

He added that the party would adopt direct primaries as the primary mode for candidate selection, while consensus arrangements would be allowed where applicable.

EXCLUSIVE: Lagos Indigenes Reject Hamzat, Ambode 2027 Governorship Bids is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Crude oil and condensate fell to an average of 1.51 million barrels per day (mbpd) in February 2026, even as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) remitted N1.804 trillion to the Federation Account.

The NNPC’s February Monthly Report Summary, released on Saturday, attributed the production dip to the Trans Forcados Pipeline outage due to integrity issues, and to startup challenges at Stardeep Agbami GTC 2 and 3 following post-turnaround maintenance.

Others, according to the report, include delays at the Sterling Oguali flow station and sludge management constraints at Enyie wells.

It said that, despite these hurdles, financial indicators strengthened, with total revenue rising to N2.68 trillion from N2.57 trillion in January, though Profit After Tax (PAT) declined to N136 billion in February from N385 billion in January.

It emphasised ongoing stabilisation efforts, including improved asset reliability, faster evacuation resolutions, and progress on the AKK gas pipeline to deliver early gas to Abuja, positioning the sector for potential recovery.

The report highlighted improvements across key financial and operational indicators.

“Major highlights include total revenue rising to N2.68 trillion in February from N2.57 trillion in January.

“Statutory remittances surged to N1.804 trillion, up from N726 billion in the previous month, PAT stood at N136 billion, indicating improved profitability, and crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.51 million bpd in February.

“NNPC’s improved remittance performance follows recent policy changes aimed at strengthening revenue transparency in the oil and gas sector,” it said.

On the AKK gas pipeline, the company said it “progressed construction and installation works aimed at delivering early gas to Abuja”.

It highlighted the timely delivery of critical infrastructure as a key factor supporting production, and increased collaboration with operators and stakeholders has also contributed to production recovery across key assets.

In February 2026, President Bola Tinubu signed an Executive Order to overhaul revenue remittance practices.

The directive suspended NNPC Ltd.’s collection of management and frontier exploration fees.

It also mandated the full remittance of oil and gas revenues to the Federation Account.

The Executive Order also establishes an inter-agency implementation committee chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy to ensure seamless execution.

These measures are part of broader reforms to align revenue flows with constitutional provisions and improve accountability.

The post Oil output drops to 1.51mbpd in February as NNPC remits N1.804trn appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 14, Bello Shehu, has ordered a coordinated crackdown on banditry and other violent crimes across Katsina and Kaduna states.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Katsina by the Police Public Relations Officer of the zone, ASP Umar Muhammad.

According to the statement, the move aligns with the operational strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at proactively addressing rising security threats, particularly banditry.

Shehu directed Commissioners of Police in the affected states to deploy specialised tactical units to assert operational dominance, dismantle criminal networks, and maintain a strong and visible presence in high-risk areas.

He also instructed them to strengthen inter-agency collaboration through joint operations with other security agencies to enhance intelligence sharing and ensure swift responses to emerging threats.

“All tactical units have been placed on red alert,” the statement said.

Officers have been mandated to sustain continuous patrols across forests, rural communities, highways, places of worship, and other public spaces.

The AIG further directed supervisory officers to uphold discipline, ensure operational efficiency, and maintain accountability among personnel.

He urged residents of Katsina and Kaduna to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and useful information to aid ongoing operations.

Police deploy tactical units to tackle banditry in Katsina, Kaduna

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fixed May 12 for the inauguration of its newly elected state Executive Committees.

The move is a reaffirmation of the party’s resolve to forge ahead with activities outlined in its timetable, despite ongoing legal and institutional challenges.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had on April 1, delisted the ADC leadership from its records, a decision that could render all activities of the party nugatory if the court upholds INEC’s decision.

But the ADC, in a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party would proceed with the inauguration of the Excos, elected at state congresses on Saturday.

The party congratulated the newly elected Excos on the peaceful conduct of their congresses, describing the process as a reflection of the party’s commitment to internal democracy and the rule of law.

The ADC also urged the officials to remain committed to the party’s ideals and align with the leadership direction of its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, as they work to strengthen the party nationwide.

“These elections, carried out in line with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution, reflect the ADC’s enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.

“We commend all party members and stakeholders for exercising their democratic rights with maturity, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose.

“As you prepare to assume office, we urge all elected officials to remain steadfast in their dedication to the ideals and vision of the party. The task ahead requires unity, discipline, and a continued commitment to building a strong, credible alternative for the Nigerian people,” it added.

The ADC restated confidence in the newly elected leaders of the state chapters, stressing that the party will continue to grow, deepen its structures, and strengthen its connection with citizens across the country.

The party leadership said it would communicate with all stakeholders should there be any need to alter the May 12 date fixed for the inauguration.

ADC To Inaugurate State Excos May 12 Amid Legal Challenges is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has said there’s mass killings under the current government that’s suppressed and underreported.

Speaking in a statement on Sunday, the politician warned that growing global silence reflects a dangerous devaluation of human lives.

Gbenga-Hashim said the persistent attacks in several parts of the country point to a worsening security crisis that is failing to attract the attention it deserves both locally and internationally.

He lamented that the true scale of the killings was being “dangerously underreported and increasingly normalised.”

He cited recent attacks in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where more than 40 persons were reportedly killed within the past week.

According to him, local sources indicate that the casualty figure may be higher as fresh bodies are discovered, with homes also razed during the attacks.

He added that the same community had earlier suffered another assault that claimed at least seven lives, describing the situation as persistent and largely unchecked.

“What we are witnessing is a pattern of mass killings that fail to sustain national outrage or global attention,” Hashim said.

He also drew attention to similar attacks in Kwara State, particularly in Kaiama, Baruten and Ifelodun, where between 20 and 50 people were reportedly killed in recent weeks.

The politician noted that the victims included five forest guards, adding that many of the incidents barely received coverage beyond local reporting channels.

Across the North-Central region, he said, the scale of violence remained alarming, citing repeated killings in Benue State and Plateau State.

He disclosed that Benue recorded between 50 and 100 deaths within weeks, while Plateau witnessed coordinated night attacks that left between 30 and 80 persons dead.

Olawepo-Hashim further stated that Niger State and Nasarawa State also recorded fatalities ranging from 20 to 50 and 10 to 20 respectively.

He said, in total, between 130 and 300 people may have been killed within a short period across the affected regions.

Describing the situation as alarming, he said the killings were being met with “selective attention and dangerous silence” by the global community.

Hashim criticised the muted response of institutions such as the United Nations and the African Union.

“There is a growing perception that Nigerian lives have been so devalued that even routine expressions of condolence are no longer made,” he said.

Killings In Nigeria Suppressed, Underreported Under Tinubu – Olawepo-Hashim is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Isoko women on Sunday has endorsed Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) senatorial hopeful, Dr. Austin Orette, noting that he his a key factor in the Process of realizing a better Delta South.

 The group in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Mrs. Elizabeth Oghenemaro siad, “We have a huge task ahead. The 2027 election in Delta South Senatorial District is another occasion to prove to ourselves that we can do it. We need to start planning for NDC electoral success’’

“We rebuked those canvassing for power shift in strong language”

” Orette’s devotion to moral purity, capacity for honesty and the critical need to work together in view of moving the senatorial district to the next level.

‘’Dr. Austin Orette is an exceptional leader and a protector of the pillars of justice, democracy and integrity. He will create and sustain the conditions for individual development”

‘’Dr. Austin Orette has political credibility and strong network across the world. He will promote trade, develop infrastructure and ensure security”

The women underscored Orette’s competence, commitment to the welfare of the people, principles of order and justice and the courage in pursuing issues of interest to the people of Delta South Senatorial District.

‘’The renowned physician is hardworking, honest, suave and accommodating. He is in the best position to serve the senatorial district’’

The women applauded Orette for promoting the interest of the oil rich district.

‘’What is happening in the district mirrors a situation of desperation of some individuals and groups to take advantage of falsehood to misguide the good people of the district as well as score cheap political goals’’

They urged Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko and Urhobo leaders not to devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspiration of a man who has been a perpetual bench warmer in the National Assembly.

‘’Four years of wasted opportunities are enough. The ego of the disappointing lawmaker will be deflated. He should await the people’s dirge in 2027’’ the women said.

The women emphasized legislative output, empowerment, grassroots development and efforts in attracting development projects and infrastructure to the district.

‘’Dr. Austin Orette will be active in the senate. He will contribute to lawmaking, debates and committee activities. He will also expand the prosperity of the good people of Delta South Senatorial District’’

The post Isoko women endorse Austin Orette  appeared first on Vanguard News.

Hundreds of Christian ministers from across Urhobo land on Saturday converged in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, where they unanimously reaffirmed their endorsement of Revd Francis Ejiroghene Waive for re-election into the House of Representatives.

The endorsement was made during the 2026 Annual Day of Prayers and Thanksgiving organised by the Urhobo Christian Ministers Association, held at Agbarho Model Primary School field (L.E.A), Agbarho.

In his presidential welcome address, Archbishop Solomon Gbakara urged ministers to remain united in truth and love, stressing the need for harmony within the body of Christ.

The association also distanced itself from what it described as a “purported endorsement” of another politician allegedly carried out by some pastors, insisting that Waive remains the authentic choice of the church ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The gathering also endorsed Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, commending his administration’s developmental strides and support for Christian communities in the state.

Special prayers were offered for the peace and progress of Urhobo land, as well as for Governor Oborevwori, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Delta Central lawmaker, Senator Ede Dafinone, who was present at the event.

The state governor was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo.

Delivering the sermon themed “God Is Able,” Revd Waive, who cited Ephesians 3:20, encouraged church leaders to place their trust in God and remain steadfast in their faith.

He cautioned against compromising values, noting that divine provision remains sufficient for believers.

Traditional ruler, the Osuivie of Agbarho, in his remarks, praised Waive’s performance at the National Assembly, expressing confidence that the Urhobo nation would return him to the Green Chamber.

He further urged citizens to remain prayerful and uphold godly values.

Other clerics, including Bishop Kingsley Enakirheri and Bishop Blessing Eriafeta, encouraged Waive not to relent, while charging the congregation to remain hopeful and committed to God.

Prayers were also led by prominent clerics such as Archbishop Goddowell Avwomakpa and Bishop Chris Okoh, among others.

The event drew an extensive list of clergy, political figures, and community leaders, underscoring what organisers described as a strong spiritual and communal backing for Waive’s continued representation.

The post 2027: Urhobo clergymen reaffirm support for waive, back Oborevwori at prayer gathering appeared first on Vanguard News.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday called his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, offering support to help resolve the escalating Middle East crisis following the collapse of talks between Iran and the United States.

“Vladimir Putin emphasised his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict, and to mediate efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” the Kremlin said in its readout of the call, according to AFP.

The development came as the entire US negotiating team withdrew from failed discussions in Islamabad, with no officials remaining in the Pakistani capital to continue back-channel efforts, a US official confirmed.

Officials said the delegation, including chief negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, departed after marathon talks yielded no meaningful progress on the conflict involving Iran.

During a stopover at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, a US official travelling with Vice President JD Vance said no members of the team stayed behind, despite earlier speculation that further negotiations might continue.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Washington failed to build trust during the discussions.

“My colleagues in the Iranian delegation put forward constructive initiatives, but the other side was unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation,” he said in a post on X.

Vanguard News

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