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The three terrorists were convicted and sentenced to death after they pleaded guilty to the offences they were charged with

The post FCT: Court sentences three terrorists to death by hanging appeared first on Tribune Online.

Chelsea on Thursday announced a transfer deal for forward Jimmy-Jay Morgan.

In a statement via its website, the Blues disclosed that Morgan has completed a permanent move to English club West Bromwich Albion.

Morgan spent time in Chelsea’s Academy as a youngster and returned to the Premier League west London club from Southampton in February 2023.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at League Two Gillingham, where he scored twice in 16 matches.

He then joined Peterborough United for the latest campaign and scored 14 goals in 39 games in all competitions as the Posh finished 18th in League One.

“Everybody at Chelsea wishes Jimmy-Jay the best of luck as he embarks on a new chapter in his career,” Chelsea’s statement partly read.

Transfer: Chelsea announce deal for Morgan

Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been denied a visa to Canada to face Germany in their second World Cup clash.

According to The Athletic, this happened because of an ongoing investigation into match-fixing allegations, which falls foul of Canadian immigration rules.

Ivory Coast will take on Germany in the World Cup Group E fixture at the Toronto Stadium.

The West Africans won their first World Cup opener 1-0 against Ecuador.

This is coming after the Canadian government recently denied Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country due to allegations of sexual assault the former Arsenal star is facing.

Partey then missed Ghana’s World Cup 1-0 win against Panama this week.

World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast striker Wahi denied visa into Canada to face Germany

The Federal Government will put in place a sustainable National Regional Development Policy to give clarity to the operations of the

The post FG to unveil regional development policy appeared first on Tribune Online.

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, has stepped up efforts to curb the spread of illicit arms across Nigeria through enhanced collaboration with key stakeholders.

As part of the initiative, the Director-General of the Centre, Johnson Kokumo, undertook a three-day working visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing measures to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the North-East.

Speaking during a dinner and stakeholders’ engagement attended by representatives of the Borno State Government and security agencies, Kokumo said stronger cooperation among relevant institutions would significantly reduce the circulation of illegal weapons and contribute to improved security nationwide.

Represented at the dinner by the Director of Administration and Finance of NCCSALW, Brig.-Gen. M. S. Adamu, the Director-General noted that the centre was working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to recover illicit weapons for destruction.

He added that the Federal Government had empowered the centre to prosecute individuals involved in the illegal arms trade, stressing the need for sustained support and collaboration.

Kokumo explained that NCCSALW was established through an Act of the National Assembly in 2024 to address the proliferation, trafficking, unlawful possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons in the country.

He noted that the North-East Zonal Centre, headquartered in Maiduguri, covers Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Ishak, commended the centre’s efforts in tackling illegal arms proliferation and pledged the state’s continued support towards achieving its mandate.

Also speaking, the North-East Zonal Director of NCCSALW, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd), reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with stakeholders to ensure proper control, accountability and lawful management of recovered weapons.

Among those present at the engagement were the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation Network in Borno State, Barrister Zana Mustapha, the Borno State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as well as representatives of the DSS, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and senior officials of the centre.

Other activities during the Director-General’s visit included a meeting with staff of the Centre, where he urged them to remain dedicated and professional in carrying out their duties.

He also inspected the construction of the North-East permanent site of the centre, paid a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. A. E. Abubakar, and inspected a proposed site for an armoury facility.

FG steps up efforts to curb illicit arms proliferation in Nigeria

The governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State and former Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has challenged the Kano State Government to provide evidence supporting allegations that he received funds from local government councils through his son, Mujahid Aminu Abdussalam. Gwarzo’s challenge followed claims reportedly made by […]

The post Kano: NDC guber candidate, Gwarzo denies receiving LG funds through son appeared first on Tribune Online.

The student community at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, was invaded by robbers in the early hours of Thursday, resulting in the death of a final-year student known simply as Timi. According to information obtained by the Nigerian Tribune, the robbers stormed the Konigba area, a section predominantly inhabited by students, and operated for several […]

The post Ogun: Robbers invade OOU student community, kill final-year student appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Governor of Abia State, Dr.Alex Otti, has paid glowing tribute to late Nollywood actor, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke, describing him as a cultural ambassador, creative force, and one of Abia State’s most distinguished sons whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.

The Governor’s message was delivered at the burial ceremony of the late actor in Arochukwu, represented by the chief of staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba.

Expressing deep sorrow over the actor’s death, Governor Otti said the news of Alexx Ekubo’s passing at the age of 40 came as a profound shock to the government and people of Abia State, the Nigerian entertainment industry, and his millions of admirers across Africa and beyond.

According to the Governor, the late actor’s family disclosed that he died following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer after a courageous battle with the illness.

“This is by all standards a very difficult moment in the life of any father to stand to give a speech at the funeral service of a beloved son.

“It is therefore with a heavy heart, yet with gratitude to God for an impactful life lived, that we pay our final respects to one of Abia’s most distinguished sons and Nollywood actors, the late Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke,” he said.

Governor Otti noted that beyond being a celebrated actor, Alexx Ekubo was a proud ambassador of Arochukwu, Abia State, and Nigeria whose talent projected the image of the state and country onto the global stage.

“Today, we mourn not merely a husband, an actor, a brother and a friend but a cultural ambassador, a creative force, and a proud son of Arochukwu whose talent projected the image of Abia State and Nigeria onto the global stage,” he stated.

The Governor praised the actor’s ability to connect with people through his craft, saying his performances brought joy to countless homes while inspiring young people to pursue excellence and realize their dreams.

“His success story remains a powerful testimony to the resilience, creativity, and ingenuity that characterize the people of Abia State.

He carried his roots with pride and never ceased to identify with the land of his birth,” he said.

He added that the late actor served as a role model for many youths by demonstrating that dedication, discipline, and hard work could elevate an individual from a local community to international recognition.

Governor Otti also reflected on the personal qualities that endeared Alexx Ekubo to many, describing him as humble, generous, warm-hearted, and supportive of others.

“His life reminds us that true greatness is not measured solely by fame or achievement but by the positive impact we make on the lives of others,” he noted.

The Governor further revealed that even during his final days while battling illness, Alexx Ekubo maintained unwavering faith in God and continued to exhibit remarkable courage.

“Even while he was lying critically ill and going through his last moments on earth, he continued to exude the rare confidence in his creator and his implicit hope in Him that has the final say in the affairs of men,” he said.

Extending condolences to the actor’s wife, Anwuli, the Ekubo-Okwaraeke family, the people of Arochukwu, and the Nollywood community, Governor Otti acknowledged the painful loss and prayed for divine comfort and strength for all who mourn him.

He also lamented the vacuum created by the actor’s death within Nigeria’s creative industry, noting that his contributions to Nollywood would remain permanently engraved in the history of African cinema.

“Although his voice has been silenced, his works will continue to speak. Though the curtain has fallen on his earthly journey, his contributions to Nollywood will remain permanently engraved in the history of African cinema,” the Governor said.

On behalf of the government and people of Abia State, Governor Otti extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and all those affected by the loss.

“As we commit Alexx to mother earth today, may we find comfort in the assurance that a life dedicated to purpose never truly ends. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the dreams he inspired, and the memories he leaves behind,” he added.

The Governor concluded his tribute with an emotional farewell, describing the late actor as a worthy son of Arochukwu, a worthy son of Abia State, and a shining star of Africa whose legacy will endure for generations.

THE WHISTLER reports that Alexx Ekubo was widely celebrated for his outstanding contributions to Nollywood and his role in promoting African storytelling through film.

His death marks the end of a remarkable career that earned him admiration across the continent and beyond.

Otti Mourns Alexx Ekubo, Describes Him As Cultural Ambassador is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has linked the conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel to the intensified economic pressures across the world that threaten energy security in many countries.

Oba Akanbi also stated that the establishment of the Dangote Refinery is a major intervention that prevented Nigeria’s economy from sliding into crisis amid global energy challenges.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, on Thursday, the royal father, while commending the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, added that the refinery had contributed significantly to stabilising the country’s economy and cushioning the impact of rising global fuel prices on ordinary Nigerians.

Oba Akanbi stated that the refinery’s operations had given Nigeria a strategic advantage at a time when many countries were grappling with dwindling fuel reserves and heightened economic uncertainty.

He noted that Dangote’s investment had positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global energy market.

“God loved us enough to bless us with a Nigerian, a black man, who personally financed a private refinery exporting fuel to advanced countries of the world. Without Dangote Refinery, Nigerians would have bought a litre of petrol at N10,000,” he said.

The traditional ruler said he often reflected on the likely consequences for ordinary Nigerians if fuel prices had reached such levels, especially in the face of fluctuating crude oil prices and global market volatility.

According to him, “Nigeria currently enjoys relatively low fuel prices compared with many parts of the world because of the refinery’s contribution to domestic supply. The facility has given Nigerians greater confidence in the country’s economic resilience.”

He welcomed reports that the refinery had increased its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 700,000 barrels per day following performance tests conducted by its process licensors, as disclosed by the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin.

Oba Akanbi described the expansion as a major milestone for the facility, which he said is widely regarded as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery and has the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s standing as the “Giant of Africa”.

He noted that the refinery now supplies both domestic and international markets, exporting refined petroleum products to several African countries as well as European nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.

He added that refined products from the facility have also reached the United States, while jet fuel exports have extended to Saudi Arabia.

The Oluwo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the refinery project and called for sustained collaboration to ensure the facility achieves its projected expansion targets.

“Dangote has been honoured abroad. He should be celebrated more at home,” he said.

In recognition of Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and the African continent, the monarch announced the conferment of the title, “Chief Atayero of Nigeria,” meaning “The Refiner of Nigeria,” on the businessman, saying, “Dangote is the first black man to achieve such a giant economic reach. I am proud of him.”

US-Iran war linked to world energy crisis — Oluwo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed renowned chartered accountant and financial management consultant Kunle Elebute as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN.

The appointment, announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is aimed at strengthening corporate governance, promoting transparency and accountability, and boosting investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial reporting system.

According to the statement, Elebute brings more than four decades of professional experience spanning Nigeria, West Africa, and the global financial sector.

He previously served as Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer of KPMG Nigeria, Chairman of KPMG West Africa, and Chairman of KPMG Africa. He also held positions on KPMG’s regional and global boards, including membership of its Global Board Audit Committee.

The Presidency described the new FRCN board chairman as a highly respected professional with extensive experience in audit, financial advisory services, risk consulting, corporate governance, and strategic transformation.

The statement noted that throughout his career, Elebute has provided advisory services to major institutions across the financial services, infrastructure, healthcare, consumer goods, energy, and public sectors.

He was also said to have contributed to national policy and regulatory development through his participation in several public sector committees, including initiatives focused on banking consolidation and corporate governance reforms.

The Presidency said the appointment underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen regulatory institutions and improve confidence in the country’s financial system.

“The appointment reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening corporate governance, enhancing investor confidence, and deepening transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s financial reporting ecosystem.”

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria is responsible for setting and enforcing standards relating to financial reporting, auditing, actuarial practice, valuation, and corporate governance in the country.

According to the statement, the agency plays a vital role in safeguarding market integrity, protecting investors, and sustaining confidence in the Nigerian economy.

The Presidency further noted that Elebute’s appointment comes at a critical period as the Council pursues major institutional priorities, including engagements under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership and efforts to align Nigeria’s corporate reporting framework with global best practices.

“Mr Elebute’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the FRCN advances key institutional priorities, including ongoing engagements under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership and broader efforts to align Nigeria’s corporate reporting framework with international best practices,” the statement said.  

The federal government expressed confidence that his leadership and governance expertise would further strengthen the Council’s mandate and contribute to the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Federal Government is confident that his wealth of experience, leadership, and governance expertise will further strengthen the Council’s mandate and support the Renewed Hope Agenda’s objective of building a more transparent, competitive, and investment-friendly economy,” the statement noted.

President Tinubu names Kunle Elebute FRCN board chairman