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The Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Nmeregini, has reaffirmed his commitment to the development of sports and the welfare of sports journalists in the state, assuring members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Abia chapter, of his continued support.

Nmeregini gave the assurance on Monday when a delegation of SWAN, led by its Interim Chairman, Kingsley Okwum, paid him a courtesy visit in Umuahia, Abia State.

Addressing the delegation, the Deputy Speaker pledged to work closely with the association and advocate for its interests, particularly in areas relating to sports administration and government support.

Responding to SWAN’s request for representation on sports boards and greater inclusion in sports-related decision-making, Nmeregini said he would support the involvement of qualified members of the association, noting that the Alex Otti administration prioritises competence and merit.

“His Excellency places a high premium on merit, and I know there are qualified individuals within your association. I will make a case for them and trust that it will yield positive results.

“Whatever support I can offer as Deputy Speaker or as your patron, I am willing to provide. You should regard me as a partner in progress. Anything within my capacity, I will do my best to ensure it is achieved,” he said.

The lawmaker also spoke on his longstanding passion for youth development through sports, revealing that he has personally sponsored several young footballers in pursuit of professional careers abroad.

According to him, two football talents he facilitated to Europe are currently developing their careers, while plans are underway for another promising player to travel later in the year.

“Since assuming office, I have been able to support two young footballers to Europe, where they are continuing their development. Arrangements are also being concluded for another player to make the trip,” he said.

Nmeregini explained that he deliberately kept the identities of the beneficiaries away from public attention to allow them focus on their careers without unnecessary pressure or distractions.

He further disclosed that another player under his mentorship, who recently completed a season with Akwa United, had attracted interest from Nigeria Premier Football League sides Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Abia Warriors, while efforts were ongoing to secure a trial opportunity for him in Sweden.

The Deputy Speaker described sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, economic advancement and social transformation.

“Sports goes beyond entertainment. It provides opportunities for young people to build careers and positively impact society. Successful athletes often inspire and uplift entire communities,” he noted.

Earlier, SWAN Interim Chairman, Kingsley Okwum, said the association decided to visit the Deputy Speaker in recognition of his contributions to sports development and youth empowerment.

He described Nmeregini as a “silent achiever” whose efforts in supporting young athletes had not received the level of public recognition they deserved.

“We are aware of the number of young talents you have helped off the streets and supported to pursue football careers in Europe. Many of them are doing well in their respective clubs today,” Okwum said.

He appealed to the Deputy Speaker to support efforts aimed at creating opportunities for sports journalists in sports administration and strengthening collaboration between SWAN, the Ministry of Sports and the state government.

Also speaking, a member of the association and broadcaster with Real FM, Imeremba Michael, stressed the need for a closer working relationship between sports journalists and government institutions.

According to him, sports journalists have continued to project a positive image of Abia State through their reports and media engagements and deserve greater recognition and support.

In his vote of thanks, former SWAN Chairman, Sir Vincent Obike, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Speaker for receiving the delegation and for his commitment to supporting the association.

He said the visit marked the beginning of a stronger partnership between SWAN and relevant stakeholders in advancing sports development and improving the welfare of sports journalists in Abia State.

Nmeregini Pledges Stronger Partnership With SWAN, Backs Sports Growth. is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The rescue operation was carried out on Monday following sustained military offensives targeting criminal hideouts in

The post BREAKING: Troops rescue Gen Rabe’s wife from captivity appeared first on Tribune Online.

Lagos State House of Assembly has indicted 132 newly employed officers of the Lagos State House of

The post Lagos Assembly inducts 132 new officers appeared first on Tribune Online.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Monday declared that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would have no place in the state in the 2027 general election.

The APC leaders made the declaration during a rally held at Abakaliki Township Stadium, where stakeholders of the party formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

The endorsement rally, organised by Governor Nwifuru and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, attracted political leaders from across the South-East, including Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, and the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, who represented Governor Peter Mbah.

Addressing party supporters, Yilwatda dismissed speculations that Ebonyi State had been conceded to the PDP ahead of the next general election.

He said the APC would retain all elective positions in the state and secure victory for President Tinubu.

“We will return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru in 2027. We want to return all APC senators, members of the House of Representatives, and House of Assembly candidates.

“Nobody has conceded Ebonyi to the PDP. Therefore, there is no vacancy in Ebonyi State. Ebonyi PDP has no place, and there is no vacancy at all in the Government House come 2027,” he said.

The APC national chairman commended residents of the state for their support for the President and urged them to re-elect Tinubu in recognition of what he described as the administration’s infrastructural development and human capital investments in the South-East.

Speaking at the event, Governor Nwifuru declared that President Tinubu remained the only presidential candidate for the people of Ebonyi State in the 2027 election.

He described Ebonyi as a stronghold of the APC and vowed that the party would deliver the state for the President.

“Ebonyi has no other presidential candidate other than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we will return him in the presidential election,” Nwifuru said.

The governor also dismissed claims that some political actors had secured presidential backing to reclaim the state for the PDP.

“We are standing here today to tell the whole world, especially those who have used the President’s name to orchestrate division and confusion in this state, that we have only one party, and that is the APC,” he said.

Nwifuru further commended President Tinubu for appointing Senator Umahi as Minister of Works, describing him as a performing minister.

He said the President had demonstrated commitment to the development of Ebonyi State and the South-East through key infrastructure projects.

Also speaking, Umahi said the Tinubu administration had initiated unprecedented projects in Ebonyi State and across the South-East region.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot not just for Ebonyi State but for the entire South-East and other geopolitical zones,” he said.

The minister described Ebonyi as a one-party state under Governor Nwifuru and expressed confidence that the APC would record another electoral victory in 2027.

The rally caused significant disruption to human and vehicular movement across Abakaliki, with major roads and adjoining streets experiencing heavy traffic gridlock as thousands of party supporters converged on the state capital for the event.

2027: APC declares Ebonyi no-go area for PDP, promises to deliver Tinubu, Nwifuru

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, on Monday cautioned politicians across the country against

The post Oluwo cautions politicians against politicising insecurity appeared first on Tribune Online.

 

Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, wife of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, following a deadly encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Military sources exclusively said that the operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, followed intelligence-led offensives launched in Matazu and adjoining communities after the abduction incident involving the retired senior officer and his family.

According to the sources, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue operation, forcing the armed group to flee after coming under heavy military pressure.

“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding, we have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,” a military source said.

The source confirmed that the rescued victim was immediately stabilised by troops on the ground before being evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.

Military authorities said follow-up operations have been intensified in the area, with troops sustaining a coordinated pursuit of fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the attack and earlier abduction.

They added that the ongoing clearance operation under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III will continued until all criminal hideouts are dismantled. 

Security sources assured that the military remains committed to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they are brought to justice.

Full State Of Defence Headquarters 

PRESS RELEASE

TROOPS RESCUE WIFE OF FORMER DIRECTOR DEFENCE INFORMATION FROM BANDITS

Troops of the Nigerian Army with the support of the Nigerian Air Force have successfully rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar and former Director Defence Information, who was abducted by bandits alongside her husband a few weeks ago.

The rescue operation followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA. During sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs Abubakar.

In the course of the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops.

Mrs Abubakar was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment. 

The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period.

Troops will continue ongoing operations to track down and neutralise the perpetrators, while intensifying efforts to rid affected communities of terrorists not just in Katsina but in the entire nation. 

SAMAILA UBA

Major General

Director Defence Information 

15 June 2026

Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs Abubakar, wife of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, following a deadly encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Popular security expert Zagazola Makama disclosed this in an exclusive report posted on his official X handle on Monday night.

He said the operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, followed intelligence-led offensives launched in Matazu and adjoining communities after the abduction of the retired senior officer’s wife.

Quoting security sources, Makama said troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue operation, forcing the armed group to flee under heavy military pressure.

“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding. We have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,” a military source said.

BREAKING: Troops rescue wife of late General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina

Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites to win the World Cup, were held to a 0-0 draw by 64th-ranked Cape Verde on Monday in the first major shock of the group stages.

Sixty-one places separated Spain and the African nation – debuting at a World Cup – in the world rankings, but the Euro 2024 champions couldn’t find a way past 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha.

Spain turned to Lamine Yamal off the bench in a bid to break the deadlock, but even the Barcelona star couldn’t impact the game.

Spain had 27 shots, 11 corner kicks with 74% ball possession but could but break the defence of Cape Verde.

The Europeans had only two big chances with 801 passes and would now turn to the next game if they are to live up to their pre-tournament favourite position.

World Cup Debutants Cape Verde Shock Spain With Goalless Draw is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Crystal Palace forward, Clinton Morrison, has warned England manager Thomas Tuchel that the Three Lions has no chance of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup without ‘brilliant’ striker Harry Kane.

Tuchel is aiming to end England’s 60 years of wait without a World Cup.

Recall that the last time England won the World Cup trophy was in 1966, their first in the history of the competition.

“Let me tell you something, if Harry Kane is not fit or not available, England have no chance of winning the World Cup,” Morrison was quoted by Metro as telling Free Bets. “That is my honest opinion.

“He’s had an outstanding season for Bayern Munich. Brilliant striker, brilliant captain, leads by example. He is the key to everything England want to do.”

Kane had a brilliant campaign with Bayern Munich last season as he helped them to win the Bundesliga.

World Cup 2026: England have no chance – Morrison warns Tuchel about Kane

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Amina Abubakar, the wife of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, following a fierce encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources told THE WHISTLER that the rescue operation was carried out under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III after intelligence-led offensives were launched in Matazu and neighbouring communities following the abduction of the retired senior officer and his family.

According to the source, troops traced the bandits to Tunga village during a search-and-rescue mission and engaged the criminals, forcing them to flee under heavy military pressure.

The bandits reportedly shot Amina before escaping.

However, troops successfully rescued her, administered first aid and immediately evacuated her to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

Military sources said the victim was stabilised on the ground before being moved for further medical attention.

They added that follow-up operations have been intensified, with troops pursuing the fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the attack and earlier abduction.

The military also assured that the ongoing clearance operation under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III would continue until all criminal hideouts in the area are dismantled.

Security authorities reiterated their commitment to tracking down those behind the attack and ensuring they are brought to justice.

EXCLUSIVE: Troops Rescue Wife Of Late General Rabe is first published on The Whistler Newspaper