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Founder and General oversea of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has dismissed speculations that he may likely hand over the leadership of the church to any of his biological sons.

Kumuyi said the ministry belongs to Jesus Christ and not to him.

His remarks follows recurring discussions in some Christian circles about succession planning and the transfer of leadership in large religious organisations.

Adressing the issue during a recent church programme, the cleric said some people had been searching for information about his children in anticipation of a possible family transfer of leadership.

“Many people were speculating, is he going to hand over the church unto his son? Some were searching for his first son and searching for his second son, asking where they are and where they live,” he said.

He, however, stressed that the church is not a personal possession that can be inherited by family members, declaring that he is not handing it over to his sons.

“You see, Jesus said, ‘Upon this rock, I will build my church.’ Jesus said it is His church. It’s not Peter’s church. It’s nobody’s church,” Kumuyi stated.

He added that no church leader has the right to transfer ownership or leadership of Christ’s church to a biological child simply because of family ties.

“It’s the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, and nobody has the right to hand it over to his son,” he said.

Kumuyi further referenced biblical figures, highlighting that key leaders of the early Christian church did not pass on spiritual leadership to their descendants.

“Peter did not hand over the church to his son. Paul did not hand over the church to his son. John did not hand over the church to his son,” he said.

Kumuyi further reiterated that the focus of believers should remain on advancing God’s kingdom rather than on personalities or family succession.

He stressed that those who stood firm in the Christian faith were committed to the kingdom of God, which, according to scripture, “is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

Reiterating his commitment to God’s will regarding the future leadership of the church he said, “I was not about to hand that over to any son. The will of the Lord be done in Jesus’ name.”

Deeper Life Not For My Sons To Inherit — Kumuyi is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday urged residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pay their taxes, ground rents and other statutory charges to enable the government sustain infrastructure development across Abuja.

Tinubu made the call during the commissioning of the completed Arterial Road N5, also known as Obafemi Awolowo Way, stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in Dape District.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the provision of critical infrastructure could only be sustained through cooperation between government and citizens.

He said residents benefiting from ongoing transformation in the FCT must also fulfil their civic responsibilities by paying taxes and other statutory fees.

“To the residents and business owners enjoying this transformation, I urge you to meet your obligations. Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents. Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one,” Tinubu said.

The President described the newly completed road as a major economic corridor that would ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity and stimulate investment opportunities within the nation’s capital.

He recalled that the Gwarinpa I District section of the road was commissioned in June 2025, noting that his administration had fulfilled its promise to complete the remaining portion of the project.

“On that day, we made a pledge to you. We promised not to leave this vital artery half-done. Because the Renewed Hope Agenda is not about abandoned projects; it is about delivery from start to finish.

“And so today, we are back. We are back to close the circle. We are back to commission the Dape District Section of Arterial Road N5, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III,” he stated.

Tinubu said the road project was conceived, funded and completed under his administration after it was awarded to Julius Berger Plc with a strict 15-month timeline following its flag-off in October 2024.

According to him, the era of abandoned and endlessly delayed public infrastructure projects had ended.

“We conceived it, we funded it, and we delivered it. In the past, projects like this became permanent budget lines, ten to fifteen years of excuses. Not under this administration,” he declared.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as the administration’s “Engine of Execution” for driving infrastructure delivery in Abuja.

He also praised construction giant Julius Berger for delivering quality work within schedule.

“Minister Wike, you and your team have shown what happens when political will meets accountability. We fund projects to see results, not to listen to grammar,” Tinubu added.

He noted that the completion of the N5 corridor would significantly reduce travel time and improve connectivity among Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado, Idu and Mbora districts.

Tinubu further stated that the road would provide direct access to the Idu Industrial District, lower logistics costs for businesses, attract investments and create jobs.

“Beyond that, this road opens a direct gateway to the Idu Industrial District. That means lower logistics costs for businesses, new investment, and more jobs for our people,” he said.

The President also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to protect public infrastructure from vandalism and ensure proper maintenance of drainage systems and streetlights.

Earlier, the FCT Minister, Wike, said the event marked the second day of a 31-day project inauguration programme organised to commemorate the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

Wike said infrastructure delivery in the FCT had expanded significantly under the current administration.

“On June 24, 2024, when we had the first-year anniversary of Mr. President, we took nine days of commissioning of projects. In the second year anniversary, we took 19 days. To the glory of God, in this third year, we are touching 31 days of commissioning of projects,” he said.

The minister credited Tinubu for providing the political backing needed to transform Abuja and its satellite towns through visible infrastructure projects.

“For the first time, development has been taken to the satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory. This is unprecedented. Before this period, satellite towns did not know what they call government. Today, they can feel the impact and presence of government,” Wike stated.

He commended Julius Berger for completing both sections of the road project within record time, disclosing that the Gwarinpa section was delivered within seven months.

Wike also defended the FCT Administration’s handling of compensation issues arising from the road construction, insisting that all affected property owners were adequately compensated.

“We paid. If you are saying that because you are from that place and development has passed and government did not dash you money, we don’t dash money when we are carrying out development,” he said.

The minister dismissed protests by some individuals during the event, insisting that the administration’s numerous infrastructure projects across the territory reflected its commitment to governance and development.

In her remarks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the road project as another milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the project reflected Tinubu’s commitment to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of residents.

Mahmoud also praised Wike for what she described as purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the transformation of Abuja through critical infrastructure delivery.

She expressed confidence that the newly commissioned road would improve transportation, boost commercial activities and support sustainable urban development across the Federal Capital Territory.

Pay Taxes To Get More Projects, Tinubu Tells Abuja Residents is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kieran McKenna has made the stunning decision to leave his role as manager of Ipswich Town and step away from football altogether just a month after leading the club back into the Premier League.

The 40-year-old Northen Irishman, says he wants to take a break from management to spend time with his family, according to a statement released by the club.

McKenna will go down as one of the club’s greatest ever managers after leading the Tractor Boys to the Premier League twice, ending their 22-year wait to return to the top flight in 2024 and then taking them straight back up this season after their relegation a year ago.

Those exploits had him atop Fulham’s wishlist to replace Marco Silva at Craven Cottage, however McKenna’s unexpected U-turn will take him out of the game altogether.

“It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club,” wrote McKenna on Ipswich’s website.

“When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside. I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.

“Ipswich Town will always have a special place in our hearts.”, he said.

McKenna took over at Ipswich when the club were in League One after an humiliating FA Cup loss to Barrow, and ended a 22-year wait for the side to return to the Premier League with their promotion in 2024.

Kieran McKenna Resigns As Ipswich Town Manager is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Abia State is set to host transport experts, policymakers, investors, researchers, regulators and industry stakeholders from across Nigeria for the South-East Zonal Transport Conference 2026, a gathering aimed at promoting sustainable urban mobility and green energy solutions in the transportation sector.

The conference is being organized by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) in partnership with the Abia State Government, to be held from June 17 to 19, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for June 18 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.

Addressing journalists during a media briefing on Wednesday, the South-East Zonal Coordinator of CIOTA and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs Ijeoma Okere, described the conference as a strategic platform designed to tackle emerging transportation challenges and explore innovative solutions capable of driving economic growth while addressing environmental concerns.

The conference is themed: “Advancing Urban Transport Through Sustainable Urban Mobility and Green Energy Solution.”

According to Okere, the theme reflects the urgent need for Nigerian cities and urban centres to embrace transportation systems that are innovative, environmentally responsible and economically sustainable.

“The theme reflects the urgent need for Nigerian cities and urban centres to embrace innovative, environmentally sustainable and economically viable transportation systems capable of meeting the mobility needs of our growing population while contributing to national development and environmental sustainability,” she said.

She noted that despite the South-East’s position as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant economic regions, it continues to face major transportation challenges, including traffic congestion, inadequate public transport infrastructure, environmental degradation, road safety concerns and the increasing demand for efficient mobility solutions.

“These realities demand coordinated action, strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration,” Okere stated.

She explained that the conference has been carefully structured to facilitate discussions on sustainable urban mobility, transport infrastructure development, clean energy transportation technologies, smart mobility systems, logistics efficiency, transport policy reforms, investment opportunities and public-private sector partnerships.

The CIOTA coordinator said the event would bring together transport professionals, government officials, development agencies, academics, captains of industry and transport operators to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions for the future of transportation in the region and across the country.

Okere disclosed that Governor Alex Otti will serve as the Chief Host of the conference, citing his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic transformation as one of the reasons Abia was selected to host the event.

She also announced that the conference will feature a keynote presentation by Prof. Innocent Ogwude, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, whom she described as one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars in transport technology.

Other notable speakers expected at the conference include the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, among other transportation experts and policymakers.

Okere expressed optimism that the conference would produce recommendations capable of influencing transportation policies, investment decisions, institutional reforms and sustainable mobility initiatives across the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.

“Together, we can build a transport system that not only supports economic growth but also enhances quality of life, promotes environmental sustainability and strengthens regional integration and national prosperity,” she added.

Speaking further, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, said Abia earned the hosting rights due to the ongoing transport reforms being implemented by the administration of Governor Otti.

According to him, initiatives such as the deployment of electric vehicles, the introduction of the Tap-and-Pay transport system and the establishment of the Nnenna Otti Transport Terminal have positioned Abia as a leading example of smart and sustainable urban mobility in Nigeria.

He noted that the conference would provide participants with the opportunity to witness firsthand the state’s progress in green transportation while contributing to discussions that will shape future transport policies and master plans for the South-East region and the nation at large.

Abia Hosts South-East Transport Conference On Green Mobility Solutions is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of defender Marcos Senesi on a free transfer.

The experienced Argentina international defender will join Spurs on 1 July, subject to international clearance, following the expiration of his contract with AFC Bournemouth.

Sporting Director Johan Lange said: “Marcos is a defender who brings a combination of quality, intelligence and leadership to our squad.

“His experience at the highest level, his composure in possession and his desire to compete for every ball make him an excellent fit for the way we want to play.

“We are delighted to welcome him to the Club and believe this is the perfect place for him as he enters a great stage in his career.”

Also, head Coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “Marcos’ experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively, as well as giving us flexibility in formation.

“I also love his mentality and desire to keep improving and I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing the big contribution he can make to the team.”

The 29-year-old left-footed centre-back played 128 times for Bournemouth in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists over four seasons.

LaLiga and Serie A sides tabled offers for Senesi but he wanted to stay in the Premier League and was keen on a move to London

Spurs are looking to bolster their team after finishing 17th last season, only assuring survival on the last day.

Marcos Senesi Joins Tottenham On Free Transfer is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has expressed concern over the rising cost of elections in Nigeria, disclosing that some governorship aspirants spend between N20bn and N30bn to secure electoral victory

Olukoyede disclosed in Ilorin on Wednesday while speaking at the inaugural High-Level Guest Speakers’ Series organised by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS), University of Ilorin, themed “De-risking and Mobilising Critical Stakeholders for Peaceful and Credible 2027 Elections in Nigeria.”

He warned that the huge financial outlay involved in elections often pressures elected officials to divert public funds after assuming office in an attempt to recover campaign expenses, describing the trend as a major threat to democratic governance.

“The commercialisation of votes weakens the foundation of good governance because it compromises the political recruitment process. Leaders who buy their way into office are more likely to focus on recovering their investments rather than serving the public interest,” he said.

The EFCC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to tackling vote-buying and other electoral offences, noting that several arrests and convictions had already been made across the country involving politicians, electoral officials, and citizens.

He also warned that impunity in the electoral process could undermine democracy and national stability, stressing that there must be no sacred cows in enforcing electoral laws. According to him, the commission plans to deploy drones and other technological tools to enhance election monitoring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Olukoyede further called on political parties and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of inciting violence.

He urged collaboration among stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and political actors, to ensure peaceful and credible elections.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), described electoral corruption as a major threat to national security and democratic development, stressing the need for credible elections to strengthen public confidence in governance.

Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Professor G.A. Animasawun, said the lecture series was designed to foster proactive engagement on threats to Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.

The event had in attendance representatives of security agencies, electoral bodies, civil society organisations, members of the academic community, and students.

Some Governorship Aspirants Spend N30bn To Win Elections—EFCC Boss is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Chelsea have announced the departure of Richard Olise from the club after a decade.

He is included in the list of players released following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season.

The Blues have confirmed that Olise will leave Stamford Bridge when his contract concludes on June 30, 2026.

Richard is the younger sibling of Michael Olise, who received an invitation to join the Super Eagles in 2021 but ultimately chose to represent France internationally.

The Bayern Munich player is anticipated to play a significant role for Les Bleus in the forthcoming World Cup.

The younger Olise concludes a ten-year relationship with Chelsea, having entered the club’s academy at the U9 level.

He advanced through every age category within the Blues’ youth system and gained recognition during the 2024-25 season when he was named in the first team squad for a UEFA Conference League match against Astana.

However, his final season at the club saw limited opportunities, with the right-back making only four starts across all competitions for Chelsea’s development squad.

Olise is viewed as a composed and steady defender, capable of making significant contributions at both ends of the field.

He is comfortable in possession and tactically astute, embodying many qualities typical of the modern fullback.

Born in London 21 years ago, Olise has represented England at the U18 level and is now poised to advance his career following his exit from Chelsea.

Transfer: Chelsea confirm decision on Olise

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has dissolved the board and management of Nigeria National League, NNL, side Bayelsa United.

The governor also sacked all players after the club’s relegation from the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, despite what officials described as huge financial backing from the state government.

The actions were taken to hold the club accountable for its performance.

The governor’s directive takes immediate effect as the state government begin the restructuring of the club ahead of its campaign in the lower division.

A new management team is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Bayelsa United, El-Kanemi Warriors, Wikki Tourists and Remo Stars were relegated from the NPFL last season.

NNL: Gov Diri sacks Bayelsa United management, players after relegation

The Nigerian Army says troops of 82 Division Garrison, operating under Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, Enugu State Command, have achieved a significant operational success in the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity II.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayani,

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, the operation was in an effort to consolidate the peace building process in the South East.  

According to the statement, acting on credible intelligence derived from previously arrested suspects affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, security forces conducted a precision follow-up operation in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area.

“Troops uncovered a clandestine arms hideout concealed within a zinc structure disguised as a piggery. A thorough exploitation of the site led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition.

“These include General Purpose Machine Guns, RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, tear gas gun with cartridges, AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.  

“All recovered items and arrested suspects have been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” the statement said.

It said that the intelligence-driven operation underscores the effective interagency collaboration in the region, resulting in proactive measures to counter threats to national unity and public safety.

“It also reflects the Operation UDO KA’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive actions against criminal and terrorist networks that undermine peace in the region,” it said.

The statement added that Operation UDO KA reaffirmed its dedication to protecting citizens and preserving national sovereignty.

It encouraged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, thereby enhancing collective efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the South East.  

Nigerian Army uncovers ‘IPOB, ESN’ arms cache in Enugu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says the green chamber is set to take a decisive step toward establishing state police.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Kalu said lawmakers are preparing to vote on key constitutional amendment bills, including provisions for decentralized policing.

He said the House has decided to prioritise the establishment of state police ahead of other bills.

According to him, the House has directed all members currently outside Abuja on oversight functions to suspend their activities and return to the parliament on Thursday for the voting procedure.

Recall that the state police bill is sponsored by the Deputy Speaker and 14 other members of the House.

Reps to vote on state police bill Thursday – Deputy Speaker Kalu