Blog

UEFA, on Thursday, named four Paris Saint-Germain players, two players each from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, in the Champions League team of the week.

This follows the conclusion of this week’s Champions League semi-final first-leg fixtures played on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

Recall that PSG won 5-4 against Bayern Munich in Paris, while Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 with Arsenal on Wednesday in Spain.

However, in a post via its website, UEFA included the likes of Vitinha, João Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and other players in the Champions League team.

UEFA’s Champions League team for this week:

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
David Raya (Arsenal)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid)
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Vitinha (PSG)
João Neves (PSG)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Luis Diaz (PSG)

UEFA names four PSG players, Arsenal duo, Bayern Munich stars in Champions League team

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin the airlift of its contingent for the 2026 Hajj exercise on May 7.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal, while also confirming the inauguration of an ad-hoc committee to coordinate activities for the pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The committee, chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, was formally inaugurated by the commissioner at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.

Layode stated that about 1,600 intending pilgrims from Lagos would be transported in phases, beginning with an initial batch of 345 pilgrims on the first flight.

“The exercise would continue with the second flight on Friday, May 8th; third flight on Sunday, May 10th; fourth on Tuesday, May 12th while the last flight is on Wednesday, May 13th. These arrangements were in line with the schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,” he said.

He further revealed that Flynas, the airline designated by NAHCON for the operation, has approved an increase in baggage allowance for pilgrims. Each pilgrim will now be permitted two pieces of checked luggage weighing 23kg each, raising the total allowance to 46kg, while hand luggage remains capped at 8kg.

Addressing members of the newly constituted committee, the commissioner said their selection was based on competence and commitment, adding that they are expected to ensure seamless planning and execution of all Hajj-related activities.

He urged them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, integrity and a strong sense of duty, in line with the objectives of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

According to Layode, the committee’s mandate includes overseeing logistics coordination, welfare of pilgrims, accommodation arrangements, medical support and other responsibilities that may arise during the exercise.

He added that the appointment takes immediate effect and will remain valid throughout the duration of the 2026 Hajj operations.

In his remarks, Jebe expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and the commissioner for entrusting the committee with the responsibility.

He assured that members would justify the confidence reposed in them and pledged full commitment to delivering a successful Hajj exercise, while also appealing for continued support from the ministry.

Jebe subsequently announced the composition of various sub-committees and their chairpersons, including Musliudeen Maiyegun (Accommodation), Ajisegiri Ismail Ajibade (Welfare), Waheed Lolade Shonibare (Manifest, Visa and Media), Alhaji Shakiru Gafar (Madinah/Muna and Arafat), Prof. Kabir Paramole (Dawah/Enlightenment), Alhaji Mojeed Sanni (Transport), and Alhaji Yusuf Ara (Luggage and Weighing).

Lagos to begin airlifting 1,600 pilgrims for 2026 Hajj on May 7

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged united and free of internal factions following a decisive ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Guzape, Abuja, Wike said the apex court judgment has finally laid to rest all disputes over parallel leadership structures within the party.

He dismissed insinuation that the Supreme Court affirmed the suspension of the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, saying there was no such issue for determination before the court.

“Today, the Supreme Court has brought to an end the so-called factions of the PDP. There is no more faction in the party. There is only one PDP,” he said.

The minister explained that the court dismissed appeals challenging earlier judgments from lower courts, thereby upholding the legitimacy of the party’s convention and its current leadership.

According to him, attempts by aggrieved groups to overturn the outcome of the convention failed at all judicial levels.

“The Supreme Court has validated our convention and set aside all claims to any parallel structure. What this means is that the PDP has come to stay as one united party,” Wike stated.

He stressed the need for political actors to operate strictly within the framework of the law, warning against actions capable of undermining party constitutions and electoral regulations.

“The fact that you are in a position does not mean you can act outside the law. There are rules guiding party activities, and those rules must be followed,” he added.

Wike also dismissed the relevance of some defectors who exited the party during the crisis, describing them as politically insignificant, while leaving the door open for others to return.

“Those who left are not electoral assets; they are liabilities. However, those who left out of uncertainty may reconsider and return now that the situation is clear,” he said.

On ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures, the minister ruled out participation in alliances that lack clear national interest or constructive engagement.

“We do not believe in opposition for opposition’s sake. Our approach is constructive, not destructive,” he said.

He further noted that recent judicial pronouncements in political matters reinforce the need for due process, urging aggrieved parties to always seek redress through the courts.

Wike maintained that the PDP remains Nigeria’s foremost opposition platform, expressing confidence in its readiness to provide credible alternatives in the country’s democratic process.

“The PDP is stable, united and ready to play its role effectively. What has happened today is a victory for the rule of law and internal democracy,” he added.

Supreme Court Has Ended PDP Factional Crisis, Confirmed Party’s Unity — Wike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria has inducted 1,435 new members to meet rising demand of tax professional under the country’s evolving fiscal framework

Speaking at the institute’s 54th induction ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, CITN President and Chairman of Council, Innocent Ohagwa, said recent tax reforms have positioned taxation as one of the country’s most critical professions.

“There is, perhaps, no better time to be a tax professional than now.”

Ohagwa said Nigeria’s evolving tax system has increased practitioners’ responsibility to help businesses and individuals adapt to new regulations while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

He stressed that the institute has tightened its recertification requirements, declaring that technical competence is now mandatory while ethical conduct remains central to public confidence.

According to him, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, has further strengthened the profession by formally recognising certified tax agents and reinforcing the role of CITN as a regulatory authority.

“We must all support these reforms, not just in words, but in practice. Guide your clients and employers with great competence and integrity,” he said.

Chairman of the Membership and Professional Conduct Committee, Yemi Sanni, described the ongoing reforms as the most extensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in modern history.

He noted that reforms introduced from January 2026, including a harmonised tax administration system, are already transforming tax practice and will require active collaboration from stakeholders.

“The reforms, desirable as they are, will not implement themselves. All stakeholders, and tax professionals in particular, have a critical role to play,” Sanni said.

He added that professionals would be essential to boosting government revenue, protecting businesses, and strengthening national fiscal sustainability.

Registrar and Chief Executive of CITN, Afolake Oso, said the induction represented the formal integration of qualified professionals into a statutory body established to regulate and uphold standards in Nigeria’s taxation industry.

“The institute is statutorily empowered to regulate and control the taxation profession in all its ramifications,” she said.

Oso warned members to adhere strictly to professional guidelines, training requirements, and ethical obligations or risk disciplinary action.

The induction comes as Nigeria intensifies the implementation of tax reforms following the signing of four major tax reform bills by Bola Tinubu in June 2025, aimed at modernising outdated tax laws and improving national revenue generation.

CITN Admits 1,435 New Members Amid Nigeria’s Tax Overhaul is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives nomination form to run for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.

He made this known via his Instagram handle on Thursday.

In a caption, he wrote: “Stopped by to see my patron @cityboy.movement_hq, the Okanlomo of Yorubaland, @seyitinubu, with my nomination and expression of interest form for blessings. When I say City Boy Movement, you say empowering the youth. Chukwu Bu Ike M,” he said.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that the socialite had declared his intention to run for the House of Representatives in the next general election under the platform of the APC for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency.

2027: Cubana Chief Priest picks nomination form

Mr Desmond Elliot, member representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Thursday officially declared his intention to run for a fourth term.

Speaking at the declaration of intent before a large crowd of supporters at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat, Elliott said the consensus among constituents was for him to continue in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the declaration is themed “Experience Over Experiment”.

Elliott noted that he had received endorsements from Community Development Associations (CDAs), the Local Government Area and other grassroots stakeholders to seek another term.

He said: “I am overwhelmed by the support, from the CDAs, the Local Government Area and everywhere. It is fantastic. I am very honoured.

“I am here to officially inform you of my intention to run again for another term at the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent the good people of Surulere Constituency I,” he said.

Speaking on the theme, Elliott said he possessed experience as a legislator and scholar in legislative studies.

He added: “I have studied up to doctorate level in legislative studies. That means I am well grounded when it comes to legislative matters.

“I have also tried my best in delivering dividends of democracy to my people, and I have shown them the growth that experience brings, which experimentation cannot.

“When you start afresh, it takes years to build. Why waste time when you can consolidate on experience?”

The lawmaker said he had facilitated numerous development projects in the constituency, impacting road infrastructure, healthcare, education, youths, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

“Last year, we did not experience flooding in Surulere because I ensured consistent desilting of drainages and canals.

“Also, more than 32 roads have been rehabilitated in Surulere to complement the efforts of my leader, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

“In the area of power, 10 years ago, there was little or no electricity in Surulere. Today, power supply has improved significantly with the provision of power stations, prepaid meters and transformers.

“In healthcare, we have conducted surgeries, including eye surgeries, and implemented various medical programmes for our people. The list is endless,” he said.

Elliott, while appreciating the support of residents, promised more impact, jobs and dividends of democracy if re-elected.

He added that returning to the assembly would position him as a ranking member, which would enhance his ability to attract more development to the constituency.

“As a ranking member, you have better opportunities to secure more benefits for your people. I thank God for my background in Nollywood,” he said.

Also speaking, a former Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Mr Tajudeen Ajide, said he had received other aspirants and urged party members and Elliott’s supporters to avoid double-dealing and remain peaceful during the electioneering period.

Meanwhile, stakeholders and supporters of Elliott, in separate interviews with NAN, expressed support for his renewed political ambition, describing him as “tested and trusted” with a record of impactful representation.

The stakeholders, drawn from the entertainment industry and community leadership, said Elliott’s performance in office and accessibility justified calls for his continued leadership.

Mr Sunny McDonald, popularly known as “Nollywood Ancestor,” described Elliott as a performer,whose achievements in Surulere had earned him widespread support.

“Once a team is winning, you don’t change it. From what he has done in Surulere, you can attest that he is a winning team.

“We are here to support him and to say the winning team should continue. Leadership is about capacity, love for the people and the ability to deliver, not just party affiliation,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State Chapter, Amb. Cornell Udofia, said Elliott’s experience in the assembly positioned him to deliver more dividends of democracy.

“Desmond has been tested and trusted.

Giving him another opportunity, with the experience he has garnered, will translate into greater service.

“You cannot buy experience in the market. He has impacted youths, women and the less privileged in his constituency. His records are there for all to see,” Udofia said.

He urged residents to support Elliott, citing his competence and capacity to further project Surulere.

In his remarks, a community leader, Prince Taofeek Dabiri, said Elliott was accessible,and was always responsive to constituents’ needs.

“Accessibility is key in governance. If you call him, he responds and attends to issues. He has done countless things in Surulere.

“For over 12 years in the Lagos State House of Assembly, his contributions and the laws he has supported have been impactful,” Dabiri said.

The stakeholders reiterated their call for continued support for Elliott, expressing confidence in his ability to sustain the development in Surulere.

Lagos: Desmond Elliot declares for fourth term bid

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has said the United States, US, has suffered defeat in the Iranian war.

Khamenei said the US has been disgracefully defeated despite being the world’s bully.

In a televised message in Tehran, Khamenei said on Thursday: “Today, two months after the largest military deployment and aggression by the world’s bullies in the region.

“And the United States’ disgraceful defeat in its plans, a new chapter is unfolding for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.”

This comes amid the back-and-forth over the peace deal among countries involved in the war in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran war: US suffered disgraceful defeat – Ayatollah Khamenei

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, appointed Rilwan Babalola as Special Adviser on Power and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reset and Restoration.

Tinubu also redesignated the Office of the Special Adviser (Energy) to Special Adviser (Oil and Gas) to clarify roles and prevent overlap within the energy governance structure.

Babalola, a former Minister of Power, is expected to bring his sectoral experience and understanding of the challenges in the electricity value chain to the role.

The appointment, according to presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, is aimed at driving results-oriented reset of the nation’s power sector.

Onanuga noted that the Presidential Task Force, which Babalola will chair, has been mandated to restore efficiency, discipline, and commercial viability in the sector while improving coordination among relevant government agencies.

The task force is expected to implement key reforms, including a comprehensive system reset, reduction of technical and commercial losses, and enforcement of cost discipline and tariff integrity.

“The Presidential Taskforce, which he heads, will operate under a direct presidential mandate as a high-level, delivery-focused vehicle to restore discipline, efficiency, and commercial viability across the power sector, while ensuring effective coordination among relevant ministries, departments, and agencies.

“The Taskforce’s mandate includes driving a comprehensive system reset of the electricity sector; implementing a “Performance Before Expansion” framework; reducing technical, commercial, and collection losses; and strengthening cost discipline and tariff integrity,” the statement partly read.

He added that the Taskforce will also focus on improving revenue assurance, enhancing sector liquidity, restoring grid discipline, and promoting increased use of electricity across critical sectors of the economy.

Other responsibilities include developing Electricity Growth Zones, reducing fiscal exposure, and delivering a 90-day implementation blueprint.

Tinubu Appoints Special Adviser On Power is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Paul Okoye, one-half of the defunct Nigerian Afrobeats duo, P-Square, unexpectedly fell off stage.

The singer, who is professionally known as Rudeboy, fell while performing one of P-Square’s popular songs, “Forever,” during a live performance in Perth, Australia.

Reacting to the viral video, some Nigerians blamed the singer for putting on dark eyeglasses during a night performance, while many attributed it to his separation from his twin brother, Peter Okoye.

DAILY POST reports that Paul Okoye separated from his twin brother, Peter Okoye, to sing independently amid their ongoing dispute over financial transparency, royalty management, and corporate structures linked to their music catalogue.

See some of the reactions below:

One @lechieff wrote; “Dark shades at night… Chances of missing your step increased by 1000%.”

@baybiee1 wrote; “His twin brother would have laughed hard, though it might happen to anyone.”

@top629039 wrote; “Every single person in that crowd knows only Psquare, not any Mr P or Rudeboy.”

@gotflavoursng wrote; “If they were two, he wouldn’t have fallen.”

@Ikudaisiibukun1 wrote; “Maybe it’s because he hasn’t performed on stage in a while.”

@luckymandaniel wrote; “His twin will soon change Australia’s national anthem.”

Watch video

Singer Paul Okoye of P-Square falls off stage during performance in Australia [VIDEO]

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has expressed confidence in ongoing security cooperation with the United States, describing its assistance as impactful in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing defence correspondents on military operations across various theatres of operation.

Onoja said the military high command is satisfied with the arrangement, stressing that U.S. support is limited to intelligence sharing and does not involve the deployment of foreign troops to Nigeria.

He added that the partnership has continued to yield significant results in counter-terrorism and internal security operations.

On concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Onoja assured residents that Abuja remains safe, noting that security agencies have deployed adequate measures to maintain order.

“Abuja is not a safe place for criminals to operate. Such criminals would not live to tell the story,” he said, urging residents to go about their normal activities without fear.

On the reported killing of a National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member during a military operation against bandits in Abuja, the DHQ said a thorough investigation has been ordered and the outcome will be made public.

Onoja also called on the media to sustain responsible, factual, and patriotic reporting that supports national security objectives and counters terrorist propaganda.

Insecurity: DHQ backs U.S. intelligence support in counter-terrorism fight