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Genoa striker, Jeff Ekhator is leaning towards representing Nigeria at the full international level, DAILY POST reports.

Ekhator was born in Italy to Nigerian parents, and even though he has represented the former at youth level.

The teenager made 11 appearances for Italy at the U-19 level, scoring twice.

The forward has netted twice in six appearances for the U-21.

Ekhator stated that he would like visit Nigeria in the summer.

“I would like to go there (Nigeria), maybe this summer. They have told me something about it, about when they came here to work. We are all happy together,” he told Vivo Azzurro TV.

The player would require FIFA’s clearance to play for Nigeria.

Ahanor Ekhator hints at Super Eagles switch

The United Nations has expressed concern over renewed reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa, calling on authorities to take urgent steps to protect foreign nationals and prevent further escalation.

In a statement issued on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was deeply troubled by reports of attacks targeting migrants and non-nationals, warning that such incidents pose a threat to social cohesion and the rule of law.

The UN noted reports of harassment, intimidation and violence in parts of the country, and urged South African authorities to guarantee the safety and dignity of all residents, regardless of nationality or origin.

While acknowledging South Africa’s constitutional protections for human rights, the organisation stressed the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to deter perpetrators and rebuild trust within affected communities.

The appeal comes amid growing criticism from regional governments and human rights organisations, many of whom have condemned the attacks and called for accountability.

Several countries have also urged Pretoria to take firmer action, warning that continued unrest could strain diplomatic relations and regional stability.

South African authorities have, in response, pledged to intensify efforts to curb violence, with security agencies reportedly increasing surveillance and operations in identified hotspots.

The UN further urged community leaders and civil society groups to promote tolerance and counter misinformation that often fuels hostility against migrant populations. It also called for long-term policy measures aimed at addressing underlying economic and social pressures linked to such outbreaks.

Analysts say the renewed intervention highlights continued international concern over recurring xenophobic incidents in Africa’s most industrialised economy, which has previously experienced similar waves of violence attracting global condemnation.

UN raises alarm over renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa

Deputy National Financial Secretary of the David Mark-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Fabiyi Oladimeji, has dismissed the viability of the Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso’s presidential ticket.

Oladimeji said only the presidential ticket of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Obi would give the ADC the required numbers in 2027.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Fabiyi noted that the voting strength demonstrated in the 2023 general election shows that an Obi/Kwankwaso pairing would fall short of the numbers required to defeat the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“Even Kwankwaso and Obi cannot give us the number, I am sorry to say this. The best number is Atiku and Obi.

“The total votes for the three of them was about 14 to 15 million, while the President got about eight million. If these forces come together, Nigerians will see the difference.

“Atiku has said he will support whoever emerges. Amaechi has said the same thing. We are expecting Peter Obi to also make that commitment because this is not about personal ambition; it is about rescuing the country,” he said.

Peter Obi, Kwankwaso ticket can’t give ADC numbers – NWC member, Oladimeji

Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N159.28 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2025, with Lagos and Rivers states accounting for the highest levels of borrowing, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NBS disclosed this in its Nigerian Domestic and Foreign Debt Report released in Abuja on Monday, noting that the country’s debt stock increased from N153.29 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, representing a 3.90 per cent quarter-on-quarter rise.

A breakdown of the figures showed that external debt stood at N74.43 trillion, while domestic debt climbed to N84.85 trillion during the period. External debt accounted for 46.73 per cent of the total, while domestic debt made up 53.37 per cent.

At the subnational level, Lagos State recorded the highest domestic debt at N1.22 trillion, followed by Rivers State with N378.81 billion.

In contrast, Jigawa State posted the lowest domestic debt at N1.60 billion, with Ondo State following at N8.42 billion.
For external borrowing, Lagos also topped the list with $1.17 billion, while Kaduna State ranked second with $684.29 million. The Federal Capital Territory recorded the lowest external debt at $26.80 million, followed by Zamfara State with $41.93 million.

The report highlights widening debt levels across federal and state governments, with major economic hubs such as Lagos and Rivers leading in both domestic and external borrowings.

Lagos, Rivers record highest borrowing as Nigeria’s debt hits N159.28tn

Ukraine on Monday summoned the Israeli ambassador, Michael Brodsky, over Russia’s shipment of wheat and barley allegedly taken from its occupied areas to Israel.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, confirmed the invitation in a post on X, saying Kyiv will present its protest note and request appropriate action.

Noting Ukrainian-Israeli relations have the potential for mutual benefits, the diplomat warned Russia’s “illegal trade with stolen Ukrainian grain” should not undermine them.

Sybiha maintained Israel didn’t respond to a request on the previous delivery of “stolen goods” to Haifa and warned the country against accepting another such vessel at the same port.

“Diplomatic relations are not conducted in the media,” Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar replied, declaring that “allegations are not evidence.”

Saar faulted Sybiha for putting the issue out on social networks, saying the Ukrainian government had not provided evidence to substantiate its allegations.

The official assured that the matter would be examined, adding that Israel is a state that abides by the rule of law with independent law enforcement authorities.

The European Union is reportedly considering sanctions against Israeli individuals and entities for allegedly assisting Russia to bypass sanctions.

Israel’s Haaretz newspaper revealed that the Panormitis, a Panama-flagged ship carrying tons of grain from ⁠occupied Ukrainian territory, was set to berth in Haifa.

The carrier reportedly departed from the Port of Kavkaz, Russia. According to the paper, four shipments of grain from occupied Ukraine had been unloaded in Israel this year.

Ukraine protests Russia’s shipment of ‘stolen grain’ to Israel

United State federal authorities have brought multiple charges against a 31-year-old man, Cole Tomas Allen, in connection with a foiled security breach at a major political event in Washington, D.C., where officials say a potential threat to President Donald Trump was successfully contained.

The incident occurred on April 25 during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a high-profile gathering attended by senior government officials, journalists and public figures.

According to prosecutors, Allen travelled from California to Washington ahead of the event and lodged at the same hotel hosting the dinner.

Authorities allege he positioned himself in proximity to the venue before attempting to advance through a security checkpoint while armed.

Security operatives from the United States Secret Service responded swiftly after he reportedly forced his way forward, leading to a confrontation during which a shot was fired. One Secret Service agent sustained injuries but survived, reportedly due to the protection of a ballistic vest.

The suspect was overpowered and taken into custody before gaining access to the main event area, where the president and other senior officials were present.

In court proceedings, Allen was charged with attempted assassination of the president, use of a firearm in a violent offence, and transporting a weapon across state lines with intent to commit a felony.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect was intercepted close to the secured perimeter, noting that the prompt response of security personnel prevented a potentially severe outcome.

“Law enforcement did not fail,” Blanche said, commending the coordinated effort that neutralised the threat.

Investigators believe the suspect deliberately targeted the president and may also have intended to harm other high-ranking officials at the event.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro described the incident as an attack on democratic values, warning that acts of violence against political leaders pose serious risks to governance.

Meanwhile, Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, said the situation could have escalated significantly without the intervention of federal agents, describing it as a potentially large-scale attack.

Authorities further disclosed that the suspect had shared a document believed to be a manifesto with family members prior to the incident, indicating possible premeditation. However, officials said investigations into his motives are ongoing.

Forensic examinations, including ballistic analysis, are still underway, and prosecutors have indicated that additional charges may be filed as inquiries continue.

The incident has prompted heightened security measures across Washington, particularly as the city hosts ongoing diplomatic engagements involving visiting international dignitaries.

Man faces charges over alleged assassination attempt on Trump

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s resolve to transform healthcare services in the state to meet global standards, revealing plans to obtain Joint Commission International (JCI) certification for Abia State University Teaching Hospital and Amachara General Hospital, Umuahia.

JCI accreditation, which is currently possessed by only a few hospitals in Nigeria, is internationally recognised as a benchmark for excellence in healthcare delivery, patient safety, and efficient hospital management.

Alex Otti made this known on Monday while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JNCI International Limited, Clare Omatseye, alongside her delegation.

The delegation were in Abia State to brief the Governor on the level of progress recorded in the ongoing remodelling, upgrading, and installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment in tertiary health institutions across the state.

Alex Otti expressed delight over the steady progress of work at the various health facilities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing top quality tertiary healthcare services at ABSUTH, Amachara General Hospital, and Umunneato General Hospital.

He further stated that his government is determined to make Abia’s healthcare sector a benchmark for excellence both within Nigeria and internationally.

He explained that the move to concentrate advanced radiography services at Abia State University Teaching Hospital was strategically planned to promote efficiency and achieve optimal results.

“I am happy that we have made a lot of progress. While we are doing these, we are also rejigging the management and leadership of ABSUTH, Aba. Everything is going on simultaneously.

“The decision to centralise radiography, particularly at the highest level, was not taken lightly. We concluded that it would be more useful at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital”, Otti explained.

The Governor underscored the significance of Amachara and Umunneato hospitals, stating that the facilities are being upgraded to serve as supporting tertiary healthcare centres to Abia State University Teaching Hospital.

He assured that all required approvals would be swiftly processed to fast-track the completion of the project, emphasizing that his administration remains focused on achieving tangible results and would not tolerate unnecessary delays.

“What we are doing in Aba, we want to replicate in Amachara as another specialist tertiary hospital. It’s either we are doing it right or we are not doing it at all.

“All the documents that are required to be signed, please let’s have them and we will sign and return them within the week.

“We will also put more pressure on the contractor, even if he has to work 24 hours, because I do not like the sound of delay.

“A lot of times people know what to do, but they don’t have the will to do it. Here, we know what to do and we have the will and we will not stop until we achieve it”, he added.

Earlier, while giving a detailed report on the state’s healthcare transformation programme, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JNCI International Limited, Clare Omatseye, praised Alex Otti for placing high priority on the health sector through consistent funding and far-reaching reforms.

Clare Omatseye stated that Abia State has made remarkable strides in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare, citing improved budgetary provisions, employment of healthcare workers, wider health insurance coverage, and the rehabilitation of more than 200 primary healthcare centres.

She further disclosed that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had donated a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine valued at $1 million, noting that the gesture reflected confidence in the Governor’s leadership and integrity.

Mrs Omatseye stated that the sophisticated diagnostic equipment would be installed at ABSUTH in accordance with the Governor’s directive to guarantee its effective use.

“The sophisticated diagnostic equipment will be installed at ABSUTH in accordance with the Governor’s directive to guarantee its effective use,” Omatseye stated.

She also highlighted the ongoing reconstruction efforts at ABSUTH, which include enhanced architectural designs that meet international standards, plans for state-of-the-art medical equipment and critical infrastructure upgrades aimed at securing JCI accreditation.

“The ongoing reconstruction at ABSUTH features upgraded architectural designs aligned with international standards, alongside plans for modern medical equipment and critical infrastructure improvements aimed at securing JCI accreditation,” she said.

Mrs Omatseye stressed that Abia remains steadily on course toward attaining globally accepted healthcare standards, adding that the current reforms are not only improving infrastructure but also boosting accessibility, affordability and the overall quality of healthcare services.

“Abia remains steadily on course toward attaining globally accepted healthcare standards, as the current reforms are not only improving infrastructure but also boosting accessibility, affordability and the overall quality of healthcare services,”Omatseye stressed.

In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ogbonnaya Enoch , praised the accomplishments of the current administration in the healthcare sector.

He pointed to the increasing international recognition the state is receiving, as well as ongoing initiatives targeted at achieving world-class healthcare standards through JCI certification and digital healthcare collaborations.

Abia Set To Obtain JCI Certification For ABSUTH, Amachara Hospital is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigeria’s transition to a decentralised, multi-tier electricity market is at risk from regulatory ambiguity and weak coordination between federal and state authorities, according to a new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

In its report titled “Priority actions for the successful evolution of Nigeria’s multi-tier electricity market,” PwC warned that overlapping mandates and unclear transition frameworks could undermine investor confidence, disrupt operations, and slow the pace of ongoing reforms in the power sector.

The report comes at a critical phase in Nigeria’s electricity market restructuring, as recent policy shifts expand the role of state governments and sub-national regulators in managing intra-state electricity activities. While the decentralisation drive is intended to improve efficiency and attract investment, PwC cautioned that poor alignment between tiers of government could create systemic uncertainty.

According to the firm, regulatory overlap remains one of the most significant risks confronting the reform process. It noted that as states assume greater control over electricity markets within their jurisdictions, friction with existing federal institutions is inevitable unless clear boundaries and transition rules are established.

PwC stressed that inconsistent or unclear arrangements could heighten uncertainty for utilities, investors, and consumers alike, potentially weakening the foundation of the evolving market structure. The firm emphasised that clarity in governance frameworks and coordination mechanisms is essential to ensure a stable and predictable operating environment.

Beyond regulatory concerns, the report highlighted persistent structural weaknesses in the electricity distribution segment, which continue to constrain sector performance despite ongoing reforms. These include chronic liquidity challenges, unresolved legacy debts, inadequate metering, and ageing infrastructure.

PwC noted that liquidity pressures across the value chain remain a major impediment, with distribution companies particularly affected.

The firm explained that unreliable consumption data has contributed to billing inefficiencies, frequent disputes, and weak revenue collection, further compounding financial stress within the sector.

It added that without credible and accurate data systems, regulatory decisions become more difficult to implement and sustain, thereby weakening overall market underscored that decentralisation alone would not resolve long-standing inefficiencies in the power sector.

Instead, it called for coordinated interventions to address foundational issues, particularly in distribution networks, where infrastructure deficits continue to limit service reliability and operational efficiency.

PwC further observed that investment outcomes in the electricity market would depend significantly on governance quality, regulatory certainty, and the structure of projects being implemented under the new framework.

While acknowledging ongoing reform efforts, the firm maintained that addressing underlying financial and operational weaknesses must remain a priority to achieve meaningful and sustainable improvements in power supply.

It concluded that establishing clear regulatory boundaries, strengthening data systems, and ensuring effective collaboration between federal and state authorities would be critical to stabilising Nigeria’s electricity market transition and unlocking long-term sector growth.

Regulatory Overlap Threatens Nigeria Electricity Market Transition – Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Aisha Achimugu, founder of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, has denied that her wealth was built on her association with Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, insisting she has been an entrepreneur since 2001.

Achimugu made the denial in an interview with Channels Television on Monday, amid swirling controversy over her finances and an ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“I started my business in 2001. My background is a decent family. My late husband was the MD of PPMCC. I met him in the course of the work. I actually met him doing business in NNPC,” she said.

When directly asked whether her money came from Sanwo-Olu or any of her influential friends, she said “Not at all.”

The businesswoman came to national attention in January 2024, when she hosted a seven-day 50th birthday celebration on the Caribbean island of Grenada. 

The lavish event drew prominent figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry and political class, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, sparking public speculation about the source of her wealth.

More than a year later, the EFCC declared her wanted over money laundering allegations before arresting her at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on April 29, 2025. 

In March 2026, a federal high court in Abuja granted a final forfeiture order of $13 million allegedly linked to her firm. 

Presiding judge Emeka Nwite held that the EFCC had proven the funds were proceeds of fraud. Achimugu’s firm has since commenced an appeal against the order.

On the forfeited funds, Achimugu declined to go into specifics, citing the pending litigation, but firmly distanced herself from the narrative that the money was found in her possession.

“My house was raided. Only $50,000 and N13 million belonging to my mom was found in my house and my personal belongings,” she said.

“I don’t know where Nigeria got the impression that I have $13 million in my house. I’m not a bank. I won’t keep $13 million in my house.”

On the oil block held by Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, Achimugu said it was awarded to the company through what she described as a “competitive and transparent” bid process.

Addressing her well-documented access to political power — illustrated by Sanwo-Olu’s presence at her birthday — Achimugu argued that her connections were a function of her success, not its cause.

“I have always had access to power and governance. I’m a known Nigerian. I have friends, and I have done well. I have not done anything that will make anyone stay away from me,” she said.

“I’m an entrepreneur and business owner. Having to know those who will increase my portfolio is very important to me. It is not about Governor Sanwo-Olu at all.”

She added that the Lagos governor was simply among guests who were already present at the venue of the celebration.