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Veteran Nollywood actor Kola Oyewo has revealed that he has been battling prostate enlargement, explaining how the condition affected his

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has terminated the state’s monthly support of N150 to the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), citing poor service and a lack of improvement in power supply to residents.

The governor announced the termination during a meeting with KEDCO management and electricity consumers held in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday night.

This action, Idris said, followed long-standing complaints from businesses and residents regarding inadequate electricity in the state.

The governor also ordered that a committee be set up to investigate the causes of the lingering epileptic power supply to the state.

The meeting was attended by the Managing Director, KEDCO, Dr Umar Hashidu, and other top management of the company.

The governor directed that the committee should consist of representatives from Kebbi Development Forum (KDF), Commissioners, Local Government Chairmen, CSOs, State Assembly, APC, NLC, Traditional Rulers, among others.

He said the committee would meet with the company to discuss the causes of epileptic power supply to Kebbi and come up with a resolution on the way forward.

“As a government, we are looking for another alternative as far as power is concerned and In-Sha-Allah, we will get there.”

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said the meeting was called to discuss solutions to the lingering challenges of power.

In their submission, Mr Usman Anache, the NLC Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the state, and Mr Ibrahim Ngaski, Chairman, CSOs Kebbi chapter, described the lingering power shortage as a sabotage against the government.

In his response, the MD of KEDCO insisted that the company was supplying power to Kebbi in different bands.

He assured the government that the state was gaining power compared to some states.

The managing director promised to improve the supply.

He also complained about the size of Kebbi’s landmass, which, according to him, was up to the size of some countries.

(NAN)

Kebbi Halts N150m Support To Kaduna DisCo Over Poor Supply is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Sokoto State Government has unveiled a 9-point Smart Agenda alongside the launch of its 2025 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report, the first official publication by the State Bureau of Statistics since its establishment in 2013. The event, held at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Hall, Government House, marked a decisive shift from perception-based governance to […]

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has announced its determination to form a united front that could stop the All Progressive Congress, APC, from taking over the Abia State Government House in 2027 election.

The decision of the party was made known on Thursday by Ikpegbu Emeka Yellow, the Chairman of the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP in Abia.

The PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman who alleged that the APC chieftains are desperately ganging up to take over power in Abia, also claimed that the broom party is not happy with the peace and development in Abia.

He rallies political parties in the State to be united in the quest to salvage democracy , saying that the One-Party plot by the APC in the centre should not be allowed to happen in Abia or any other State.

” We therefore call on all political leaders in Abia, irrespective of party affiliation to rise above partisan interests and unite in defense of our democracy” the PDP Chairman said.

He further claimed that former unpatriotic members of the PDP who defected to the APC in Abia are the people leading the destabilization plot.

But responding to the allegations, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Abia State, Uche Aguoru said the Ikpegbu Emeka Yellow-led Caretaker Committee of the PDP lacked the capacity to advice Abia people.

Aguoru who said that APC is accepted and loved by Abia people, alleged that Yellow and his supporters are on the mission to sell the PDP to the Labour Party-led administration in Abia, the same way they allegedly sabotaged the umbrella party in 2023.

PDP calls for united front against APC in Abia

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has begun to take shape following the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, with several standout performers emerging as early frontrunners for football’s most prestigious individual prize.

Based on recent performances and betting market indicators, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane currently tops the rankings, ahead of a mix of established superstars and rising talents across Europe.

Here’s a look at the top 10 contenders and their form:

1. Harry Kane
   The England captain has been in exceptional form, delivering pivotal goals throughout the Champions League knockout stages, most notably spearheading the effort to eliminate Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. His clinical finishing extends to domestic competition as well, where he currently stands as the top scorer across Europe’s major leagues with an impressive tally of 35 goals.
2. Lamine Yamal
   The teenage sensation continues to captivate audiences with his blend of creativity and competitive fearlessness. Yamal’s consistently elite performances have solidified his reputation as one of the most exhilarating young talents in global football. Now 18 years old, he is spearheading Barcelona’s charge toward the La Liga title, as the Spanish champions maintain a commanding nine-point lead over Real Madrid with only six matches remaining.
3. Kylian Mbappé
   A perennial Ballon d’Or contender, Mbappé remains a decisive figure with his pace, goals, and influence in big matches, despite stiff competition this season. Mbappe trails Kane in the highest goal scorer in major league with 25 goals. He is also the leading goalscorer in the UCL with 15 goals.
4. Michael Olise
   Olise has enjoyed a breakout campaign, contributing goals and assists while showcasing flair and vision, elevating his status among Europe’s elite attackers.
5. Ousmane Dembélé
   Dembélé’s resurgence has been notable, with improved consistency and match-winning displays, particularly in high-stakes European fixtures.
6. Declan Rice
   The midfielder has been a commanding presence, combining defensive solidity with leadership and occasional attacking contributions.
7. Vitinha
   Vitinha has quietly impressed with his technical ability and control in midfield, playing a key role in dictating tempo for his team.
8. Erling Haaland
   Although slightly lower in the rankings, Haaland remains a prolific goal scorer capable of climbing the list with strong performances in the latter stages of the season.
9. Julián Álvarez
   Álvarez continues to deliver when called upon, combining work rate with clinical finishing, and proving his value in crucial matches.
10. Jude Bellingham
    The young midfielder remains a standout performer, contributing goals, assists, and leadership beyond his years, keeping him firmly in contention.

Ballon d’Or 2026: Top 10 Players To Win Award is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Misplacing a JAMB profile code often throws candidates into confusion, especially when registration is ongoing or close to the deadline.  For many, it feels like access to the entire admission process has been cut off. Yet, the process to retrieve misplaced JAMB profile code is straightforward and can be completed in a matter of minutes […]

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, have rejected the adoption of an automatic ticket for the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State House of Assembly seat ahead of the party’s forthcoming primaries, describing it as contrary to democratic principles.

The rejection was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday to deliberate on key issues affecting the party in the area.

The stakeholders were reacting to reports that the state governor, Umo Eno, had at different fora directed party leaders to adopt a consensus candidate to fly the party’s flag in the primaries.

However, a former APC Assistant Secretary and spokesperson for the group, Ubong Amadu, who read the communiqué at a press conference held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene on Thursday, insisted that the consensus arrangement undermines the will of the majority.

Amadu, who highlighted the benefits of direct primaries, described the consensus option as a violation of the principles of fairness as enshrined in the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.

The communiqué, signed by the leadership of the Ikot Ekpene APC stakeholders, read in part, “Having noted with concern the alleged plan by some individuals to impose a preferred candidate through the unpopular and undemocratic process of consensus, this stakeholders’ meeting became necessary.

“We, the APC stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene, vehemently reject the imposition of consensus candidacy or automatic ticket for any aspirant seeking to contest the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency seat in the forthcoming primaries.

“We state categorically that adopting such an arrangement would amount to imposition, the exclusion of other aspirants, and a breach of internal democratic principles, as well as the provisions of the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.

“While we reaffirm our loyalty to the APC, we emphasise that the party can only remain united and progressive where justice, fairness, and respect for the democratic rights of members are upheld.

“We therefore demand an inclusive and credible process through open and direct primaries, where the most popular and credible aspirant will emerge to represent the constituency.”

The stakeholders also declared support for the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, citing their performance in office.

“We are committed to supporting President Tinubu to consolidate ongoing reforms across critical sectors of the economy.

“We also stand firmly with Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a return to the Senate and continued leadership of the National Assembly.

“Similarly, we support Governor Umo Eno for a second term in office in recognition of his commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom State. Our support for these leaders is based on performance and not on sentiment or external pressure,” the communiqué added.

APC Stakeholders Kick Against Consensus Candidate In Akwa Ibom is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Police Service Commission (PSC) has fixed April 28 to 30, 2026, for the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBT) for candidates in the

World Athletics has rejected an application by Turkey to switch the allegiance of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, dealing a significant blow to the athlete’s proposed nationality change ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

The decision was contained in a document made available to journalists on Thursday.

According to the document, the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel ruled that the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation would not be approved after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the request.

The panel, comprising Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill and Susanne van Waert, said granting the request would undermine key regulatory principles guiding international athletics.

It noted that the application was part of a wider recruitment drive involving multiple athletes and raised concerns about its implications for the integrity of global competitions.

It added that the panel reviewed submissions from all parties, including the athlete and the Turkish federation, before reaching its conclusion.

“The Application by the TAF for Favour OFILI (the ‘Athlete’) to transfer allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved,” the World Athletics panel stated.

World Athletics further explained that under its eligibility rules, it retains discretionary powers to reject nationality switches where broader institutional objectives are threatened.

The panel concluded that approving the move would compromise those objectives, particularly those aimed at maintaining fair competition and encouraging nations to develop homegrown talent.

They also highlighted that Turkey’s application was one of 11 submitted as part of what it described as a government-backed recruitment drive targeting foreign athletes with lucrative contracts in a bid to bolster its international competitiveness ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

According to the panel’s findings, such a strategy risks weakening the credibility of national representation by encouraging athletes to switch allegiance primarily for financial or competitive advantage rather than genuine national ties.

Despite reviewing Ofili’s grievances with Nigerian athletics authorities, the panel said the issues did not outweigh the broader regulatory concerns.

It noted that the sprinter last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and had since acquired Turkish citizenship, signed a long-term contract and indicated plans to relocate.

However, those developments were not sufficient to justify approval under the existing rules.

The document added, “Because the Application is not approved, the Athlete is not entitled to transfer allegiance to TAF and is not eligible to represent TUR in National Representative Competitions.”

However, the ruling clarified that Ofili remains free to compete in international meetings in a personal or club capacity and can continue to live and train in Turkey if she chooses.

Ofili had announced her intention to switch allegiance in September 2025, citing dissatisfaction with the handling of her career by Nigerian athletics authorities.

The 23-year-old is one of Nigeria’s top sprinters and set a world record in the 150m in 2025.

Agency report

World Athletics Blocks Ofili’s Switch To Turkey is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Veteran Nollywood actor, lawyer and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has said any move by Peter Obi to leave the African Democratic Congress, ADC, would be a confirmation that the former Anambra State Governor is working for President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, the former Labour Party chieftain was asked about the whispers of Obi leaving the ADC should he fail to grab the single presidential ticket of the party.

Okonkwo said ‘any of the aspirants who leaves the party must have been secretly working for Tinubu.’

Peter Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 is one of the leading contenders for the ADC ticket and the list also has the likes of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi amongst others.

“If he[Obi] leaves, will he now be a mobile squadron? Anybody, any presidential, aspirant in ADC, seeing what everybody is going through in ADC, that leaves ADC for another party is a mobile squatter. That’s one” Okonkwo said.

“Then two, he is working for Tinubu. Because if all the coalition leaders are facing through all this crisis, even with unity, then what do you think one person can do going out?

“Anybody that goes out of the coalition is compromised and is working for Tinubu, whoever that person is.”

Recall that Atiku had while speaking in an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, promised to work with and support whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate through a consensus or elected to through the primaries.

2027: If Peter Obi leaves ADC then he’s working for Tinubu – Kenneth Okonkwo