Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has downplayed concerns over his recent goal drought, saying he remained unfazed despite going several months without scoring.
The Chelsea playmaker was on the scoresheet in Sunday’s 3-1 victory against Liverpool. Palmer’s stoppage-time penalty condemned the champions to only their third league defeat this season. The goal marked Palmer’s first goal since January.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Sunday after the game, Palmer admitted the dry spell had no significant emotional toll on him.
“No goals for months? I just felt normal. Obviously sh* happens, you know what I mean,” he said.
Palmer, who has is a key figure in Chelsea’s attacking setup this season, stated that the experience only fuelled his determination to improve.
“It gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team,” he said.
Addressing the criticism he has faced online during the barren spell, the England international was dismissive of negative commentary on social media.
“Social media nowadays is full of idiots, trolls… I don’t care about that,” he said.
The family of the Late Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, have announced that the final internment of the late elder statesman will be held on the 13th of May, 2025.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the eldest son of the family, Mr Penaowei Clark, during a press briefing, where he stated that the programme of events will run from Wednesday the 7th of May, 2025, to Sunday, the 18th of May 2025.
The PUNCH reports that Chief Edwin Clark died at his Abuja residence on the 17th of February, 2025 aged 97, after a brief illness.
Until his death, Chief Clark, who was one time Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975 was an advocate for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta regions, and also founded the Southern and Middle-Belt Forum
Edwin Clark for burial May 13
In his address, Mr Clark said the program of events was put together with the collective effort and partnership of the Delta State Government, the Federal Government, PANDEF, and community leaders “to honour and celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of my father, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.”
“Today we are gathered to announce the date and full programme of events for his (Chief Clark’s) funeral, which will run from Wednesday 7th May 2025 through Sunday 18th May 2025.
“On Wednesday, 7th May 2025, Memorial Lecture and Tributes at NAF Conference Centre and Suite Abuja at 11am. Thursday, 8th May 2025, Valedictory Session at Senate Chambers, National Assembly Complex in Abuja at 11am. Saturday, 10th May 2025, Wrestling Contest in Yenagoa. Service of Songs at St. James’s Anglican Church at Asokoro, Abuja at 5pm. Candlelight Memorial at 43 Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, 7pm-8pm,” he said.
On Sunday, 11th May 2024, a Service of Songs will be held at the Royal House of Grace International Church, Port Harcourt, at 4pm. On Monday, the 12th of May 2025, a Commendation Service will be held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, at 8am, while a Simultaneous Valedictory Court Session will be held at the High Court of Justice, Warri, Delta State, at 10am.
“Following this, my father will depart Abuja for Yenagoa and Warri with lying in state and commendation services at key locations, Ijaw House at Yenagoa, 1.30pm to 2.30pm; Warri lying in state from 6.30pm to 7pm at No. 5 Swamp Road, GRA. The body will then proceed to Kiagola Town, Delta State.
“Tuesday 13th May 2025, lying in state in Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, 10am to 10.30am. Commendation Service, 10.30am to 11am. Funeral Service, St Peter’s Anglican Church in Kiagola, 11am. Reception and internment, 1pm onward. All night vigil from 5pm,” he added.
Mr Clark also disclosed that there will be a novelty match between Team Clark (Izon, Urhobo and Itsekiri) and the Rest of Nigeria on Saturday 17th May, 2025, at the Mein Grammar School Field in Kiagbodo, and the programme will culminate in a Thanksgiving Service on the 18th of May.
He thanked friends and well-wishers of the family for their support since the passing of his father, whom he described as “a relentless advocate for justice, equity, and unity of Nigeria,” who had left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
“We are humbled by the immense support, prayers, and tributes we have received since the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, OFR, who peacefully passed away on the 17th of February 2025, dedicating his nearly century-long life to the service of Nigeria.
His contributions as a visionary leader, founding father of PANDEF, a founding father of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum, (1:07) and a relentless advocate for justice, equity, and unity of Nigeria, have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history,” he said.
United States tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced the successful deployment of 29 more Starlink satellites into Earth’s orbit.
The satellites were launched from Florida, further expanding the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX.
Musk made the announcement on Sunday via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“29 more Starlink satellites were added to the constellation,” he wrote.
According to figures from Space.com, the new addition brings the total number of Starlink satellites in orbit to 7,135 as of March 28, 2025. Of those, 7,105 are reported to be operational.
Starlink, a project under Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote regions across the globe.
The latest deployment came shortly after Musk announced the activation of Starlink services in Armenia, reflecting the company’s ongoing international expansion.
In recent months, Musk has also taken on a more visible political role. He currently serves as a special adviser to US President Donald Trump, a position that has attracted significant public and media attention.
Neither SpaceX nor the US government has released further details about the recent launch, including the specific mission objectives or satellite configurations.
Donald Trump said in a Sunday interview that the “good parts” of today’s US economy flow from his policies, while the bad can be blamed on his predecessor, Joe Biden, who “did a terrible job.”
“Ultimately, I take responsibility for everything,” the US president said in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” talk show.
“But I’ve only just been here for a little more than three months.”
At a time of mixed economic signals and mounting concerns over his aggressive use of tariffs, Trump said “certain aspects” of the economy are his doing. “I was able to get down the costs,” he said.
“I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy because he’s done a terrible job.”
While surveys point to growing public concern over the economy, most official indicators are not yet flashing red, with unemployment last month at a moderate 4.2 percent and inflation in March at 2.3 percent, just above the Federal Reserve’s target.
But Fed bankers and others have downgraded their predictions for the world’s leading economy, pointing to slowing growth and rising inflation, and unemployment.
Asked whether a US recession is possible, Trump said, “Anything can happen.”
“This is a transition period,” he said, adding that ultimately “we’re going to do fantastically” with “the greatest economic boom in history.”
Concerning trade with China — badly shaken after Trump imposed tariffs of 145 percent — he said, “We’ve essentially cut off trade relationships by putting that much of a tariff on.”
But, he added, “That’s okay… That means that we’re not losing.”
Trump said the Chinese “want to make a deal very badly,” and he anticipated eventually lowering the tariff rate.
The billionaire Republican has been a sharp and persistent critic of Fed chair Jerome Powell — whom Trump appointed in 2018, during his first term — telling NBC that “he should lower interest rates.”
Now is the “perfect time” to do so, he said.
Fed governors are expected, when they meet Tuesday and Wednesday, to extend a pause in rate cuts while they see just how tariffs affect the economy.
Most analysts expect the Fed to leave rates in the 4.25 to 4.50 percent range where they have been since December.
Even last month, Trump floated the possibility of firing the Fed chair from a position meant to be largely insulated from politics.
But he told NBC that he now expects to wait until Powell’s term ends in May 2026 to name a successor.
The Head of Corporate Communications at a Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo has resigned barely four months after his appointment.
His sudden departure was confirmed in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Sunday.
While the official reason cited for the resignation was for a “higher calling,” insiders in the industry suggest the move may be linked to a series of recent negative media reports involving the airline, which have put its corporate communications team under increasing pressure.
Dr. Ndiulo, a seasoned communications strategist, joined Air Peace earlier this
year.
Though details about his next destination remain unknown, another source hinted our correspondent that he is poised to take up a senior role in a prominent organisation, likely outside the aviation sector.
Dr. Ndiulo brings with him a strong academic and professional pedigree.
He holds a PhD. in Strategic Marketing Management from Babcock University, an MSc in Marketing from the University of Lagos, and an MBA from Lagos State University.
He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Additionally, he is certified in External Relations and Reputation Management from Pan-Atlantic University and has undergone Hostile Environment and Emergency First Aid Training in the UK.
In his resignation letter to Air Peace, Dr. Ndiulo expressed gratitude to the airline for the opportunity to serve, describing his time there as a valuable phase in his professional journey.
“I wish to resign my appointment as Head, of Corporate Communications at Air Peace Limited. My family and I are grateful for the wonderful opportunities for growth and development that I have had during my time at Air Peace.
“Your guidance and support have played a crucial role in my professional journey, and I appreciate the trust you placed in me.”
He further stated that he looks forward to maintaining a cordial relationship with the airline even after his departure.
Air Peace is yet to release an official statement regarding Ndiulo’s resignation or possible potential replacement.
Brazilian police said Sunday they had arrested two people in connection with a foiled plot to attack Lady Gaga’s packed mega-concert in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio’s civil police force said that “together with the ministry of justice,” it had “prevented a bomb attack that would have occurred at Lady Gaga’s concert in Copacabana” on Saturday night.
Officials said the superstar’s free gig on the beach drew up to two million people.
Writing on X, Rio police said it had arrested an adult who was “responsible for the plot” as well as a teenager in the operation codenamed “Fake Monster” — a reference to Lady Gaga’s pet name for her fans, “Little Monsters.”
It said those involved had recruited people online to “carry out attacks using improvised explosives” in an attack “aimed at gaining notoriety on social media.”
Police carried out raids across Rio de Janeiro state as well as in the states of Sao Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Mato Grosso.
Lady Gaga’s concert was the second million-strong stage show on Copacabana beach in a year after a huge concert last year by Madonna.
Security was extremely tight for Saturday’s show, with some 5,000 officers, drones, and both surveillance and facial recognition cameras deployed.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a fleeing homicide suspect, Abubakar Iliyasu, for the alleged murder of a 65-year-old woman, Jane Okoye, in the Orile-Iganmu area of the state.
The Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the suspect was apprehended in Kogi State by detectives from the Homicide Section following a preliminary investigation.
He added that the principal suspect is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation.
According to him, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had forcibly gained access to the victim’s premises and fled with her Toyota Sienna vehicle. The victim was found unconscious and taken to a medical facility where she later passed on.
Following the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, for discreet and thorough investigation, a team of homicide detectives promptly swung into action, deploying both intelligence and technical resources to get the suspect apprehended and recover the stolen property.”
Hundeyin said Iliyasu had fled Lagos with the deceased’s vehicle and other personal belongings but was tracked and arrested in possession of the stolen items.
The PPRO noted that the stolen vehicle was recovered in good condition and secured as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohunde Jimoh, in the statement, assured the public that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the heads of the country’s security agencies to urgently go after individuals and groups financing insecurity across Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo the state capital, Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, decried the continued attacks and killings in states like Benue and Plateau, describing the incidents as “pathetic and unacceptable.”
“As long as the bandits are still having access to food and ammunitions, it will be difficult to crush them. Once sources of supply of the basic human needs and weapons are cut off by arresting those supplying the criminals, security agencies would be able to curtail activities of the insurgents,” he said.
He maintained that it was not enough to tackle the foot soldiers perpetrating the violence, stressing the importance of identifying and dismantling the financial and logistical networks behind the growing insecurity.
“To effectively combat insecurity in the country, it is important to target the individuals and entities that are bankrolling criminal activities and insurgencies. This requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening intelligence gathering and analysis, implementing robust anti-corruption measures, and fostering international cooperation to disrupt financial flows,” Oyintiloye said.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, Oyintiloye insisted more must be done to expose and prosecute those enabling violent crimes across the country.
“There is no doubt that the security agencies are doing their best and the result of their efforts is glaring for all to see, but more needs to be done in exposing the sponsors of this evil act,” he stated.
He further argued that some individuals were attempting to use the nation’s security situation to score political points, warning that such actions amount to sabotage.
“Incessant killings of innocent Nigerians should not be allowed to go on, unchallenged,” he said, adding that “those using the insecurity to score political points against the President should be treated as enemies of the country.”
The APC chieftain also urged President Tinubu to allow the public prosecution of those found guilty of sponsoring insurgents, arguing that it would serve as a deterrent and restore confidence in the justice system.
“Arresting financiers of insurgency without addressing the issues of criminal justice by prosecuting them publicly might not yield the needed results,” he warned.
He also pointed to weak institutions as a major contributor to the country’s security challenges, blaming systemic failures on rising unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, and ineffective policing.
“Our institutional framework has become very weak over time and has affected governance negatively, our democratic values, and accountability,” he noted.
Despite the challenges, Oyintiloye expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security woes with stronger political will and strategic reforms.
The Nigerian Defence Academy has issued a warning to residents of Kaduna to avoid its training area during a Range Classification Exercise scheduled for May 5 to 8, 2025.
The exercise, aimed at enhancing participants’ proficiency and efficiency in weapon handling, will take place at the NDA Open Range in the Afaka area.
The NDA’s Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maiwada in a statement in Kaduna on Sunday, said the Academy is taking all necessary precautions to ensure public safety.
“To ensure public safety throughout the period, the NDA urges members of the community, especially herders and farmers in surrounding areas, to avoid entering the range area during the exercise,” he said.
Maidawa emphasized that strict safety protocols will be enforced during the exercise, and unauthorized persons will not be granted access to the firing range.
The NDA has appealed to media outlets and community leaders to disseminate the information widely to ensure all stakeholders are aware of the exercise and the necessary safety measures.
“Strict safety protocols would be enforced, and unauthorised persons would not be granted access to the firing range.
“Media outlets and community leaders are kindly requested to disseminate this information widely to ensure all stakeholders are aware of the exercise and the necessary safety measures,” Maidawa said.
He noted that Nigeria’s foremost military university remains committed to fostering strong relationships with residents and prioritizing the safety and security of everyone around its training areas.
“The NDA appreciates the cooperation and understanding of nearby communities during this essential training,” Maidawa said
No fewer than 11 local vigilante members have been confirmed dead following a fierce gun battle with heavily armed bandits and unconfirmed numbers of vigilantes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
PUNCH Online learnt that the tensed standoff between these two parties occurred on Friday, when members of the community-based vigilante group intercepted a group of about 40 bandits attempting to raid Magonho village.
The assailants, according to a local source from the community, rode on about 20 motorcycles and were heavily armed, and they reportedly opened fire after their attack was thwarted.
The source said, “Initially, it was confirmed that two vigilantes were killed in the early exchange of gunfire.
“The number rose to 11 by Saturday after security operatives recovered more bodies from the surrounding Lakurawa forest enclave, believed to be a stronghold of the armed group.”
Another eyewitness revealed that the vigilantes had mobilised quickly in response to intelligence about the bandits’ movements, managing to repel the first wave of the assault and recover some of the rustled livestock.
He said following the retreat, troops from the Forward Operating Base in Masallaci launched a pursuit operation, successfully reclaiming some of the stolen animals.
“The bandits returned to Magonho shortly after their initial retreat, and they set fire on the community’s MTN communication’ mast, and unleashed sporadic gunfire before fleeing again into the forest”
The source, however, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining corpses and locate missing vigilantes.
“Security forces, including soldiers and personnel from other agencies stationed in Binji and Racca, are coordinating a search-and-rescue operation in the dense Lakurawa forest.”
The latest attack has reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of Sokoto State, particularly in its rural communities, where vigilante groups often serve as the first line of defense against criminal gangs.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Sokoto Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack and the MTN mast that was set ablaze, but could not confirm the figure of the vigilantees killed as at the time of filing this report.
According to him, “Yes, there was a report of attack in the area and the setting up of MTN mast in the community.
“On the number of casualties, I would have to get back to you on the figure as I cannot confirm the figure for now”
