The Federal Government, on Monday, celebrated the triumphant return of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who clinched the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Rabat, Morocco.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the victory as not just a sporting achievement but a profound testament to the “resilience, excellence, and indomitable Nigerian spirit” embodied by the national team.
“The Super Falcons have, with unmatched skill, discipline, and unity, inscribed Nigeria’s name in gold on the continental stage. They have made the entire nation proud,” Idris said.
On behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, the minister commended the players, coaches, and technical crew for their commitment and courage throughout the tournament.
“You have inspired a new generation of Nigerians and demonstrated the power of sports as a unifying and uplifting force,” he added.
Idris also reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to sustained investment in sports development and athlete support, promising enhanced resources and platforms to enable Nigerian sportsmen and women excel.
As part of celebrations marking the team’s return, the government announced a ceremonial procession for the Super Falcons in Abuja, starting from the City Gate through Eagle Square and culminating at the Presidential Villa, where the champions will be officially received.
“The Super Falcons have flown the Nigerian flag high and brought joy to millions of our citizens. Welcome home, champions of Africa,” the statement concluded.
The victory marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, further cementing the Super Falcons’ dominance in African women’s football.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about the challenges that come with fame, describing it as a restriction on his personal life and freedom.
In an interview posted on Monday via X by Instagblog, the Napoli forward shared a personal moment about missing out on his daughter’s first outing due to public attention and fan presence.
“I remember when I had my daughter and I wanted to take her somewhere with my family when they came to visit us in Italy. I couldn’t do much with my daughter on her first outing. I had to give her to my sister while I was just taking pictures, making videos and everything,” he said.
Reflecting on the effects of stardom, Osimhen remarked, “Fame is boring. Sometimes you want to go outside, and you cannot do a lot of things.”
Despite his global recognition, the 26-year-old emphasised his desire to remain grounded and connected to his roots.
“I just like to be around these people. I just like to stay close to them… This is how I was born, so for me, it’s just natural.”
Osimhen also acknowledged the support system that has helped him navigate success.
“One of the few lessons that I’ve also learned—my elder brother is there to guide my footsteps, which is very important,” he stated.
Osimhen added that he feels most comfortable when surrounded by ordinary people, even when accompanied by security personnel.
“If I have my security and they are strapped, for me, I’m good. I can be among these people. I don’t care. This is my life. This is how I live,” he said.
The 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kaduna State, John Ayuba, has resigned from the party and joined the African Democratic Congress.
Ayuba confirmed his defection on Monday in a telephone interview with PUNCH Online, and in a formal resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ungwan Gaiya Ward in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state.
He cited mismanagement and lack of direction at the national level as reasons for his decision to leave the party.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write to convey my difficult decision to resign my membership of our erstwhile great party,” the letter read in part.
The former deputy governorship candidate accused some national stakeholders of mismanaging the party’s future and engaging in anti-party activities.
“I have, over the last three years, watched with great concern the mismanagement of the future of our party at the national level by those who, I fear to say, do not mean well for its future.
“These events culminated in brazen acts of anti-party activities against our presidential candidate in the 2023 general election by highly placed party members,” he added.
Ayuba lamented that months after the general elections, the party had yet to take decisive action on the issues, leaving loyal members demoralised.
He noted that his defection followed extensive consultations with his political associates and supporters, stressing that remaining in the PDP was no longer an option.
While expressing gratitude to the PDP for the platform and opportunity it provided him, especially the 2023 deputy governorship nomination, Ayuba said it was time to move on.
His defection adds to the growing wave of high-profile exits from the PDP in Kaduna and across the country amid post-election discontent and internal wrangling.
The National Association of Nigerian Students on Monday raised the alarm over what they described as the “nefarious and atrocious” activities of members of Dragon Squad, a police unit that has been terrorising residents of Ogun State, particularly students.
According to a statement signed by the National President of NANS, Ladoja Olushola, on Monday, in Abuja, the squad claimed to be established by the Office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos State, has continued to harass and intimidate residents and students of Abeokuta, on the pretext of going after “Yahoo Boys”.
Olushola added that the squad, being led by one DSP has its office in the Laderin Estate in the state capital, where several innocent people were being detained.
He said that the DSP, who was part of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (
and Zonal Intervention Squad located in Obada-Oko Area of the state, has continued to lead his team to terrorise, extort, detain and raid the homes of residents illegally.
The NANS National President further stated that the squad, apart from arresting and detaining Ogun residents who are mainly youths and students, has been acting as security backing to suspected land grabbers who invaded part of Ita Oshin and Oke Ata communities in Abeokuta, to unleash mayhem and wreak havoc.
He noted that despite several complaints made by the residents to the office of the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, the “heinous activities of the Dragon Squad have continued unchecked”, calling on the Inspector General of Police to urgently intervene and rein in the terrors of the DSP and his team.
Olushola disclosed that the senior police officer claimed that his squad was sent by the AIG in charge of the Zone 2, Onikan to Ogun, hence, the Commissioner of Police in the state cannot interfere with his operations.
He maintained that the excesses of the police squad have spread fear in the hearts of Ogun residents, particularly students and their parents who had either been detained or forced to cough up an exorbitant sum of money.
Olushola observed that the Gestapo style of operations of the squad, is gradually bringing back the inglorious era of SARS’s brutality and inhumane treatment meted out to the people.
While reiterating NANS’s call to the IGP to order the AIG in charge of Zone 2 in Lagos, to disband the Dragon Squad in Ogun, Olushola declared that the student body will mobilize students and stage a massive protest against the “nefarious and illicit activities” of the squad.
He further expressed dismay that that a police officer whose notorious and obnoxious activities in Ogun State largely contributed to the disbandment of the defunct SARS and ZIS, could be assigned by the AIG to surreptitiously revive SARS modus operandi in the state.
The statement reads further: “NANS has viewed with dismay and unpleasantness, the nefarious and atrocious activities of members of a police unit, dubbed Dragon Squad in Ogun State. The squad being led by one DSP Akeem Adeyemi, has not only been terrorizing residents of Abeokuta, especially students, who have fallen victim, but it has also become a ready-made tool of oppression in the hands of land grabbers in the state.
“The office in Laderin Estate in Abeokuta has a holding cell where innocent people are being detained for up to a month without being charged to court. No victim has come out of the detention without tales of horror, extortion and intimidation. On the pretext of going after Yahoo Boys, several students have been arrested, detained and extorted. Their parents are not spared.
“These policemen have turned Ogun, Abeokuta specifically, to their workshop. They carry out dirty jobs and extort the youths and students. In fact, NANS was reliably informed that a sum of N1.5m was collected from a male victim last week.
“While NANS will not condone or support crimes in any guise, even from our members, the student will stand against and resist any violation of rights of our members, harassment and intimidation from any security agency, particularly the ones that engage in activities not backed by the Nigerian Constitution”.
“We, however, call on the Inspector General of Police not to allow DSP Adeyemi and his cohorts in the Dragon Squad, constituting himself into a terror and above-the-law personality, in the state of origin of the IGP. The AIG in charge of the Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, whom Adeyemi claimed birthed Dragon Squad, should also be called to order.
“To this end, NANS will mobilize massively and storm the office of AIG, Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos State, on Wednesday, to protest the nefarious, obnoxious and notorious activities of the police Dragon Squad in Ogun State
“By next week Monday, NANS will mobilize and march in protest to the office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja; the National Assembly and the Office of the Secretary of Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Police Service Commission office, in order to call their attention to the aberration and siege on the innocent people of Ogun, courtesy DSP Adeyemi and his team.”
The National Working Committee, Social Democratic Party, has expelled former Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from the party.
SDP declared El-Rufai as ineligible to associate with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years.
The leadership of the party accused him of falsely parading himself as a party member, manipulating internal processes, and attempting to destabilise the party through unconstitutional actions and deceptive political maneuvers.
This was made known in a statement signed and made available to our correspondent by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the party’s NWC reached the decision following thorough investigations into El-Rufai’s controversial claims of membership and what they described as “alleged backdoor political activities” which has fueled internal divisions and threatened the party’s unity and ideological integrity.
The statement read, ” El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party. He further forged documents claiming membership and took photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood.
“In line with the Constitution of the SDP, the ideology, manifesto, principles and practices thereof, and in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act pertaining to the exclusive right of a political party to determine its membership, the National Working Committee deliberated on the controversial membership status of Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai from Kaduna State who has in recent months been parading himself as a member of the SDP despite the assertion of the Kaduna State Executives that he has not joined the SDP but has instead been promoting the activities of other political party in the State.
“At the initial stage, this individual Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai was given the benefit of the doubt given his status as an elderly person, a former Minister and State Governor who should know the implications of false representation and impersonation, especially given the fact that he published on his social media handles that he had joined the SDP which led to congratulatory messages from prominent leaders of our party and a letter of support at his request by the National Publicity Secretary.
“However upon thorough inquiry, it turned out that the Kaduna State SDP was right and this individual had not joined the SDP. The following facts emerged: Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai failed to register at his Ward as required by the law despite falsely publishing on social media that he had joined the SDP.
“El-Rufai devoted so much time to putting up false representation of membership by seeking photo opportunities with the suspended National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam and some leaders of the SDP who assumed that he had joined the SDP in Kaduna State; El-Rufai was confronted by serious eligibility problems given an unpleasant history of intolerance and persecution of the SDP as an opposition party during his time as the Governor of Kaduna State under the APC.”
SDP also accused the former Kaduna governor of aligning with another political party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), while trying to draw the SDP into an unapproved political coalition.
SDP said, “Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act in a manner contrary to the principles and practices of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him.
“Consequently, El-Rufai has been banished and banned from applying to the membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years, effective immediately”.
The SDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to take note of El-Rufai’s non-member status, warning that he is not authorized to act or speak on behalf of the party.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, national patriotism, and principled opposition, the party urged all Nigerians aspiring to join its ranks to do so through lawful and transparent means.
“Apparently to run away from his past, El-Rufai proposed an elaborate welcome ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja but was politely counseled that such a jamboree was not tenable and he should go home to register at his Ward in Kaduna State after passing simple eligibility interview and on boarding process.
“Rather than register lawfully with the Ward Executives, this individual simply forged his own documents and self-registered and arrogated to himself “number 001 in the SDP membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area”, as if the Ward had no single member prior to his purported joining. This is contrary to all existing and updated records of the SDP in Kaduna State.”
Recall that El-Rufai recently announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressines Congress and defected to the Social Democratic Party.
He cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress has revealed that state governors are hesitant to join the opposition coalition platform formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu due to alleged intimidation.
The ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known on Saturday during the 3rd Expanded Meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North), held in Abuja.
He described the alleged acts of intimidation as a conspiracy against the Nigerian people.
On July 1, key opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, APC’s 2023 presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai launched the ADC as a unified opposition platform to confront Tinubu in 2027.
Although former Senate President David Mark and former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola were appointed as the party’s interim National Chairman and Secretary respectively, and a few Nigerians have since aligned with the party, no sitting governor has joined.
Abdullahi attributed this hesitation to fear, stating that some governors are aligning with President Tinubu to avoid being intimidated.
He stated, “We don’t need to particularly target any serving governor. We know that no serving governor will want to come to us now because of the kind of intimidation that they are facing.
“We know what they are doing to them. Some of them who cannot jump to their party (APC) are saying we are endorsing their presidential candidate (President Tinubu). No problem.
“But what you are seeing is a conspiracy against the Nigerian people. The ADC welcomes everybody, but we are convinced that we are a movement that has the backing of the majority of Nigerians who are not happy with the direction this country is going.”
The ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary stated that the party was not established to serve anyone’s personal ambition and emphasized that it remains free from any form of hijack.
The former Minister of Youth and Sport stated, “No, ADC is not going to be hijack. You see, the process for the building of the party ensures that the party does not coalesce around any individual.
“And like I repeatedly emphasised, the ADC is not built for anybody’s ambition. ADC is a party that is determined to give a different trajectory to Nigerian politics. We don’t have any predetermined agenda. We don’t have any favourite aspirant or candidate.
“We are not having any conversation at the moment. Nobody has ever had any conversation about who will be the party’s flag bearer. We believe that it is too early in the day. Our focus now is to build a political party that is strong enough to deliver on the mission that we have set for ourselves.”
Abdullahi explained that the National Political Consultative Group (North) convened the meeting to address and find solutions to challenges facing the Northern region, noting that a similar gathering is planned for the Southern region.
He stated, “As you see, it’s the Northern Consultative Group of the African Democratic Congress. It’s a meeting of our region, the northern region, the north of Nigeria, to discuss situations in the north, especially the issue of insecurity, the issue of how we can strengthen unity in the north.
“There are similar meetings in the south, there are similar meetings for the southeast, all coalesced under the African Democratic Congress. So this particular meeting today is for the Northern part of Nigeria.
“And like I said, it’s for the purpose of getting briefings from all the states to know what the issues are, what the challenges are, and the progress we are making in terms of building this coalition.”
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has assured Nigerians that the committee has no personal agenda or preconceived opinions to impose on the people.
Senator Barau, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, made the remark at the commencement of the North-West Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitution Review held in Kano on Saturday.
He explained that the committee is guided solely by legislative ethics, patriotism, and the collective will of Nigerians.
“Members of the committee hold no preconceived opinions to impose upon you. We are committed to being guided by the highest ethical standards, open-mindedness, and patriotism.
“That is why I implore all stakeholders to provide your input in accordance with these standards, while maintaining the utmost decorum and responsibility,” he said.
The Deputy Senate President said that since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, public demands for constitutional reform have remained persistent.
In response, the National Assembly has enacted five sets of constitutional amendments, the 1st to 5th Alteration Acts, addressing governance, institutional reforms, and national aspirations.
He, however, acknowledged that several pressing national issues remained unresolved and required more than routine legislation.
“Many Nigerians believe that our challenges stem not just from the Constitution itself but from our collective attitude towards governance and the rule of law.
“Still, as representatives of the people, we are duty-bound to respond to their calls for renewed hope,” he said.
Barau stated that the Constitution Review Committee was set up to address these demands and build a broad national consensus.
He confirmed the receipt of hundreds of memoranda from citizens addressing key unresolved issues, including electoral and judicial reforms, local government autonomy, traditional institutions, human rights, gender inclusion, and security restructuring.
“We have carefully reviewed and translated these memoranda into bills which we now present for your further input and discussion.
“We urge you to share your insights with an open mind. This hearing is for all Nigerians, including those who may not have the means to travel to Abuja,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of civic participation, calling it a “vital contribution to shaping our national destiny.”
The Deputy Senate President also stressed the need for collaboration among all arms of government and levels of the legislature to ensure the success of the constitutional reforms.
“Our work must be harmonised with the House of Representatives and State Assemblies. Additionally, the understanding and cooperation of the executive and judiciary are critical. A law that is not implemented is ineffective by default; we must avoid that.”
He expressed appreciation for the attendance of various lawmakers and stakeholders, noting that the process will not end with the hearing but will continue through collaborative efforts to build a consensus that reflects the will of the people.
A former media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, has said that Buhari’s frequent medical trips abroad were a matter of personal preference and not a dismissal of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Shehu made this clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Inside Sources” program on Saturday.
His comments were a direct response to remarks made by Femi Adesina, another of Buhari’s former spokespersons.
Adesina had previously suggested that Buhari “could have died a long time ago” if he had relied solely on Nigerian hospitals, citing a perceived lack of expertise within the country.
However, Shehu contradicted Adesina’s view, asserting that Buhari remained under the care of Nigerian doctors throughout his presidency, implying that the foreign trips were not due to a lack of local medical competence.
Shehu said, “I think it is wrong to assume that he fenced himself off from the Nigerian medical system.
“He had a Nigerian doctor, a chief personal physician and a state house clinic, also led by a medical consultant, a distinguished doctor of many years of practice.”
He emphasised that the president’s medical team was always available to meet his immediate health needs.
“In terms of the immediacy of his own medical needs, they were always present to administer to his own needs,” Shehu added.
While acknowledging Buhari’s consistent visits abroad for treatment, Shehu said this was due to the president’s longstanding medical relationship overseas.
“As for his attachment to his past practice abroad for his medicals, he had an attachment to that.
“It was not that he was disrespectful of Nigeria’s medical practice or that he didn’t believe,” he said.
Shehu also highlighted the presence of Nigerian-trained doctors working globally, noting that their competence is recognised worldwide.
“For most people who also travel abroad and they need to see doctors — I have experienced this in America — you go into the office of the doctor and you find that it’s a Nigerian surgeon, it’s a Nigerian doctor,” he noted.
President Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13 in a London clinic after a prolonged illness.
He was buried at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, on July 15.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom on Saturday commended President Bola Tinubu for extending the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer initiative to over 27,000 vulnerable residents of the state.
A statement issued by the governor’s aide on entrepreneurship development, Meflyn Anwana in Abuja disclosed that each beneficiary received N75,000 as part of the programme aimed at alleviating poverty and mitigating economic hardship.
Eno described the gesture as a timely intervention that aligns with his administration’s inclusive governance and humanitarian vision.
Speaking at the flag-off of the programme held at the Women Development Centre in Uyo, Eno, represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki, praised the President for prioritising the welfare of the poor and ensuring that his people are not left behind in the federal government’s social investment drive.
The statement partly read, “Through the Renewed Hope Agenda initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over 27,000 Akwa Ibom people received a conditional cash transfer of ₦75,000 earlier today.
“This initiative, strategically designed to lift the poorest of the poor out of poverty and reduce economic hardship, is a social investment that aligns with the humanitarian model in Akwa Ibom State.
“His Excellency reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to support vulnerable citizens, particularly through the implementation of the ARISE Agenda.”
The statement further highlighted that since assuming office in May 2023, Eno’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on social welfare and embedding humanitarian responses into state policy with the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
“The state has delivered 205 homes, provided monthly stipends to 600 elderly persons, and facilitated health insurance coverage for 1,287 senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
“The governor also awarded educational grants to 243 students with disabilities, supported MSMEs with equipment and funds, and empowered youths with ₦50,000 grants.
“Our policies are not just about giving food or cash to people but about restoring dignity, driving economic empowerment, and building a state where no one is left behind,” Eno said.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the alleged involvement of the State Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Namadi, in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Wawu.
The governor’s directive follows public uproar and mounting concern after reports emerged that the Commissioner’s name featured in official documentation reportedly used to secure the suspect’s release.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, said the state government was treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves, noting that any attempt to shield individuals suspected of sabotaging the fight against drug-related crimes would not be tolerated.
“To ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry,” the statement read, “Governor Yusuf has constituted a special investigative committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend appropriate measures.”
The committee, chaired by Aminu Hussain, who is also the Governor’s Special Adviser on Justice and Constitutional Matters, has been tasked with investigating the case and submitting its findings with immediate effect.
Other members of the panel include: Hamza Haladu; Hamza Nuhu Dantani; Alhaji Abdullahi Mahmoud Umar; Maj. Gen. Sani Muhammad (retd.); Kabiru Said Dakata and Hajiya Bilkisu Maimota – Secretary.
Governor Yusuf, while unveiling the committee, expressed grave concern over the potential abuse of public office by political appointees and restated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and related social vices.
“Let it be known that our administration will not condone any act that compromises the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. We are fully committed to the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse, and anyone found culpable—regardless of their position—will face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.
Although no official response has been issued by the Commissioner for Transport as of press time, the formation of the investigative panel suggests a decisive move by the Kano State Government to maintain public trust and ensure transparency in governance.
The alleged drug baron at the centre of the controversy, Dan Wawu, is said to have been arrested on charges related to narcotics trafficking.
His sudden release, which allegedly involved political interference, has raised eyebrows across the state.
The probe comes at a time when the state government is ramping up campaigns against drug abuse and criminality, particularly among youths, which Governor Yusuf has repeatedly described as a major threat to the security and future of Kano State.
