Nigeria, Togo set for showdown at ITTF W’Africa championships

Defending champions Nigeria and Togo are preparing to retain their titles at the 2025 International Table Tennis Africa Federation West Africa Regional Championships in Lagos from July 16 to 19.

The event will take place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, located within the Teslim Balogun Stadium complex in Lagos.

Nigeria, the region’s most decorated team, will defend the women’s team title it successfully retained in Lomé last year.

This confirmation was made in a statement on Sunday by ITTF Africa.

Togo will pursue back-to-back wins in the men’s team event, after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nigeria in the 2024 final.

That 2024 triumph came on home soil, spurred by strong local support from enthusiastic fans.

This year, Togo faces tough opposition from Nigeria and other countries including Benin Republic, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Other participating nations include Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Niger Republic, and Sierra Leone.

In the singles event, Nigeria’s top-ranked player, Matthew Kuti, will seek to retain his men’s singles crown.

Kuti won his first regional title last year in Lomé, defeating Oba Oba Kizito of Côte d’Ivoire 4-1 in the final.

Victory this year would make him the first male player to win consecutive singles titles at the tournament.

However, the women’s singles title is wide open due to the absence of reigning champion, Nigeria’s Hope Udoaka.

Her absence provides a golden opportunity for a new female champion to emerge from the competition.

The championship will also serve as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships in Rwanda later this year.

With home advantage and the largest squad, Nigeria is eyeing a return to the top in the men’s team event.

Nigeria narrowly lost the men’s team title to Togo in last year’s hard-fought final in Lomé.

This year’s edition has seen increased participation, with over ten countries confirming their attendance.

This marks a rise from previous editions, which recorded a maximum of nine participating countries.

Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Niger Republic are returning to the championship after years of absence.

All eyes will be on Nigeria, a country that has dominated both men’s and women’s events in the region.

Ferdinand Sonou, ITTF Africa West Region Vice President, shared his excitement ahead of the event.

He said, “I’m thrilled we’re back in Nigeria for the regional championships. It’s always a favourite for visiting teams.

“Nigeria has a strong reputation for hosting international events, and teams look forward to the experience.

“This tournament signals the start of a packed international table tennis season in Lagos.

“I’m confident we’ll witness the rise of new talents alongside the established stars of the sport.

“The passionate Lagos crowd will certainly bring energy to the matches.”

Sonou also praised ITTF Africa President, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, for his unwavering support for the championships.

He noted that the growing number of teams reflects ITTF Africa’s commitment to developing the sport across the region.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 2025 championship promises intense action and top-tier table tennis talent.

BRICS nations to denounce Trump tariffs

BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro from Sunday are expected to decry Donald Trump’s hardline trade policies, but are struggling to bridge divides over crises roiling the Middle East.

Emerging nations representing about half the world’s population and 40 per cent of global economic output are set to unite over what they see as unfair US import tariffs, according to sources familiar with summit negotiations.

Since coming to office in January, Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive tariffs.

His latest salvo comes in the form of letters due to be sent starting Friday informing trading partners of new tariff rates expected next week on July 9.

Diplomats from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have been busy drafting a statement condemning the economic uncertainty.

Any final summit declaration is not expected to mention the United States or its president by name. But it is expected to be a clear political shot directed at Washington.

“We’re anticipating a summit with a cautious tone: it will be difficult to mention the United States by name in the final declaration,” Marta Fernandez, director of the BRICS Policy Center at Rio’s Pontifical Catholic University said.

This is particularly the case for China, which has only recently negotiated with the US to lower steep tit-for-tat levies.

“This doesn’t seem to be the right time to provoke further friction” between the world’s two leading economies, Fernandez said.

– Xi no show –

Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power.

But the summit’s political punch will be depleted by the absence of China’s Xi Jinping, who is skipping the annual meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president.

“I expect there will be speculation about the reasons for Xi’s absence,” said Ryan Hass, a former China director at the US National Security Council who is now with the Brookings Institution think tank.

“The simplest explanation may hold the most explanatory power. Xi recently hosted Lula in Beijing,” said Hass.

The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. War crime-indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin is also opting to stay away, but will participate via video link, according to the Kremlin.

Hass said Putin’s non-attendance and the fact that India’s prime minister will be a guest of honor in Brazil could also be factors in Xi’s absence.

“Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi,” who will receive a state lunch, he said.

“I expect Xi’s decision to delegate attendance to Premier Li (Qiang) rests amidst these factors.”

Still, the Xi no-show is a blow to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage.

In the year to November 2025, Brazil will have hosted a G20 summit, a BRICS summit, and COP30 international climate talks, all before heading into fiercely contested presidential elections next year, in which he is expected to run.

– Middle path –

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel is also skipping the meeting.

A source familiar with the negotiations said the BRICS countries were still in disagreement over how to respond to the wars in Gaza and between Iran and Israel.

Iranian negotiators are pushing for a tougher collective stance that goes beyond referencing the need for the creation of a Palestinian state and for disputes to be resolved peacefully.

Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit.

Original members of the bloc Brazil, Russia, India, and China have been joined by South Africa and, more recently, by Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia.

Analysts say that it has given the grouping more potential international punch.

But it has also opened many new fault lines.

Brazil hopes that countries can take a common stand at the summit, including on the most sensitive issues.

“BRICS (countries), throughout their history, have managed to speak with one voice on major international issues, and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t be the case this time on the subject of the Middle East,” Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told AFP.

AFP

Tinubu arrives Brazil for BRICS Summit

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Global South and Emerging Economic Bloc.

The block includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, also called the BRICS.

The President’s flight touched down at the Galeao Air Force Base tarmac at 8:45 pm local time on Friday, where the Galeao Air Force Base Commander coordinated the Guard of Honour.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Saturday titled ‘President Tinubu Arrives In Rio De Janeiro For BRICS Meeting’.

Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture, received President Tinubu.

Tinubu is in Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva.

The Nigerian leader will attend a bilateral meeting hosted by President Lula on Saturday, July 5, ahead of the summit on June 6 and 7.

At the BRICS Summit, the President will participate in a plenary session and deliver an address on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness.

He will also meet with investors to capitalise on the country’s opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy.

The summit’s theme is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

Deliberations will centre on health, Artificial Intelligence, governance, and Climate Change issues.

Ahead of the Leaders’ Summit, the political negotiators of BRICS brainstormed over aligning more commitments to combat socially determined diseases, artificial intelligence governance, and climate finance.

Their focus was on providing concrete solutions to the structural challenges faced by the Global South.

State Governors participating in the summit with the President are Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).

Professor Leke Oduwaye-Adron Homes Urban Development Dialogue: EXPERTS, STAKEHOLDERS RAISE ALARM OVER BUILDING COLLAPSE IN LAGOS, SEEK URGENT REFORMS

REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY EXPERTS, STAKEHOLDERS RAISE ALARM OVER BUILDING COLLAPSE IN LAGOS, SEEK URGENT REFORMS

The recurring tragedy of building collapse in Lagos once again came under the spotlight today as stakeholders from across Nigeria’s building industry gathered at the University of Lagos for the Professor Leke Oduwaye-Adron Homes Urban Development Dialogue, a high-level forum aimed at addressing regulatory and construction lapses fueling the crisis.

Themed “Recurring Building Collapse in Lagos: The Challenge of Regulatory Oversight and Construction Practices,” the dialogue was organized by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP), University of Lagos, in collaboration with real estate giant, Adron Homes.

Delivering goodwill remarks, the Group Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, KOF, issued a strong call for accountability across the building sector. Describing building collapse as a “tragedy that has become far too familiar,” Aare Adetola Emmanuelking emphasized that such disasters are not acts of fate but direct results of human negligence, greed, and systemic failure.

“Buildings do not collapse by accident. They collapse because somewhere along the chain of planning, approval, construction, or supervision, individuals choose to compromise,” he stated firmly”, he stated.

The respected real estate mogul outlined what he termed the three uncompromising actions needed to combat the menace, Verification, Validation, and Control, stressing that all actors within the building industry must be held to the highest standards of competence and ethical responsibility.

The event featured a thought-provoking guest lecture by Tpl. (Dr.) Idris Salako FNITP, former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development. Drawing from his vast experience, Dr. Salako delivered a hard-hitting analysis of the root causes of building collapse in Lagos. He identified critical gaps such as weak enforcement of development control regulations, poor coordination between regulatory agencies, and widespread disregard for approved building plans by some developers.

Dr. Salako further highlighted how political interference, corruption, and the proliferation of quack professionals continue to erode the integrity of the building sector. He stressed the urgent need for capacity building among regulatory bodies, proper training and certification of artisans, and the full digitalization of building approval processes to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The dialogue also featured keynote addresses by Tpl. Tunji Odunlami FNITP, Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. Both speakers echoed the need for proactive urban planning, robust regulatory frameworks, and collaboration between government, professionals, and private developers to create safer cities.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Tpl. Waheed Kadiri FNITP, PPNITP, Past President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (Chairman of the event), Professor Modupe Omirin, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNILAG, Dr. Taofik Salau, Head of Department, DURP, UNILAG, and Dr. S.A. Adeyemi, Chairman, Organizing Committee, among several others.

Participants unanimously called for urgent reforms to curb building failures, emphasizing the need for professionalism, transparency, and stricter enforcement of building regulations.

The dialogue is expected to spark renewed policy debates and strategic actions toward ensuring that Lagos, and indeed Nigeria, builds safe, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces where lives are protected, and dreams can thrive.

CP LAWAL ADEBOWALE ASSUMES DUTY AS 46TH COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, ONDO STATE COMMAND

The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that Commissioner of Police Lawal Adebowale, psc(+), mnips, has officially assumed duty as the 46th Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command. He takes over from CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc(+), mnips, who has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

CP Lawal Adebowale is a seasoned and accomplished law enforcement officer with over 30 years of distinguished service in the Nigeria Police Force. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). His educational background is complemented by extensive professional training both locally and internationally.

Over the course of his career, CP Adebowale has served in various strategic and operational capacities across several commands in Nigeria, including Edo, Yobe, Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Rivers, Cross River, Katsina, Enugu, and the Force Headquarters, Abuja. He has held key positions such as Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander, Officer-in-Charge of Anti-Robbery, Anti-Kidnapping, and Community Policing Units, as well as Assistant Commissioner of Police in the IGP X-Squad and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Professional Studies at the Nigeria Police Academy, he has also served as the Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Departments (ZCIDs) in zone 14 Katsina State.

He was also seconded to INTERPOL between 2006 and 2009, where he served as Sub-Regional Bureau Officer overseeing critical international crime management portfolios such as stolen vehicles, travel documents, fingerprint and DNA records, and stolen works of art across West and Central Africa. His work in this capacity contributed significantly to regional law enforcement collaboration and capacity building.

Until his recent posting to Ondo State, CP Adebowale was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Force Quartermaster, Force Headquarters, Abuja. His appointment to the Ondo State Command comes at a critical time, and he brings with him a wealth of experience in crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement.

The Commissioner of Police, extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D NPM for the confidence repose in him to serve as the 46th commissioner of Police of Ondo State Police Command and also to the outgoing Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, for his dedicated service, professionalism, and contributions to the peace and security of the state. The Command wishes him continued success in his new role.

CP Lawal Adebowale has assured the government and good people of Ondo State of his unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety, enforcing the rule of law, and strengthening community trust. He calls for the continued support and cooperation of residents, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and sister security agencies in promoting peace and security across the state.

Members of the public can contact the Commissioner of Police directly on 09060588958 for security-related matters or credible information that can aid the Police in crime prevention and investigation.

All Political Stalwarts in Oshodi/Isolo Endorse Kendoo for Second Term

As the July 12 chairmanship election draws near in Lagos State, the political atmosphere in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area is charged with optimism and unity as all major political stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the incumbent chairman, Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede, popularly known as Kendoo.

The resounding endorsement from across party lines, community leaders, youth organizations, market associations, and residents is not just a political gesture—it is a statement of confidence in a leader whose first term has transformed one of Lagos’s most volatile and neglected areas into a symbol of progress and hope.

When Kendoo assumed office, Oshodi bore the reputation of a chaotic and unsafe zone—a place where miscreants and touts harassed residents and visitors alike, and where filth had become a daily burden. However, under his stewardship, that narrative has changed dramatically. Roads that were once riddled with potholes and impassable during rainy seasons have now been tarred and opened up for smooth movement. Major arteries in the local government, critical to commerce and daily life, have been reconstructed, boosting trade and easing transport.

More importantly, security, long absent in the area, has been restored. Through a strategic partnership with law enforcement and the introduction of community-based initiatives, Kendoo has taken back Oshodi from the hands of street gangs and criminal elements. The once-infamous hub of unrest is now a safer, more welcoming space for businesses and families alike.

Environmental sanitation, too, has received unprecedented attention. The filth that plagued markets and streets has been tackled head-on, thanks to the chairman’s aggressive clean-up campaigns and infrastructural interventions. Markets are now more organized, cleaner, and conducive for traders and customers, with improved waste management systems ensuring a healthier environment.

This is why the chorus of support for Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede’s re-election is not just political rhetoric—it is an endorsement rooted in visible transformation and tangible change. Residents now live with a renewed sense of pride in their community, and many who once avoided Oshodi now do business there with confidence.

With his achievements speaking louder than any campaign slogan, Kendoo is not just the favored candidate; he is the proven choice. As July 12 approaches, the message from Oshodi/Isolo is clear: progress must not be paused. Voters are being urged to come out en masse and re-elect a leader who has delivered on his promises and who represents continuity, stability, and sustained development.

Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede has earned another term—not through words, but through results.

‘Take it Back’ Movement Protest Not Responsible For CP Afolabi’s Redeployment – Police Source reveals

A senior officer of the Ondo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a recent report by Sahara Reporters suggesting that the redeployment of Commissioner of Police Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, Psc+, mnips, was linked to a protest by the “Take It Back” movement.

According to the top officer who claimed anonymity, the publication not only lacks merit but also misrepresents the facts surrounding CP Afolabi’s redeployment.

“The claims are not only unverified but seem aimed at stirring unnecessary controversy and tarnishing the image of a highly disciplined officer,” the source told our correspondent.

The senior officer stated that transfers and redeployments are a routine part of the Nigeria Police Force and should not be politicized.

“There is absolutely no connection between the CP’s redeployment and any protest activity,” he said, adding that the protest mentioned was handled with professionalism and even received commendations from both the public and police authorities.

Commissioner Afolabi, a veteran officer with over 30 years of service, is known for his calm, faith-driven leadership style and strong commitment to police ethics. During his tenure in Ondo State, the command recorded several achievements, including the arrest of over 30 kidnappers, the dismantling of 83 cult groups, and the apprehension of numerous armed robbers and car snatchers.

The officer noted that CP Afolabi has expressed no regrets about his redeployment and remains focused on his duties, urging officers under his leadership to stay professional and emotionally detached from the routine nature of transfers.

“He has already reached out to his successor and scheduled a formal handover for Monday, June 30th. His conduct reflects the very professionalism he preaches,” the officer added.

The public has been advised to disregard the online publication, which has been described as an example of “armchair journalism” designed to cause disaffection and spread misinformation.

“CP Afolabi remains committed to the core values of the Nigeria Police Force — honour, integrity, and service under God,” the officer concluded.

Nigerians to see cheaper fuel soon, thanks to Dangote refinery – Analyst

Nigerians can anticipate a downward reduction in petrol pump prices in the coming weeks, largely due to the increasing impact and strategic operations of the Dangote Refinery.

This projection comes from an analyst and Head, Investment Research at Comercio Partners Limited, Ifeayi Ubah, interviewed on ARISE TV on Saturday, highlighting a significant shift in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

The analyst emphasised that the Dangote Refinery’s recent price adjustments are a direct response to international market trends.

“For the Dangote Refineries slashing prices, he’s just following what the international prices are. So, we saw the international prices go down the time Danger Day slashed prices,” Ubah said in the interview.

This positive outlook is rooted in Nigeria’s evolving position within the global petroleum market. The nation is gradually transitioning from being heavily reliant on imported finished products to becoming a prominent exporter.

The strategic shift is expected to significantly reduce the drain on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, which previously went towards fuel imports. The interview also hinted at another refinery, Buharabi, being established in the South-South region, which could further boost domestic supply and potentially lead to a surplus of petroleum products.

While acknowledging the inherent volatility in global energy prices, the analyst, Ubah, stressed that the long-term impact of local refining capacity would override temporary fluctuations.

Power surge sparks fire in Kwara plaza, firefighters save building

The Kwara State Fire Service on Saturday prevented a major disaster by saving nine units of two-bedroom flats and ten shops from destruction during a fire outbreak in Ganmo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The affected flats, located at God First Plaza, opposite the Transmission Company of Nigeria, along Ogbondoroko Road, Ganmo, were engulfed by fire in the early hours of the day.

According to the Fire Service, the fire was caused by a power surge that originated from one of the ten flats in the building.

It was further gathered that combustible materials, including mattresses and planks, inside the affected flat intensified the fire.

No lives were lost in the incident. The ten shops, which include cosmetics stores, were also saved through the swift response of the firemen, who succeeded in preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the building.

In a statement signed by Hassan Adekunle, a Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity on behalf of the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, details of the incident were provided.“On Saturday, 21st June 2025, at about 06:20 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service received a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at God First Plaza, opposite TCN, Ogbondoroko Road, Ganmo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.

“The fire crew promptly responded and arrived at the scene to find a one-storey building housing 10 units of two-bedroom flats and 10 shops engulfed in flames.

“Undeterred, the firemen immediately swung into action, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and expertise. Their swift intervention successfully curtailed the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjacent structures.

“During the firefighting operation, a loud explosion from shattering glass startled occupants, causing them to flee the scene. Thankfully, no injuries were recorded, and all fire officers remained unharmed. Due to the firemen’s courageous efforts, only one flat was affected by the outbreak.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was triggered by a power surge. The affected flat contained numerous combustible materials, which contributed to the rapid escalation of the flames,” the statement said.

Adekunle further stated that: “The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, sympathized with those affected and urged the public to strictly observe fire safety precautions to prevent future occurrences.”

Tinubu to champion integration at W’Africa economic summit

president Bola Tinubu will on Saturday, June 21, 2025, (today) attend the West Africa Economic Summit at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The Economic Summit, which enters its second and final day on Saturday, precedes the 67th Ordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States, scheduled at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Saturday titled ‘President Tinubu To Advance Economic Integration At The West Africa Economic Summit’.

“An initiative of President Tinubu in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, WAES is the first of its kind and is convened to deepen regional economic integration. Its strong focus is on enhancing trade and investment cooperation across the subregion,” said Onanuga.

President Tinubu had extended invitations to the Member States of the Alliance of Sahelian States and Mauritania to “demonstrate his commitment to inclusive dialogue and regional cooperation,” the statement read.

Presidents of Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, The Gambia, Benin, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau have confirmed their participation at the Economic Summit, which is expected to “yield concrete outcomes and deliverables to fast-track West Africa’s integration agenda as a critical foundation for sustainable peace, security, and prosperity in the region,” it added.

Those attending the summit are Ministers of Finance, Trade, Infrastructure, and Foreign Affairs from the ECOWAS Member States, as well as representatives from regional economic bodies such as the West African Monetary Agency, West African Monetary Institute, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, the West African Economic and Monetary Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat.

Private sector leaders, development partners, and policy experts are also participating.

Ahead of the Summit, the President dispatched a team of Special Envoys to deliver formal invitations to Heads of State and Government across the region.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, led the delegation, which included the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Sola Enikanolaiye.