The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘Prices of petrol, diesel, LPG will continue to fall’

    ‘Prices of petrol, diesel, LPG will continue to fall’

    • Agency boss seeks additional $50b investments in midstream sector

    The prices of petrol, diesel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will continue to decline nationwide, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Saidu Mohammed, stated this at the weekend in Ogbele Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, during the inspection of facilities belonging to Aradel Holdings Plc.

    Mohammed, who attributed the expected price reduction to rising supply, increased competition, and sustained private-sector investment in the oil and gas sector, urged the private sector to pump between $30 billion and $50 billion into the midstream petroleum sector.

    Highlighting the expected reduction in energy prices, the NMDPRA boss said Nigerians were gradually moving towards affordable energy as improved supply continues to drive price stability.

    “The more supply we have, the lower the price. This is already evident as petrol has dropped from about N1,000 to N800 per litre due to competition,” he said.

    Mohammed explained that the removal of fuel subsidy has allowed market forces to function properly, leading to efficiency across the downstream sector.

    “Sustained competition, rather than subsidies, will guaranty adequate supply of petrol and gas at affordable prices for Nigerians,” Mohammed added.

    The agency boss stressed the need for additional refineries with advanced conversion capacity to produce diesel, fuel oil, naphtha, LPG, and petrol.

    The NMDPRA chief executive said Nigeria’s ambition extended beyond local consumption to exporting petroleum products to Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

    “However, domestic demand must first be adequately met by local operators before large-scale exports can commence,” he said.

    Read Also:Industrialist hails Dangote for intervening in petroleum sector

    Mohammed noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu strongly supported a free-market economy, recalling that subsidy removal was the President’s first major policy decision.

    According to him, the policy unlocked private sector participation and stimulated investments across the oil and gas value chain.

    Assessing the condition of state-owned refineries, Mohammed said their operational conditions largely remained the responsibility of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    NMDPRA, he said, was engaging NNPCL to ensure the delivery of crude oil and petroleum products to the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries reserves.

    “Delivery of products to the reserves and restoring loading activities at the refineries will boost local economies and revive product distribution within host communities.

    “Once product loading resumes, Nigerians will begin to feel the economic impact, even before full refinery operations,” he said.

    Mohammed added that Nigeria’s economic growth depended heavily on the rapid expansion of locally owned midstream assets.

    Advising the private sector to pump between $30 billion and $50 billion into the midstream petroleum sector, Mohammed said: “I said it two days ago that the midstream sector alone will require about $30 billion to $50 billion investment. Those investments can only come from the private sector, not the government anymore.

    “So, as an authority, as a regulator, what we will do is to make sure that we lay down the desired enablers for them to operate and attract the investment that Nigeria needs.

    “But first of all, we have to improve how we do things and the improvement can be seen here in a world-class facility being operated by Nigerians. That is the way to go.”

    The NMDPRA said the government agency was impressed to see fully-integrated facilities designed, built, operated, and fully-funded by Nigerians

    He said the facilities inspected during his three-day operational tour across Rivers State demonstrated that Nigerians had the capacity to design, finance, build, and sustainably operate world-class energy infrastructure.

    Mohammed singled out Aradel Holdings, stating that the company had proven that Nigerians could efficiently operate a refinery sustainably without foreign operatorship.

    The NMDPRA announced that Aradel’s ongoing expansion would make it possible to load petrol from its facility before the end of next year.

    “Aradel has supplied gas to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) for about 13 years, alongside operating an 11,000-barrels-per-day refinery.

    “The company also runs a virtual gas pipeline, producing compressed natural gas distributed across several parts of Nigeria,” he said.

    Mohammed called for more investments in refining, noting that the Dangote Refinery alone cannot meet domestic, continental, and global demands.

    The NMDPRA boss described the midstream sector as Nigeria’s strongest driver of economic growth with the capacity to stimulate manufacturing, power generation, transportation, and other productive sectors.

    He assured fellow Nigerians that the NMDPRA would continue to provide regulatory incentives to attract large-scale investments into the midstream sector.

    The  Managing Director of Aradel Holdings, Mr. Adegbite Falade, said the company remained committed to expanding refining capacity, commercialising gas and eliminating routine gas flaring.

    He said: “We are not overwhelmed by rising demand, as the company is already expanding its refining capacity beyond current levels.

    “We see the demand; we see the market. All we are trying to do is to continue to make those investments that allow us to meet the demand. The demand is very huge.

    “We have received support from the regulator. We have seen all kinds of support that continues to make our operations grow from one stage to another.

    “It is a great and worthy space for fellow investors and operators to come into. The more we are, the more we build on the redundancy and the resilience of our energy security as a nation.

    “We are committed to that course. We are looking at our capacity, and we are just projecting to grow it from one level to another. We are not overwhelmed, but we are doing our best to be part of that solution for energy security.

    “Aradel aims to be part of the long-term solution to Nigeria’s energy supply challenges. Nigerians should expect continued scaling, local value addition, and prioritisation of domestic energy needs.”

  • EPL: Romero’s late goal rescues Spurs at Burnley

    EPL: Romero’s late goal rescues Spurs at Burnley

    Cristian Romero rescued a point for Tottenham Hotspur late on just as under-pressure head coach Thomas Frank faced further embarrassment against struggling Burnley at Turf Moor.

    Burnley were on the brink of recording their first Premier League win in 14 games at Turf Moor until captain Romero powered home an 89th-minute header.

    Frank, whose position has been under internal scrutiny at Spurs, bought time with a midweek Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund, but it remains to be seen if this draw makes his position any more secure.

    Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was outstanding with a string of fine saves, but the manner in which Spurs threatened to subside against Scott Parker’s struggling side left Frank facing the fury of his own fans once more.

    Spurs were on top in a scrappy first half, finally taking the lead after 38 minutes following a spell of pressure that pushed a passive, tentative Burnley back.

    Dubravka punched the air in defiant celebration after a superb double save from Wilson Odobert and Conor Gallagher, but was powerless when Van de Ven pounced to flash home a powerful finish.

    It was no more than Frank’s side deserved, but Spurs then switched off at the back in first-half stoppage time, allowing Axel Tuanzebe to sweep home Kyle Walker’s cross.

    Dubravka kept Spurs at bay, blocking Dominic Solanke’s header from Xavi Simons’ cross before diving to turn away Djed Spence’s long-range effort.

    Burnley then stunned Spurs by taking the lead 14 minutes from time, subsitute Lyle Foster scrambling home after his first effort had been saved by Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.

    Spurs poured forward, the heroic Dubravka saving from Mathys Tel and Simons hitting the bar before Romero struck.

  • Many youths don’t know their wards, Reps, Senators, others — Study

    Many youths don’t know their wards, Reps, Senators, others — Study

    A study by journalist and researcher, James Ojo Adakole has shown that many Nigerian youths have poor knowledge of their political leaders.

    The study, titled “Comparative Analysis of Online Advocacy for Good Governance and Actual Political Involvement among Nigerian Youths”, was published by the International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR) on December 31, 2025.

    Findings from the study showed that majority of the respondents did not know their representatives at ward level, state house of assembly, federal house of representatives, and in the senate; both in their states of residence and origin.

    The study also found that many youths did not know their local government representatives in their states of origin, although most said they were familiar with their local government chairmen in their states of residence.

    In contrast, the study revealed a higher level of awareness when it came to state executives as most respondents indicated that they knew the Governors of their States of origin and residence.

    Speaking on the findings, Ojo said the research was designed to assess whether Nigerian youths’ growing online advocacy for good governance translates into meaningful offline political involvement.

    According to him, data for the study were gathered from 385 youths across Nigeria using a structured questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. The responses were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

    Further findings by the study showed that Nigerian youths are actively engaged in online political discussions on good governance, with over half (51.2%) doing so daily, mainly on WhatsApp, followed by Facebook and X. The most common online activities were commenting on political discussions and sharing governance-related posts.

    Despite high online engagement, findings revealed gaps in offline participation. Offline political participation was generally low, as over half (50.1%) had never voted, protested, or attended political rallies. Among those who had participated offline, engagement was irregular, with most doing so only occasionally, while the majority had not joined political parties or attended political training.

    “Beyond online advocacy for good governance, the youth need to actively engage in offline political activities to drive real reforms in Nigeria. There’s nothing wrong with online advocacy, but that alone will not bring about good governance in the country. The youth must participate actively in offline political activities, such as voting, attending political rallies, engaging in genuine protests, among others,” the researcher said.

    The study identified fear of violence as the main barrier to offline participation, followed by lack of interest and distrust in the electoral body, with most youths reporting that they felt unsafe engaging in offline political activities.

    In spite of these challenges, the study identified several positive indicators. Findings showed that offline participation among the youth was largely motivated by the desire to promote good governance (69.7%), personal civic beliefs, and dissatisfaction with government policies.

    The researcher also found that most youths who had participated in offline political activities possessed PVCs, had attended rallies or protests, and had voted previously, including in the most recent elections. 

    The study also established that improved security, greater transparency, electoral credibility, and reduced corruption would encourage greater participation, and a strong majority (84.2%) expressed willingness to be more active in offline political activities if these concerns were addressed.

    The researcher recommended urgent reforms to improve security before, during, and after elections to encourage offline participation of youth in political activities and elevate trust in the electoral system in the country. 

    Ojo said there is also a need for increased enlightenment of Nigerian youths to improve their understanding of their political leaders. 

    He also noted that there is need for reforms to restore the confidence of Nigerian youths in the electoral process to enable them to participate during elections.

  • Karimi disburses N300m bursary to students in Kogi for Tinubu Support Group

    Karimi disburses N300m bursary to students in Kogi for Tinubu Support Group

    Disbursement of a N300 million bursary to students across Kogi State has commenced under the Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation (SSKEF), working with the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), marking the expansion of the scheme beyond Kogi West to cover all three senatorial districts.

    The programme, funded by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West, is the second edition of the bursary initiative.

    The maiden edition in 2024 covered students largely from Kogi West Senatorial District, with N100 million disbursed among 1,390 beneficiaries across the district’s seven local government areas.

    In June 2025, SSKEF announced that the bursary would be extended to Kogi Central and Kogi East. Applications were subsequently opened to students from the three senatorial districts, targeting 1,390 beneficiaries in Kogi West, 610 in Kogi Central and 1,000 in Kogi East, bringing the total number of beneficiaries statewide to 3,000.

    Karimi’s media team, in a statement, said the 2026 disbursement began on Tuesday, 20 January, with successful applicants receiving N100,000 each.

    “This year’s edition of the bursary awards is an improvement on the maiden edition in 2024 when 1,000 students benefitted, limited to students from Kogi West alone.

    Originally, the Kogi West yearly scheme was designed to last the four-year tenure of the lawmaker in the 10th Senate,” the statement said.

    According to the media team, the bursary application portal opened on 1 August 2025 and closed on 31 August 2025, with eligibility limited to undergraduates in public tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education.

    It said beneficiaries of the 2024 bursary were excluded, along with students of private institutions and final-year students.

    “Any student who failed to upload or complete all required information in the application forms was not considered. Any student who applied before 1st August was automatically disqualified. Only those who applied online through the link provided were considered,” the statement added.

    The foundation said all applicants were subjected to the same screening process.

     “However, those recommended by the local government subcommittee will all receive their payment. We have beneficiaries from the College of Education Technical, Mopa, who do not have JAMB numbers or registration,” it said.

    The statement also quoted Senator Karimi as saying the scheme reflects his commitment to education and transparency.

    “Senator Sunday Steve Karimi remains committed to empowering students through financial assistance, promoting academic excellence, and contributing to the overall development of Kogi State. The seamless disbursement of this year’s bursary fulfils Senator Karimi’s earlier promise of a transparent, fair, efficient, and equitable process for all applicants,” it said.

    During a parley with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja in June 2025, Karimi had disclosed plans to disburse N300 million as bursary across the state.

    “Last year (2024), I gave a bursary of N100m to Kogi West students, but today, with the 96 wards in Kogi East, I have concluded arrangements to give out N100m as bursary to them. In Kogi Central, where we have 57 wards, I will give N61m as bursary, while I will also give N139m to Kogi West students in the names of the Tinubu Support Group and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation. This amounts to a total of N300m. That is what we are going to do, and it has already started,” he said.

    Beneficiary students and parents poured out their appreciation to SSKEF and TSG for the gesture.

    Hassan Abdulbashir, from Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi Central Senatorial District, said the bursary support has made a significant impact on his life.

    Atakolo Onalo, a lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, thanked the foundation for the bursary awarded to his daughter, a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    “This is the first major support from a political cycle in Kogi State, and my family and I do not take this for granted. Thank you, Distinguished Senator Sunday Karimi. We are grateful,” he said.

    Muhammad Munir, a student of Kogi State Polytechnic, Kotonkarfe, said the support eased immediate financial pressure.

    “To be honest, my landlord has been on my neck over rent, and I was already losing sleep, not knowing where the next solution would come from.

    This bursary lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders and gave me hope when things were overwhelming,” he said.

    Another beneficiary, James Jibrin Nelson, a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from Olamaboro Local Government Area, said the bursary would support his academic work.

    “My heart is full of gratitude to SSKEF for the generous financial support of N100,000 awarded to me. Thank you for having students at heart,” he said, adding that the funds would help him acquire a laptop for his research.

  • Omo-Agege urges Oborevwori to embrace inclusive leadership, prioritise good governance

    Omo-Agege urges Oborevwori to embrace inclusive leadership, prioritise good governance

    Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, has called on Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to embrace inclusive leadership and prioritise good governance as key strategies for consolidating the gains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Omo-Agege made the call on Friday while delivering remarks at the Delta APC stakeholders’ meeting at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, stressing that unity, inclusivity, and people-oriented governance were critical to securing a “resounding victory” for the party in future elections.

    It was Omo-Agege’s first attendance at a Delta State APC stakeholders’ meeting since Governor Oborevwori defected to the APC, and his first visit to the Government House, Asaba, in almost 19 years, marking a significant moment in the party’s efforts to solidify its presence in the state.

    Speaking directly to the Governor, the former gubernatorial candidate emphasised the importance of carrying along his supporters who mobilised for the party in the 2023 general elections.

    “As the Leader of the party in the State, Mr Governor’s leadership is critical to the collective progress of the party and good governance in the State,” Omo-Agege said.

    “As a firm believer in service to our people, I am ready to work with the Governor and other leaders to ensure this party thrives and delivers bold and sustainable benefits to our people.”

    He reminded stakeholders of his extensive political following across Delta State, noting that over 240,000 Deltans voted for him in the 2023 governorship election, a support base he described as vital to the APC’s future electoral fortunes.

    “It is indisputable that as the immediate past governorship candidate of this party, I am privileged to have a huge organic political following in our state,” he said.

    “I have no doubt that our Governor, as the party’s leader in the State, will take the initiative to ensure the inclusivity of my hundreds of thousands of faithful, diehard grassroots supporters in the party who made this possible and remain ready to mobilise for APC.”

    According to him, such inclusivity would “undoubtedly help our party secure resounding victories in future elections at both state and federal levels.”

    Omo-Agege also commended Oborevwori for personally inviting him to the stakeholders’ meeting, describing the engagement as timely and pivotal for the party’s future.

    Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, the former lawmaker said the party had grown into a formidable platform in Delta State and pledged his continued commitment to its growth.

    “Without question, we have built the APC as a formidable political platform in Delta State, and we remain wholly committed to its continued success,” he said.

    “As a faithful party man, I will keep contributing to our collective growth and development.”

    On governance, Omo-Agege said his guiding principle remained service to the people, while pledging cooperation with the governor to deliver tangible dividends of democracy.

    “My philosophy in public governance is simple: service to the people comes first,” he stated.

    “By God’s grace, I will work with everyone to lift up Delta State.”

    He also reaffirmed his steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while assuring Governor Oborevwori of his readiness to collaborate in strengthening the APC and improving governance in the state.

  • Saheed Osupa secures N2bn landmark deal with harmony gardens, launches estate scheme for fans

    Saheed Osupa secures N2bn landmark deal with harmony gardens, launches estate scheme for fans

    Legendary Fuji musician and cultural ambassador, King Saheed Osupa, has expanded his influence beyond music into real estate, acquiring 50 hectares of land from Harmony Gardens & Estate Development Ltd to develop a new residential project in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

    The estate, named Osupa Boulevard, will be situated within Harmony Casa 2.0, a rapidly emerging property corridor in the area. The development is expected to deliver 300 homes and land plots to fans and subscribers through a flexible ownership framework enabled by a partnership with the Ibile Traditional Mortgage System.

    The initiative has been described by industry stakeholders as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious celebrity-driven real estate ventures, coming amid rising demand for property in Ibeju-Lekki, fuelled by major infrastructure projects and proximity to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and other economic centres.

    As part of the arrangement, Osupa reportedly committed a ₦2 billion down payment as a guarantee on behalf of his fans, ensuring immediate land allocation to subscribers once their initial deposits are made. 

    Under the scheme, participants can secure plots with an initial payment of ₦5 million, begin construction immediately, and spread the remaining balance over three to six months.

    The project is designed to make land and home ownership more accessible to musicians, creatives, and fans who may face challenges navigating Nigeria’s real estate market independently.

    Beyond land acquisition, Osupa has also signed a separate agreement with Harmony Gardens to provide subscribers with the option of purchasing fully built homes within the estate. Buyers under this category can spread payments over a five-year period, further easing access to homeownership.

    Property analysts note that the model combines celebrity influence, mortgage-backed guarantees, and flexible payment plans — a structure rarely deployed at this scale in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

    In a statement shared on his Instagram page, King Saheed Osupa confirmed the partnership and outlined the vision behind the initiative, describing it as a commitment to empowering his fans through sustainable investment opportunities.

    “I’m proud to officially announce my wonderful partnership with Ibile Traditional Mortgage syy to bring you unprecedented opportunities in real estate investment. For the next six months, my fans worldwide can access massive, exclusive discounts on prime lands and properties in premium locations in Lagos and its environs, featuring the prestigious New Osupa Boulevard development at Harmony Garden and Estate Development Ltd. This is more than just a deal; it’s your gateway to building lasting wealth and securing your future,” he stated.

    He further encouraged fans and investors not to miss the opportunity, describing the project as both a legacy and an investment.

    “Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to own a piece of legacy at unbeatable prices. Together, we’re turning dreams into reality, seize this opportunity now and join me on the path to success,” the music icon added.

    Harmony Garden & Estate Development Ltd, known for major developments across Lagos, welcomed the partnership, noting that Osupa Boulevard aligns with its mission of expanding access to affordable land and property sales in Ibeju-Lekki while maintaining quality infrastructure and title security.

    With rising interest in land for sale in Ibeju-Lekki, property experts believe Osupa Boulevard could become one of the most talked-about estates in the Lekki corridor, especially given the credibility of Ibile Traditional Mortgage System and the cultural influence of King Saheed Osupa.

    As Lagos continues to expand eastward, projects like Osupa Boulevard are expected to play a key role in shaping residential growth, offering Nigerians an opportunity to combine cultural pride with long-term property investment in one of the state’s most promising real estate destinations.

  • EPL: Man City get first win in five league games after beating Wolves

    EPL: Man City get first win in five league games after beating Wolves

    Omar Marmoush scored his first Premier League goal of the season to help Manchester City return to winning ways by easing past bottom side Wolves at Etihad Stadium.

    Pep Guardiola’s side had suffered a miserable start to 2026 by not winning any of their four league games, and the Spaniard decided to give star striker Erling Haaland and midfielder Phil Foden a rest by dropping them to the bench.

    The duo came on in the second half by which time their team-mates had already made a positive impact to put City back on track in the top-flight.

    Both sides set their stalls out early on, with visitors Wolves opting to sit back with a five-man defence, but City exerted their dominance by carving them open at will inside the first 10 minutes.

    Debutant Marc Guehi almost made a dream start in a City shirt but his header at the back post was straight into the grasp of goalkeeper Jose Sa inside the first five minutes.

    Read Also: Man City players to refund fans after UCL Loss

    City grabbed the lead a minute later when Marmoush stabbed home Matheus Nunes’ whipped cross, before Semenyo latched on to a ball over the top but his first-time strike was bundled away by Sa.

    The hosts doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time to effectively seal the points when Bernardo Silva fizzed a pass into the feet of Semenyo, who converted a cool finish from the edge of the area – and he also rattled the crossbar in the second half.

    Yerson Mosquera’s flicked header clipped the crossbar for Wolves late on, but Rob Edwards’ side have now won just once all season and lie 14 points adrift of safety.

  • PDP, Accord Party members defect in Osun as APC youths begin door-to-door awareness

    PDP, Accord Party members defect in Osun as APC youths begin door-to-door awareness

    Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party in Osun State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s youth wing kicked off a door-to-door awareness and mobilisation of 10 local government areas of Osun West Senatorial District. 

    The youth wing intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship election to ensure emergence of its candidate, Asiwaju Bola Munirudeen Oyebamiji.

    The grassroots mobilisation led by the party’s Senatorial Youth Leader, Hon. Imran Majeed Adekunle, across ten local government area of the district was joined by a senatorial aspirant for Osun West, Chief Peter Ogundejii alongside party chairmen.

    Read Also: Langtang North APC youths adopt Mutfwang, Bali for election

    A statement by Chief Ogundejii described the APC governorship candidate as credible and people-focused, urging party members to sustain grassroots engagement and ownership of the campaign.

    He commended the youth leadership for initiating what he described as a people-driven mobilisation.

    The Isokan engagement also witnessed the defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party to the APC, citing renewed confidence in the party’s leadership and direction.

    He emphasised the decisive role of youths in elections and called for collective efforts to deliver overwhelming support for the APC as a mark of appreciation for the confidence reposed in Osun West Senatorial District.

    He urged party members to deepen grassroots engagement and actively participate in the party’s membership e-registration and voter registration exercises, stressing that sustained, youth-driven mobilisation would be central to the APC’s success in 2026.

    After the tour, APC leadership inaugurated Door-to-Door Campaign Committees across the ten local governments visited and prayed for the success of the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

  • Bundesliga: Kane blanks as Bayern suffers first league loss

    Bundesliga: Kane blanks as Bayern suffers first league loss

    Bayern Munich’s 27-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga came to an abrupt end on Saturday as struggling Augsburg produced a shock victory at the Allianz Arena.

    Japanese defender Hiroki Ito had headed Bayern in front midway through the first half, but goals from Arthur Chaves and Han-Noah Massengo inside the final 15 minutes turned the match in the visitors’ favour.

    Bayern suffering a first league defeat of the season looked unlikely when Ito headed in from a Michael Olise corner in the 23rd minute, giving the former Crystal Palace winger a league-leading 14th assist of the campaign.

    However, Bayern looked unusually vulnerable in defence and were lucky that Robin Fellhauer’s vicious strike in first-half injury-time hit the woodwork.

    If that was a warning sign for Vincent Kompany’s side, it wasn’t heeded.

    Minutes after Elvis Rexhbecaj blazed over when through on goal, Chaves beat Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig to a corner to head into an unguarded net.

    Urbig started in place of the rested Manuel Neuer as one of four changes Kompany made to his side, but never really looked comfortable.

    Read Also: Bayern pass over interest on  Osimhen

    Having lost each of the eight matches in which they fell behind this season, here Augsberg turned things around when Massengo finished off a stunning team goal nine minutes from time to stun the defending champions.

    Bayern pushed hard for an equaliser but Olise – who now has four goals and seven assists in his past five league outings – hit the crossbar from distance with the final kick of the match.

    Harry Kane had a quiet afternoon and could not help Bayern score at least twice for what would have been a record-extending 27th Bundesliga game.

    This surprise defeat means Bayern remain 11 points clear of closest challengers Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table, having played one game more.

    Augsburg, who were winless in their previous five matches, move up to 13th in the standings, four points clear of the relegation play-off place.

    BBC

  • Ex-lawmakers seek constitutional backing for north/south rotational presidency

    Ex-lawmakers seek constitutional backing for north/south rotational presidency

    The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has called for the constitutional entrenchment of the rotational presidency between the northern and southern parts, describing it as a necessary step to promote equity, reduce political tension and strengthen national unity ahead of future elections.

    The call formed the centrepiece of resolutions reached at the 2026 National Summit of the Forum at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, under the theme “National Unity and Nation Building: Beyond 2031.” 

    The summit was convened by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the former lawmakers said enshrining the rotational principle in the Constitution would eliminate doubts, build enduring trust between the North and the South, and provide clarity for future generations. 

    They noted that such a step would promote fairness, inclusion and democratic stability in Africa’s most populous country.

    The Forum further affirmed that, in line with the spirit of equity and national balance, the presidency should rotate to the North in 2031 following the completion of the current southern presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The former legislators also resolved to support the continuity of the present administration’s reforms, stressing that stability and democratic consistency required President Tinubu to complete the full eight-year tenure traditionally accorded to the South. 

    In that context, the Forum passed a vote of absolute confidence in the Tinubu administration and adopted him as its sole candidate for the 2027 general election.

    Emphasising the importance of dialogue in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to national dialogue, consultation and peaceful engagement as the preferred tools for resolving political, social and regional challenges. 

    Gbajabiamila described the Forum as a unique national asset, stressing that its members were not passive observers of Nigeria’s democratic journey but active participants who helped shape critical moments in the nation’s history. 

    He said the institutional memory represented by former legislators must be deliberately harnessed to guide present decisions and future pathways.

    Explaining the significance of the summit’s theme, he said the emphasis on “beyond 2031” underscored the fact that nation-building was a continuous process and not the responsibility of any single administration. 

    He urged leaders to consistently communicate that disagreement is not hostility, diversity is not disloyalty, and compromise in the national interest is an act of statesmanship.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin,  reaffirmed his support for the rotational presidency, describing it as a stabilising principle that has brought sanity to Nigeria’s polity since the advent of the Fourth Republic.

    He stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to complete his tenure in the interest of continuity and national stability.

    He commended the convener of the summit, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the leadership of the Forum for what he described as a timely and visionary initiative that brought together former legislators from across the federation to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    The Deputy Senate President described former lawmakers as invaluable national assets, noting that their experience, institutional memory and insights remain critical as Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges of governance, national cohesion, economic reform and institutional trust.

    According to him, many of the democratic norms and legislative traditions currently guiding the National Assembly were shaped by the courage, debates and compromises of past legislators, adding that the legislature continues to benefit from the foundation they laid.

    Jibrin said platforms such as the NFFL summit provide an avenue for former lawmakers to mentor younger legislators, promote legislative professionalism and contribute to national discourse beyond partisan divisions.

    He assured the Forum of the National Assembly’s openness to collaboration, noting that governance does not end with tenure and that patriotism remains a lifelong responsibility.

    He urged participants to use the summit to generate ideas and partnerships that would strengthen democracy and promote a more united and prosperous Nigeria.

    In attendance were former Senate President, Pius Anyim; former House Speakers, Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo among other former federal and state lawmakers, as well as other dignitaries.