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  • Kwankwaso’s pebbles against Supreme Court Justices

    Kwankwaso’s pebbles against Supreme Court Justices

    For a fortnight now, the raging question ruminating through my mind is why a former governor, ex-minister of defence and a reputable politician of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s stature will be caught on tape uttering words that impugn the character of justices of the country’s apex court. In a video posted on social media by one Saifullahi Hassan, designated as his media aide, Kwankwaso was seen making statement that diminishes the institution of the country’s Supreme Court.

    While bemoaning the defection of incumbent Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, from New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP),  to the All Progressives Congress(APC), he spitefully projected Yusuf as an ingrate when he unconscionably declared; “he had forgotten that in 2019, I took him to the homes of all the supreme court judges in Nigeria to beg them. I and the governor met them in their villages and towns.”

    These words by Kwakwanso were uttered without deference to the cautionary admonition of Williams Shakespeare when he said: “Give thy thoughts no tongue.” The former Kano governor’s statement was laden with negative innuendos capable of projecting our apex court’s justices as easily amenable to the whims and caprices of powerful men of power, wealth and influence that are always found seeking undeserved judicial favours for themselves, allies or their political parties. Kwankwaso’s crassly denigrative revelation affirms him as one of the impudent leaders/national figures compromising and destroying institutions in the country.

    The general presumption is that not even the defence of an emotional turmoil of losing a political godson to his perceived political enemy, the ruling APC party is tenable a reason for Kwankwaso’s jettisoning of desired circumspection, being the irreducible minimum standard expected of a man of his political stature in both conduct and spoken words in the public space. His puerile squeal is no doubt capable of undermining the integrity of the nation’s apex court justices that are the repositories of judicial knowledge in our country.

    Kwankwaso’s gaffe and self touted intervention of visiting the “villages and towns of the justices,” was meant to ‘compromise’ the apex court. The world over, litigants with or without pending cases before the courts are not expected to pay discreet, nocturnal or daytime visits to respected judges on The Bench. Such a visit is considered an ethical taboo.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    The world is changing with odious occurrences, particularly in this part of the world, while our leaders remain unflustered. Recently, an agitating scenery was openly exhibited by some of our Federal High Court judges that yours sincerely find really disgusting after watching it on television and on social media platforms. This relates to their so called patronising visit to Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT). The judges delegation was led by their Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR.

    The chief judge, as leader of the team, was openly aired, soliciting in patronising manner, for Abuja land favours from the controversial minister. It is doubtful if the public would not doubt the outcome of any matter involving Wike that is brought before the judges now or in the near future. That visit, to say the least, was really repulsive as it has the potential of making the custodians of our Temple of Justice an object of avoidable scoffing in the public domain.

    While growing up as a kid in this country, judges are not only reclusive but are also largely venerated as a special human specie, carefully chosen, to discharge salient judicial assignments. Their roles are viewed by the populace as reserved only for men of truly unimpeachable character amongst us. But sadly so, whatever decadence is being witnessed in the judiciary today is only a reflection of our judges being a product of the rotten society where they emanated from.

    In contemporary times, things are changing as undue political and societal pressures are open-secretly being mounted on our judicial officers. We now live in a society that is experiencing abysmal moral decadence as mostly bad governance across levels of government is the order of the day. Rather than the promotion/pursuits of meaningful industrial and other productive ventures, we now have a system that gives impetus to the belief that the quickest and easiest way to acquire wealth or live a luxuriously good and easy life is either to be connected to government or to erroneously travel abroad which is now euphemistically branded as the JAPA syndrome.

    This condemnable mindset of getting rich without being productive and not taking a no for an answer have severe consequences on institutions of state -especially the judiciary. To cure this mischief, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, recently increased significantly, the remuneration package of our judges to a truly living wage. Despite this, most of them still pander to negativities that project that important arm of government in bad light.

    The current Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, as head of the National Judicial Council, NJC, so far is trying her best to restore the soiled image of the judiciary. Not too long ago, thirty-four out of sixty-two lawyer-nominees for the Federal High Court were rejected because of integrity issues. This is just a tip of the iceberg as many believe in the incumbent CJN’s capacity and capability to recalibrate for the better, the judicial system in the country.

    Despite her ongoing commendable reform efforts, CJN Kekere-Ekun needs to contend with powerful politicians and other influence peddlers as she forges ahead. This is because the rat race to sustain or win power by these terrible breed of power-intoxicated people that challenges anything unfavourable to them even when fair, and the deluge of election petitions emanating therefrom, have put our judges on the spot, exposing them to unimaginable temptations in the process. One of the many unfortunate onslaughts on judges of our courts is the recent obloquy against judges of the apex court by Kwankwaso.

    So far, no single word has been spoken or written to debunk the grievously odious allegations against the sanctity of the nation’s judiciary by any of the serving justices of the apex court. But a retired justice of the court, Justice Musa Muhammad Dattijo, had audaciously pooh-poohed the incident by stating that he never met with Kwankwaso or Governor Yusuf anywhere or at anytime before and after retiring on October 27, 2023. “I speak for myself…My intervention is not intended to defend or indict anyone else….It is simply to clarify that I was not part of any such engagement,” the retired justice reportedly declared. Till now, Kwankwaso has remained on the mute mode rather than give further details for the observing public.

    In a country where the challenge of wrongdoings has become perilous and most times derided, Dattijo’s courage deserves commendation.

    The making of sweeping statements capable of denigrating the credibility of our apex court’s justices and by extension, the entire judicial system by anybody should be condemned. The nation’s grundnorm, explicitly guarantees freedom of speech and expression but with a proviso curtailing such right where uttered words risk harming the reputation of others or that of our public institutions.

    Kwankwaso’s oblique is therefore actionably careless and slanderous. Not even when his visits to the justices’ towns and villages yielded negative result since it was Mallam Abdullahi Ganduje that was eventually awarded the governorship judgment of Kano state in 2019 by the appellate court.

    Restating here that the judicial arm of government plays an important role in societal cohesion should be considered a litotes. This is because conflicts between individuals and institutions are inevitable and when they occur, parties involved need a neutral institution as a trusted arbiter to resolve such disputes. That is where the sacred duty of the judiciary and judicial officers come into play. Our politicians should leave the judiciary out of their condemnable shenanigans.

    The Kwankwaso oblique remarks through his self-centred visits to towns and villages of judges, is obviously antithetical to the legendary Lord Denning’s inimitable observation when he said: “Justice must be rooted in confidence, and confidence is destroyed when right-thinking people go away thinking that the judge is biased.” The flaunting of visitations to homes of judges by litigants with pending cases, like Kwankwaso did, merely diminishes the credibility of pronounced judgments which never happened in this case. In this particular instance, it is gratifying that the appellate court justices, notwithstanding Kwankwaso’s discreet visits, overlooked his visitation request by subsequently going ahead to award judgment against candidate Yusuf in 2019.

    The Kwankwaso-gate leaks should serve as a reminder to our judges to see especially our politicians as ‘caveat emptor’ that they must be kept at an arm’s length. Otherwise, the judiciary as an important institution for sustaining national cohesion and stability might become an object of mockery. Surely, incumbent CJN Kekere-Ekun will not allow this to happen.

    For other loquacious politicians in Kwankwaso’s shoes aspiring for statesmanship, that notable Latin writer, Publilius Syrus has words of advice for them where he said: “Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage.”

    • Sanusi, former MD/CEO of Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency is currently managing partner at AMS RELIABLE SOLICITORS.(sms/whatsapp-07011117777).
  • Climate adaptation in a warming world:how cities are preparing for extreme weather

    Climate adaptation in a warming world:how cities are preparing for extreme weather

    Across the world, cities are experiencing extreme weather situations; From record-breaking heatwaves to sudden floods, violent storms and ice-covered earth, extreme weather is testing the limits of urban infrastructure and governance. For rapidly growing cities, especially in developing countries, the challenge is not only how to reduce emissions, but how to adapt to a climate that is already changing. In Nigeria, the stakes could hardly be higher. Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Onitsha, Makurdi and many others have all experienced episodes of flooding that paralyse traffic, destroy homes and disrupt commerce. In the North, rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are placing pressure on water supplies and public health. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader global pattern of climate volatility that is reshaping how cities must plan for the future.

    For years, climate policy focused mainly on mitigation, cutting greenhouse gas emissions to slow global warming. That goal remains vital, but as extreme weather becomes more frequent and intense, adaptation has moved to the centre of urban planning. Adaptation means redesigning cities so they can withstand shocks: stronger drainage systems, cold/heat-resilient buildings, better emergency response, and smarter land-use planning. Many major cities are already rethinking their foundations. New York has invested billions in coastal defences after Hurricane Sandy. Rotterdam has redesigned public spaces to double as floodwater storage areas. In Asia, cities like Singapore are integrating climate risk into every major infrastructure decision. The message is clear: climate resilience is no longer optional; it is a necessity.

    Flooding remains the most visible climate threat to many Nigerian cities. Rapid urbanisation has replaced natural wetlands with concrete, reducing the land’s ability to absorb rainwater. Blocked drainage channels, poor waste management, and unplanned settlements in flood-prone areas have made the problem worse. In response, some state governments are beginning to invest in drainage expansion, canal dredging, and stricter building regulations. Lagos, for example, has prioritised flood control projects and coastal protection efforts, though experts argue that much more is needed to match the scale of the risk. Heat is another growing concern. Urban areas tend to be hotter than surrounding regions due to the “urban heat island” effect, where concrete and asphalt trap heat. As global temperatures rise, heatwaves are becoming more dangerous, especially for the elderly, outdoor workers, and those living in poorly ventilated housing.

    Cities are starting to explore solutions such as planting more trees, creating green roofs, improving building design, and expanding access to cooling centres. These measures may seem modest, but they can significantly reduce heat stress and improve public health.Extreme weather is exposing weaknesses in urban infrastructure. Roads wash away, power lines fail, water systems are overwhelmed, and hospitals struggle to cope with surges in climate-related illnesses. In many cases, infrastructure was designed for a climate that no longer exists. Adaptation requires both upgrading existing systems and building new ones with future risks in mind. This means using climate data to guide where roads are built, how bridges are reinforced, and how water and energy networks are protected. It also means investing in early warning systems that can give residents time to prepare before disasters strike. Some Nigerian cities are making progress in this area, particularly in flood forecasting and emergency response coordination. But funding constraints and competing development priorities remain major obstacles. Modern climate adaptation is increasingly driven by data. Satellite imagery, weather modelling, and real-time monitoring systems are helping city planners identify vulnerable areas and anticipate risks. Digital mapping of flood zones, for instance, can guide where new housing should or should not be built. Mobile technology also plays a role. Early warning messages sent by text can save lives during floods or heatwaves. Social media platforms are now part of emergency communication strategies, helping authorities share information quickly and residents report hazards.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    Adaptation is not just about concrete and steel; it is also about people. Communities are often the first responders in climate emergencies, and their knowledge and participation are crucial. Local initiatives such as community clean-ups of drainage channels, neighbourhood flood monitoring, and volunteer emergency teams can greatly enhance resilience. One of the biggest challenges is funding. Climate-resilient infrastructure is expensive, and many cities already struggle to meet basic development needs. This is where climate finance, public-private partnerships, and innovative funding models become critical. Ultimately, climate adaptation is a test of leadership and foresight. The choices made today about land use, infrastructure, and social services will shape how well cities cope with tomorrow’s extremes. Delaying action may save money in the short term, but it will almost certainly cost more in lives, livelihoods, and lost development in the long run.

    As extreme weather becomes the new normal, cities must shift from reacting to disasters to preparing for them. In a warming world, resilience is not just about survival; it is about protecting economic growth, social stability, and the dignity of urban life.

    For Nigeria’s cities and in fact everywhere, the future will belong not to those who ignore climate risks, but to those who plan for them, invest wisely, and place people at the center of adaptation.

    • Adebayo Matthew Adeleye, PhD, Ibadan. Researcher in Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com    +234 803 525 6450
  • South East Development Commission Forum For Vision 2050: Politics or economy?

    South East Development Commission Forum For Vision 2050: Politics or economy?

    A few years ago, this column challenged the South East Governors to be more pragmatic in the way they handle issues concerning the region. It recalled that over the years, several organizations and corporate bodies had organized several economic summits, conferences and other events geared towards developing the region that has seemingly become the weeping child of the Nigerian project.

    More often than not, politicians from the region are tempted to regurgitate the post-war marginalization song that saw the region abandoned despite the vague promises by the Gen. Gowon (Rtd.) administration of the three Rs of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction. As it turned out, nothing was done about the promise of the three Rs but he told the world that the post war petro-dollars was so much for the country they never knew what to do with same. Fifty five years after, the same Gowon is blaming late Emeka Ojukwu for lying about the Aburi Accord and surreptitiously sparking off the war. The response to the ‘praying’ former Head of state is left to historians. But I digress.

    In talking about the South East development issues, it is pertinent to always put our minds back to why we should be talking about the development or lack of same of regions and states that make up the Nigerian federation. There is a place where like the great literary legend, late Achebe said, the rain started beating the South East.

    The first and visible presence of the Igbos in post-civil war Nigeria was in 1979 when Chief Alex Ekwueme became the Vice President to President Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria. In his home state, Anambra, Chief Jim Nwobodo, a member of the Nigeria Peoples Party was the governor. That was the beginning of the developmental challenges that has plagued the region till today.

    Historians and avid readers of politics in Nigeria can recall with a certain level of disbelief how these two sons of the region ‘fought’ each other for supremacy in that republic. One son was number two at the federal level, the other a governor of a state that comprised; Enugu, present day Ebonyi and Anambra states. The supremacy battle sipped down to developmental projects. The issue was basically who takes credit for what? Would credit go to Chief Ekwueme as an NPN man or to Chief Nwobodo of the NPP? The fight was as devastating to the region as it chronically affected the development of the region. The legendary crying of the then governor of Imo state, late Chief Sam Mbakwe, a member of the NPP party for the sorry state of federal presence to his state would be a reference point to generations for the impact of divisive politics in the region.

    Since 1999, the South East region has been an economic victim of divisive political strategies by the politicians who have represented the people both at state and federal levels. From 1999 to 2011, the region had the privilege of producing several Senate Presidents as the region got the post zoned to it by the ruling PDP. It had the shame of having the greatest turnover of Senate Presidents based on intra-regional intrigues. While other regions plan well politically, the bulk of the politicians from the region display dizzying levels of individualism and selfishness. It hasn’t waned in the 4th republic.

    Beyond the battle for the Senate presidency, the governors and the National Assembly members started their own supremacy battles. Who was more politically relevant, the governors, or their representative at the National Assembly? We had the Ebeano political group in Enugu created to identify with the then Chimaroke Nnamani against his former mentor, Senator Jim Nwobodo, then governor Sam Egwu of Ebonyi was at daggers drawn with Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, then in Imo, it was governor Achike Udenwa vs Senator Ararume, in Abia, former governor Orji Uzor Kalu was slugging it out with Senator Adolphus Wabara and in Anambra, governor late Chinwoke Mbadinuju was on a parallel line basis with the NASS members as the cry of godfatherism brought the state to its knees. The South East region is the only region with five states as against other regions with six. The agitation for a 6th Anioma state would ultimately help to balance the equation.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    So with so much individualistic ego trips by politicians, the South East has never been strategically calculative to drive any solid economic program in a region with the best educated, entrepreneurial, diligent and commercially savvy individuals on earth. The tragedy of the region is not lack of cerebral capacity or diligent manpower, the region is plagued by people who are too vainly egocentric plan for regional economic development.

    While other regions’ politicians are very non-partisan in their strategic politics, the South East has self-aggrandizing if not almost mercantilist players in politics. The political players are often very peripheral players who assume that associating with certain power brokers validate their relevance. That is why on every election year, there are politicians of the region who lead other politicians to make often very vacuous promises of projects that are never actualized till the next campaign.This has led to politicians from other regions joking that the politicians from the zone have a price. The gaping holes in the development index of the region should be blamed on the politicians who play selfish politics and have refused to pull resources together to develop the region in spite of politics and its divisive tactics.

    A few days ago, politicians, technocrats and policy advocates gathered again for the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Forum for Vision 2050 in Enugu which was facilitated by the office of the Vice President,  Senator Kashim Shettima. While this column applauds the SEDC and those who planned and supported the forum, we advocate that it should not be subsumed by the noise for 2027 strategies. The region must not be continually thrown under the bus by its own politicians. The people want politicians to work for them not work against them. Let’s hope the message can sinks in.

    It was interesting listening to some of the the governors’ speeches. The host governor, Peter Mbah insisted that the region would no longer beg for a seat at the table, they are ready to build the table. He reminded his colleagues that there is a need for regional infrastructural development to enhance movement and commerce, security cooperation built on information-sharing and a centralized response hub. Recognition of the value of the regional economic hub to him is a valid aspiration. He stated his commitment to the vision 2050 project.

    With his success with governance in Abia state one anchored on infrastructure, Governor Alex Oti proposed a coordinated regional energy strategy to drive industrialization leading to job creation and rapid industrialization. Aba is presently a poster child for effective power and infrastructural development. Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state proposed a marshal plan for regional security, infrastructural development and institutional framework.

    The President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta Mbata believes that a strong financial support for the SEDC by the federal government would be of immense development and reconciliation value. Despite the great contributions of the South East to national development, feelind of exclusion and a sense of marginalization still persist. The SEDC Managing Director, Mark Okoye insists the vision 2050 is intended to produce a long-term development framework for te South East. The zone must work toards transforming into an industrial hub leveraging strategic leadership, regional cooperation and deliberate investment to end decades of underdevelopment.

    As the 4-day event came to a close, the Roundtable Conversation believes that this would not be just another talk shop or a strategically expedient partisan move. No region develops through economic or political rhetoric. There must be the readiness to commit to action. The political elite in the region must walk the talk. Development is merely the idea of working towards enduring legacies that uplift the people. When the region remembers the Akanu Ibiams, the Micheal Okparas, the Ojukwus, the Mbakwes and others it is because they left admirably lasting legacies. The time to start is now.

    • The dialogue continues…  
  • How we escaped extremist group’s deadly invasion of Kwara community—Survivors

    How we escaped extremist group’s deadly invasion of Kwara community—Survivors

    • Recall how agents of death dispatched more than 100 residents into early graves
    • How ex-students’ union leader, brother were killed in deadly attack
    • Community battles post-attack trauma
    • 50 survivors hospitalised

    State of Harmony is how the sobriquet for Kwara goes. But in recent times, the harmony has been intermittently disrupted in parts of the state by non-state actors, including terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, among other anti-social elements.

    Before now, the hotbeds of the goons were restricted to Isin, Ifelodun, Ekiti and Oke-Ero local government areas in Kwara South as well as Edu, Patigi in Kwara North. The terrorists use the massive forest that links Kwara North and South as hideout to unleash deadly attacks on the affected communities.

    Thankfully, in the last three weeks, with a combined military operations deployed by the Federal Government, the activities of the bandits had abated in the beleaguered villages, thus restoring relative peace in the affected Lgs.

    Then came another bolt from the blue—Tuesday’s deadly attacks on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area, also in Kwara North. Before they struck, the religious extremists had notified the community that they were coming to preach a strange doctrine to the people. Between 5 pm and 6 pm on the ill-fated day, when darkness had not descended on the surface of the earth, the religious extremists came in Gestapo form.

    The terrorists were said to have hibernated in the old Kianji National Park between Kwara and Niger states to carry out their deadly and senseless killings. A younger brother to the head of Woro community, Umar Ali, said the attackers invaded the community at about 5 pm, arriving on motorcycles and surrounding the town before opening fire from different directions.

    “They came around 5 pm, completely surrounded the community and started shooting sporadically from all angles, so nobody could escape,” he said.

    He explained that residents who attempted to flee were shot, while those who surrendered were gathered at the palace of the village head, where they were tied up and killed. He added that some victims were burnt alive inside shops and houses after the attackers locked them in and set the buildings ablaze.

    “We physically counted 75 corpses within the town, but people are suggesting the number of those abducted, especially women, could be over 100,” he added.

    He further revealed that the wife of the traditional ruler, Hauwa Umar, his mother and three of his children were among those abducted during the attack.

    “The village head’s wife, his mother and three of his children are missing. That makes five people from his household unaccounted for,” he added.

    Ali said the community was thrown into panic, with many residents fleeing their homes, leaving the town almost deserted.

    “The people are scared and the community is nearly empty. What we need now is increased security presence to restore confidence and allow people to return,” he said.

    He noted that there had been prior intelligence reports of a possible attack, which were reportedly communicated to the local government authorities and shared with higher levels of government.

    He added that soldiers had earlier patrolled the area a day the attackers were suspected to be planning to strike, which he believed discouraged them at the time.

    However, Ali said there was no security presence during Tuesday’s attack, and that security operatives only arrived after many victims had died from gunshot wounds due to lack of immediate medical attention.

    In his narration, a survivor, who doubles as the head of Woro village, Alhaji Umar Saliu Tanko, said he was not at home when the bandits arrived. He said that in anger, the bandits killed his daughter, two sons and abducted his younger wife with two other persons.

    He said: “I was away in my shop where I sell goods when armed bandits arrived my resident on Tuesday evening. My daughter and two sons were shot dead while my second wife and two others were abducted.”

    Another survivor, Razaq Abdulazeez, said he resides on outskirts of the village and was returning home late in the afternoon when he saw people running out of the village.

    He said: “I was returning home from work when I saw people running towards my area. I asked what was happening and I was told that they were running to escape the wrath of bandits who had come to attack the community.

    “I raced towards my house, packed my family members and we escaped into the far away bush on the outskirts of the community. Many who could not run out of town escaped to the top of trees to avoid bandits’ attack.”

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    Students of the state College of Nursing Sciences (KWASCONS), Oke-Ode identified one Salihu Bio Khalid as a victim of the ruthless killings. Khalid, said to be a student of Midwifery and former President of the Student Union Government (SUG), was reportedly killed alongside his brother in the senseless attacks.

    In a statement by the state Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Comrades (NANC) Babatunde Muhammad Jamiu, Vice Chairman (Academic) Ahmed Ridwan Ayinde, and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Taofeeq Islamiyah Opeyemi, the association said the incident had plunged the KWASCONS community and the student body across Kwara State into shock and mourning.

    “Senator Salihu Bio Khalid was a committed and courageous student leader whose dedication to student welfare, unionism, and service to his institution stood as a testament to purposeful leadership.

    “His contributions to the student movement will remain indelible in our collective memory.

    “On behalf of NANC Kwara axis, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, the leadership of the student union government, and the entire students of KWASCONS.

    “We pray that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and gives the bereaved family, loved ones, and the entire student community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

    “Beyond condolences, NANC Kwara axis strongly condemns the rising spate of insecurity threatening the lives of students and citizens across the state.

    “The continued loss of innocent lives to banditry and violent attacks is unacceptable and calls for serious, decisive, and emergency intervention.

    “We hereby urge the Kwara State Government and relevant security agencies to:

    Immediately strengthen security architecture around student-populated areas and major transit routes.

    Conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

    Engage stakeholders, including student bodies and civil society groups, in proactive security planning.”

    Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Omar Muazu and the state Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq had described the attacks as a massacre.

    Seventy-five corpses recovered from the violent attacks were on Wednesday morning given a mass burial, the monarch revealed.

    Alhaji Muazu said this in Kaiama on Wednesday night during a condolence visit by Governor AbdulRazaq.

    Regretting the sad incident, the emir said “it is unfortunate that we lost very large number of people. This is one of the largest massacres at the same time in Nigeria.

    “At the last count, 75 corpses were given mass burial. These exclude the Christians and non-indigenes who had taken their family members’ corpses away for burial.

    “Some corpses are still in the bush, so the figure is likely to go up. Woro is now a ghost community. Everybody has deserted the place.

    “A lot of people, mostly women and children, were kidnapped and taken into the bush. The incident started like isolated one long ago after they captured Mahmuda. But this one is a massacre.

    “They gave a notice that they were coming to preach and nobody objected to their coming. Instead, they came to murder our people.

    “The terrorists are at the edge of the Kianji National Park. The park is very large and porous. It is only a consolidated military operation between Niger and Kwara states that can uproot them.

    “The most unfortunate, some of our boys have joined them. The boys are the informants as well as participants.”

    Speaking, Governor AbdulRazaq said the refusal of the community members to succumb to perverted Islamic doctrine and faith was behind the gruesome killings.

    He said: “It is sad that we are here today to commiserate with you over the death of 75 of your subjects in Woro. From our information, this village refused to succumb to a perverted form Islamic doctrine.

    “Because these people refused a change of Islamic doctrine and faith, they were attacked and massacred.

    “This action was different from kidnapping for ransom. This is just pure massacre. It is highly condemnable.

    “At the moment, the state emergency service is going to look for how to take care of family members of the deceased. This is a major challenge to tackle now.

    “They have murdered sleep and they will sleep no more. I can assure you that within one month the whole place will be flooded with soldiers.”

    He applauded President Bola Tinubu for his prompt action.

    “We appreciate the president for approving the immediate deployment of battalion of soldiers under Operation Savannah to the area.

    “Hitherto, Baruten, Kaiama local government areas and part of Kianji National Park are supposed to be under another military operation.

    “But now there will be a major operation here directly headquartered in Kwara State with a battalion of soldiers coming to make sure this place is safe.

    “We know that the challenges we have here are from further North and across the border. But these challenges will be mitigated.”

    Recounting the unsavoury situation, Kaiama Local Government Council chairman, Abubakar Danladi, said the scene of the number of deaths and charred bodies was similar to horror films.

    He said: “As a medical doctor, I have not seen such a horrifying scene.

    “As they came they went straight to the village head’s house and killed his two graduate medical doctor children (male and female).

    “It means we have bad eggs among us who are giving them information about our communities.

    “They got to the village head’s house, asked for keys his two vehicles, vandalized the vehicles and set his house ablaze.

    “The next thing they did was to enter the house and abducted his wife with some of his little kids. They used the village head’s vehicles to ferry away the abductees.

    “It is highly disheartening and disconcerting that even we wanted to buy water in this community but could not get, because all the roadside shops have been burnt down.

    “What is more horrifying is the setting ablaze of young 12 vigilante members who were seated in their office.

    “This is because their guns bullets could not do anything to the boys.”

    More than 50.survivors of the bloody attacks are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. They sustained varying degrees of injury during the attack

    The Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Umar, paid a visit to the survivors. The lawmaker sympathised with those suffering from gunshot wounds and other injuries, describing the incident as heartbreaking and prayed for their speedy recovery.

    He also reassured the victims of his continued support during their period of recovery.

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the deployment of security personnel under Operation Savannah Shield to restore peace and track down perpetrators of the attack.

    Senator Umar also commended Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what he described as swift intervention, particularly the directive to the State Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials for affected persons.

    The senator called for sustained security operations across Kwara North, noting that the district has continued to experience security challenges.

    He urged residents to remain united, hopeful, and prayerful, while reaffirming his commitment to the wellbeing of his constituents and praying for lasting peace in the region.

    Also, the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, urged the security agencies in the country to brace up for more effort to address the insurgency in some parts of the state in order to reduce incessant cases of killing of innocent residents.

    Rt. Hon. Danladi-Salihu made the appeal in a statement issued in Ilorin in the aftermath of the recent massacre of some residents of both Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state by suspected terrorists.

    He said: “I am calling for intensified military action against the perpetrators.

    “Furthermore, I urge our communities to cooperate fully with security agencies to bring an end to these killings once and for all.”

    The speaker condemned the senseless violence in the strongest terms, calling for an immediate escalation of military operations along the axis bordering Niger State to flush out criminal elements.

    “I commiserate with His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kaiama, and the families of the victims of this horrific attack,” Speaker Danladi-Salihu said.

    He sympathised with the Emir of Kaima, Dr. Muazu Omar, and the families of those affected by the incident.

    He noted that as military pressure increases across various parts of the state, “elements of destabilization” may attempt to divert attention or seek refuge in new areas.

    Also, the senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district of the state at the National Assembly, Saliu Mustapha, called for more troops to the two affected communities to check the activities of terrorists in the state.

    In a condolence message he personally signed, Senator Mustapha said he received the “distressing news of the tragic attacks on innocent civilians” with deep sadness.

    He described the incident as a senseless act that underscores the urgent need for unity, vigilance and stronger community cooperation in tackling insecurity.

    The senator urged residents of the affected areas and the entire state to remain calm, support security agencies, and promptly report suspicious movements to help safeguard their communities.

    Senator Mustapha also commended the state government for its swift response and proactive steps to protect citizens.

    He further appreciated the efforts of security agencies in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening peace in the state.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has also condemned the latest gruesome attack carried out by bandits on Woro and Nuku communities in the late hours of Tuesday.

    A statement issued by the PDP signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, described the attack as a despicable, inhuman and callous act of wickedness that no human should ever inflict on fellow human beings.

    “We, therefore, call on the Kwara State Government to immediately deploy humanitarian aid, relief materials and medical support to Woro community and other affected victims to help them navigate the trauma and destruction caused by this attack.

    “We also call on security agencies, in the interest of justice and public safety, to intensify efforts to track down these criminal elements and ensure they are brought to book for the evil they have unleashed on innocent and defenseless people.

    The state police command also described the elements as religious extremists.

    Spokesperson of the state command Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said that “preliminary findings gathered at the scene indicates that the hoodlums, suspected to be religious extremists stormed the community, opening fire sporadically, killing victims while houses and shops were set ablaze.

    “A Joint Security Team comprising the Police, Military, and National Forest Guards have since been deployed and are currently on ground to maintain law and order, prevent further attacks, and reassure residents of their safety.

    “A full-scale investigation has been launched to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law.

    “The command extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Woro Community during this moment of grief while praying for the repose of their souls.

    “We urge residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly provide credible information that may aid ongoing operations.”

  • NDLEA’s campaign against illicit drugs takes new form in Ondo

    NDLEA’s campaign against illicit drugs takes new form in Ondo

    With its Alternative Development pilot programme recently taking off in three communities in Ondo State, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) hopes to help farmers of cannabis and other illicit drugs transit to legitimate alternative crops like cocoa, cassava, yam and beans. BOLA JOSEPH writes.

    Ondo State recently played host to a landmark visit that blended symbolism, policy dialogue and grassroots engagement, as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), arrived in the Sunshine State on a four-day official tour aimed at reshaping the narrative around drug control and community development.

    The visit, which attracted eminent personalities from across the country, was widely described as a moment of hope for many ordinary cannabis farmers who have resolved to abandon illicit cultivation in favour of lawful and sustainable livelihoods. For them, the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Initiative represents not just a policy shift, but a lifeline.

    True to his reputation for modesty, the former Military Administrator of Lagos and Borno states arrived in Ondo State aboard a commercial flight; a gesture that underscored his personal philosophy of simplicity and service. He was received at the airport by heads of security agencies, led by the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, alongside senior officials of the Ondo State Government.

    At the Government House in Akure, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa accorded Marwa and his delegation a warm, almost regal reception, setting the tone for a visit that would combine high-level policy discussions with direct community engagements.

    New approach to old problem

    The second day was set for a new approach to an old problem as the visit commenced with a warm courtesy visit to the governor’s office and the palace of the Deji of Akure. Thereafter, he ensured he met with CAN Chairman, Ondo State and the leadership.

    The Chairman didn’t leave aside the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, where they all agreed to collaborate with the NDLEA to eradicate illicit drugs in the state.

    The well attended town hall meeting in Akure was organised under the Renewed Hope Alternative Development Advocacy Mission.

    Addressing stakeholders, Governor Aiyedatiwa called for comprehensive and people-centred strategies to tackle drug abuse, urging young people to reject illicit substances and embrace alternative livelihoods.

    He described the NDLEA initiative as timely and visionary, noting that drug abuse remains a serious threat to public health, social stability and economic productivity, often fuelling crime and youth restiveness.

    According to the governor, tackling the root causes of poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunity is far more effective than relying solely on enforcement.

    “When people are productively engaged, the urge to indulge in drug abuse and other illicit activities is significantly reduced,” Aiyedatiwa said, highlighting his administration’s investments in skills acquisition, agriculture, vocational training and youth-focused grants.

    He assured the NDLEA of the state government’s full support, pledging collaboration with traditional rulers, religious institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector to strengthen prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

    National and international backing

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator AbubakarKyari, CON, represented by the ministry’s South-West Regional Director, Mrs. TemitayoAlao, commended the initiative, describing it as a direct response to hunger, poverty and unemployment among vulnerable populations. He noted that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting food security and job creation.

    International partners also lent their voices. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, through its Deputy Director-General for Partnerships, Dr. TahirouAbdoulaye (represented by Dr. Noel Mulinganya), described the pilot project as timely and impactful, capable of addressing the vulnerabilities that push communities into illicit economies.

    Formally, the launch of the Alternative Development Pilot Project by Brig-Gen Marwa, was described as a decisive shift from a purely enforcement-driven approach to one rooted in empowerment and partnership.

    “Alternative development changes our relationship from enforcement to empowerment. We want a total shift from illicit cropping to productive cash and food crops,” he said.

    Citing the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, Marwa noted that about 14.4 million Nigerians, one in seven adults, use drugs; a trend that fuels crimes ranging from kidnapping to terrorism.

    In Ondo State alone, drug use prevalence stands at about 17 per cent, translating to roughly 400,000 users.

    Despite Ondo’s status as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer, Marwa observed that the state is also the country’s highest producer of cannabis. Over the past five years, the NDLEA has seized about 12 million kilograms of cannabis nationwide, with a significant proportion traced to Ondo State.

    The programme, he explained, is designed to help communities voluntarily abandon illicit crops such as cannabis and transition to legitimate alternatives including cocoa, cassava, yam and beans. Ondo State was selected for the pilot phase because of its prominence in cannabis cultivation.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    Crucially, Marwa stressed that the initiative is not a pretext for arrests. Rather, it is a collaborative effort supported by the Federal Government, the United Nations and other international partners, with strong emphasis on community ownership and sustainability.

    The final days of the visit took Marwa to the three pilot communities- Ifon in Ose Local Government Area, Ilu-Abo in Akure North, and Eleyeowo where the policy conversations found human faces.

    In Ilu-Abo, residents erupted in excitement as the NDLEA chairman paid a courtesy visit to the monarch, Oba Samuel Oluyemisi, who praised the initiative as a product of “deep and creative thinking.” The monarch noted that while traditional efforts had reduced illicit cultivation, economic hardship had pushed some youths into crime.

    “If they are given alternative engagement, they will have no interest in crime or drug production,” Oba Oluyemisi said, pledging total support for the programme.

    Mr. Noel Mulinganya, who works with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), spoke during the project kickoff at Ilu-Abo after collaborating in the planting exercise and supporting the NDLEA, the state government, and the host community in initiating the project. He expressed his admiration for the NDLEA’s efforts to attract more youths away from illegal activities and engage them in agriculture.

    According to him, the IITA has a strong programme focused on youth engagement in agriculture as a means of wealth and job creation.

    He noted that the IITA is committed to supporting the NDLEA by transferring relevant technologies, knowledge and skills that will help the youths and other members of the community understand the benefits agriculture offers, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods beyond illegal activities.

    In a powerful demonstration of commitment, Marwa announced financial support for the communities -₦15 million for Eleyeowo and ₦20 million for Ifon to kick-start lawful farming and other productive ventures.

    For many residents, the support was deeply personal. Mrs. Bridget Olaoluwa, a 46-year-old farmer from Eleyeowo, admitted she had been involved in illicit farming since her youth. With emotion, she pledged to abandon the practice and invest in a legitimate business if supported.

    Another farmer, Mr. Victor Ajanaku, 50, described the initiative as an eye-opener. “For the first time, I see NDLEA personnel not as enemies, but as partners in progress,” he said, urging transparency to ensure that promised funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

    Traditional rulers, religious leaders, the judiciary and civil society groups all pledged support during the visit. The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, both assured the NDLEA of sustained collaboration to curb drug abuse.

    As the visit drew to a close, Marwa warned that proposed amendments to the NDLEA Act would soon impose stiffer penalties between 15 and 25 years imprisonment for drug-related offences. Yet, the overarching message of the Ondo tour was clear: lasting change lies not only in punishment, but in opportunity.

    From town halls to farmlands, the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Pilot in Ondo State signals a bold attempt to turn illicit fields into pathways of hope one community at a time.

    Illicit drugs: Marwa calls for national response, support for alternative development

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has called for a strong national response and sustained support for the alternative development programme recently initiated to curb illicit cannabis cultivation, uplift rural communities and strengthen national security.

    Marwa spoke at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday to drum support for the first in Africa drug control initiative, whose pilot scheme was launched in three cannabis growing communities in Ondo State last week.

    While explaining the alternative development strategy of drug control, the NDLEA boss said the concept goes far beyond crop substitution, stressing that “its wider benefits include strengthening rural economies through value-chain development; reducing the burden on law enforcement and the justice system; promoting peace and social cohesion in previously crime-prone areas; supporting national food production and agricultural diversification; improving Nigeria’s international standing in global drug control and development cooperation.”

    According to him, “this approach represents a win-win solution—for communities, for government, and for national security. The successful take off of the pilot scheme in Ilu Abo, Ifon, and Eleyewo in Ondo State last week clearly demonstrates that alternative development works when communities are engaged, supported, and empowered.

    We therefore call for a strong national response and sustained support from all stakeholders across all layers of government, traditional rulers and community leaders, development partners and donor agencies, the private sector and agricultural value-chain actors as well as civil society organisations and the media.”

    He also urged communities across the country; particularly those affected by illicit drug cultivation, to embrace the model and work with the NDLEA in building lawful, productive, and secure livelihoods. “Let me reiterate that the alternative development programme is not just a drug control initiative; it is a people-centred development intervention designed to uplift communities, strengthen national security, and secure Nigeria’s future.”

    He assured that the Agency “remains fully committed to expanding this programme nationwide, in partnership with all stakeholders, as we collectively build a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria in alignment with the renewed hope agenda of the President Tinubu administration.”

    Speaking on the successful flag-off of the scheme in Ondo state, Marwa said “one of the most encouraging outcomes of this pilot project has been the overwhelming acceptance and support expressed by the host communities and their traditional and community leaders. They have openly stated that this programme has renewed their hope in Nigeria and restored their confidence in government. They recognise that Alternative Development offers a dignified and lawful source of income for farmers; reduction in poverty and vulnerability, especially among rural households; improved food security through the introduction of viable alternative crops; enhanced community stability and safety, as illicit drug cultivation often fuels criminal networks and insecurity.”

    He noted that by replacing cannabis cultivation with sustainable agricultural and economic opportunities, the programme directly tackles the root causes of drug production rather than merely treating the symptoms.

    The NDLEA boss said the dire reality of illicit cannabis cultivation and use in Nigeria made the Agency to look beyond law enforcement and consider a United Nations endorsed alternative to solving the cannabis conundrum. “The evidence-based comprehensive data on drug use in Nigeria exposes a bleak and deeply troubling reality. According to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics with technical support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), an estimated 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15–64 years — or roughly 14.3 million people — reported using at least one psychoactive substance in the past year, a figure that is more than twice the global prevalence of drug use. Cannabis stands starkly at the centre of this crisis, dominating both patterns of consumption and the illicit cultivation landscape.”

    He further disclosed that “cannabis is not a marginal issue in Nigeria – it is the most frequently used and widely available illicit drug in the country. An estimated 10.6 million adults – more than one in every ten Nigerians in the prime of life – reported using cannabis in the past year, far outstripping the use of other drugs. The severity of the problem extends beyond consumption into widespread cultivation and organised production. Field assessments focusing on high-risk areas in the South West reveal that nearly 8,900 hectares of land are under cannabis cultivation, often hidden deep within forests and remote regions. These illicit farms are clustered and interconnected, hinting at organised networks that not only supply domestic demand but also facilitate trafficking beyond Nigeria’s borders.”

    Painting a grim picture of the challenge, Marwa said “the social and public health implications are stark. With youth and adults alike turning to habitual cannabis use often initiated in late adolescence, the nation faces the threat of long-term health consequences, increased dependency, and cascading social harms, including lost productivity, crime, and the burden on overstretched healthcare systems. More revealing is the fact that out of a total of 15 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs seized by the NDLEA in the past five years, over 75 percent of them are cannabis. Just imagine the harm that quantity would have done to our youths, public health and national security.”

    He however expressed confidence that the alternative development initiative will reverse the trend if given strong national response and sustained support because it’s fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

    He commended national stakeholders and international partners that have shown support for the initiative. “This pilot project was flagged off with the invaluable support of several global institutions and partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development (GPDPD), Berlin, Germany; Mae FahLuang Foundation under Royal Patronage (MFLF), Bangkok, Thailand; as well as support from friendly countries and development partners committed to sustainable livelihoods and community resilience, including friends and partners who participated virtually from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Germany, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, Myanmar, Bhutan, Laos, Afghanistan, Iran, and Guatemala. Also significant was the presence and support of Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Ayedatiwa and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator AbubakarKyari, who was ably represented by the Regional Director Southwest, Mrs. AlaoTemitayo.”

  • N3.5m or your life, assassins threaten Ogun widow

    N3.5m or your life, assassins threaten Ogun widow

    Suspected ‘hired assassins’ have threatened to kill a widow in Ogun State if she failed to pay N3.5m as ransom, reports KUNLE AKINRINADE

    Bunmi Olawale got a rude shock on January 5. Her mobile phone dropped from her hands as she tried to figure out what she had heard during the conversation with a stranger. Her switch into a sullen look was a tell-tale sign of someone gripped by fear after the telephone conversation. She could not come to terms with the threats issued by the alleged leader of a gang of assassins who had called her name with precision on the telephone.

    She said: “I fell ill and was taking a drip when the call came in, and I picked up my mobile phone to answer the call.  The caller with a male voice said he was calling from Ifo, Ogun State, and he asked if I was Ms Bunmi Olawale. I said yes.

    “To my surprise, the man told me that he was an assassin and that someone had paid his gang the sum of N5 million to kill me. He said his gang had been monitoring my movement for days.

    ‘’ The male caller further asked me if I had any business transaction with a partner and I said no. He then proceeded to demand payment of N3.5 million or his gang would kill me.

    “I told him that I am a widow and that I had no quarrel with anyone. But the male caller said it was none of his business or that of his gang. He said he was only being lenient with me because I am a woman, hence his gang did not want to kill me.’’

    The Oyo indigene and trained nurse explained that her indifference to the initial threats by the gang leader further attracted several threat calls and images from other members of the gang, using different phone numbers.

    “He then sent an Opay bank account number, asking me to pay into the account. I blocked his number to prevent further conversations with him.

    “Despite this, at about 2 am a few days later, the man and his gang members used another mobile telephone number to send messages to my phone.

    ‘’From then, they started sending gory photographs of their previous victims and how they hacked them to death,

    “I reported the case to the police at the Agbado Police Divisional Headquarters.

    “The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) asked me to make a statement and I was told that the number of the strange callers would be tracked.

    “The police said it was likely that a syndicate, comprising prison inmates, were behind the threat messages and conversations I had been receiving.’’

    Olawale said since January, she had been living in fear as she could not freely go out or run her medical rounds.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    She referenced a particular night when she feared that some strangers might be lurking in the dark when she was roused from sleep by her dogs.

    “Since the conversations, threats and gory images were sent to my phone, I have been living in fear. Now, I am afraid of picking calls from people I don’t know and this is equally affecting my job.

    “As a health care practitioner, people could call me to attend to their health conditions and this can sometime come as emergency call. I fear unknown calls could be from the same assassins.

    ‘’There was a certain day recently when my dogs started barking in the middle of the night. They are wild and usually alert me to threats; so they barked interruptedly at the back of the window of my bedroom.

    “When the barking became unbearable, I called the Vice Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA) in my area in Ope-Ilu and he quickly mobilised the community’s security guards to increase the patrols around my residence and the dogs stopped barking, after the violators exited the area.’’

    She added: “As I speak with you, I am still living in fear and traumatised. I am crying out now, because, if I dismiss the threats as fake and the brains behind the threats made good their threats, people will blame me for not raising the alarm when it mattered.

    “My fears have been heightened because I am no longer free to go out or walk freely in town like before.’’

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Ogun Police Command, Mr. Oluseyi Babaseyi could not be reached on his mobile phone for comment at press time.

  • Arteta upbeat on Arsenal’s title push ahead of Sunderland battle

    Arteta upbeat on Arsenal’s title push ahead of Sunderland battle

    Arsenal have been plotting their Premier League title charge since before pre-season began, manager Mikel Arteta said as they prepare for a potentially pivotal clash against Sunderland that could extend their lead to nine points.

    After three straight runners-up finishes, Arteta said he believed before the season began that Arsenal could end their title drought, with the London side now six points clear of Manchester City.

    Chasing their first league title since 2003-04, Arteta said the squad had stayed united and blocked out the noise surrounding the pressure of the title race, taking things day by day.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    “Before pre-season started, we started to prepare everything with the intention to be where we are and make sure the players are convinced we’re going to achieve it,” Arteta told reporters.

    “Then go day by day, that’s it… I don’t like comparing (to his previous squads). It’s an amazing group and they’re doing an incredible job so far.

    “We are very excited and privileged to have each other. We are going to enjoy it until the last day of the season.”

    But first, Arsenal must navigate what Arteta expects to be a stern test against a Sunderland side that sit eighth in the standings after gaining promotion to the top flight last season.

  • Carrick relishing Frank reunion as Man United host Spurs

    Carrick relishing Frank reunion as Man United host Spurs

    Michael Carrick will go head to head with Thomas Frank just months after interviewing the Tottenham manager for television as Manchester United seek a fourth successive Premier League win  today.

    Former Spurs, United and England midfielder Carrick has enjoyed a perfect start to life as interim United boss – beating Manchester City, Premier League leaders Arsenal and Fulham.

    Next in line for United are Spurs, 14th  in the table after a miserable Premier League season so far.

    Carrick, who replaced the sacked Ruben Amorim last month, interviewed Frank ahead of the Dane’s first Champions League game in charge of Tottenham.

    ”(Life) certainly can change,” said Carrick as he reflected on the Amazon Prime interview in September. “I really enjoyed it, actually.

    Read Also: Kidnappers demand N260m for abducted children in Edo

     “We got on really well. It’s the first time I’ve met him properly and we had a good chat just about general kind of football things… I enjoyed it, so it will be good to see him again.”

    Former Brentford boss Frank remains under intense pressure in his first season at Spurs despite their impressive Champions League campaign and a recent uptick in results.

    Last week’s 2-2 draw at home to City extended their unbeaten run to four matches.

     “They certainly bring a challenge,” Carrick said. “I think you can see especially the way they finished the game the other day.”

  • Benzema lauds Al Hilal fans after debut hat trick

    Benzema lauds Al Hilal fans after debut hat trick

    Karim Benzema thanked Al Hilal fans after scoring a hat trick on his debut for the Saudi Pro League club. The French forward signed for the Saudi Pro League leaders from rivals Al Ittihad on Monday and made an immediate impact.

    Benzema received the man of the match award after scoring three goals and adding an assist in Thursday’s 6-0 league win at Al Okhdood.

    “I’m happy,” Benzema said after the game. “I’m happy because I played well, we played well, we kept a clean sheet and we scored. “Thank you to all the fans. We need them every game.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    “Everybody is good to me. They give me everything so, when I’m on the pitch, I give everything to them.”

    Benzema arrived in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 after 14 trophy-laden years. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner was instrumental in Al Ittihad winning the league crown and the King’s Cup last season. However, Benzema, 38, decided to make the switch to Al Hilal in January as according to sources, he felt disrespected by the contract extension Al Ittihad had offered him to remain at the club beyond June.

  • FULL LIST: Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, others top African countries with strongest naval fleet in 2026

    FULL LIST: Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, others top African countries with strongest naval fleet in 2026

    African naval capabilities often receive less scrutiny than land and air forces, yet maritime power across the continent is steadily advancing. With thousands of kilometres of coastline and sea lanes critical to global commerce, coastal states have expanded their fleets to defend territorial waters, protect offshore assets and curb piracy.

    From the Mediterranean corridor to the Gulf of Guinea, naval forces are playing a growing role in strengthening maritime security and underpinning economic stability. Governments have invested in platforms and surveillance systems aimed at securing borders and safeguarding natural resources.

    Modern African navies now extend beyond conventional defence roles. They support trade protection, conduct sea patrols, escort commercial vessels and participate in multinational exercises that foster regional cooperation and peacekeeping.

    Global Firepower’s 2026 naval assessment indicates that several African countries operate increasingly capable fleets, including submarines, offshore patrol vessels and advanced monitoring systems configured for both combat readiness and search-and-rescue operations.

    Here are the top 10 African countries with the strongest naval fleets in 2026:

    1. Nigeria – 152 naval vessels (22nd globally)

    2. Egypt – 149 naval vessels (23rd globally)

    3. Algeria – 111 naval vessels (34th globally)

    4. Morocco – 100 naval vessels (38th globally)

    5. South Africa – 63 naval vessels (52nd globally)

    Read Also: 2,000 doctors shut out of housemanship yearly, MDCN tells Senate

    6. Tunisia – 37 naval vessels (61st globally)

    7. Mozambique – 36 naval vessels (62nd globally)

    8. Angola – 32 naval vessels (65th globally)

    9. Kenya – 27 naval vessels (72nd globally)

    10. Eritrea – 23 naval vessels (76th globally)