FIFA Plans $6.35bn Football Development Fund for 2027–2030

FIFA Plans .35bn Football Development Fund for 2027–2030

  FIFA is proposing to increase its global football development funding to $6.35bn between 2027 and 2030, more than doubling its existing budget to support member associations and other football organisations worldwide. According to a BBC Sport report, the world football governing body plans to provide an additional $3.4bn from its reserves, following the commercial success of this summer’s World Cup. The proposal is expected to be considered by the FIFA Council on Thursday amid calls from football administrators for increased financial support to member associations. Under the proposed plan, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive $25m, while each of the six continental confederations would get $99m. The 13 zonal and regional associations would receive $8.25m each, while 100 member associations would be eligible for an additional $1.1m each for travel and equipment. FIFA also plans to channel the funding into infrastructure, women’s football, youth development and other projects. Under the proposed framework, one-third of the funding would support women’s and youth football, another third would go towards infrastructure, and the remaining portion would be allocated to other projects. The proposal follows criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which sought to attract private investment by selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation were among those opposing the plan. In September, UEFA and Concacaf reportedly urged FIFA to distribute at least $10m from its reserves to each member association. Infantino subsequently indicated support for providing the highest level of additional funding that could be responsibly delivered. The funding framework, including eligibility rules, application procedures, disbursement arrangements and audits, is expected to be finalised by the FIFA Council in December 2026. The proposal would then require approval at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027. Infantino is also expected to seek another term as FIFA president at the congress.

2027: Four Years Not Enough for Tinubu’s Reforms, Adeleke Says

2027: Four Years Not Enough for Tinubu’s Reforms, Adeleke Says

  Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, arguing that four years would not be enough for the President’s reforms to deliver their intended results. Adeleke spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. “We must give our father, the President of this nation, time for his reform to work. It’s not easy. Four years is not enough,” the governor said, declaring his support for Tinubu’s second-term bid. Adeleke, who was recently named coordinator of Tinubu’s campaign in Osun State, expressed confidence in the President’s chances in the 2027 election. “Nobody can stop this movement. We’re going to sing, we’re going to dance all the way back to Aso Rock,” he said. The governor added that Nigerians wanted action rather than excessive talk, urging supporters to work towards Tinubu’s re-election. He also called on citizens to continue praying for the President, saying his success would benefit the country. The revised campaign council list also named Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as coordinator for Rivers State and the FCT, while Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo was included in the council. Speaking at the event, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda described the gathering as a “rainbow coalition” bringing together people from different political parties. Adeleke governs Osun State under the Accord Party, while the APC campaign council is chaired by Tinubu, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima as vice-chairman. Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari serves as Director-General, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma is the secretary. The APC is scheduled to flag off its presidential campaign in Kaduna on October 24.

2027 Elections: Nigerians Will Be Proud of Police, Says IG Disu

2027 Elections: Nigerians Will Be Proud of Police, Says IG Disu

  The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians that police officers will demonstrate professionalism before, during and after the 2027 general elections, promising that their conduct will make citizens proud of the force. Disu gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after the launch of The Origin of Women in Nigeria Police Force, a book written by 96-year-old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga, one of the first 20 female officers to join the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP said the police had held a conference with commissioners of police and other senior officers to review lessons from previous elections and improve their performance in 2027. “We have now brought all these experiences together, where we did well and where we did not do well, so that we can perform better in this big election that everybody is looking up to,” Disu said. He added that the force would work to ensure Nigerians were proud of its conduct during the polls. Speaking on the book, Disu praised Okuyiga for documenting her experiences and institutional knowledge for future generations of police officers, particularly women. He said the police would ensure copies of the book were made available to training institutions to help officers understand the history and contributions of women in the force. Okuyiga expressed delight that the publication would preserve her experiences for future generations, saying it would allow her story to live on through libraries and readers around the world. The book was launched by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokama, who announced a donation of ₦20 million.

Police Confirm Attack on Oriyomi Hamzat’s Supporters in Oyo

Police Confirm Attack on Oriyomi Hamzat’s Supporters in Oyo

  The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed an attack on supporters of Accord Party governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, during a peaceful procession in Molete, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area. The police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, saying the supporters were ambushed by suspected hoodlums. “I am aware of the attacks. The loyalists of Hamzat were ambushed during a peaceful procession at Molete end of the ancient city,” Ayanlade said. Hamzat, a radio presenter and chairman of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, was reportedly returning from the United Kingdom when he and his supporters were pelted with stones by unidentified attackers. Eyewitnesses said the intervention of security personnel and Hamzat’s efforts to calm his supporters prevented a possible reprisal attack. The procession was organised to welcome Hamzat back to Nigeria late Tuesday night. One eyewitness said the attack would not discourage supporters from backing their preferred candidate. Another eyewitness, identified as Kola, condemned the incident, saying political differences should not lead to violence. Kehinde Olaiya, a member of the group, said some supporters sustained injuries while vehicles in the convoy were vandalised. He added that Hamzat remained peaceful and that the procession would continue from the Ibadan Toll Gate area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to the headquarters of Agidigbo FM along the Ojoo-Iwo Road Expressway.

2027 Elections: IPC Urges Journalists to Prioritise Accountability, Fact checking.

2027 Elections: IPC Urges Journalists to Prioritise Accountability, Fact checking.

  The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has urged journalists to scrutinise political promises, prioritise citizens’ concerns and hold public officials accountable ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, gave the charge during a two-day engagement with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, online editors and publishers in Ibadan, Oyo State. The programme, held from October 12 to 13 at Golden Tulip Hotel, Jericho, was organised under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria III programme. Represented by the programme officer, Melody Akinjiyan, Arogundade said journalists needed to strengthen their electoral reporting to provide credible, balanced and inclusive information that serves the public interest. He stressed that election coverage should go beyond political campaigns, rallies, candidates and results to reflect citizens’ expectations and concerns about governance. Former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Taiwo Adisa, also urged journalists to move away from personality-driven reporting towards issue-based journalism. In his presentation, Adisa said journalists should scrutinise party manifestos, track campaign promises and give greater attention to the concerns of women, youths and vulnerable groups. He described journalists as auditors and watchdogs of democracy, adding that the media had an important role in bridging the gap between citizens’ expectations and the realities of governance. Another resource person, Olusola Oludiran, warned that misinformation, disinformation and malinformation could undermine public trust and threaten credible elections. Speaking on fact-checking in democratic reporting, he urged journalists to verify sources, authenticate images and videos, cross-check claims against reliable data and consult experts before publication. “False information can trigger violence, undermine public trust, distort electoral choices and destroy reputations within minutes. The cost of one unverified story can be far greater than the time it takes to verify it,” he said. Oludiran introduced participants to verification tools, including Google Fact Check Explorer, InVID and TinEye, and encouraged newsrooms to establish fact-checking desks ahead of the elections. The engagement brought together more than 40 editors, publishers and union leaders from Oyo State and other parts of the South-West to discuss the media’s role in strengthening democratic accountability and improving electoral reporting. Participants commended the IPC and the European Union for organising the programme and pledged to uphold professional standards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ayra Starr Announces 20-City World Tour for ‘Starrgirl’ Album

Ayra Starr Announces 20-City World Tour for ‘Starrgirl’ Album

  Nigerian Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr has announced a 20-city world tour in support of her third studio album, Starrgirl. The singer, whose real name is Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, announced the tour on Instagram, revealing plans to perform across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada between January and April 2027. According to details on her official website, the tour will begin in Cologne, Germany, on January 20, before moving to Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Zurich and Brussels. She is scheduled to perform in London on February 2. The North American leg will begin in Houston, Texas, on March 18, with further stops in Dallas, Atlanta, Silver Spring, Boston, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Minneapolis and Denver. The tour will conclude in San Francisco, California, on April 14. Announcing the tour, Starr wrote, “STARRGIRL WORLD TOUR. Africa, I’ll see y’all in December.” Released on August 14 through Mavin Records and Republic Records, Starrgirl contains 16 tracks and features collaborations with ZAYN, Leon Thomas, Wizkid, Rema, kwn, Danny Ocean and Theodora. According to tour promoter Live Nation, the album debuted at number two on Spotify’s Global Top Albums Chart, recording 3.9 million streams on its first full day. The announcement follows Starr’s performance during the halftime show at the Philadelphia Eagles-Jacksonville Jaguars NFL International Game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 11. The upcoming tour further expands the singer’s international live performances and brings her music to audiences across multiple major cities.

Reps to Prioritise State Police, Women’s Reserved Seats, 2027 Budget

Reps to Prioritise State Police, Women’s Reserved Seats, 2027 Budget

  The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has unveiled a proposed 100-day legislative programme to fast-track pending bills, clear outstanding committee reports and strengthen oversight as lawmakers resume plenary after their annual recess. Abbas announced the plan on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja, urging lawmakers not to allow political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections to distract them from their constitutional responsibilities. “The campaign must never become more important than the country,” he said, calling for improved attendance at plenary and committee sittings. The Speaker identified the proposed State Police Bill, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill and other outstanding constitutional amendments as key priorities. He said the House would work with the Senate and state Houses of Assembly to advance the constitutional review process. He also urged the Federal Government to submit the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the 2027 budget promptly to allow sufficient time for legislative scrutiny and the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill. Abbas said the House would also prioritise bills and requests submitted by President Bola Tinubu, including the National Research Development Fund Bill and the proposed domestication of the Geneva Conventions and their relevant protocols. Providing an update on legislative performance, Abbas disclosed that the House had received 2,747 bills and passed 363 by mid-June 2026. He added that the House had completed between 65 and 70 per cent of the major milestones in its legislative agenda. However, he cautioned against measuring the Assembly’s performance solely by the number of bills passed, stressing that legislation and oversight must produce tangible benefits for Nigerians. “A law must solve a problem. A motion must lead to action. An investigation must protect the public interest. Oversight must improve the management of public resources,” he said. Abbas also called for strict compliance with the Electoral Act and adequate support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged public institutions involved in the electoral process to operate with neutrality and professionalism. With the 10th Assembly entering its fourth and final session, the Speaker urged lawmakers to complete priority legislation, conclude outstanding investigations and strengthen oversight before the end of their tenure. He also called for greater accountability in the management of public revenue, insisting that increased allocations should translate into better roads, education, healthcare and security. Abbas further pledged legislative support for security agencies while emphasising accountability in the use of public funds and powers. He urged lawmakers to remain united across party lines and focus on delivering measurable results before the Assembly’s tenure ends.

Selma Blair Charged With Assault After Alleged Flight Altercation

Selma Blair Charged With Assault After Alleged Flight Altercation

  American actress Selma Blair has been charged with assault following an alleged altercation aboard a flight from Los Angeles to New York, according to court documents. The Legally Blonde and Cruel Intentions star was reportedly detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport late Sunday after her Delta Air Lines flight landed. US media reports alleged that the 54-year-old actress punched a flight attendant and bit another. She was also accused of assaulting a police officer and a nurse while being transported to a hospital. Blair was charged with two counts of second-degree assault involving the police officer and nurse at a New York state court on Monday. She pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released on bail. Her next court hearing is scheduled for January 19. The FBI has also issued a summons over the alleged assaults aboard the aircraft, according to a federal judicial source. A representative for Blair said the actress had experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. “Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition,” the representative said. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines said it had zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behaviour, stressing that the safety of passengers and crew remained its priority. Blair was previously removed from a flight on a stretcher in 2016 following an onboard incident. She later told Vanity Fair that mixing alcohol with medication had caused her to black out and engage in behaviour she deeply regretted. In her 2022 memoir, the actress also recounted incidents in which she had bitten several celebrities, including Kate Moss, often in situations involving alcohol.   AFP

2027: Adeleke Camp Pledges 1.5 Million Votes for Tinubu

2027: Four Years Not Enough for Tinubu’s Reforms, Adeleke Says

  The Imole Campaign Council has pledged to mobilise 1.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, following the appointment of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as the state coordinator of the president’s campaign council. The council’s Director-General, Senator Olalere Oyewumi, disclosed this in a statement, welcoming Adeleke’s inclusion in the revised list of the Presidential Campaign Council. Oyewumi said the council would work with the Accord Party’s structure in Osun State to support Tinubu’s re-election bid. “The appointment is a well-deserved one. We assure the President that his confidence in the ability of Governor Adeleke to deliver Osun in the presidential election will not be misplaced,” he said. He added, “We promise the President, just like Governor Adeleke said sometime ago, that we will deliver 1.5 million votes to ensure his victory in the coming presidential election.” The council also urged Osun residents to support Adeleke, linking the governor’s performance in office to its call for support for Tinubu. Other political figures reportedly included in the revised campaign council list are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

First Niger Bridge May Reopen This Week – Federal Controller

First Niger Bridge May Reopen This Week – Federal Controller

  The First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha, Anambra State, to Asaba, Delta State, may be reopened to traffic before the end of this week, the Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, has said. Emenike gave the assurance on Wednesday while speaking with journalists about the ongoing finishing works on the bridge. He said major rehabilitation activities, including asphalt laying, repairs to expansion bolts and other critical structural works, had been completed, with only finishing works such as the painting of railings and installation of solar light poles ongoing. “Barring unforeseen circumstances, the bridge could be reopened before the end of the week,” Emenike said. He added that all necessary infrastructure had been put in place to ensure the free flow of traffic and improve the safety of road users. The bridge was closed to traffic from September 7 to 21 for emergency rehabilitation after vandalised structural components, including expansion-joint steelwork, were discovered. The closure was later extended by one week due to persistent rainfall and other unforeseen circumstances. During an inspection on September 23, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had said the bridge would not be reopened until the major structural repairs were completed. “We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” Umahi said at the time. The prolonged closure forced motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge and other alternative routes, leading to longer travel times and increased transportation costs. Meanwhile, Emenike dismissed reports that newly installed brick demarcations on the bridge had been removed or destroyed. He said the openings seen along the demarcation were deliberately created to allow emergency U-turns. “The alleged removal of the brick demarcation that was installed after the bridge rehabilitation is one of the lies some disgruntled elements are telling and posting with fake pictures on social media to discredit the ministry and deceive the public,” he said. The expected reopening is likely to ease traffic pressure and improve movement between Onitsha and Asaba, particularly for commuters, traders and businesses that rely heavily on the major transport link.