Pep Guardiola has disclosed that fatigue and a desire for a new challenge played a major role in his decision to depart Manchester City after spending a historic 10 years in charge of the club. Guardiola confirmed that Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa will be his final match as City manager, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. During his decade at the Etihad Stadium, the Spaniard guided City to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first UEFA Champions League triumph. Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola said he believes the team now needs “new energy” to continue progressing. “I think the club needs a new manager, new energy with these incredible players that we have right now, and you start to write another chapter,” he said. The 55-year-old admitted that the relentless demands of modern football had taken a toll on him after nearly two decades of constant management. “I feel I will not have the energy that is required, every three days, the expectations to fight for the titles, with being in front of the players,” Guardiola explained. Although he will remain linked with the City Football Group in a global ambassadorial role, Guardiola said he plans to step away from coaching for a period. “I will not train for a while,” he stated. Guardiola reflected on the intensity of his managerial career, which began at Barcelona before continuing at Bayern Munich and Manchester City. “It’s not 10 years. I’ve been, except for a year in New York, I’ve been 17, 18 years, every three days, three days, three days,” he said. “I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I’ll be a while, that is my feeling right now.” Guardiola leaves Manchester City widely regarded as the most successful manager in the club’s history after transforming the side into a dominant force in English and European football.
Oyo Attack: Burial of Slain Teacher Begins
The burial arrangements for late Adesiyan Adegboye, one of the teachers killed during the coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, commenced on Friday at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso. Adegboye, 49, was killed at the scene of the abduction last Friday and is scheduled to be buried later today at his residence in the Owolake area of Ogbomoso. The deceased, born on December 11, 1976, was murdered by the bandits who invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, at about 9:30am. PUNCH reports that teachers and students were abducted during the coordinated attacks on the three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Following the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, visited the scene on Saturday and deployed additional detectives from the Force Headquarters in Abuja to collaborate with the joint security team in ongoing rescue operations. The deployment, according to the police, was aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted teachers and students. Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School. He also confirmed that one person was killed during the attack. The incident triggered widespread panic in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with many parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children over fears of further attacks. Some schools were also forced to shut down temporarily following rumours of bandits infiltrating the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, an allegation the institution’s management later dismissed as false. Details later…
Oyo SAPZ, AfDB Hold Mid-Term Review Meeting On Project Progress
A delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the National Coordination Office, led by Mr. Bernard Onzima and Engr. Bashir Gaya, has commended the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and the Oyo Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project Implementation Unit for the progress recorded in the ongoing SAPZ project in the state. The commendation came during a two-day mid-term review visit to Oyo State, where the delegation inspected key project sites, including the Ijaye Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH). The AfDB team, which commenced the review exercise on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being executed by Craneburg Construction Company, particularly regarding the utilisation of mobilisation funds disbursed directly by the Bank. According to the delegation, all four components of the SAPZ programme in Oyo State are progressing. The AfDB officials urged stakeholders to sustain the current momentum through stronger collaboration, teamwork and continuous support for consultants handling various aspects of the project to ensure timely delivery. The delegation was received by the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr. Kola Badmus. Also present was the State SAPZ Coordinator, Mr. Akinwunmi Ajetunmobi, alongside other implementation unit staff involved in the project. The SAPZ programme is structured around four major components aimed at driving sustainable agro-industrial development. The first component focuses on infrastructure development and agro-industrial hub management including the construction of agro-industrial hubs, agricultural transformation centres, roads, power and water facilities, and waste management systems to create investment-ready environments for agribusinesses. The second component centres on agricultural productivity and value chain development through support for farmers and small-scale enterprises. This includes input supply, mechanisation services, extension support, climate-smart agriculture training, cooperative strengthening and market linkages for priority commodities such as cassava, maize and poultry in Oyo State. The third component addresses institutional strengthening and capacity building through training programmes for youths and women in agribusiness and agro-processing, as well as support for state agencies, farmer organisations and investment promotion initiatives. The fourth component focuses on programme coordination, management and monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability, environmental and social safeguards compliance, effective reporting and stakeholder engagement. The first phase of the SAPZ programme is currently being implemented in seven states – Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun and Oyo – as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative is designed to promote inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development by increasing agricultural productivity, encouraging value addition, expanding market access and attracting private sector investment across selected agricultural value chains. AfDB has continued to play a strategic role in transforming agriculture across Africa into a globally competitive sector and a major driver of sustainable economic growth. The SAPZ programme is also expected to strengthen synergy with ongoing and completed AfDB-funded projects in sectors such as power, transportation, water resources and agriculture, while promoting export growth, import substitution and commercial agriculture through large-scale food processing initiatives.
BREAKING: Tinubu Appoints 39-year-old Professor New JAMB Registrar
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, taking over from Professor Ishaq Oloyede following the end of his tenure on July 31, 2026. The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, Aina is a professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with expertise in digital infrastructure, national examination systems and institutional reforms. “Professor Aina, who will be 40 in July, is a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform. “He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing, both from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School,” the statement read. The statement added that Aina has over 15 years of professional experience advising federal and state governments on digital transition, institutional reforms and system design. It also described him as one of Nigeria’s youngest professors in Computer Engineering, noting that he would become the youngest registrar in JAMB’s history. The Presidency said Aina had previously worked as a consultant to examination bodies, including the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board on ICT systems and examination integrity. “He is also a member of professional organisations, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology,” the statement added. Tinubu expressed confidence that the new registrar would build on the achievements recorded under Oloyede’s administration. “President Tinubu expects Professor Aina to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the Board, to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor,” the statement added.
Desmond Elliot Dismisses Fallout With Gbajabiamila, Pledges Continued Loyalty
A lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has dismissed rumours suggesting a rift between him and the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila. Speaking during an interview with BBC Pidgin on Tuesday, Elliot insisted that he remains loyal to President Tinubu and Gbajabiamila despite reports of political disagreements. The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency in the Lagos assembly said democracy should not be run like a military regime where subordinates openly challenge authority. “We are in a democracy and not a military regime. The names of President Tinubu and Gbajabiamila are too big for me,” he stated. The lawmaker explained that he still regards Gbajabiamila as his political leader and father figure, stressing that temporary misunderstandings should not be exaggerated. “I don’t only have a relationship with Gbajiabiamila. He is my boss. I’m loyal to him, and he loves me like a son. In life, even between father and son, there can be small issues once in a while, and people settle it,” he stated. Elliot added that he was not expecting anyone to intervene in any perceived disagreement between him and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. “I’m not waiting for anybody to settle anything. A child can apologise to the father, and the father will calm down when he is ready. But it is not the child that will tell the father when to calm down,” he said. Elliot further stressed that despite the political tension, he would never abandon Gbajabiamila. “God forbid that I will leave my father. The president can call me and say, ‘Boy, that is not you,’” he added. Reacting to questions linking him to the crisis involving the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the presidency, Elliot declined to comment extensively on the issue. “That one is beyond my power. I don’t think I should answer questions like that. Let me focus on what concerns me,” he said. According to him, his immediate focus remains on delivering support for the All Progressives Congress at the grassroots and ensuring Tinubu’sA lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has denied rumours suggesting a rift between him and the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila. re-election in 2027. “What concerns me now is how to make the people of Surulere happy so they will continue to support my party. When they support my party, we will bring my president back for a second term so he can leave a legacy,” he said. The lawmaker also admitted that the political situation had drawn him closer to God. “The good thing about all this is that it has brought me closer to God. You cannot do this work without God,” he stated. Speaking on his next political move after the primaries, Elliot reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and Tinubu’s second-term ambition. “I’m still a party member. I will follow my party. My prayer is that President Bola Tinubu returns as president. I want him to leave a legacy that will amaze people,” he said.
Singer Niniola Loses Husband
Nigerian afro-house singer Niniola, born Niniola Apata, has revealed that her husband has passed away. The Grammy-nominated artist made the disclosure in a series of emotional posts on her Instagram story in the early hours of Wednesday. Her husband, Michael Ndika, was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform focused on afro-house and contemporary African music. before his death “God took him,” she wrote in the first post. “My husband died,” she added in a second. In a third, she wrote: “God took him. 13 years. 13 f***ing years.” Each post came with a photo of she and her husband. The circumstances of the death of her husband were not immediately disclosed as she has always kept her private life away from the public and social media. Apata, 39, rose to prominence after finishing as a top contestant on Project Fame West Africa in 2013 and has since become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated music exports. Her 2017 single, Maradona, earned international acclaim, drawing collaborations and recognition from artists including DJ Snake, Drake, Timbaland, and Beyoncé.
Former Czech Coach Banned for Life Over Secret Recordings of Female Players
UEFA has issued a lifetime ban from all football-related activity to former coach Petr Vlachovsky after finding him guilty of secretly filming women footballers in changing rooms and showers. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body ruled that Vlachovsky had breached regulations relating to insulting and indecent behaviour, as well as bringing the game into disrepute. The decision follows criminal proceedings in the Czech Republic, where he had already received a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year coaching ban. Announcing the ruling on Tuesday, UEFA confirmed the severity of the sanction. “The individual is banned from exercising any football-related activity for life,” the disciplinary body stated. Authorities said the case involved covert recordings of players over a period of four years while Vlachovsky was coaching women and girls at top-tier club 1. FC Slovácko. He was arrested in September 2023 after police discovered the footage online, and investigators also found material linked to child sexual abuse offences. The global players’ union FIFPRO said players only learned what had happened after his arrest. A spokesperson described how the recordings were hidden, saying, “The players were filmed using a camera concealed in a backpack, and the youngest was aged 17.” The emotional impact on victims has been severe. Some players later told Czech media that the experience left them deeply traumatised. UEFA has also formally requested that world football’s governing body, FIFA, extend the ban worldwide and instructed the Czech Football Association to revoke Vlachovsky’s coaching licence. Vlachovsky, once regarded as a leading figure in Czech women’s football and a former coach of the Czech Republic U-19 women’s team, has now been permanently removed from the sport following the findings.
Outrage Grows Over Oyo School Attack As Stakeholders Call For Victims’ Rescue
Condemnations have continued to trail the recent attack and kidnapping in three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with many describing the incident as barbaric, disturbing, and a threat to education and public safety. Among those who reacted to the attack were the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Yunus Akintunde; an All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Ololade Bakare; and the Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Oladotun Hassan. The attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso in Oriire LG led to the killing of no fewer than two persons, the abduction of seven teachers, and the abduction of more than 30 students. Viral videos showed some of those abducted asking the government to intensify efforts to secure their release, and the gruesome killing of one of the abducted teachers. Governor Seyi Makinde, during a broadcast on the incident, said security agencies had already arrested six suspects and three other persons of interest. Reacting on Monday, Akintunde, in a statement made available to journalists, described the attack on schools and innocent children as painful and unacceptable. Akintunde said, “My heart goes out to the affected pupils, teachers, parents, and the entire communities. An attack on innocent children and places of learning is painful and unacceptable.” He commended security agencies and the Oyo State Government for their swift response to the incident, while urging them to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted victims safely. The senator also called for the immediate prosecution of those responsible for the attack, stressing that insecurity must not disrupt learning or create fear among residents. On her part, Bakare condemned the abduction of the students and teachers, describing the incident as a “heinous and cowardly attack.” He said, “The targeting of our schools is a disgrace and a betrayal of our collective responsibility to safeguard the future of our children. “Oyo State, with its proud history as a centre of learning and civilisation, must not be reduced to a place where students are hunted, and educators are terrorised.” The APC chieftain blamed the worsening insecurity on what he termed the failure of leadership, insisting that urgent and decisive action must be taken to restore public confidence. Bakare urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims, warning that “anything less than urgent action is unacceptable.” Also reacting, Hassan described the killings as barbaric, wicked, and unacceptable, noting that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and moral development. He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all victims still in captivity and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted. Hassan also advocated for stronger collaboration among security agencies, local vigilantes, hunters, OPC, and Agbekoya groups to improve surveillance of vulnerable communities and schools. The monarch further appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Osun State Government to convene the second edition of the Yoruba Obas Conference to address rising insecurity, kidnappings, and violent attacks across Yorubaland. He urged Nigerians to support security operations through vigilance and intelligence sharing, stressing that insecurity could only be defeated through collective commitment and unity.
Makinde Promises Safe Return Of Kidnapped Oyo Teachers, Students Despite Explosive Attacks On Security Team
Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents of Oyo State that his administration would deploy every available resource to secure the safe rescue of teachers and students abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a press briefing with security chiefs, amid growing tension over the abduction of pupils, students and school staff from communities in the Oriire axis. Makinde disclosed that some members of the joint security operation involved in rescue efforts were wounded after suspected terrorists detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted around the Old Oyo National Park, where the victims were reportedly being held. According to him, the injured operatives, including personnel of the Amotekun Corps and the Nigerian Army, are currently receiving medical treatment. The governor described the situation as painful and challenging, promising that the state government would continue to intensify both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the victims’ release. “First, let me appeal to the families involved that their government is working around the clock to ensure that we tackle the challenges and support our troops and service commanders,” Makinde said. “What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. Unfortunately, we got a video this morning showing that one of the teachers, believed to be the Mathematics teacher, was seriously injured by the terrorists.” He added that there may not be immediate solutions due to the complexity of the operation, but vowed that the government would “push itself to the limits” to ensure the victims return safely. The governor also confirmed that religious leaders, community elders and other stakeholders had joined intervention efforts, including the Nigerian Baptist Convention, since one of the affected schools belongs to the denomination. “There have been interventions from leaders, elders, and religious leaders, especially the Baptist Convention because one of the affected schools is a Baptist school,” he stated. Makinde appealed to residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security agencies and avoid actions capable of frustrating ongoing rescue operations. The abduction occurred on Friday when armed men invaded schools in Yawota and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting teachers and students in one of the most disturbing attacks recorded in the area. The governor further disclosed that preliminary investigations had uncovered possible collaboration between the attackers and some residents within the affected communities. According to security reports presented during the briefing, six suspects had already been arrested over alleged involvement in logistics and information sharing for the terrorists, while three other persons of interest were also being interrogated by security agencies. “Some of them are believed to be informants or people handling logistics for the terrorists,” the governor said. Makinde stressed that sustained government presence in vulnerable communities remained critical in the fight against insecurity, warning that terrorists could return once security operations are relaxed. He also acknowledged concerns over the safety of schools in remote communities and assured residents that the government would continue reviewing and strengthening security architecture around educational institutions and other vulnerable locations. The governor confirmed that he had also engaged neighbouring states, including Kwara State, on the need to strengthen cross-border security cooperation to prevent future attacks. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies have continued coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those behind the attacks.
Ooni Opens up on Ridicule Over Delay in Having Children
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has opened up about the emotional struggles, public backlash, and intense pressure he faced over delays in having children after becoming king. In a statement issued on Saturday in Ile-Ife by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, Oba Ogunwusi said he was openly mocked by some people during the difficult period. According to the statement, the Ooni made the remarks while receiving visitors who came to celebrate with him on the birth of twin princes by one of his wives, Queen Mariam. “I thank God today. There is nothing God cannot do,” the Ooni said, expressing joy over the latest addition to the royal family. The traditional ruler, however, noted that he never envisaged marrying many wives while growing up, adding that circumstances and traditional demands associated with the throne altered the course of his marital life. Oba Ogunwusi said his life journey had been marked by unexpected challenges and mysteries, particularly after ascending the throne of Oduduwa. He recounted facing intense pressure shortly after becoming the Ooni to quickly settle into royal marital responsibilities. The traditional ruler also revealed that efforts were made at the time to persuade his former wife to relocate to Ile-Ife, with several prominent traditional rulers and influential personalities intervening, but the move did not materialise. Reflecting on his early years, the Ooni disclosed that he became a father at the age of 19, describing the experience as one of the most challenging periods of his life. He said the development initially overwhelmed him, but his mother played a significant role in encouraging him to remain focused, hardworking, and determined. Oba Ogunwusi also appreciated the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her support and encouragement over the years, describing her as a mother figure who stood firmly by him during difficult moments. The traditional ruler thanked the visitors for their prayers, love, and steadfast support, noting that the mother of the twins also extended her greetings to all who stood by her. Earlier, the Chief Imam of Ifeland, Alhaji Abdulsemiu Abdulhammed, said the Muslim community and other well-wishers came to rejoice with the Ooni over the blessing. “We have come to rejoice with Kabiyesi. It is God who makes a person laugh when he laughs. “God created everything, and childbirth comes only by His command. Kabiyesi, this is worthy of thanksgiving,” he said. Visitors to the palace included members of the Ife Muslim Community, the Hausa Community, traditional rulers from Ife North, the Giesi Ruling House, captains of industry, businessmen, and various cultural groups, among others. (NAN)