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JUST IN: NFF Appoints Abdulrahaman as NPFL Chief as New League Season Kicks Off

August 28, 2026 by admin

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), coinciding with the commencement of the 2026/27 league season on Friday. The appointment was announced by the NFF on Friday, the same day the new NPFL season opened with a headline fixture between Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan. The federation said Abdulrahaman’s appointment took immediate effect. His appointment followed a directive issued by the NFF on Thursday, August 27, for all board members and chief executive officers of the various leagues, as well as chief operating officers who are not members of NFF staff, to vacate their positions. The directive is part of the federation’s ongoing restructuring of its management and league administration. The NFF also appointed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as its interim General Secretary on Thursday. Ikpeme confirmed Abdulrahaman’s appointment, saying it was made in line with the federation’s directive. Abdulrahaman will now oversee the operational administration of the NPFL as clubs begin their campaigns in the new season. The opening-day fixture in Ibadan saw Shooting Stars face newly promoted Inter Lagos as the NPFL returned to action across the country. The new season will see clubs compete for the league title, continental qualification places and survival as the campaign progresses. The appointment comes a day after the NFF appointed Ikpeme as its interim General Secretary, following the directive for members of the federation’s management and secretariat affected by the restructuring to vacate their positions.

FIFA Appoints Portuguese Match Officials for Argentina vs Switzerland Clash

July 10, 2026 by admin

FIFA has appointed a team of Portuguese match officials to oversee the 2026 World Cup quarter-final clash between Argentina and Switzerland, scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. EDT at Kansas City Stadium. The decision was disclosed in an X post by FIFA on Thursday. Joao Pinheiro of Portugal will serve as the centre referee for the encounter. He will be assisted by two of his countrymen, Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia, who will serve as Assistant Referee 1 and Assistant Referee 2 respectively. Canada’s Drew Fischer will serve as the fourth official for the match. His compatriot, Micheal Barwegen, will serve as the reserve assistant referee. FIFA has maintained a practice of assigning officials from countries not involved in a fixture for matches at the tournament. The organisation has not assigned any referee to a match involving his own country at either the group or knockout stages. FIFA had earlier named an all-Argentine team of officials for the World Cup quarter-final between France and Morocco. Facundo Tello served as the centre referee for that match, with Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade as assistant referees. Dario Herrera served as the fourth official for the France-Morocco fixture, while Cristian Navarro was the reserve assistant referee. The appointment generated reactions from football fans, as some questioned the decision on the grounds that Argentina remained in contention at the tournament and could face either France or Morocco in a later round. FIFA’s regulations permit officials from countries still participating in the competition to handle matches, provided they are not involved in games featuring their own national teams. FIFA said this practice has applied consistently across the group stage and knockout rounds since the tournament kicked off in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Former France striker, Thierry Henry, commented on the appointment of the Argentine officiating team for the France-Morocco fixture. Egypt’s Football Association had also petitioned FIFA over refereeing decisions in its Round of 16 match against Argentina. Argentina and Switzerland will battle for a place in the semi-final of the tournament. The winner will advance to face opposition still being decided in the other quarter-final fixtures.

BREAKING: Tinubu Appoints 39-year-old Professor New JAMB Registrar

May 21, 2026 by admin

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.

Ghana Appoints Former Real Madrid Coach Carlos Queiroz as Head Coach

April 13, 2026 by admin

The Ghana Football Association has named Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026. This was announced in a statement by the Ghana Football Association on Monday. The Portuguese tactician, who previously handled Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal and Iran, will lead Ghana at the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the statement read. Queiroz brings considerable World Cup pedigree to the role. He guided South Africa to qualification for the 2002 tournament, led Portugal to the knockout rounds in 2010, and was in charge of Iran at the 2014 and 2018 editions. He has also held coaching posts in Egypt, Oman, Japan and Qatar. “Coach Queiroz begins work immediately to prepare the Black Stars for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026,” the statement added. Ghana are drawn in a group with England, Panama and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, Canada.

Zenith Bank Appoints Okwudili as Executive Director

March 24, 2026 by admin

Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Kennedy Okwudili as an Executive Director of the bank, effective May 1, 2026. The bank made this known in a corporate disclosure through the Nigerian Exchange Ltd on Tuesday. It noted that the appointment aligned with its tradition and succession strategy of grooming leaders from within its system. The bank said the development would further strengthen its executive management team. Mr. Okwudili holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Accounting from the University of Maiduguri, obtained in 1998 with a Second Class Upper Division. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University in 2008 and a Master of Science in Accounting from Veritas University, Abuja, in 2021. According to the bank, Okwudili has over 25 years of banking experience spanning credit, marketing, treasury, compliance, and operations. Okwudili is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. He is also an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. NAN

Soludo Appoints Key Officials, Special Advisers

March 23, 2026 by admin

The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has approved a fresh appointment of key officials to serve in various capacities within the state government. These appointments, including principal secretaries and special advisers, among others, were announced in a press statement released by Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Monday. The appointees include the Head of Service, Mrs Ngozi Iwouno; Principal Secretary to the Governor, Joachim Anetoh; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Ben Nwankwo; State Chief of Protocol, Prof. Frank-Collins Okafor. Others are Attorney-General of the State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN; Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime; Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Vincent Okechi; and Deputy State Chief of Protocol, Ms Ngozi Okoye. Others are Special Adviser, Medicals and Pharmaceuticals, Dr Godwin Nnadozie; Special Adviser, Innovation and Business Incubation & CEO, Solution Innovation District, Ms Chinwe Okoli; Special Adviser, Special Projects and Director, Project Evaluation and Monitoring, Prof. Ebuka Nwankwo; and Special Adviser, Community Security, Ken Emeakayi. PUNCH Online earlier reported that Soludo approved the appointment of Mrs Chiamaka Nnake as the new Secretary to the State Government of Anambra State. Nnake, 39-year-old, hails from Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, is a seasoned finance and public sector professional with over 13 years of experience spanning finance, strategy development, and economic planning. She most recently served as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Anambra State and as Chairman of Solution Fun City Limited

FULL LIST: Tinubu Appoints IBB’s Son, Others As Heads Of Govt Agencies

July 18, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Babangida, son of former military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida, as Chairman of the revamped Bank of Agriculture. This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Babangida, 53, holds a degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Relations and Business Communication from the European University in Switzerland. He also completed an Executive Program on Corporate Governance at Harvard Business School in 2002. The statement also announced the appointments of several other individuals to leadership roles in federal agencies: Lydia Kalat Musa (Kaduna): Chairman, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority Jamilu Wada Aliyu (Kano): Chairman, National Educational Research and Development Council Yahuza Ado Inuwa (Kano): Chairman, Standard Organisation of Nigeria Sanusi Musa (SAN) (Kano): Chairman, Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution Prof. Al-Mustapha Alhaji Aliyu (Sokoto): DG, Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa Sanusi Garba Rikiji (Zamfara): DG, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations Mrs Tomi Somefun (Oyo): MD, National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission Dr Abdulmumini Mohammed Aminu-Zaria (Kaduna): Executive Director, Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission Punch

JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Oluyede As Acting Chief Of Army Staff

October 30, 2024 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. This was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga explained that Oluyede would assume the role pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently abroad for medical treatment. The statement read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). “Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.” Prior to this appointment, Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Jaji, Kaduna. The 56-year-old Oluyede shares a long history with Lagbaja, as both are members of the 39th Regular Course, commissioned as officers in 1987, with Oluyede being promoted to Major General in September 2020. Oluyede’s extensive career includes numerous command roles, beginning as a Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, advancing to Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion and later serving as a Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He has been a part of several notable operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade. Over his career, Oluyede has received multiple honours which include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, recognition for Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute, acknowledging his dedication and achievements in various fields of service. Punch

Tinubu Reshuffles Cabinet: Appoints Seven New Ministers,Scrapped Two Ministries

October 23, 2024 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has appointed seven new ministers to his cabinet, according to a statement from the presidency following Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting. The new appointees are: Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu (Minister of State for Foreign Affairs) Nentawe Yilwatda (Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction) Maigari Dingyadi (Minister of Labour and Employment) Jumoke Oduwole (Minister of Industry) Idi Maiha (Minister for Livestock Development Ministry) Yusuf Ata (Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development) Suwaiba Ahmad (Minister of State for Education) During the ongoing Federal Executive Council meeting, Tinubu announced a cabinet reshuffle, abolishing the Ministry of Niger Delta and Ministry of Sports Development. A new Ministry of Regional Development will oversee regional development commissions, including Niger Delta, North West, South West and North East Development Commissions. The National Sports Commission takes over the Ministry of Sports’ responsibilities. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism merges with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy.

Tinubu Appoints 1988 OAU First Class Graduate Adviser For China-Nigeria Strategic Partnership

September 30, 2024 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joseph Tegbe as director-general and global liaison for the Nigeria-China strategic partnership reached by the two countries during the President’s visit in September. Mr Tegbe, a 1988 first-class graduate in civil engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Osun State, will report directly to the President, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Sunday. Mr Tegbe is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. “He will immediately submit a strategic action plan to enable Nigeria to benefit from the agreements between the two countries in Beijing. As the czar of the strategic partnership, he will lead day-to-day operations, engage continuously with the Chinese counterparts, and ensure that all deliverables are met and synchronised with national development goals. “In the strategic plan, he will outline the specific deliverables, timelines, and key performance indicators for each area of cooperation. This will include priority projects, projected investments and expected socioeconomic outcomes,” the statement said. At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping pledged 360 billion yuan, about 51 billion dollars, in new financing to African nations in the next three years. He also pledged support for 30 infrastructure projects to boost connectivity across the continent and create one million jobs. During his official visit before the FOCAC, Mr Tinubu also obtained a commitment from Jinping to support Nigeria’s economic diversification plans, infrastructure development, technology transfer and job creation. Nigeria and China, among others, agreed to collaborate on expanding Nigeria’s rail network, upgrading power distribution, and creating new industrial parks. The two countries committed to establishing hospital alliances and collaborating on medical research. Under the agreement, Chinese healthcare professionals will be deployed to support Nigeria’s healthcare system. China and Nigeria agreed to collaborate to advance education and talent development, focusing on vocational training, STEM education, and academic exchanges. Joint initiatives, such as establishing engineering technology academies and providing scholarships, will help equip Nigerian youth with skills needed in a modern workforce. The two countries also planned to improve Nigeria’s agricultural practices through knowledge sharing, technology transfer and investment in sustainable farming techniques. “Tegbe, 58, who will ensure the actualisation of the agreements, had his education at Federal Government College, Ogbomosho, and Obafemi Awolowo University, and has about 35 years of experience in business strategy. He was the senior partner and head of advisory services at KPMG in Africa, with a portfolio and responsibilities that included the Middle East. He also led subnational governments such as Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, and Bayelsa, in investment drives to South Africa, Denmark, China, India, Singapore, and the UAE,” the statement indicated. NAN