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No Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi, Umahi Declares

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No Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi, Umahi Declares

Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has declared that there is no “Rainbow Coalition” in Ebonyi State, insisting that the state remains aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. Umahi made the declaration on Friday, September 25, 2026, during an inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Ado, Benue State. His comments came amid ongoing disagreements between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and some APC governors over the role of the cross-party Rainbow Coalition in the 2027 elections. Wike has said the platform is focused on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while allowing members to retain their party affiliations. Umahi: No Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi Reacting to reports that he was involved in a similar political arrangement in Ebonyi, Umahi said: “If Wike has candidates here, he has not told me. And his candidate cannot break our relationship, but his candidate is not part of our relationship. There is no rainbow coalition in Ebonyi State.” He said politicians were free to campaign in Ebonyi but warned against hate speech and actions that could cause unrest. “Anybody that wants to campaign, come and campaign. But don’t dish out hate speeches… Nobody can foment crisis in Ebonyi State,” he said. Umahi also revisited his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he believed the party had failed to adequately recognise the interests of the South-East. Umahi Defends Support for Tinubu The former governor linked his support for President Tinubu to the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme, rejecting claims that he had concentrated federal projects in the South-East. “I’m not on my own. The President is my boss. So where will he be when I corner all projects to Southeast?” Umahi asked. He said Nigerians should assess the administration based on projects already being executed rather than campaign promises. Minister Orders Changes to Superhighway Alignment During the inspection, Umahi directed contractors handling Section Two of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway not to demolish buildings along the current alignment until the Federal Government completes a review and, where necessary, realigns the route. “My directive is that no building should be touched. Even if it’s within the alignment, I have to come and realign it,” he said. Umahi also ordered contractors to accelerate construction and open additional sections of the highway while engineers address challenges around the Ado Bridge. Section Two of the project covers about 173.6 kilometres, with a reported contract value of about ₦683 billion.

Makinde Campaign Condemns Alleged Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue••• Accuses APC of Desperation to Silence Opposition Ahead of 2027

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Makinde Campaign Condemns Alleged Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue••• Accuses APC of Desperation to Silence Opposition Ahead of 2027

IBADAN — The campaign organisation of the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, has condemned the alleged obstruction of the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State. The campaign, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, described the incident as “unwarranted” and alleged that it was part of attempts to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was reportedly in Benue on Tuesday to visit families affected by the killings in Yelwata when his convoy was allegedly obstructed by suspected state-sponsored thugs. The Makinde campaign described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, alleging that the development represented a new dimension in what it characterised as the ruling All Progressives Congress’ efforts to stifle opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections. The campaign further linked the incident to Obi’s participation in the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office on Monday, September 7, 2026, where he joined other opposition figures to express solidarity with Makinde. According to the statement, the ruling APC was “seriously afraid and completely rattled” by recent political developments, which it alleged had resulted in the use of intimidation, harassment and obstruction against opposition leaders. The campaign also faulted the explanation reportedly attributed to the Benue State Government that Obi did not obtain prior permission before visiting the state. It argued that Nigerian citizens have constitutional rights to move freely within the country and associate with others without seeking permission from state authorities. The statement cited Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for freedom of assembly and association as well as freedom of movement, respectively. The campaign said, “Every Nigerian, whether presidential candidate or not, has a constitutionally guaranteed right to enter, live, and move freely within any state in Nigeria to conduct his or her legitimate activity without any prior permission or notice.” It argued that roadblocks and the alleged deployment of thugs to obstruct opposition candidates were inconsistent with the principles of a constitutional democracy. The campaign consequently called on the Nigeria Police Force to commence a full investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice. It said such action was necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Makinde campaign reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, stressing that the reported incident would not deter it from participating in legitimate political activities. “We remain committed to a peaceful electoral process, but it is important to state that we shall not be deterred nor cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible,” the statement added

Liz Anjorin Criticises Iyabo Ojo Over Court Order Involving Priscilla

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Liz Anjorin Criticises Iyabo Ojo Over Court Order Involving Priscilla

  Nollywood actress Liz Anjorin has responded to an interim order issued by the Lagos State High Court barring her from publishing or sharing photographs of Priscilla Ojo’s one-year-old son, Rakeem Mkambala. The actress, during an Instagram Live session on Friday, mocked Priscilla’s mother, veteran actress Iyabo Ojo, over her decision to publicise the court order on social media. Anjorin questioned the authenticity of the document, arguing that a court order should not be publicised before it is formally served on the respondent. In a video from the live session, she said, “Your case na dead on arrival. If you post court letter on any platform before serving person wey you wan go serve, that court case na fake court case.” She also reacted to claims surrounding Priscilla’s legal action, saying, “I don’t want to hear that, Lizzy Anjorin locked Priscilla in prison oh.” The actress further criticised the publication of legal documents on social media, saying, “They have petitioned us oh. Gistlover don run go petition Lizzy oh. They are no longer going to court, oh. If nor be madness, posting petition letter on social media.” The order, granted by Justice Yetunde Adesanya on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, restrained Anjorin from publishing or broadcasting photographs of Priscilla’s son, as well as editorials concerning Priscilla, her husband, Juma Mussa Mkambala, and their son on her social media platforms. The order followed an application by Priscilla, her husband and their son in Suit No. LD/ADR/6646/2026. According to a certified true copy of the order shared by Priscilla on Instagram on Friday, Anjorin was restrained, either personally or through her agents, representatives or anyone acting under her authority, from “publishing, posting, circulating, uploading and broadcasting” pictures of Rakeem on her social media pages. The platforms listed in the order include Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok. The court also directed Anjorin to stop publishing, broadcasting or posting editorials concerning the applicants on the listed social media platforms pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice. The order specifically listed social media accounts allegedly linked to Anjorin, including @lizzyanjorin_originallawal,lizzyanjorin_original, @lizzyanjorin_legal_mrslawal and @yeyemesho_luxuryfabric1, as well as a Facebook page identified as Lizzyanjorin2. The court’s directive comes amid the prolonged online dispute between Anjorin and Iyabo Ojo. Anjorin has made several social media posts involving the family as part of her long-running feud with Ojo. The latest court order has now added a legal dimension to the dispute, specifically restricting the publication and circulation of photographs of Priscilla’s son and editorials concerning the applicants pending the determination of the substantive application. The development has continued to attract reactions from fans and followers of the actresses, as the long-running social media dispute moves into the courtroom.

Abia Varsity Reinstates Suspended Lecturer Following ASUU Appeal

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  Abia State University, Uturu, has provisionally reinstated Prof. Nnamdi Nwaeze, a lecturer in the institution’s Department of Economics, following the lifting of his suspension. The university conveyed the decision in a letter dated September 3, 2026, signed by its Acting Registrar, Dr Joy Nwankwo. The letter, titled “Lifting of Suspension,” said the decision followed a written plea by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ABSU chapter. “Following a written plea from ASUU-ABSU, the University Management hereby lifts your suspension effective immediately.   Despite my condition, I operate machine, provide for my family — Visually impaired man0:00 / 1:01 “This lifting is, however, without prejudice to the extant investigative panel on you, whose ultimate report is being awaited,” the statement read. Nwaeze had earlier criticised conditions in the university in a post on his Facebook page, raising concerns about low salaries and unpaid salaries and allowances among other issues. The university subsequently suspended him indefinitely and constituted an investigative panel to examine the matter. His suspension triggered industrial action by the ABSU chapter of ASUU, which made his recall one of the conditions for ending the strike. The Abia State Government had distanced itself from the matter, describing the suspension as an internal issue of the university, although Governor Alex Otti later met some of the union’s demands. Confirming the lifting of the suspension on Saturday, the ASUU-ABSU chairman, Prof Chidi Mba, said the union would continue to handle the matter administratively. “Yes, the University has lifted the suspension. However, I cannot comment on the content. We are handling it administratively,” he stated.  

Coach Jakirović Signs New Hull City Deal After Perfect Premier League Start

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  Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has agreed to a new two-year contract with the newly promoted side after leading the Tigers to a flawless start in their Premier League return. The 49-year-old’s new deal will keep him at the MKM Stadium until the summer of 2028, with the club holding an option to extend the contract by a further 12 months until the end of the 2028/29 season. A Friday club statement on its website disclosed this. Jakirović has overseen a remarkable transformation since taking charge in June 2025, guiding Hull from the brink of relegation in his first season in English football to Premier League promotion.   His impressive work has continued in the top flight, with Hull winning their opening two league matches without conceding a goal. The Tigers began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium before securing another three points with a 1-0 win away to Coventry City. Jakirović and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta are the only two managers among the four coaches who won their opening two Premier League matches to have also kept clean sheets in both games. Chelsea’s Xabi Alonso and Manchester City’s Enzo Maresca also began the campaign with two victories. Hull’s opening-day victory over Manchester United was particularly significant, as it was their first league win over the Red Devils in 52 years. The club said Jakirović averaged 1.58 points per game during his debut Championship campaign, helping Hull secure a play-off place on the final day of the regular season after a 2-1 victory over Norwich City. He subsequently led the Tigers past Millwall in the semi-finals before defeating Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley. Jakirović secured promotion with three consecutive clean sheets, becoming only the third Hull City manager to lead the club to the Premier League through the play-offs. Reflecting on his new contract, Jakirović said: “I have felt the support from the club and our fans from the minute I arrived, so I am delighted that this journey will continue. Hull feels like my home and I’m excited for this journey to continue. “Promotion to the Premier League is a dream come true. You have to believe in your work and we have a special group here who are sticking together as a family. We have shown in our first games of the season that we can compete at this level and be dangerous. Discover more Headline news service Metro Plus news Advertising services Nigerian culture insights Newspaper archives “We will, of course, continue to work hard and perform in a way that makes our supporters proud.” Hull City chairman Acun Ilıcalı also expressed his delight at retaining the coach. He said: “From the first day we met, it was clear that we had a special relationship. Everyone at the club believes that Sergej is a high-quality coach and it is a big privilege to have him here. “He is the perfect coach for our vision and, having experienced last season together, we created some amazing moments at Wembley. I thank him for that. “We are happy that Sergej is happy here. This is a special day for us, and we look forward to our journey continuing together in the Premier League.” Jakirović was appointed in June 2025 and has now been rewarded with a long-term commitment after taking Hull from the threat of relegation to the top flight and then making an immediate impact on their return after a 10-year absence.

UN Backs Proposal for New World Map Showing Africa’s Actual Size

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UN Backs Proposal for New World Map Showing Africa’s Actual Size

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday voted in favour of a resolution led by several African countries to promote the adoption of a world map that more accurately reflects Africa’s size, while reducing the relative scale of North America and Europe.   Aimed at “a more accurate representation” of continental landmasses, the resolution was supported by 164 countries while the United States voted against it and six other states abstained. The new map — known as the Equal Earth cartographic projection — “is a relevant option for improving the accuracy of the cartographic representation of the world,” the resolution said. It urges member states to adopt the new map in place of the traditional Mercator projection, which was designed for maritime navigation by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569. Foreign Minister Robert Dussey of Togo, which drove the resolution, said maps “guide education, nourish the imagination, and influence collective perceptions.” “They are therefore never neutral, when they present a distorted image of our planet, they risk perpetuating inaccurate representation that are passed down through generation.” The United States however slammed the resolution, saying such moves are “the reason this institution is losing its credibility.” “Instead of focusing on genuine problems… this body is debating map projects from the 16th century and their role in promoting reparations and cognitive justice,” US representative Yaryna Ferencevych said ahead of the vote. – ‘Distorted representation’ – The Mercator projection focused on accurate depictions of the shapes and angles of land masses, but their relative sizes were often inaccurate — in part due to the challenge of rendering a three-dimensional globe onto a two-dimensional map. It inflated northern regions and compressed equatorial ones, making Europe and North America appear much larger, while shrinking Africa and South America. A group of cartographers launched the Equal Earth projection in 2018. It makes Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Oceania appear much larger. “Equal Earth preserves the relative surface areas of continents and, as much as possible, shows their shapes as they appear on a globe,” one of the cartographers, Bojan Savric, told AFP in 2025. France — which co-sponsored the resolution in support of the new map — announced Friday that it would abandon the Mercator projection. In that map, “the United States, Russia and China take on a disproportionate visual prominence compared to Africa, Latin America or southeast Asia,” while “Greenland appears almost as big as Africa,” Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said. “Changing maps obviously doesn’t change the world,” he said. “But correcting a distorted representation is already an act of truth.” The initiative comes as France is seeking to improve relations with Africa, particularly in former colonies with which it has prickly ties. AFP

2027: Christian, Muslim Youths Sign Peace Agreement in Abuja

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2027: Christian, Muslim Youths Sign Peace Agreement in Abuja

  The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations have entered into a peace agreement ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to promote peace and unity throughout the electoral process. The signing took place at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Friday during the 2026 National Christian Youth Security Summit and Thanksgiving Service, held under the theme: “Empowered for Leadership, Service and Nation Building.” The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the peace accord aimed to foster religious tolerance, reject political violence and promote peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 elections. The three-day summit brought together security officials, government representatives, church leaders and youth delegates from the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), five CAN blocs and six geopolitical zones. Delivering his welcome address, the National Chairman of YOWICAN, Ven. Evang. Ademola Arowolo, described the peace accord as a “covenant of hope and a declaration of unity” designed to curb electoral violence and interfaith friction from the national level down to the grassroots. “Today marks a defining moment in the history of youth engagement, faith-based leadership, national security advocacy, and interfaith collaboration in Nigeria. “This Peace Accord represents more than a document. It is a covenant of hope, a declaration of unity, and a collective commitment by Christian and Muslim youths to work together in promoting peace, justice, dialogue, tolerance, and national development.” Addressing newsmen during an interview, Arowolo emphasised the sanctity of human life and urged young people to resist political thuggery and vote-buying as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle. “The key objective of today’s gathering is for the Christian youth of this country to sit down and see that security is very important, because every life whether of a Muslim, a Christian, or any other faith is sacred. “God Himself does not divide us; it is human beings that divide us in their own mindsets. “An idle man is the devil’s workshop, but as elections approach, if somebody meets you for any violence, tell them your children should not come. We cannot destroy our own land,” he said. Corroborating the commitment, the National President of NACOMYO, Sani Sulaiman-Maigoro, stressed that interfaith solidarity remained the most viable tool to defeat security threats and political manipulation. “First and foremost is for us to accept the reality that we are first Nigerians, and Nigeria is our country. Together we live and prosper, and when we are divided, we all suffer. “When we work together, we are able to defeat the negative narrative and those few people who choose to be evil and divide us along religious, ethnic, or sectional lines. “Nigerian Muslim youths are here in solidarity with Christian youths to say we are together towards securing and making Nigeria a better place for all,” he said. Representing President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, cautioned young people against allowing politicians to use them as instruments of destruction. “We are meeting at a very crucial time in the history of our great nation a period when we are moving towards another election “It should be a period that none of you will be used as a sacrificial lamb. We don’t want any politician to use you and waste your life. “The Muslim and the Christian in Nigeria must work together; we are brothers and sisters, and it is only when you have peace that you can talk of progress.” The President of CAN, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, urged Christian youths to rise as nation-builders and moral exemplars. Okoh, represented by Rev. Simon Dolly-KIF, the Secretary-General of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), urged youths to rise beyond the limitations of yesterday. “The time has come for Nigerian Christian youths to rise beyond the limitations of yesterday and embrace the responsibility of building the Nigeria we desire to see tomorrow. “Let no Christian youth become an instrument of violence, hatred, manipulation, or destruction. “We must refuse to be recruited into anything that destroys the lives and future of our fellow Nigerians. Nigeria is bigger than our ethnicity, denomination, and political differences.” Highlighting the security perspective, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), noted that peace was essential for youth productivity. Musa, represented by Mr Musa Likita, Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence to the Minister of Defence, recognised the important role of the youth in national development under a whole-of-society approach. “The youth are full of energy, creativity, and innovation, so they will thrive better when the environment is peaceful. “Youths are implored to hold values where they will not allow themselves to be exploited by extremist forces or criminal elements.” (NAN)

Super Eagles Legend Daniel Amokachi Obtains Coaching Licence in Morocco

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Super Eagles Legend Daniel Amokachi Obtains Coaching Licence in Morocco

Super Eagles legend Daniel Amokachi has successfully completed the CAF A coaching licence course in Morocco, further strengthening his qualifications and credentials as a football coach. Amokachi announced the achievement in a Facebook post on Wednesday, expressing appreciation to the Moroccan Football Federation for the opportunity. “Finally CAF A In The Bag. Thank U Moroccan Football Federation, For The Opportunity,” he wrote. The former Nigeria international, popularly known as ‘The Bull’, has previously worked as a coach in Nigeria and abroad, including serving as an assistant coach with the Super Eagles. The CAF A licence is one of the advanced coaching qualifications issued under the Confederation of African Football’s coaching education structure.  

Ghana Launches App for Marriage and Divorce Status Verification

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  Ghana has launched a digital platform that enables members of the public to verify marriage and divorce records, while also providing access to information on marriage officers, venues and licensed Imams, YEN reports. The platform, known as Marrify, was launched in Accra on August 28 by Marry Right Ghana Limited in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Marrify operates as a searchable marriage and divorce registry, with records covering ordinance, customary and Islamic marriages. Users can search the platform using details including names, spouse names, towns, churches, denominations, certificate numbers and Gazette numbers. The platform also provides a register of marriage officers appointed to solemnise civil or ordinance marriages, while users can search for licensed marriage venues and Imams. Its records are drawn from sources including the Registrar-General’s Department, courts, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, and the Ghana Gazette. The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, speaking at the launch, encouraged prospective couples to verify information about their partners, marriage venues and the people officiating their marriages. She said, “It is a reminder of the need to uphold the highest standard of integrity and accountability. “You would not have to take a person’s word for it, even in the most trusted relationship. You can verify with this app. And then again, when making a decision on the venue, who has to officiate the marriage, where it is officiated, the officiant, and the status of the one you are getting married to. “These are the critical issues we need to ponder over, verify and be sure of before taking the needed step. As a ministry, we’ve used our platform to promote the app and engage with our stakeholders and potential beneficiaries. To ensure that Ghanaians live in awareness. So that you do not invest for so many years, resources and find out that all the investment has gone in vain.” She also urged Marry Right Ghana to work with government institutions, religious bodies, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that information on the platform remains accurate and regularly updated. Marrify also contains divorce records based on court rulings and judgments, with some records linked to the marriages to which they relate. However, the platform cautions that records are still being uploaded and that a search returning no result should not automatically be interpreted as proof that a person has never been married. The platform also allows individuals and institutions to submit marriage and divorce records, together with supporting documents, for verification.  

Injured Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Secure 3-2 Victory Over Istanbul Basaksehir

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Injured Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Secure 3-2 Victory Over Istanbul Basaksehir

  Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen scored his sixth goal of the season before leaving the pitch with an injury as the Turkish champions battled to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday. Osimhen gave Galatasaray the lead in the 16th minute, finishing off an attacking move to put his side in front. However, the Nigerian forward was unable to continue after picking up an injury and was substituted 17 minutes later, with Barış Alper Yılmaz coming on in his place. Istanbul Basaksehir responded after the break, with Eldor Shomurodov converting a penalty in the 66th minute to level the score. Galatasaray regained the advantage five minutes later when Lucas Torreira found the back of the net in the 71st minute after a well-worked team play. The hosts were pegged back again after Davinson Sánchez turned the ball into his own net, restoring parity and setting up a tense finish. With the match heading towards a draw, Gabriel Sara produced a moment of brilliance in the 90th minute, curling a free-kick into the net to hand Galatasaray all three points. The victory keeps Galatasaray’s strong start to the season intact, while attention will now turn to the extent of Osimhen’s injury following his early substitution.

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