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FG Declares Friday, May 1st, Public Holiday

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  THE Federal Government has declared Friday, 1st May 2026, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day. The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government. He congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration. The Minister, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani,on Wednesday, commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development. He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity. He encouraged workers to embrace patriotism, productivity, and dedication to their duties. These qualities are crucial for sustainable development. The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to supporting the welfare and security of all workers and creating a favorable environment for economic growth. While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Minister urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He encouraged everyone to use this occasion to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in building the nation.

US Lawmaker Criticizes Bola Ahmed Tinubu Over Security Aid Compliance, Calls for Funding Reassessment

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  A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has faulted the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing what he described as its failure to comply with conditions tied to U.S. security assistance to Nigeria. Moore, who represents West Virginia’s 2nd District, made this known in a post on X on Wednesday, urging the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to consider the development when administering upcoming funding cycles. “In my view, the Tinubu administration has failed to live up to the conditions the appropriations committee placed on security assistance. “I urge @SecRubio to take this into account in administering both FY26 and FY27 funding,” he wrote. The reference to FY26 and FY27 relates to the United States fiscal years, which run from October 1 to September 30, covering the next budget cycles during which congress determines allocations for foreign assistance. The funding under discussion includes US security support to Nigeria, such as military training, equipment supply, intelligence cooperation and counter-terrorism assistance aimed at tackling threats including insurgency, banditry and organised crime. Such assistance is subject to approval by the US Congress and is often tied to conditions, including compliance with human rights standards, accountability in the use of funds and measurable progress in addressing security challenges. The reference to FY26 and FY27 relates to the United States fiscal years, which run from October 1 to September 30, covering the next budget cycles during which congress determines allocations for foreign assistance. The funding under discussion includes US security support to Nigeria, such as military training, equipment supply, intelligence cooperation and counter-terrorism assistance aimed at tackling threats including insurgency, banditry and organised crime. Such assistance is subject to approval by the US Congress and is often tied to conditions, including compliance with human rights standards, accountability in the use of funds and measurable progress in addressing security challenges. “My brothers and sisters in Christ are murdered for practising their faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ,” Moore said at the time, warning that prolonged inaction could worsen the situation. He further argued that despite years of support from the United States, including provision of training and equipment, the crisis had persisted without sufficient response from Nigerian authorities. “If we do not address this and some terrorists take hold in Nigeria, we would have to address it one way or the other. I would like to do it cooperatively with Nigerians,” he said. The Federal Government has, however, rejected claims that the country’s security challenges amount to targeted religious persecution, maintaining that violence affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven by broader security issues. Earlier this year, the Defence Headquarters stated that military cooperation with the United States does not undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and comes at no cost to the country. The military confirmed the arrival of about 100 US personnel and associated equipment in February, noting that the deployment followed bilateral engagements between Nigerian and US officials. A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the collaboration was part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat evolving security threats. Despite these assurances, Moore maintained that how Nigeria meets the conditions attached to US assistance will influence future funding decisions, signalling possible increased scrutiny of support programmes in the coming fiscal years.

UNILAG Pushes for Increased Private Funding in Education

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  University of Lagos has reiterated the critical role of private sector collaboration and philanthropy in maintaining quality education, as it unveiled newly refurbished facilities within its Faculty of Education. The university made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday following the unveiling of a refurbished Health Education Resource Room, two upgraded lecture hall, and modern learning conveniences. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Muyiwa Falaiye, said infrastructure development remained central to the institution’s growth strategy. “Infrastructural development is a cornerstone of the University’s strategic agenda. Modern, well-maintained facilities are essential for fostering academic excellence, promoting inclusive learning environments, and aligning with global best practices in higher education,” Falaiye said. He stressed that with shrinking government funding and increasing infrastructural demands, universities must increasingly rely on external support. “In the face of limited government funding and rising infrastructural demands, public-private partnerships and philanthropic contributions remain indispensable to achieving sustainable development goals in education,” he said. Falaiye commended the donor, Marvelous Akinola, whose endowment funded the project, and the facilitator, Prof. Aaron Akinloye of the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, for driving the initiative. “This project is a clear demonstration of what strategic partnerships can achieve. We are deeply grateful for this intervention, which directly impacts teaching, research, and student learning outcomes,” he added. He also assured all that the university would continue to accelerate infrastructure development across faculties. “University Management remains committed to fast-tracking ongoing projects across campus, urging staff and students to ensure proper use and maintenance of these facilities to sustain their long-term impact,” Falaiye said. Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Simeon Oladipo, described the intervention as timely and transformative. “This is more than a physical upgrade; it is a strategic investment in the future of our students. These facilities will enhance the delivery of Health Education, support innovative teaching methodologies, and strengthen practical and skills-based learning,” Oladipo said. He emphasised the link between infrastructure and academic outcomes. “The quality of the learning environment plays a decisive role in shaping the competencies of future professionals. “With these upgraded facilities, both staff and students are better positioned to achieve higher standards of excellence and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said. Oladipo also highlighted the critical role of alumni and private donors in bridging funding gaps in Nigerian universities. “Alumni-driven interventions are vital to expanding infrastructure, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring sustainable development. “This contribution underscores the enduring value of giving back to the institution,” he said. The university noted that the commissioning reflects the growing role of philanthropy in repositioning Nigerian universities for improved learning outcomes and global competitiveness. “This initiative underscores the transformative impact of private support in enhancing infrastructure and enriching the academic environment,” the statement added.  

Iran Officials Exit Canada Ahead of FIFA Congress Over Airport ‘Treatment’ — Report

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  Top Iranian football officials departed Canada ahead of the FIFA Congress after raising concerns over their treatment by immigration authorities at Toronto’s international airport, Iranian media reported on Wednesday. Iran’s football federation president and deputy secretary general “returned to Turkey on the first flight due to the inappropriate behaviour of the immigration officials at the airport and the insult to one of the most honourable organs of the Iranian Armed Forces”, several outlets reported, without providing further details. In 2024, Canada designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a terror group, barring its members from entering the country. The Iranian reports said the officials had travelled to Canada with “official visas” before turning around. Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Mexico, while FIFA’s congress is to be held in Vancouver this week. Fears have risen about the Iranian team’s attendance because of the Middle East war that began on February 28 with a massive wave of US-Israel attacks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted last week that Iran’s footballers would be welcome at the global spectacle. But he warned that the United States may yet bar entry to members of the Iranian delegation it judged to have ties to the Revolutionary Guard, which is also designated a terrorist organisation by Washington and several other governments. No one “from the US has told them they can’t come,” Rubio said. The Iranian football federation (FFIRI) had said in April it was negotiating with FIFA to relocate the country’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico. But FIFA President Gianni Infantino told AFP last month that Iran would be at the World Cup and that they will play “where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”. The FIFA chief reiterated that stance in Washington earlier this month. AFP

We’ll Keep Religion From Tearing Oyo Apart – Makinde

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  The Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde on Wednesday assured residents of Oyo State that religion would not be allowed to create division, stressing that the people remain united and will continue to stand as one. He gave this assurance while bidding farewell to pilgrims intending to perform the 2026 Hajj at the state Hajj Camp, Olodo in Ibadan, the state capital. The governor urged the intending pilgrims to pray for God’s guidance in choosing the next set of leaders, who would continue where his administration stops in 2027. Makinde equally tasked the pilgrims to use the opportunity of their pilgrimage to the Holy Land to pray for both the state and Nigeria as the electioneering period approaches. He also enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the state. “In Oyo State, we are all one. We won’t allow religion to divide us. I charge the intending pilgrims to pray for our state and country when they get to the Holy Land, because this is the period leading to the next election, and a new set of leaders will emerge. “Whatever decision we make, we will have to live with it for the next four years. So, I want you to pray for our state and country. There is a lot of discussion going on right now on the choice of who would become the next governor. The conversation going on is about a Muslim being my successor, but I want you to pray that God should choose the person who would sustain the achievements and the good works we are doing in the state. “What matters most is that we must stay united. The progress of Oyo is what is important to us, and I believe God will answer our prayers. “For us in this state, religion is not an issue. We have all religions in our various families, and we have always coexisted peacefully. So, I have told those talking about Muslim candidature that we should not be stampeded into taking decisions on the basis of religion, and I know they understand me.” The governor, while responding to some of the requests of the board, promised to complete the ongoing mosque construction and also donate a bus for the use of the board in the state and another bus for the ease of movement of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia during Hajj. Commenting on how the state pilgrims have always been good ambassadors of the state, the governor said, “We have been extremely lucky in this state, because our pilgrims have always been different; they have always been good ambassadors of the state. “So, for the ease of the Hajj operations, I will give a new bus to the state pilgrims in the Holy land. I will also donate another one for the use of the board here. On this note, I want to congratulate the intending pilgrims and wish you a safe journey.” Makinde also used the occasion to commend the Chairman of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Wahab Atere, and members of the board for the successful planning and coordination of the 2026 Hajj operations. Earlier, Atere informed the gathering that 1,036 intending pilgrims would perform the Hajj rites from the state, appreciating Governor Makinde for his continuous support to the Muslim community and the board towards a smooth 2026 Hajj exercise. He explained that with the support of the governor, the state has secured the visas and befitting accommodations for all the intending pilgrims, who would be airlifted in batches starting from May 3, 2026. Also in their separate goodwill messages, the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal and former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu, thanked the governor for his unwavering support to the Muslim Ummah, urging them to remain focused, be good ambassadors of the state and to perform the Hajj rites devotedly. Dignitaries at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; President, the state Customary Court of Appeal, Tajudeen Abdulganiyu; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Bayo Lawal; PDP South-West Woman Leader, Bose Adedibu; Chairman, Ibadan Airport Upgrade, Bimbo Adekanmbi; state Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Sikiru Sanda; Commissioners and other top government functionaries. Also in attendance were the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of the State, Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere; Executive Secretary, Muslims in South-Western Nigeria, Wole Abass; Kamil Oloso; and members of the League of Imams and Alfas.

UCL: Saka on Bench, Madueke starts for Arsenal at Atletico Madrid

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  Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has to make do with a place on the bench for his team’s Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with Noni Madueke selected on the right flank. England international Saka returned from an Achilles tendon injury as a substitute as the Gunners beat Newcastle to go back top of the Premier League on Saturday. Viktor Gyokeres starts up front for Mikel Arteta’s side at the Metropolitano Stadium, with Kai Havertz out injured. Eberechi Eze is on the bench after a knock and Arteta has opted for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing, over Leandro Trossard. Like Arsenal, Atletico Madrid have never won the Champions League and Diego Simeone’s side are back in the semi-finals after a nine-year absence. The Argentine coach opted for Ademola Lookman on the left wing after the Nigeria international recovered from a minor niggle. Marcos Llorente starts at right-back with veteran Koke paired with Johnny Cardoso in the centre of midfield. Veteran Antoine Griezmann leads the line for the Rojiblancos alongside Julian Alvarez, recently linked with Arsenal. The second leg will be played in London on Tuesday, May 5. Starting line-ups: Atletico Madrid (4-4-2) Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Koke (capt), Johnny Cardoso, Ademola Lookman; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez Coach: Diego Simeone (ARG) Arsenal (4-3-3) David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard (capt); Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli Coach: Mikel Arteta (ESP) Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED) AFP

Gunmen Kill Pastor, Kidnap Worshippers in Ekiti Church Attack

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  Gunmen on Tuesday night stormed a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers. The attack, which occurred around 8.30 pm during a church programme, has thrown the community into panic, with residents expressing fears over rising insecurity in the area. Sources in the community said the assailants, who were armed and arrived in numbers, stormed the church located on the outskirts of the town, shot the pastor dead and whisked away several worshippers into a nearby forest. One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said efforts were ongoing to determine the exact number of abducted victims. “The invaders were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We cannot say the number yet. Moves to collate those who are missing have begun. The community is in a panic mode for now,” the source said. Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command said it had launched a rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted victims. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a thorough investigation and a manhunt for the perpetrators. “The Police in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, the Agro Marshal, the Vigilantes and the local hunters have commenced an aggressive bush combing operations and a serious manhunt on the perpetrators in order to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the culprits,” Abutu said. He added that the police were working to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible. “The commissioner of Police calls for calm as necessary steps are currently being taken to salvage the situation and forestall recurrence. “Members of the public are charged to be security conscious, vigilant and promptly report any suspicious person or group of persons found within their environments to the police and other security agencies for necessary proactive actions,” he added. Abutu also advised religious leaders to notify the police before organising late-night gatherings to enable adequate security arrangements.

EPL: John Stones Announces Man City Departure After 10 Years

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  England defender ,John Stones has confirmed he will depart Manchester City at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on his 10-year stint with the club. The 31-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million and went on to become a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Stones helped City secure multiple major honours, including six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and five League Cups. As reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, reflecting on his journey, Stones said he had achieved everything he set out to accomplish at the club. “It has been my home for the past 10 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life. “I lived all my dreams out and lifted all the things that I came here to achieve,” he said. Stones was one of the early signings under manager Pep Guardiola and credited him for playing a major role in his development. He evolved into a versatile defender under Guardiola, even stepping into midfield roles during key matches, including City’s 2023 Champions League triumph. Despite his success, Stones’ later years at City were affected by injuries, limiting his appearances in recent seasons. He featured sparingly in the current campaign but remained an experienced presence within the squad. Stones’ departure marks another significant change in the City squad as the club continues to evolve. He leaves as one of the most decorated defenders in the club’s history, having played a crucial role in their domestic and European dominance. With his exit confirmed, attention will now turn to his next destination as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.

BREAKING: Yayi Picks APC Governorship Forms

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  The lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has obtained the ₦50 million All Progressives Congress governorship nomination forms ahead of the 2027 Ogun State election. The forms were obtained on his behalf, signalling his entry into the race for the state’s top seat. The APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, on Tuesday in Abuja, declared the process open and presented the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to Adeola’s proxy. Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The commission also announced that party primaries, including the resolution of related disputes, will take place between April 23, 2026, and May 30, 2026. INEC further stated that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while those for governorship and state assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026. More to come…  

Faleke Picks Presidential Forms for Tinubu

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  The lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, has picked up the All Progressives Congress Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on behalf of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, on Tuesday in Abuja, declared the process open and presented the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to Faleke, who also serves as the founder of the Tinubu Support Groups. Faleke’s collection and payment for the forms, valued at N100 million on behalf of the President, formally signal the commencement of Tinubu’s bid for re-election. The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The commission also announced that party primaries, including the resolution of related disputes, will run from April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026. INEC further stated that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while those for governorship and state assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026. More details later…

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