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PDP Moves BoT Meeting After National Secretariat Take Over

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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2

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday shifted its Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting from the party’s national headquarters at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, to the Yar’Adua Centre in the Central Business District, following a police takeover of the secretariat.

In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), the party announced:

“The Meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier scheduled to hold by 10am at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja has been moved to Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.”

The PDP strongly criticized the presence of armed officers from the FCT Police Command at its secretariat, describing it as harassment of its BoT members, who were barred from entering the premises. Several members were seen arriving at the Yar’Adua Centre after being denied access to Wadata Plaza.

Former PDP National Secretary, Umar Tsauri, revealed to Channels Television that police officers claimed they were acting on “orders from above” when they prevented BoT members, including Maina Chiroma, from entering.

The situation added tension to an already heated political climate within the party, especially with the PDP’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting also slated for the same day.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command defended its action, stating it deployed officers solely to maintain peace and order. According to spokesperson Josephine Adeh, “At no time was the Secretariat sealed off by the Police.”

Deepening Internal Crisis

This latest development is part of a broader internal crisis plaguing the PDP for years, marked by leadership disputes and repeated postponements of NEC meetings.

Although Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum had announced a postponement of the NEC meeting last week, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) overruled him, insisting the meeting would proceed as planned on Monday, June 30, 2025. The NWC emphasized that only the NEC has the authority to postpone such meetings.

At the heart of the internal strife is the lingering leadership tussle over the position of National Secretary. Both Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye claim to hold the role. Damagum recently declared Anyanwu reinstated—a position the NWC contests.

The matter is currently before the courts. Although the Supreme Court ruled on the dispute in March, both parties have interpreted the verdict to support their claims. A fresh hearing on the matter is scheduled for September 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The PDP’s ongoing leadership battles and court wranglings continue to overshadow its efforts to reposition as Nigeria’s main opposition force ahead of future elections.

Tension in PDP: Armed Police Take Over Party Secretariat

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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2

Armed police officers have taken control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat in Abuja as tensions rise ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Monday.

According to a party official who spoke to reporters, the deployment of security personnel was aimed at halting the proposed Expanded Caucus Meeting of the NEC.

Initially, some PDP staff were allowed entry into the Wadata Plaza premises, but were later asked to vacate the building. Journalists covering the event were also ordered to leave the area.

By the time of this report, officers had cordoned off Dalaba Street, the main access road leading to the PDP Secretariat, further escalating the atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the meeting.

Iran Denies Threatening IAEA Chief After State Paper Calls for His Execution

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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0

Iran has asserted that it does not pose any threat to the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, following strong backlash to a hardline Iranian newspaper’s recent call for his execution.

The state-run Kayhan newspaper, known for its ultra-conservative stance and close ties to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office, had published a piece last week accusing Grossi of acting like an “inspector for the CIA and Mossad,” and stated that, according to Islamic law, he deserved death. This sparked international concern over the safety of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials.

Responding to the outrage, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani claimed that Tehran has no intention of threatening Grossi and emphasized that the country maintains its cooperation with the IAEA. He clarified that the newspaper’s stance does not represent the official position of the Iranian government.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always shown its commitment to international obligations,” Kanani said, distancing the government from the provocative editorial.

Grossi had expressed alarm over the editorial, noting that such statements endangered IAEA staff working in Iran. In a press conference at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, he said the agency would not be deterred by threats or intimidation.

The editorial came amid renewed tensions between Iran and the IAEA, as the agency continues to press Iran for answers about unexplained nuclear materials discovered at undeclared sites. Grossi recently visited Iran in an attempt to secure greater cooperation from Tehran, but little progress was reported after the meetings.

International criticism followed the editorial, with the U.S. State Department describing it as “despicable” and demanding accountability. The European Union also condemned the rhetoric, calling on Iran to protect all IAEA personnel under international law.

Script To Screen: The Director’s Role In Storytelling

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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3

A director’s role goes far beyond calling “action” and “cut.” They are the visual architect of the story, tasked with transforming words on a page into a compelling cinematic experience. From the moment they receive a script, directors begin shaping its emotional and visual tone interpreting character arcs, scene dynamics, and pacing through their unique creative lens. 

Whether it’s finding the perfect shot to express a character’s inner conflict or deciding how a single line should be delivered, the director walks a fine line between honoring the writer’s intent and injecting their own style.

This balance becomes even more critical in genres that rely heavily on visual storytelling, like action or sci-fi, where effects and choreography must enhance, not overshadow, the narrative. 

Collaboration is key: directors often work closely with writers during pre-production to align on vision and tone, while also listening to input from cinematographers and actors to refine scenes on set. While disagreements may arise, seasoned directors learn to navigate them diplomatically, always with the story as the central guide. For emerging filmmakers, the challenge lies in developing a voice that amplifies the script rather than competes with it, an art that defines the true craft of directing.

Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Dies During Largest Russian Aerial Assault

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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0

On the night of June 29, Ukraine faced its most extensive aerial attack since the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022. Russia launched 537 airborne weapons in total, including hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, targeting multiple cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Kherson.

During the onslaught, 31-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, piloting a newly acquired F-16 fighter jet, intercepted and destroyed seven airborne threats before his aircraft sustained critical damage. Instead of ejecting, he chose to steer the stricken jet away from populated areas to avoid civilian casualties. He died in the crash.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthumously awarded him the title of Hero of Ukraine. In his address, the president described Ustymenko as a highly skilled pilot who had mastered four types of military aircraft and had made substantial contributions to the country’s defense.

The Russian strikes caused widespread destruction across Ukraine. Explosions and fires were reported in several cities. Residential buildings, energy infrastructure, and transportation systems were damaged. At least ten civilians were confirmed dead, and many others injured. Cities such as Cherkasy and Drohobych suffered major damage, and power outages were reported in several regions.

Military officials in Ukraine called the assault the most intense airstrike since the beginning of the war. Ukrainian air defense forces, using surface-to-air missiles and electronic warfare systems, successfully intercepted most of the incoming drones and missiles.

In response to the attack, NATO countries like Poland scrambled fighter jets to monitor and secure their airspace close to Ukraine’s border.

Following the incident, President Zelenskyy issued an urgent call for additional Western military assistance. He emphasized the need for American-made Patriot missile systems and reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to purchase the systems if needed. He warned that the growing intensity of Russian attacks poses an increasing threat to Ukrainian civilians.

Lieutenant Colonel Ustymenko’s death is the third known loss of an F-16 pilot in Ukraine this year. His bravery and final act of sacrifice have been widely honored by fellow service members and citizens across the country.

Nigeria And Saint Lucia Have Committed To Establishing Diplomatic Ties

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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0

President Bola Tinubu and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, have agreed to establish formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Caribbean nation.

The agreement was reached during President Tinubu’s courtesy visit to Prime Minister Pierre’s official residence in Castries, on the second day of his state visit to Saint Lucia.

During their discussions, President Tinubu highlighted the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties shared between Africa and the Caribbean, referring to the people of Saint Lucia as “vauled friends and brothers”

He underscored the need to enhance collaboration between both nations in key sectors including trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

“Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” Tinubu said in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser (Information & Strategy).

“This is a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean—a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual understanding.”

He also affirmed Nigeria’s willingness to work with Saint Lucia on global matters of mutual concern, such as climate change, disaster readiness, and financing for sustainable development. Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advocating for the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the international level.

Prime Minister Pierre, in his remarks, welcomed the dialogue and voiced hope for a deeper relationship between the two countries. He pointed to the historical connection between Saint Lucia and Nigeria, noting the legacy of Saint Lucian-born Sir Darnley Alexander, who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979.

Pierre outlined key sectors for possible cooperation, such as tourism, education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He also emphasized the cultural affinities between the two nations and drew attention to the international acclaim of Saint Lucia’s creative industry, showcased through events like the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.

“There is an incredible potential for people-to-people exchange,” he said. “Saint Lucia is now a global centre for cultural festivals, and we see value in sharing with Nigeria as it builds its global entertainment footprint.”

The Prime Minister commended Nigeria’s progress in higher education and highlighted a mutual interest in fostering academic collaborations.

He stated that his administration is committed to the goal of having at least one university graduate in every household across Saint Lucia.

He also spoke about the evolving global landscape and stressed the importance of enhancing South-South cooperation. “There is a growing uncertainty about the integrity of friendships and alliances in international relationships. Countries in the Global South must create and deepen cooperative ties,” he remarked.

President Tinubu later visited Governor-General Cyril Charles at the Government House, where they discussed areas of Commonwealth collaboration, with a focus on joint efforts to address climate change and socioeconomic issues.

The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to assisting smaller nations and stated that his government would seek ways to strengthen trade and economic ties with Saint Lucia, especially in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

This visit forms part of President Tinubu’s broader diplomatic mission to expand Nigeria’s relations with countries across the Caribbean and South America.

Super Falcons: Key Times Nigeria Has Won the WAFCON

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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4

Nigeria’s Super Falcons wrapped up their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a strong 3–1 victory over Ghana in Casablanca on Sunday — a result that not only boosts morale but also reminds the continent of the Super Falcons’ extraordinary legacy.

As the most successful team in the history of African women’s football, the Super Falcons are chasing their 12th WAFCON title.

But before the campaign kicks off on July 6 against Tunisia, it’s worth reflecting on the iconic moments that have shaped Nigeria’s dominance.

How the Match Unfolded

The friendly match against Ghana was more than a tune-up — it was a test of readiness, and the Falcons passed with flying colours.

Held at the Lanoria Sports Complex in Casablanca, both teams started with intensity, but it was Nigeria that found the breakthrough in the 34th minute when Chinwendu Ihezuo’s shot took a heavy deflection off a Ghanaian defender and rolled into the net.

Although it looked like an own goal, Ihezuo was credited with the strike.
Just before halftime, Nigeria doubled their lead after a foul in the box saw Asisat Oshoala calmly convert from the penalty spot. Early in the second half, Rasheedat Ajibade added a third with a precise finish after a flowing team move.

Ghana managed to pull one back through a late penalty by Alice Kusi, but the Super Falcons comfortably held on for a commanding win — a perfect note on which to begin their 2025 campaign.

5 Defining WAFCON Wins in Nigeria’s Football History

Nigeria has won 11 WAFCON titles, more than any other nation. But beyond the numbers are the unforgettable stories behind those trophies.

Here are five key moments that stand out:

1991 – The First Ever

The Falcons made history by winning the inaugural WAFCON, defeating Cameroon in the finals. The win also earned them Africa’s sole ticket to the first FIFA Women’s World Cup a powerful start that set the tone for decades of dominance.

1998 – Redemption

After missing out in 1995, Nigeria returned with Grit. The Falcons overpowered their rivals, Ghana in the final to reclaim their status as queens of African football. It also marked the start of a fierce regional rivalry that still runs deep.

2006 – Winning on Ghanaian Soil

One of Nigeria’s sweetest victories came in Accra, where the Falcons edged Ghana 1–0 in front of a home crowd. Winning on rival territory showed not just skill but composure under pressure — hallmarks of champions.

2014 – A Flawless win

In Namibia, Nigeria ran a campaign, winning all five matches and scoring 16 goals. With an unstoppable attack and a solid defence, the team defeated Cameroon 2–0 in the final. It was dominance redefined.

2018 – Penalty Shootout Glory

Against South Africa in the final, the game ended goalless and went to penalties. Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi made the match-winning save in a dramatic 4–3 shootout, handing Nigeria its 11th WAFCON title in one of their most nerve-wracking finals.

The tournament comes up in July and here is what the fixtures will look like.

WAFCON 2025: Group Fixtures for Nigeria

The Super Falcons are in Group B, with three crucial matches ahead:

Nigeria vs Tunisia – Sunday, July 6

Nigeria vs Togo – Wednesday, July 9

Nigeria vs Senegal – Saturday, July 12

With only the top teams and best third-placed teams advancing to the quarterfinals, every match counts.

With experienced stars like Oshoala, Ajibade, and Abiodun, and a team that blends youth with experience, Nigeria enters the 2025 tournament not just as favourites but as football royalty.

Favour Ofili Shatters Records In Texas With Double PB, Silences Doubts

By
Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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1

Texas witnessed an electrifying storm at the 2025 ATX Sprint Classic and it came in the form of Nigeria’s sprinting powerhouse, Favour Ofili.

The 22-year-old track star, who recently stirred headlines over speculation of a potential switch to Turkey, made a thunderous statement on the track in Georgetown. If anyone questioned her commitment or fire, she delivered her answer in 10.78 seconds of blazing speed.

She began her campaign with a bang in the heats, clocking a new personal best of 10.87s, improving her previous mark of 10.94s. Her performance left top competitors like Kayla White trailing.

But that was just the warm-up.

In the final, Ofili took things up another level, blasting to 10.78s and clinching gold in dominant fashion. She left Olympic champion Gabby Thomas behind, who finished second in 10.95s, while Kayla White settled for third in 10.97s. For Ofili, this wasn’t just a win, it was a statement.

And this isn’t an isolated feat. Just last month, Ofili stunned the world with a 15.85s world best in the 150m at the Adidas Atlanta City Games. Now, as the Tokyo World Championships approach, she looks primed for even more glory.

Rosemary Chukwuma also showed exceptional form, clocking a sizzling 10.93s in the heats to defeat Gabby Thomas. Though she ended fifth in the final with 10.98s, her steady rise especially after her 11.03s in Florida that secured her Tokyo spot, signals big things ahead.

Adding to Nigeria’s sprint depth, Success Umukoro impressed with an 11.43s finish in her heat.

The ATX Sprint Classic, featuring heavyweights like Aleia Hobbs, Tamara Clark, and Bahamian star Terrence Jones, was anticipated to be an American showcase. But Nigeria’s stars flipped the script.

Ofili’s message to the world?

“Forget the noise. Watch the times.”

Kwara United Clinch Historic First-Ever President Federation Cup Title

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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1

Kwara United made history on Saturday by winning their first-ever major trophy, the 2024 President Federation Cup, after a dramatic penalty shootout at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The final clash between Kwara United and Abakaliki FC ended in a goalless stalemate after regulation and extra time, leading to a tense shootout. Kwara United emerged victorious with a 4-3 win on penalties, etching their name into the annals of Nigerian football.

This marks the 18th time since 1983 that the national cup final has been decided by penalties. The first instance occurred 41 years ago when Enugu Rangers defeated DIC Bees of Kaduna 5-4 following a goalless draw.

With this victory, Kwara United becomes the 33rd different club to lift Nigeria’s oldest football competition, formerly known as the Challenge Cup and later the FA Cup. The historic win also earns them a spot in the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup, where they will represent Nigeria alongside Abia Warriors.

Rivers Angels Clinch Historic 10th President Federation Cup Title

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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2

Rivers Angels have once again stamped their authority in Nigerian women’s football by winning their record 10th President Federation Cup title in dramatic fashion, defeating Nasarawa Amazons via penalty shootout after an intense 2-2 draw in regulation time.

The match, played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, was a tale of two halves. Nasarawa Amazons came out firing in the first half, with Olushola Shobowale scoring twice to put the Lafia-based side firmly in control. Her quick brace stunned Rivers Angels and set the tone for what looked like a one-sided affair.

However, the second half witnessed a remarkable turnaround. Rivers Angels returned to the pitch with renewed determination, showing their championship mettle. Taiwo Ajibade pulled one back shortly after the restart, and minutes later, Taiwo Afolabi netted the equalizer, sending the crowd into a frenzy and shifting the momentum completely.

With both teams unable to find a winner in regular time, the final headed into a tense penalty shootout. It was Rivers Angels’ goalkeeper, Anderline Mgbechi, who stole the spotlight. She not only made crucial saves but also stepped up to take and convert the decisive final penalty, securing the victory and etching her name into club folklore.

This triumph marks the 10th Federation Cup crown for Rivers Angels, a testament to their dominance and consistency in Nigerian women’s football. The team’s resilience, composure under pressure, and winning mentality continue to set them apart as a powerhouse on the national stage.

Rivers Angels’ head coach praised the squad’s fighting spirit, stating that the comeback was a result of belief, tactical adjustments, and pure heart. Fans across Port Harcourt and beyond have celebrated the historic win, which further cements the club’s legacy.

With this victory, Rivers Angels once again prove they are not just champions but legends in the making, showcasing the true spirit of Nigerian football.

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