Author: Press Room

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar could be in line for a permanent stay at Valencia following an impressive run of form since arriving on loan from Real Sociedad in January, Soccernet.ng reports. The Nigerian forward played a pivotal role over the weekend as Valencia stunned Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu — their first win at the stadium in 17 years. The match marked a turning point for Sadiq, who had previously faced Los Blancos three times without a win or goal to his name. Since arriving at Mestalla, the former Almería striker has gradually settled into manager Carlos…

This year, President Bola Tinubu marked Eid-el-Fitr in Abuja. Until now, he had never spent a multi-day holiday in the Aso Rock Villa. On most major holidays, he leads his team, like geese on seasonal migration, from the calm of the capital to the bustle of Lagos. So, it surprised some when word leaked that he’d changed his mind hours before the usual trip. Lagos has been the President’s favourite holiday spot in the past four holiday cycles since he assumed office. It appears that he is gradually getting over his nostalgia and is comfortable holidaying away from his old…

Twenty-four hours after commissioning Abuja’s first solar-powered market, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched yet another solar-powered market in the FCT. Commissioned by the FCT Minister, the Kugbo International Market comprises 5,200 stalls, attracting approximately 20,000 visitors daily, 20 warehouses -underground warehouses – 20 coldrooms, 10 restaurants, banks, clinic, police and fire service stations and others. Recall that the minister had on Friday commissioned the Utako Farmers Market. Speaking on Saturday at the commissioning ceremony of the first phase of the Kugbo International Market with 1,600 shops, Wike expressed optimism that it will significantly…

Chippa United have reportedly set their sights on Orlando Pirates’ young goalkeeper Ethan Visagie as they prepare for life after Stanley Nwabali, Soccernet.ng reports. Nwabali, who has impressed for both club and country, is widely expected to leave the Chilli Boys at the end of the current campaign. The Super Eagles shot-stopper has attracted interest from domestic giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, as well as several European clubs following his standout displays for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and in World Cup qualifiers. Stanley Nwabali transfer update [Edited/Azzuu]According to insiders close to the situation, Chippa United…

The medical and dental lecturers in the South-West zone have insisted that they would not return to work unless they are paid the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure. The South-West Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria had, in February, declared an indefinite industrial action by clinical lecturers in universities across the region over the non-payment of CONMESS. Our correspondent gathered that out of the 28 federal institutions in the country, only the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, and the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, are yet to pay the salary structure. The state institutions yet to…

  By Rotimi Agbana Amid growing concerns spurred by recent remarks from a popular religious leader, Nigerian pharmacists have clarified misconceptions about fluoride, emphasising its safety and efficacy when used in regulated amounts. The comments, which circulated widely in trending videos, featured the cleric condemning the presence of fluoride in toothpaste, food, and pharmaceutical products, alleging it to be poisonous and cancer-causing. Responding over the weekend, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria described the claims as “not totally in alignment with scientific facts,” while acknowledging the pastor’s influence in spiritual matters. In a statement jointly signed by the National…

Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of RCCG, says God told him the church’s governing council will “one day hold a meeting on the moon”. Speaking at the April edition of the Holy Ghost Congress convention, the cleric said God’s promises may seem unbelievable, but he believes they will come to pass. Adeboye, 83, also recalled how God told him that he would own a city despite living in a one-room apartment in Mushin, Lagos. “I am not doubting God, I know with him all things are possible. But he told me, and I told some of my people, He told me…

Super Eagles and Genk forward, Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare, is set to go to war against Anderlecht ahead of his 100th game for his side, Soccernet.ng reports. The 24-year-old joined the Smurfs from French side, Amiens SC, in the winter transfer window of the 2022/2023 season, and after a difficult start, Arokodare is finally getting the recognition he deserves. The lanky forward has scored 20 games and provided five assists in 36 games for Genk this campaign across all competitions and is primed to add another in his 100th game for Thorsten Fink’s side tomorrow. Toluwalase Arokodare looks dejected during a…

The heinous killing of 16 Fulani hunters in Uromi, Esan North LGA, Edo State, in late March is unacceptable. The PUNCH Editorial Board condemns it in its totality. This is reprehensible. No decent society should condone mob justice or jungle justice, also known as vigilante justice. The criminals must be identified scientifically and punished. However, the Uromi killings are a symptom of a broken security and justice system. The federal and state governments should ensure that Nigerians are treated equally irrespective of their ethnic, tribal, and religious colouration. In a fragile country, the overt deployment of double standards is destructive…

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed that all party membership registrations must be conducted at the ward level, in line with its constitution, and cautioned against ongoing irregularities in the registration process. SDP National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, in a statement, said the current state of registration has become “haphazard and uncoordinated” prompting urgent intervention from the party’s leadership. He cited Article 10.1(d) and (e) of the SDP Constitution, which explicitly states that registration must be conducted at the ward or through an official online platform — with all members being captured in the ward register, regardless of…