Author: Press Room

Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and several state governors led thousands of people in performing funeral prayers for the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, in Bauchi State on Friday. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other federal and state officials were also among the mourners who paid their last respects to the Islamic cleric. The late cleric was, until his death, the supreme leader of the Tijjaniyya movement in the country. Saturday PUNCH gathered that the scholar died on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, around 1:30 a.m., after a…

Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic has urged the club’s fans to be patient with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after his error against Bologna last week, Soccernet.ng reports. The 26-year-old denied Riccardo Orsolini from twelve yards in Bologna’s 3-0 win over Udinese, but his error led to Bologna’s second goal. Okoye only returned to action last month after serving a ban that kept him out of club action for a while because of a betting scandal. The former Watford goalie apologised for his error after the game, claiming the result left a bitter aftertaste. Maduka Okoye makes a penalty save…

In Summary Only six African countries met the IMD 2025 minimum data threshold, meaning they provided consistent, verifiable year-round statistics.Their gains came from executed reforms in energy reliability, targeted logistics upgrades, fiscal correction, and tighter policy coordination.Digital tools such as national ID systems, real-time verification, and simplified licensing improved compliance, speed, and transparency.The 2025 results show that countries with documented progress ranked highest, proving that execution, not plans, shaped competitiveness.Deep Dive!!Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, November 28 – The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking is an annual evaluation of how effectively countries use their economic, institutional, and human resources to achieve long-term productivity. It offers…

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his determination to serve the people of the state diligently till his last day in office. The governor stated this on Thursday at the unveiling of two books entitled “Giant Strides” and “Ibadan Hegemony,” and a Yoruba film “Agbeni” authored by the Balogun of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, held at the Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Makinde, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, noted that the books and the film showcased the culture and history of Ibadanland, which are consistent with…

The Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Council, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, has said that there is uniformity of opinion for Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to seek a second term in office because of the unprecedented social, infrastructural and political harmony his administration has bequeathed the state. Obeagu stated that the Governor’s political realignment to the national ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has further bridged divides for the state to benefit fully from the nation’s democratic dividends.The council chairman made the remarks at the council headquarters in Ikem on Thursday, during the inauguration of the Isi-Uzo Local Government…

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has stated that the club will only consider handing Super Eagles attacker Samuel Chukwueze a fresh contract and activate his option-to-buy clause if he performs with sustained consistency, Soccernet.ng reports. ​Chukwueze joined Fulham from AC Milan on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window in search of more consistent game time. In his two seasons with the Rossoneri, he failed to secure a regular spot in the starting eleven. Following the appointment of coach Massimiliano Allegri, Chukwueze was informed that he was surplus to requirements, which led to his departure. Samuel Chukwueze of AC…

In SummarymPharma was founded in 2013 by Gregory Rockson and co-founders to address fragmented medicine supply chains and make quality drugs more affordable across Africa.In 2022, mPharma raised $35 million in Series D funding to enhance its technology, data analytics, and operational expansion across multiple countries.Its model combines inventory management, pharmacy services, and data-driven supply systems to lower drug costs, prevent stock-outs, and reach underserved communities.Deep Dive!!Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, November 28 – Across Africa, access to reliable medicines has been fragile. Many independent pharmacies struggle to maintain consistent stock, and patients often face stock‑outs, inflated prices, or poor drug quality.In…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has explained why he returned to Nigeria aboard an Ivorian aircraft after recent political unrest in Guinea-Bissau, stating that President Bola Tinubu had also prepared to dispatch a Nigerian jet, but Côte d’Ivoire secured an earlier landing permit. Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, made the remarks in an interview posted on YouTube by Symfoni on Friday. This was his first public comment since gunfire erupted around key government institutions in Bissau, prompting reports of a possible coup. He said he spoke “to thank Nigerians for…

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has vowed that criminal elements will not be allowed to turn the state into a theatre of insecurity under his watch. Speaking on Thursday in Bauchi while presenting the 2026 budget proposal, the Governor said his administration has invested heavily in ensuring that the state remains peaceful and secure. He warned that anyone attempting to foment conflict would face the full weight of the law. Mohammed cautioned traditional rulers and government officials against aiding criminal activities by harbouring bandits, shielding criminal elements, or engaging in illegal sale of government grazing reserves. He stressed that his…

Gbenga Oloniniran The Lagos State Government has revealed that an estimated 160,000 residents are currently living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency made this known during its World AIDS Day 2025 press briefing held on Thursday. Presenting the state’s progress report before journalists at Alausa, Ikeja, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, said the figures reflect the latest estimates from January to September 2025. “As of January to September 2025, Lagos State currently has an estimated 160,000 residents living with HIV, of whom 147,466 persons are on antiretroviral treatment,” she said. Animashaun…