Author: Press Room

Chunks Nzegwu (left); Chinioaba Odiama; Onyeachonam I.K, BOF Coordinator, Akpo Diekomaoh; Alex Okoloji and Ogbogu Nnamdi during the briefing. As a way of strengthening security around vulnerable persons and institutions, particularly those located in isolated and high-risk areas, the Neo-Black Movement of Africa Worldwide has called on the federal government to urgently deploy military personnel and other security operatives in schools in Nigeria to protect students and teachers from the persistent attacks by terrorists and kidnappers. The group’s Body of Founders (BOF) made the call at a world press conference in Asaba, Delta State, amid the growing concerns over the…

“Tornado” is a confident anthem centered on self-worth, high status, and owning your presence the moment you step into a room. Ayra Starr positions herself as the ultimate center of attention, using the track to celebrate her charisma and physical appeal with direct, unapologetic lyricism. Through lines like “I’m that girl they wanna be” and “My figure no be fable,” she reminds listeners that her global appeal is entirely real and unexaggerated. She even includes a playful nod to her rising value in the music industry with the boastful line, “Inflation, I’m the price they wanna beat.” Co-produced by Skillies,…

Janet Ogundepo The Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Babajide Saheed, has said that the health sector has performed poorly and witnessed only little improvement in infrastructural development. In a statement issued to PUNCH Healthwise to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Saheed said the Federal Government had shown no clear commitment to tackling the brain drain in the health sector, arguing that attention was instead being directed toward international partnerships and the expansion of medical and educational institutions. PUNCH Healthwise reports that Nigeria currently has about 40,000 licensed doctors, a further decline from the 55,000 that…

Former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha was given a legendary FIFA Award ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports. The 52-year-old represented Nigeria at three World Cup tournaments (1994, 1998 and 2002). However, he was without a goal or an assist in all three editions. Still, his memory lives on in several Nigerian Football fans. He might not have found the back of the net, but Okocha was an entertainer through and through, so much so that he holds the record for most dribbles completed in a FIFA World Cup game. Jay-Jay Okocha…

Twelve human rights organisations in Osun State, under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Activists, and Trade Unionists, on Friday staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo to mark June 12, calling for urgent action against worsening insecurity across Nigeria. The protesters said governments at all levels had failed to adequately address the rising wave of kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes in the country. The groups, which included the Centre for Sustained Dialogue, Osun Coalition of Civil Societies, Democratic Socialist Movement, Take It Back Movement and the Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria, converged at Ayetoro…

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has revealed his choice for the player he believes will win the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports. The 23rd edition of the Mundial kicked off on Thursday night, with co-hosts Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in a heated encounter that saw three red cards — two to the African side and one to the North American host. The tournament will be also be staged across the United States and Canada, and will run for several weeks before concluding on July 19, when the final will determine who succeeds Argentina as world champions following their penalty…

France on Friday will lay to rest Bernadette Chirac, widow of former president Jacques Chirac, in a funeral in Paris set to be attended by prominent figures from the worlds of politics and entertainment. Bernadette Chirac, who stood by her late husband during 12 years as first lady, but also forged her own, more discreet, political career, died on June 5 at the age of 93. Her funeral will be held at 2:30 pm (1230 GMT) at the Sainte-Clotilde Basilica in Paris. Guests expected to attend include current French first lady Brigitte Macron, as well as two former presidents —…

Residents of Oja Agbe, also known as Farmers’ Market, in Ifo Local Council of Ogun State, have raised concerns over the health and environmental hazards posed by a 35-year old dumpsite in the area. Speaking during a protest, the residents, alongside members of the Make Ogun Great Again (MOGA) Movement, warned that the situation could trigger a cholera outbreak if urgent steps are not taken. They noted that the dumpsite has expanded into surrounding roads, causing environmental degradation and exposing residents and traders to health risks. They appealed to the Ogun State Government to urgently evacuate the refuse and provide a…

Janet Ogundepo The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Afekhide Omoti, has said that while the health sector has recorded some progress in the last three years, it continues to be plagued by brain drain, poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, rising disease burden, assault on doctors and insecurity. He stated that the migration of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals had reached alarming levels, resulting in reduced quality of healthcare services and a shortage of workers in healthcare facilities. Omoti, in an interview with PUNCH Healthwise, however, admitted that increased attention to health sector reforms at the federal and state…

A disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup it was for South Africa, says former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh, Soccernet.ng reports. Oliseh is convinced that South Africa’s collapse on the colourful opening day of the global showpiece had more to do with pressure than football ability. Bafana Bafana were beaten 2-0 by co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the tournament at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Group A clash attracted a crowd of 80,824 fans and quickly turned into one of the most dramatic opening games in World Cup history. Mexico took…