Author: Press Room

A United Kingdom-based Nigerian mother of three, Omotayo Abioye, has died after a battle with breast cancer, with her family calling for public support to cater for her burial and the welfare of her children. PUNCH Metro learnt from a statement shared on X on Friday by the former president of Nigerians in the UK, Benjamin Kuti, that Omotayo died on April 5 at the age of 40. According to Kuti, Omotayo was described by her family as a devoted mother, loving wife, and compassionate individual whose life impacted many. In the statement, the family expressed deep grief over her…

Despite rising hunger and worsening malnutrition across the country, Nigeria is grappling with a stark paradox, as an estimated 38 million tonnes of food are wasted annually. Nutritionists and experts across the agricultural value chain, who spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, said the scale of waste occurring at various points along the food value chain underscores systemic inefficiencies that the country can ill afford amid growing food insecurity. They warned that such massive food losses are not only an economic setback but also a significant public health challenge, as many Nigerians continue to struggle with limited access to nutritious food, particularly…

Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, will be fully fit to face Fenerbahçe in their crucial Super Lig match in two weeks’ time after being reintegrated into squad training on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Osimhen has been sidelined with an arm injury sustained against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League play-off before the international break, but the Nigerian is gradually returning to full fitness ahead of the Super Lig title run-in. The 27-year-old has undergone surgery and took part in non-contact team training on Saturday, but he was not listed as Galatasaray faced Kocaelispor on Sunday. According to a source close…

NIGERIA’S overdependence on crude oil has defined its political economy for more than five decades. From the oil boom of the 1970s to the repeated price shocks of later years, the country’s fiscal stability has often mirrored the volatile fortunes of global energy markets. Today, however, evidence suggests that, at last, Nigeria is beginning to loosen the grip of oil dependence on its public finances. This transition may be the most important economic recalibration since 1999, which, if sustained, could reshape the country’s economic future. A new report by Quartus Economics suggests that tax revenue now accounts for roughly 87…

Manchester City tightened their grip on the Premier League title race with a dominant 3-0 victory over Chelsea, which has now placed serious pressure on Arsenal, Soccernet.ng reports. City’s commanding performance not only secured three vital points but also cut the gap at the top to just six points, with a game in hand. As such, there’s an even bigger spectacle to expect when Pep Guardiola’s men welcome Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to the Etihad next Sunday, in what is a title-deciding, season-deciding clash for both sides. For Nigerian fans, many of whom either support Chelsea or Arsenal, the result sparked…

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted tramadol capsules and other pharmaceutical products with a Duty Paid Value of N1.05bn along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo State. This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday. The Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, said the seizure was made through intelligence-driven and coordinated enforcement operations. He explained that operatives intercepted a truck conveying the contraband items along the route. According to him, the driver attempted to evade arrest when flagged down by customs officers but later abandoned the vehicle…

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, has called for a Senate probe into recent military airstrikes, insisting that condolences are not enough following reported civilian casualties. Gumi, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, questioned the conduct of military operations and demanded accountability. “Who are the pilots behind these bomb releases on innocent locals?” he asked, citing incidents in Tudun Biri, Nasarawa, Sokoto and other locations. Several past incidents of accidental military airstrikes, including the December 2023 Tudun Biri bombing in Kaduna State, also resulted in significant civilian casualties. “Terror cannot be fought with another terror. There should be…

Fulham’s push for a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League suffered a major setback after a 2–0 defeat away to Liverpool at Anfield, Soccernet.ng reports. With the Premier League now guaranteed five Champions League spots for the 2026/27 campaign, the opportunity was clear. A win for Fulham would have taken them to 47 points, just five behind fifth-placed Liverpool, and firmly placed them in the race. Instead, they remain on 44 points and sit outside a crowded group of teams also chasing that final qualifying position. Liverpool made the difference count early. Goals from Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah…

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has criticised supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing them as “monsters” and warning that their conduct could undermine his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections. In a series of posts on X on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa said Obi bears responsibility for the actions of his supporters, popularly known as Obidients. “@PeterObi has actually raised monsters. By God’s grace @officialABAT will win the 2027 elections. When it’s the turn of the South-East and who knows, if the lot falls on him, I hope he knows that these…

The International future of Brentford full-back Michael Kayode has been in the air after a series of brilliant outings in the English Premier League this season, Soccernet.ng reports. The 21-year-old joined the Bees from Italian side Fiorentina last summer for €17.5m, and has featured in all but one of Brentford’s games this season, showing consistency and versatility. Kayode has also taken English Football to its early years with his speciality from long throws that has provided several chances for Keith Andrews side this season; a method several top teams have imitated. Michael Kayode of Brentford. Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMediax Get Our Sports…