Author: Press Room

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has refuted claims suggesting he is vying for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such reports as baseless and a distraction from his responsibilities. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF condemned a recent publication (not by The PUNCH) which listed him among key politicians purportedly positioning themselves for the APC chairmanship. “The attention of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has been drawn to a publication…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a profound national tragedy and an irreplaceable loss to the nation. The announcement was made public on Sunday through a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. “President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness,” the statement read. President Tinubu, according to the statement, has reached out personally to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, to express his…

Nigeria’s Afrobeat star Odumodublvck has weighed in on the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports. The Nigerian rapper, who is known for his breakout song “Declan Rice,” expressed strong disapproval over Inter Milan’s reported €40 million offer for the Atalanta forward. In a post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) platform, the 2024-25 Headies’ Next Rated Artiste wrote: “40 million for Africa’s best player? Over my dead body.” 40 MILLION FOR AFRICA BEST PLAYER OVER MY DEAD BODY. — AKPORSTLE INDUSTRY MACHINE (@Odumodublvck_) July 16, 2025 This followed a strong debate in the Nigerian football…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a resident of Durumi 2, Abuja, in connection with the tragic death of a three-year-old boy who drowned in an uncovered septic tank. The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2025. The suspect, identified as Philip Jallo, was taken into custody by officers from the Durumi Divisional Headquarters shortly after the event. According to preliminary investigations, the child had been playing within the residential compound when he accidentally slipped and fell into the exposed septic tank, which was filled with human waste. He was rescued from the tank…

Investors in the Nigerian equities market gained N226 billion at the close of trading on Tuesday. This followed a surge in the share prices of stocks like Omatek Ventures, Champions Breweries Plc and Nigerian Exchange Group, among others, on the trading floor. The benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) increased to 121,653.93 points from 121,295.33 points recorded the previous day. After five hours of trading at the capital market, the equity capitalisation rose to N76.7 trillion from the N76.5 trillion posted by the bourse on Monday. The market breadth was positive, with 57 stocks advancing, 21 stocks declining, and 79 stocks remaining…

A faction of the Labour Party loyal to Senator Nenadi Usman has come down hard on the suspended National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, following the circulation of a viral photograph showing him in the company of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by Ken Asogwa, the Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Acting National Chairman, the faction described the image as further proof of Abure’s questionable loyalty to the party and its ideals. “While Mr. Peter Obi is diligently focused on addressing critical national issues, and Senator…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it has now received a total of 129 applications from various associations seeking registration as political parties in Nigeria. This was disclosed following INEC’s regular weekly meeting held on Thursday, July 10, 2025. In a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the Commission revealed that seven new applications were submitted within the last week, bringing the overall number to 129. “At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the Commission received further updates on additional requests from associations…

Salisu Kabuga The Emir of Dutse, in Jigawa State, Alhaji Hamim Nuhu, has urged stakeholders, including politicians and Islamic scholars, to collaborate in addressing the increasing issue of violence against women in Northern Nigeria. The monarch made the call during a courtesy visit to his Palace on Thursday in Dutse, by representatives of the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and the Bayero University’s Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, who were working on a project to prevent gender-based violence in the region with support from the Ford Foundation. Emir Hamim who condemned violence against women, described it as…

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, has opened up about the reasons behind his abrupt rebrand, which saw him ditch his characteristic mask and teddy bear in favor of tattoos, smoking, and darker aesthetics. The musician explained that his change, which included the contentious on-screen smoking, was a planned “expression of art” rather than a betrayal of his nature. Speaking on the one-year anniversary of his sophomore album, ‘HEIS,’ the ‘Calm Down’ crooner in a post on social media clarified that the rebrand was deeply symbolic. Rema further explained on his official X page (formerly Twitter) that…

Super Eagles and Napoli forward, Victor James Osimhen, is edging closer to a move to Turkish side, Galatasaray, Soccernet.ng reports. However, his future could be away from Istanbul as another English Premier League club are considering making a bid for the 2023 CAF Player of the Year. Osimhen has been linked with a move to Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool. The Blues have gone to sign Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, while Arsenal and Liverpool are prioritising moves for Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike, respectively. Victor Osimhen of celebrates victory after the Ziraat Turkish Cup Quarter Final Match between…