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NFF: It’s Shameful We Have Allowed Corruption to Take Root in Nigeria – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate has lamented that corruption has eaten deep into Nigeria.
According to him, corruption has become a major factor hindering national progress.
Speaking in a post on X titled “Corruption in Sports: A Reflection of Nigeria’s Deeper Malaise,” Obi reacted to FIFA’s revelation on the alleged mismanagement of funds meant for stadium development and youth sports by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
He called the development “sickening and shameful,” saying it reflects the broader decay in governance.
Obi recalled that during his tenure as Anambra State governor, land was allocated for a FIFA-funded stadium in Awka, but the project was never executed.
He lamented that despite receiving about $25 million from FIFA and CAF since 2013, there is little to show for it, describing the reported $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi as “a national embarrassment.”

Obi accused corrupt leaders of “demarketing” Nigeria through mismanagement and theft of public funds, stressing that rebuilding the nation must begin with integrity and accountability.

Obi said: “While we continue to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and the rising unemployment among our youths, the most heartbreaking reality remains the entrenched corruption that permeates every facet of our nation – especially in the critical sectors that could help lift Nigeria in these challenging times.
 
“FIFA’s recent revelation about the mismanagement of funds released to Nigeria’s Football Federation for stadium development and youth talent growth is both sickening and shameful. It perfectly mirrors the broader decay in how our scarce national resources are handled. I am certain that further investigations will reveal even worse realities than what we currently know.
 
“I recall vividly that during my time as Governor of Anambra State, I received officials from the Sports Federation who visited and informed us that Awka had been selected as one of six geographical locations for the construction of a FIFA-standard stadium to be fully funded by FIFA. We immediately allocated land for that purpose, and they assured us that the project would be executed through the Federal Ministry of Sports. That was the last we heard of it.
 
“Believing that such a major project was underway, we channelled our resources toward constructing mini-stadiums across the state to encourage grassroots sports. We commissioned the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium in Onitsha, as well as the Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha South, among others.
 
“Years later, nothing came of the promised FIFA project, which prompted us to initiate the construction of the Awka Stadium ourselves. Seeing the recent news about funds released by FIFA to Nigeria to develop talent and improve youth sports, I am deeply disappointed by such blatant squandering of opportunities.
 
“I have always maintained that those who accuse us of “demarketing” Nigeria for speaking the truth and exposing corruption are the very ones who thrive on corruption and deceit. The real demarketers of Nigeria are the incompetent leaders who have forged their way to wealth through the mismanagement and theft of public funds – resources that should have been used to provide schools, healthcare, and employment for our youths and to nurture their talents.
 
“Since 2013, about $25 million has reportedly been received by the NFF from FIFA and CAF – funds meant for the development of football and youth sports in our country. Yet, there is little or nothing to show for it. The so-called $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State is a national embarrassment. The structure in no way reflects the funds claimed to have been spent on it.
 
“We cannot continue to watch our sports decline while corruption flourishes. Our youths are our most prized assets, yet we have destroyed their future and then turned around to label them “Yahoo boys,” when, in truth, the leaders who have robbed them of their future are the real “Yahoo” of our nation.
 
“This is yet another shameful reflection of the corruption we have allowed to take root in Nigeria. If we truly desire to rebuild our country, we must begin with integrity and accountability in every aspect and sector. Until then, our nation will continue to crawl where it should be soaring.”
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Many Trapped, 15 Rescued as Two-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos

At least 15 persons have been rescued and many more trapped after a two-storey building collapsed at No. 54, Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, near UBA Bank in Oyingbo, Lagos.
The sad incident happened in the early hours of Monday, shortly after midnight.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LSFRS, said it received a distress call at 12:20 a.m., prompting firefighters from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station to arrive at the scene within minutes, at 12:29 a.m., to begin search-and-rescue operations.
Confirming the development, Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, said 15 persons had so far been rescued alive, seven adult males, four adult females, and four children, all with varying degrees of injury.
She added that the victims had been transported to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, and the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, for urgent medical attention.
Preliminary findings revealed that the ill-fated structure had previously been marked as distressed but was still occupied by residents at the time of the collapse.
Adeseye noted that rescue efforts were still ongoing, as emergency responders continued combing through the debris for any remaining victims feared trapped.
She assured the public that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with other emergency management agencies, remains on site and fully mobilised “to ensure that every trapped individual is safely recovered.”
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NDLEA Uncovers UK-Bound Cocaine Hidden In Cream Containers At Lagos Airport (Photos)

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has discovered 70 parcels of cocaine hidden inside body cream containers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, thwarting an attempt to smuggle the drug to the United Kingdom.

The NDLEA’s Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, explained that the cocaine consignments, weighing 3.60 kilograms, were discovered on October 14, 2025, during examination of cargoes packaged as personal effects on an Air Peace flight bound for London.

According to the statement, a cargo agent, Lawal Mustapha Olakunle, was promptly arrested, adding that investigations led to the arrest of two principal suspects linked to the attempt.

“In a follow up operation on 18th October, a female healthcare worker Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah was arrested following which Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi, the Chief Executive Officer of a travel agency, Mutiu Adebiyi & Co, was arrested at his 23 Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja GRA Lagos office on Monday 20th October.

“In a similar development, attempt by a 35-year-old Lesotho national Lemena Mark to export 103.59 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a diabeta herbs coffee tea pack to the Philippines on an Ethiopian airlines flight from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu on Wednesday 22nd October was thwarted by NDLEA officers who arrested him and recovered the illicit drug,”the statement noted.

Babafemi explained that the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has commended the officers and men of MMIA, AIIA, Lagos, for the arrests, and seizures.

He urged them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the agency.

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NECO Opens UK Exam Centre For Nigerians In Diaspora

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the creation of a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its global expansion initiative to offer credible assessment opportunities to Nigerians in the diaspora.

Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, who unveiled the centre during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, said the initiative was developed in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd.

In a statement on Sunday by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, the Registrar said: “The initiative aims to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, have been unable to complete secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad in line with the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement.”

The NECO chief described the new Senior School Certificate Examination centre as a strategic step toward extending NECO’s global footprint, adding that the Council now administers examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

Wushishi noted that the London centre would empower Nigerians abroad, promote national pride, and strengthen the global recognition of NECO certificates, which are already accepted by several UK universities, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward ensuring that “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.” 

Alausa said the move aligned with the Federal Ministry of Education’s goal of leveraging the diaspora as a vital educational resource.

The statement added that the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr John Ibanga, said the new centre would serve as an alternative pathway for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges within the British education system, particularly those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education.
Ibanga said: “Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their progression.

“This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement.”

During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, the statement noted that the Registrar briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the new centre, stressing that the UK remains a strategic hub for expanding educational access to Nigerians abroad.

Responding, the Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, praised NECO’s move as a “timely and commendable effort” consistent with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.

Abu-Obe added: “The Mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom.” 

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I’m Not Done Yet – Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris Says She May Run For President Again

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has hinted that she may run for the White House again in the future.

“I am not done,” Harris told the BBC on Saturday, saying she could “possibly” still be president one day, her strongest suggestion yet that she was considering a third bid for the White House.

“I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones,” she said.

Harris lost the 2024 election to Donald Trump after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race just 107 days before Election Day.

In her memoir about her campaign, titled “107 Days,” Harris had signaled that she would not seek high office in the near future, suggesting that changing the system from within isn’t possible.

“I’ll no longer sit in DC in the grandeur of the ceremonial office.

“I will be with the people, in towns and communities where I can listen to their ideas on how we rebuild trust, empathy, and a government worthy of the ideals of this country,” she wrote.

But Harris told the BBC her young nieces would see a female president “within their lifetime for sure.” Asked if it could be her, she replied, “Possibly.”

Asked about polls that show her as an outsider to win a possible Democratic primary, she replied: “There are all kinds of polls that will tell you a variety of things. I’ve never listened to polls.”

“I certainly wouldn’t be sitting here,” she added.

In the memoir, Harris reflected on Biden’s decision to run for re-election and on his abrupt decision to suspend his campaign and endorse her, calling it “recklessness.”

She wrote that the “stakes were simply too high” to leave it up to Biden to make a “personal decision.”

The book also recounted her decision-making process for choosing a running mate, where she detailed why several prominent Democrats, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, didn’t make the ticket.

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Resident Doctors To Begin Indefinite Strike November 1

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced plans to begin an indefinite nationwide strike on November 1, after the expiration of the 30-day ultimatum previously given to the Federal Government.

NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Saturday.

Suleiman stated that the association’s National Executive Council reached the decision after reviewing the government’s response to their demands during its virtual emergency meeting.

He noted that the strike notice would be formally issued within 24 hours as mandated by the NEC.

“The NEC of NARD has declared total and indefinite strike action starting November 1st of 2025. As a matter of fact, the NEC said all the 19 points are our minimum demands, and there is no going back. The notice for the strike will be out maybe later today or tomorrow,” Suleiman said.

The looming strike is expected to heavily impact services in hospitals across the country where resident doctors form the backbone of clinical care.

NARD had on September 26 given the Federal Government one month to address a series of unresolved issues affecting the welfare and training of resident doctors and medical officers across the country.

NARD noted that resident doctors and medical officers across the country continued to endure excessive and unregulated work hours, spanning several consecutive days, which endanger both their health and patient safety.

 

The association also raised concern over the nonpayment of the outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent upward review arrears of CONMESS, which should have been settled by the end of August 2025, despite several engagements with the Federal Government.

NARD described as unjust the dismissal of five resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, saying the action came amid widespread burnout and the ongoing migration of medical professionals abroad.

Other grievances include the non-payment of promotion arrears owed to medical officers in various federal tertiary hospitals and the failure of the government to pay the 2024 accoutrement allowance, despite repeated assurances from the Ministry of Health.

It also cited bureaucratic delays in upgrading resident doctors’ ranks following successful completion of postgraduate medical examinations. The association said these delays have led to non-payment of new salary scales and accumulated arrears.

It further decried the exclusion of resident doctors from the specialist allowance, despite their vital role in delivering specialist-level clinical care to patients nationwide.

Similarly, NARD faulted the exclusion of medical and dental house officers from the civil service scheme, a policy that has denied them rightful emoluments, professional recognition, and timely payment of salaries.

The association also condemned the downgrading of newly employed resident doctors from CONMESS three Step three to CONMESS two Step two, which has resulted in salary shortages and arrears in several federal hospitals.

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National Assembly Approves Additional State For South-East

The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has endorsed the creation of a new state in the South-East, aimed at addressing the long-standing agitation over the region’s perceived political marginalisation.

The resolution was reached during the committee’s two-day retreat held in Lagos from October 24 to 25.

The committee, chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin and co-chaired by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, deliberated extensively on the long-standing demand for a sixth state in the region.

The committee also considered a wide-ranging proposal for constitutional amendments, including 55 separate requests for new states across the federation.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, a member of the committee, Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) described the decision as “a right step in the right direction,” noting that it would help address long-standing feelings of marginalisation in the South-East.

“The most important of all the approvals that we have gotten is that we have agreed today to give an additional state to the South-East to balance it six-six states per geo-political zone regardless of the North-West that has seven states.

“We have set up another committee to look at modalities to create more states for areas that need more states. These are the things that we have achieved today. An additional state for South-East is a major achievement of this final retreat of the National Assembly Constitution Review Committee,” he said.

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Yahoo Boys Are Geniuses, They Need Redirection, Not Condemnation – Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has described internet fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo boys,” as talented individuals who need proper guidance instead of condemnation.

‎Obi emphasized that these individuals are creatives who lack proper direction, adding that they could contribute to innovation and national development.
‎
‎Speaking in Onitsha, Anambra State on Saturday, he highlighted that while money is necessary, true wealth is based on integrity, character and purpose.
‎
‎Obi said wealth should uplift individuals and society by promoting education, reducing poverty and creating opportunities for dignified lives.
‎
‎“Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.

“Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development.
‎
‎“Real wealth uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives,” he said.

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BREAKING: NDLEA Arrests Pretty Mike, Others During Drug Party In Lagos

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025, raided Proxy Nightclub located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, where a drug party was reportedly taking place.

Over 100 suspects including the owner of the club, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, alias Pretty Mike, were arrested and taken into custody for screening.

Cartons of illicit substances including Loud, and laughing gas, were recovered from suspects at the party and the club’s store.

A statement released by the NDLEA said the raid followed intelligence about the drug party.

NDLEA operatives who were embedded in the party between 11:00 pm on Saturday 25th October however disrupted the gathering at 3:00 am on Sunday 26th October based on Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs.

A total of 70 parcels of cocaine factory packed in walls of cocoa butter formula body cream containers heading to London, United Kingdom have been uncovered at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, with three suspects arrested in series of follow-up operations across Lagos.

The cocaine consignments weighing 3.60 kilograms were discovered on 14th October 2025 during examination of cargoes packaged as personal effects going to London, UK on an Air Peace flight.

A cargo agent Lawal Mustapha Olakunle who presented the consignment for airfreight was promptly arrested while investigations stretching into two weeks led to the arrest of two principal suspects linked to the attempt to export the concealed Class A drug to the UK.

In a follow up operation on 18th October, a female healthcare worker, Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah, was arrested following which Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi, the Chief Executive Officer of a travel agency, Mutiu Adebiyi & Co, was arrested at his 23 Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja GRA Lagos office on Monday 20th October.

In a similar development, attempt by a 35-year-old Lesotho national, Lemena Mark, to export 103.59 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a diabeta herbs coffee tea pack to the Philippines on an Ethiopian airlines flight from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, AIIA, Enugu on Wednesday 22nd October was thwarted by NDLEA officers who arrested him and recovered the illicit drug.

No fewer than 21,950 capsules of tramadol 250mg concealed inside a 100-litre water heater were recovered from a suspect Umar Abubakar, 40, who was arrested by NDLEA operatives at Bode Saadu, Morro local government area of Kwara state following credible intelligence on Tuesday 21st October.

In Taraba, the duo of Auwal Musa, 26, and Salihu Bala, 22, were on Tuesday 21st October arrested with 450,000 pills of tramadol and exol-5 at Dan-anacha checkpoint while conveying the consignment in a truck loaded with building materials from Onitsha, Anambra state to Mubi, Adamawa State.

While NDLEA officers on patrol along Okene/Lokoja highway, Kogi state seized 162.200kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, from a truck on Friday 24th October, operatives in Nasarawa state on Wednesday 22nd October recovered 128kg of same psychoactive substance from a suspect, Abubakar Muhammad, 55, in Keffi area of the state.

A mother of two, Oyonumoh Glory Effiong, who is a major distributor of Canadian and California Loud, both strong strains of cannabis in Lekki, Ajah, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and VGC areas of Lagos have been arrested by NDLEA operatives on Friday 17th October during a raid at her Lekki home where 500 grams of the illicit substances were recovered.

In Ikorodu area of Lagos, NDLEA officers on Thursday 23rd October raided the home of a suspect Ogunyabo Adenigbigbe at Solomade Estate where 275 litres of skuchies, a new psychoactive substance produced with black currant drink, cannabis and opioids, were recovered.

A 75-year-old grandpa, Echendu Onuoka, was on Wednesday 22nd October arrested at Ovum village, Obingwa LGA, Abia State with 4.7kg skunk seized from him, while a 60-year-old grandma, Aukana John, was nabbed with 225 grams of same substance at Apanta village, in the same LGA.

While 150kg skunk was recovered during a raid operation at Lot camp, Ikun Akoko, Ondo state, two suspects: Bashir Mohammad, 50, and Samini Ahmed Tijjani, 35, were nabbed with 234.5kg of same substance at Yan aya , Saminaka in Lere LGA, Kaduna on Friday 24th October just as another set of suspects: Isah Usman, 50, and Salvation Okoler, 18, were arrested with 8,600 pills of tramadol 225mg and rohypnol along Abuja/Kaduna highway.

At the Seme border area of Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 22nd October nabbed Jacob Ojugbele with 55kg skunk at Ashipa area of Badagry while Amusa Oluwabukola was arrested with 121.3 litres of skuchies at Itoga Badagry.

In Zamfara State, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Gummi-Anka road on Monday 20th October arrested a suspect Abubakar Ibrahim, 30, in possession of AK-47 rifle and 1,746 assorted calibres of ammunition, for AK 47 and GPMG rifles while moving them from Sokoto to Bagega forest, Anka LGA, Zamfara.

Both the suspect and the exhibits have since been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.

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Dangote Announces Fresh Conditions For NNPCL To Increase Stake In $20bn Refinery

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced some fresh conditions for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to expand its stake in his 650,000-barrel-per-day petroleum refinery.

However, he said this would only happen after Dangote Refinery must have proven to NNPCL what the plant can do.

Dangote stated this in a recent interview with S&P Global Commodity Insights.

“The door remains open for Nigerian National Petroleum Co. to boost its stake after the state oil company trimmed its interest to 7.2 per cent, but not before its next phase of growth is well underway.”

Reiterating the need for the refinery to be listed in the Nigerian Exchange Limited, Dangote said he’s only interested in keeping a 70 per cent stake.

“We don’t want to keep more than 65-70 per cent.”

In 2024, NNPCL announced that it has trimmed its shares in Dangote Refinery to 7.2 per cent, down from 20 per cent.

The then spokesperson of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, had said the state-owned firm reduced its stake in Dangote Refinery to invest in compressed natural gas.

Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery recently encountered an operational setback which resulted in a glitch in fuel supply, according to a Bloomberg report.

Petroleum product marketers had in a recent report complained of the non-supply of petrol after paying billions to Dangote Refinery.

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