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Gov Lawal pledges investment in human capital, others, unveils Zamfara Development Plan

Governor Dauda Lawal described the State Development Plan (2025 to 2034) as a long-term, evidence-based roadmap that reflects the people’s aspirations and collective goal to transform the State.

The governor stated this when he launched the 10-year development plan at the J. B. Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau on Friday.

A statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, revealed that the state government had engaged KPMG advisory as the lead consultant to develop the plan.

The statement further noted that KPMG collaborated closely with Zamfara Executive Council members and all stakeholders, including traditional rulers and religious leaders, over a period of eight months to develop the 10-year development plan.

At the unveiling, Governor Lawal stressed that the development plan was the first comprehensive long-term plan in the state’s recent history.

“The development plan is built on robust data, wide stakeholder engagement, and alignment with national and global development frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria’s National Development Plan 2050, and the African Union Agenda 2063.

“It sets clear sectoral priorities, measurable outcomes, and a monitoring and evaluation framework that ensures transparency at every stage of implementation.

“In this state development plan, we envision Zamfara becoming a benchmark for transformative economic growth– not merely for Nigeria, but the continent of Africa,” he was quoted as saying.

“We will use resources, innovation, and governance to promote inclusive growth, stability, and opportunity. The plan is built on six pillars: economy, infrastructure, social welfare, human capital, governance, and environmental sustainability.

“Zamfara’s strength in agriculture and natural resources will be maximized through partnerships like the MoFI agreement and African Development Bank funding. This aims to boost mechanized farming, agro-processing, and value chains, creating jobs, improving food security, opening markets, and reducing poverty-driven insecurity,” Lawal added.

Governor Lawal emphasised that Zamfara stands on a favourable pedestal.

“With the state development plan, we are not merely dreaming- we are preparing to deliver. We are redefining the fate of our state. We are rekindling hope for the young, dignity for the vulnerable, opportunity for the enterprising, and stability for all.

“Let the launch of the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025-2034 mark not a mere political ambition, but a turning point in the history of our state. Let it be said that when Zamfara was at its lowest, we rose not with rhetoric, but with resolve. Not with empty promises, but with purposeful plans. Not with despair, but with vision,” the governor stated.

Earlier, remarks were made by the Secretary to the State Government, Mallam Abubakar Nakwada; the Chief of Staff, Mukhtar Lugga; and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Abdulmalik Gajam. (Channels)

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UK unveils record-breaking bid for 2035 Women’s World Cup

UK football chiefs on Friday unveiled details of their unopposed joint bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035, with 22 proposed stadiums listed in the official submission.

The bid team said the 48-nation finals would be the biggest single-sport event ever staged in the UK.

It would be the first World Cup played on British soil since the men’s finals in 1966, which were solely hosted by England.

“With 63 million people living within two hours of a proposed venue, it would be the most accessible tournament ever,” the bid team said in a statement.

Sixteen of the stadiums on the shortlist are in England, including Manchester United’s proposed new 100,000-seater arena, with three in Wales, two in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland, across 15 cities.

The final number of stadiums is expected to be whittled down to around 16.

A measure of the size of the event is that at the Qatar men’s World Cup in 2022, just eight stadiums were used.

FIFA confirmed later on Friday that the UK bid would be formally ratified at next year’s congress in Vancouver.

The April gathering of football’s global governing body is also set to approve the joint candidature of the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica to stage the 2031 women’s World Cup.

“Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations,” the chief executives of the UK football associations  said on Friday.

“If we are successful, the 2035 tournament will be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil with 4.5 million tickets available for fans.

“We are proud of the growth that we’ve driven in recent years across the women’s and girls’ game, but there is still so much more growth to come, and this event will play a key role in helping us deliver that.”

Manchester United’s existing Old Trafford stadium has been included, but the bid team intend to put the club’s proposed new ground forward for consideration by FIFA once plans are confirmed.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the bid showed the UK’s passion for football.

“The (England) Lionesses’ success has inspired girls across our country, and we’ll build on that momentum by welcoming millions of football fans from around the world to a tournament that will benefit communities and businesses in host cities up and down the UK,” he said.

England’s women’s team have won the past two European Championships and reached the final of the 2023 World Cup.

From 2031, the Women’s World Cup will be contested between 48 teams, up from 32.The next Women’s World Cup will take place in Brazil in 2027. (Guardian)

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2026 World Cup: All 12 groups revealed

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026, was conducted in Washington on Friday, producing 12 groups for the expanded tournament.

In Group A, Mexico will face South Africa, South Korea and a qualifier. Group B pairs Canada with a qualifier, Qatar and Switzerland. Brazil take their place in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, while hosts United States lead Group D with Paraguay, Australia and a qualifier.

Germany heads Group E with Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador. The Netherlands will compete in Group F with Japan, Tunisia and a qualifier. Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand make up Group G. Group H features Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

France are placed in Group I with Senegal, Norway and a qualifier. Argentina will contest Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Group K includes Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia and a qualifier. England lead Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama. (Guardian)

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Why I dumped PDP for APC – Rivers Assembly Speaker

The Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, on Friday defended his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP,” Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, told the lawmakers on Friday.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for some programmes embarked upon by his administration that have benefited Nigerians, especially Rivers people.

According to the Speaker, his defection would enable him to partner with President Tinubu for the overall good of the Rivers people.

Amaewhule said, “Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce to honourable members that your Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, has decided and has indeed written to my Ward Chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.

“APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. I am so delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President right inside the All Progressives Congress.”

Amaewhule defected along with 15 other members of the House on Friday.

Others who dumped the PDP were the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).

Also included were Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).

Since returning to civil rule in 1999, the PDP has maintained a tight grip on the oil-rich Rivers state, until the protracted crisis rocked the state, which pitched the lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The crisis led to the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by forces allegedly loyal to Fubara as well as the attempted moves to impeach the governor by the lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Worried by the development, President Bola Tinubu waded in to douse the tensions and declared a state of emergency on March 18.

The emergency declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the lawmakers.At the expiration of the exercise, he reinstated Fubara, his deputy and the lawmakers on September 17. (Channels)

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President Trump wins inaugural Fifa Peace Prize

United States President Donald Trump received the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize before the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The award has been introduced this year by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, designated for a person who has “taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and “united people across the world”.

It was widely expected that Trump, who arrived at the ceremony with Infantino and has made several public appearances with him in recent months, would be the winner.

That was confirmed at the ceremony in Washington DC on Friday.

As well as receiving a large golden trophy, Trump was also given a medal and certificate by Infantino before making a speech.

Trump stated he had saved “tens of millions of lives” through diplomatic interventions and had “stopped wars happening just before they started”.

“This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” Trump said, before claiming that the 2026 World Cup has set a new record for ticket sales.

“Gianni has done an incredible job. It is a nice tribute to you and the game of football, or as we call it soccer. It is beyond the numbers we thought were possible,” Trump said.

“The world is a safer place now. The USA was not doing well a year ago; now we are the hottest country in the world right now.”

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will take place between June 11 and July 19.

Trump later returned to the stage alongside Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to perform the ceremonial opening to the draw.

The three leaders drew the balls of their respective nations, which had already been assigned their groups. Afterwards, the trio posed for a selfie taken by Infantino.

Mexico are in Group A – and will play in the tournament’s opening match – while Canada are in Group B and USA feature in Group D.

Trump, after repeating his comments about ticket sales, joked about the name clash between American football and what Americans generally call soccer.

“We have to find another name for the NFL,” Trump said. “This is football, we call it soccer here in the USA but it is really football. It doesn’t make sense that we call it soccer.” (BBC)

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Gen Musa vows stronger joint military operations to tackle insecurity

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, on Friday vowed to intensify efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges through enhanced coordination and unified operations among the Armed Forces.

Speaking at his assumption of office at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Musa said, “Our goal is to overwhelm the enemy through jointness and seamless coordination.”

He added that a rigorous review of all theatre commands and inter-service operations would begin immediately to close gaps between policy and execution, stressing that the nation’s security required collective ownership and responsibility.

Musa, who served as Chief of Defence Staff before his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, also pledged to prioritise the welfare and morale of troops.

“Welfare is not administrative; it is strategic. Morale is a force multiplier. Our personnel must receive their kits on time. Their operational allowances must be paid promptly.

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“Accommodation, medical care, and support for injured personnel and families of the fallen must be priorities,” he said.

The minister stressed that those risking their lives for Nigeria deserve utmost respect and that the ministry would ensure seamless support for troops and their families.

Musa concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together to address both kinetic and non-kinetic challenges, including governance, justice, equity, and fairness.

“The shedding of innocent blood must end. Our children deserve to return to school. Farmers must return to their farms. Many of these issues require a comprehensive, balanced approach,” he said,

He reiterated his commitment to lead with fairness, integrity, and accountability. (Vanguard)

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Netflix to buy Warner Bros film and streaming businesses for $72bn

Netflix has agreed to buy the film and streaming businesses of Warner Bros Discovery for $72bn (£54bn) in a major Hollywood deal.

The streaming giant emerged as the successful bidder for Warner Bros ahead of rivals Comcast and Paramount Skydance after a drawn-out battle.

Warner Bros owns franchises including Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, and the streaming service HBO Max.

The takeover is set to create a new giant in the entertainment industry, but the deal will still have to be approved by competition authorities.

Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos said the streamer was “highly confident” it would receive the regulatory approval it needs and it was running “full speed” towards this.

He said that by combining the library of Warner Bros shows and movies with the streaming platform’s series such as Stranger Things, “we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling”.

“Warner Bros have defined the last century of entertainment, and together we can define the next one,” he said.

Asked whether HBO should remain a separate streaming service, co-chief executive Greg Peters said Netflix believed the HBO brand was important for consumers, but added: “We think it’s quite early to get into the specifics of how we’re going to tailor this offering for consumers.”

Netflix estimates it will find $2bn to $3bn in savings, mostly through eliminating overlaps in the support and technology areas of the businesses.

Films made by Warner Bros will continue to be launched in cinemas, it said, and Warner Bros television studio will continue to be able to produce for third parties. Netflix will keep producing content exclusively for its own platform.

Labelling it a “big day” for the companies, Mr Sarandos acknowledged the acquisition may have surprised some shareholders but it was a “rare opportunity” to set Netflix up for success “for decades to come”.

David Zaslav, president and chief executive of Warner Bros, added the agreement would combine “two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world”.

“By coming together with Netflix, we will ensure people everywhere will continue to enjoy the world’s most resonant stories for generations to come,” he said.

The cash and stock deal is worth $27.75 per Warner Bros share, with a total enterprise value – which includes the company’s debts and the value of its shares – of about $82.7bn. The equity value, or cash price, is $72bn.

The boards of directors from each company unanimously approved the deal. (BBC)

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Nigeria provides protection to Guinea-Bissau opposition candidate amid coup

Nigeria has placed Guinea-Bissau’s opposition presidential candidate, Mr. Fernando Costa, under its protection following reports that his life is under threat.

Mr. Costa, the main challenger to President Umaro Embalo in the November 23 election, faced danger after soldiers seized power, halted the vote count, and imposed a nationwide curfew before the official results could be announced.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Mr. Costa’s protection inside the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau. The decision was formalized in a letter dated November 30, signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and addressed to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Omar Alieu Touray.

According to the letter, Nigeria’s action is a proactive measure to safeguard democracy and ensure the safety of political actors in Guinea-Bissau. It also urged ECOWAS to direct its Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide additional security for Mr. Costa while he remains at the embassy.

The letter states in part:

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security within the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa. This decision is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa in response to imminent threats to his life. It underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.”

Nigeria’s intervention reflects its commitment to protecting democratic processes and supporting political stability in the West African region. (Vanguard)

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Rivers police confirm abduction of four varsity students, launch manhunt

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of five students of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, by suspected cultists in Emohua Local Government Area.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the incident occurred on 2 December 2025, at around 2:30 am, when a group of about five suspected cultists attacked an isolated area in Rumuche/Rumuohia Community, Emohua, and abducted the students.

Iringe-Koko noted that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the scene of the incident along with other service commanders for an on-the-spot assessment.

She noted that the CP has mandated the Area Commander, alongside all tactical units and the Joint Taskforce, to intensify efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The CP has assured that all suspects involved will be brought to justice and made to face the full wrath of the law. The Police investigation team is working to identify the perpetrators and track down their hideouts.

The Rivers State Police Command has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, assuring the public that everything is being done to ensure the safe release of the abducted students,” SP Iringe-Koko stated.

The Police are urging members of the public to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations.

The abduction has sent panic among students of Rivers State University, who are now living in fear.

However, early Tuesday morning, students of Rivers State University led a procession to protest the alleged abduction of four students.

The students were seen carrying placards and presenting their complaints to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who quietly listened to them.

They urged the school management to relocate the students on the Emohua campus to the main campus and to expedite measures to secure the release of their course mates.

Addressing the VC, the SOSAN Social Science Student Association of Nigeria representative at the Student Representative Council (SRC), RSU, Mariam Odungweru, said: “Sir, this morning four people were abducted and the guard at the hostel was killed and their automatic rifles carted away.

“Sir, other issues have been happening and I see what you are doing, the efforts you have made to meet the council chairman and other stakeholders, but Sir, my students are pained, they are hungry, they are stressed. This particular issue is holding them; they want to come back to this campus. I was not there during the incident, but it is gory to me. Please, Sir, we need your help.”

In response, the Vice-Chancellor assured that the school management’s priority is to secure students, saying the upcoming convocation slated for the weekend, where the school visitor, being the governor, is coming, will be used as an ample opportunity to let him know the issues confronting the school.

He said: “We are having our convocation on Friday and Saturday and we are very sure that this issue will be raised, discussed, and hopefully addressed. We are expecting the visitor, and I can tell you that there is no way the visitor will see all these things that are happening and not consider your pains. So I want to advise you right now: our priority should be how we can secure these students.

That should be our priority. Let us not dissipate our energy; let us put our energy together. If you have information, share it. Those who can pull out from lectures can do so because there will be no lectures.

“We are going to concentrate efforts in ensuring that we get our students who were kidnapped safely back.” (Guardian)

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FEC approves 2026-2028 MTEF, projects ₦34trn revenue

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the 2026-2028 medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF), outlining Nigeria’s economic outlook, revenue targets, and spending priorities for the next three years.

Briefing journalists after the FEC meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said oil price was pegged at $64 per barrel, while the exchange rate assumption for the budget year is ₦1,512/$.

He said while the council set an oil production benchmark of 2.06 million barrels per day for 2026, the fiscal planning is based on a cautious 1.8 million bpd.

Bagudu stated the exchange rate projection reflects the fact that 2026 precedes a general election year, adding that all the assumptions were drawn from detailed macroeconomic and fiscal analyses by the budget office and its partner agencies.

According to the minister, inflation is projected to average 18 percent in 2026.

Bagudu said based on the assumptions, the total revenue accruing to the federation in 2026 was estimated at N50.74 trillion, to be shared among the three tiers of government.

“From this projection, the federal government is expected to receive ₦22.6 trillion, states ₦16.3 trillion, and local governments ₦11.85 trillion,” he said.

“When revenues from all federal sources are consolidated, including ₦4.98 trillion from government-owned enterprises, total Federal Government revenue for 2026 is projected at ₦34.33 trillion —representing a ₦6.55 trillion or 16 percent decline compared to the 2025 budget estimate.”

The minister said statutory transfers are expected to amount to roughly ₦3 trillion, while debt servicing was projected at ₦10.91 trillion.

He said non-debt recurrent spending — covering personnel costs and overheads — was put at ₦15.27 trillion, while the fiscal deficit for 2026 is estimated at N20.1 trillion, representing 3.61 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

The MTEF also projected that nominal GDP will reach over ₦690 trillion in 2026 and climb to N890.6 trillion by 2028, with the GDP growth rate projected at 4.6 percent in 2026.

The non-oil GDP is also expected to grow from ₦550.7 trillion in 2026 to ₦871.3 trillion in 2028, while oil GDP is estimated to rise from ₦557.4 trillion to ₦893.5 trillion over the same period. (Channels)