Tag: Nigeria

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We have reversed medical tourism – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute their expertise and resources to consolidating national development and building a stronger and more prosperous country.

The President said the government has also reversed the trend of medical tourism by upgrading healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality services at home.

President Tinubu spoke on Thursday at Kahala Hotel and Resort, Yokohama, Japan, during an interactive meeting with select members of the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

The meeting, which brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across various fields, allowed the President to share his administration’s achievements and assure them of his commitment to drive economic growth.

President Tinubu according to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, expressed delight at meeting those he described as a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity, assuring the Diaspora community that his government is determined to make the country conducive for all citizens.

The statement partly read: “The President invited the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and the executive vice chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, to speak on the government’s programmes and achievements. Wale Tinubu, the President’s nephew, provided insight into how the government’s reforms have impacted the economy positively by making businesses more competitive, attracting investment, and expanding the stock market.

“President Tinubu said Nigeria is on the rise again under his leadership. He reiterated that leadership is about “thinking and doing” — blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth.”

He noted significant improvements in passport issuance, making the process seamless for residents and the Diaspora. He reaffirmed his administration’s priority to create an environment where every Nigerian can feel the positive impact of change.

“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual, but for the economic growth and opportunity available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.

President Tinubu stressed that national development cannot be left to the government alone; it requires a shared sense of responsibility between citizens at home and those abroad.

He urged the Diaspora community to remain ambassadors of the country by projecting Nigeria positively in their engagements abroad.

“If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be,” he cautioned.

He reminded his audience that the strength of citizenship is not only in holding a Nigerian passport but in character and commitment to the nation’s progress.

According to him, negative portrayals of Nigeria do little to advance the cause of development and discourage the investment and partnerships the country needs.

Regarding the economy, Tinubu assured that his administration has stabilised key fundamentals and is driving reforms to unlock immense opportunities for investment and job creation.

“He said the government has also reversed the trend of medical tourism by upgrading healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality services at home,” the statement added.

Some of the Nigerians in Japan expressed their satisfaction with the pace of the government’s reforms, affirming their support. They also pledged to explore avenues for greater involvement in Nigeria’s economic and social transformation.

Mr. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked President Tinubu for finding time to meet with them. He affirmed his members’ support for the administration’s efforts to reposition Nigeria.

Other notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese national award winner for electrotechnical standardisation; Mr. Kingsley Kabuyashi, entrepreneur and investor; and businesspeople, doctors, and students.

Also present were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Charge d’Affaires, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed; senior government officials, and top private sector leaders. (Vanguard)

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Tinubu departs Japan for Brazil after TICAD9 engagements

President Bola Tinubu departed Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday night for Brazil, where he is scheduled to commence a state visit on August 24, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga, in a release dated August 22, 2025, said the President will make a stopover in Los Angeles before continuing to Brasilia, the Brazilian capital.

“President Tinubu will continue his diplomatic engagements in Brazil after successfully attending the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9),” the statement read.

The President embarked on his two-nation tour on August 15, leaving Abuja with a brief stopover in Dubai, UAE, before arriving in Yokohama on August 18.

During his stay in Japan, Tinubu participated in the opening ceremony and plenary of TICAD9 on August 20 and held bilateral meetings with key partners.

The visit culminated in an interactive session with Nigerians in the diaspora on Thursday night.

“The engagements have been productive, and the President is now set to build on these discussions with strategic cooperation in Brazil,” Onanuga added.

Tinubu arrived in Tokyo, Japan, in the early hours of August 20 for a series of official engagements at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, held from August 20 to 22.

The conference, co-hosted by Japan, the United Nations, UNDP, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank, focused on Africa’s economic transformation, private investment, innovation, and creating a resilient and sustainable society.

Tinubu held bilateral meetings and engaged with Japanese companies investing in Nigeria before departing for Brazil. (Punch)

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FG backs Elias for election to ICJ

The Federal Government has nominated Dr Taoheed Elias as the country’s candidate for election to the International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, through a statement posted on the social media platform X.

“On behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am honoured to announce the nomination of Dr. Taoheed Elias as Nigeria’s candidate for election to the International Court of Justice @CIJ_ICJ,” Tuggar stated.

The minister praised Elias as one of the most respected figures in international law, citing his “distinguished record of legal scholarship, decades of service to the global community, and dedication to the principles of justice, equity, and the rule of law.”

“His contributions embody the ideals upon which the ICJ was founded and the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” Tuggar added.

“This nomination reflects Nigeria’s steadfast belief in a rules-based international order, one in which justice is impartial, peace is safeguarded, and all nations, regardless of size or power, have an equal voice in shaping a fairer and more secure future for humanity,” the statement continued.

The government urged the international community to support the nomination, stating confidence that Elias’s election would “strengthen the cause of global justice and advance the peaceful settlement of disputes among nations.”

If successful, Elias would become the fourth Nigerian to serve on the ICJ, following in the footsteps of Charles Onyeama, Bola Ajibola, and his father, Taslim Elias.

He is a member of the Institut de Droit International and has served as legal adviser and director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague.

He is also the current president of the administrative tribunal of the OPEC Fund for International Development, chairman of the Islamic Development Bank administrative tribunal, and a former president and member of the OPEC appeals committee.

The ICJ, commonly regarded as the highest court for resolving disputes between sovereign states, was established in 1945.

It serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and is based in The Hague, Netherlands. (Punch)

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D’Tigers thrash Madagascar 77-59 in AfroBasket opener

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, began their 2025 AfroBasket campaign impressively, defeating Madagascar 77–59 to claim their first victory in their opening Group B match.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports the team thrilled fans at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda, Angola, with an all-round excellent display.

D’Tigers overcame an early scare to secure the win against Southern African side Madagascar.

They led the first quarter 18–14 but lost the second 23–20.

The match was tight at 38–37 midway through when Madagascar mounted a comeback attempt.

The third quarter proved decisive, as Nigeria stretched to a 55–46 lead. By the buzzer, they had extended it to an 18-point victory, 77–59.

Basketball Africa League 2025 winner with Al Ahli Tripoli, Caleb Agada, scored the most points for the 2015 AfroBasket champions.

Agada amassed 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals, recording a game-high efficiency rating of 25.

This was the second AfroBasket meeting between Nigeria and Madagascar since 2011. Then, too, D’Tigers triumphed, with Agada again scoring a game-high 22 points.

Stan Okoye (13 points), captain Ike Nwamu (12) and Kaodirichi Akobundu (10) also played key roles in Nigeria’s success.

Sitraka Raharimanantoanina’s 20 points were crucial for Madagascar but could not prevent Nigeria’s dominant third-quarter performance.

Other Malagasy players in double figures were Kiady Razanamahenina (13 points) and Mathias M’madi (11 points). (Punch)

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Senegal beat Nigeria 1–0 in CHAN 2024 Group D opener

Defending champions, Senegal, began their title defence at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Nigeria in a fiercely contested Group D clash at the Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar.

The match, played at high intensity, delivered the drama expected of two of Africa’s most storied footballing nations.

The lone goal came in the 75th minute, when Moctar Koïté burst down the right flank on a swift counter-attack and delivered a pinpoint low cross into the box.

Christian Gomis arrived unmarked and calmly slotted home with his left foot to seal the win for Senegal.

Despite late pressure from Nigeria—including a near miss by Vincent Temitope—the home-based Super Eagles couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Senegal, winners of the 2022 edition in Algeria, began the match composed but had to weather early Nigerian pressure.

Both teams had chances in a cagey first half: Sikiru Alimi tested Senegal’s goalkeeper Marc Diouf, while Daouda Ba and Koïté launched long-range efforts that troubled Nigeria’s defence.

Coach Éric Chelle of Nigeria remained optimistic after the match: “We’ll take each game as it comes,” he said, with matches against Congo and Sudan still to follow in the group.

Senegal’s coach Souleymane Diallo, who had dismissed suggestions of pressure before the match, reiterated his side’s ambition: “We’re not here to defend a trophy; we’re here to win a new one.”

This win extends Senegal’s unbeaten run against West African opponents at CHAN and marks their sixth 1–0 victory in the tournament’s history—further evidence of their trademark defensive solidity.

The tournament, which features players active only in their domestic leagues, opened with exactly the kind of tightly contested fixture expected from these regional heavyweights. (Punch)

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WAFCON: Aiyedatiwa gifts Demehin, others N60m

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has gifted Super Falcons defender, Tosin Demehin, the sum of N30m and a house at Sunshine Estate in Oba-Ile, Akure, for her outstanding performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria emerged champions.

The Governor announced on Monday, during a civic reception in Akure held in honour of the defender and other Ondo State indigenes who were part of the victorious Super Falcons squad at the tournament.

Alongside Demehin, Governor Aiyedatiwa also gifted the team’s media officer, Mary Akinsola, the team’s media officer, and Mary Oduboku, the team’s secretary, the sum of N15m each in recognition of their roles in Nigeria’s historic win.

“This is a proud moment for us. Tosin Demehin has made Ondo State proud on the continental stage. As a token of our appreciation, the state government is awarding her N30m and a house at Sunshine Estate, Oba-Ile,” Governor Aiyedatiwa announced.

Demehin, who hails from Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and played a crucial defensive role throughout the tournament, was described by the Governor as a shining example of talent, discipline, and resilience.

“I am extremely delighted to welcome home our brave daughters. Their dedication, hard work and team spirit helped secure this victory. You have not only brought glory to the nation, but you have honoured Ondo State,” the Governor said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment in the state.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for honouring the Super Falcons team at the national level, noting that such gestures have far-reaching impacts on the morale of athletes across the country.

Demehin, a former Sunshine Queens player, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor and the people of Ondo State for the warm reception and generous reward.

“Receiving this honour from my home state means the world to me. As a former Sunshine Queens player, I know there is massive potential in women’s football here. This support gives hope to many young girls with dreams like mine,” she said.

Demehin also called on stakeholders to rally behind the development of women’s football in the state, stressing that the growth of Nigerian football, both male and female, is a collective responsibility. (Punch)

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D’Tigress outclass Mali 78-64 to extend AfroBasket reign

Nigeria extended their dominance in African women’s basketball on Sunday, defeating Mali 78-64 in Ivory Coast to win a record fifth consecutive FIBA AfroBasket Women’s title, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The triumph not only cemented their dominance over the continent but also broke Senegal’s four-in-a-row streak from 1974 to 1981, establishing Nigeria as the first side in history to win the championship five times consecutively.

Nigeria, who have now won seven African titles, wasted no time asserting themselves. D’Tigress surged to a 12-0 scoring run early in the game, establishing a rhythm that Mali struggled to disrupt.

However, it was the Malians who claimed the first quarter 26-21.

Coach Rena Wakama’s side recovered from the five-point deficit to clinch the second quarter 20-15, as both teams went into the half-time interval level at 41-41 apiece.

The third quarter also went the way of D’Tigress, who clinched it by another 20-15 scoreline.

In the fourth quarter, Nigeria began to run down the clock as they tried to cling to their advantage. The last 10 minutes of the quarter finished in favour of D’Tigress 17-8 as Nigeria powered to yet another continental title.

The win saw Nigeria extend their unbeaten streak at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament to 29 games, stretching back the last 10 years.

Also, they have secured an automatic spot at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s Amy Okonkwo was named the Most Valuable Player, winning the award for a second consecutive tournament.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the D’Tigress for the feat, hailing their performance as a source of national pride.

“You did it, girls! D’Tigress Superb performance to become 5x consecutive Champions of Africa and seventh overall. Well done, Coach Rena and the team. You have made Nigeria proud. I am expecting you all, along with the trophy,” the president wrote in a post on X.

Key to Nigeria’s success was a balanced offensive performance and clinical execution. They shot 49.18 per cent from the field, outclassing Mali’s 37 per cent. The inside game was particularly telling, with Nigeria converting 59.46 per cent of their two-point attempts compared to Mali’s 44.12 per cent.

In contrast, both teams were less efficient from long range, with Nigeria making 8 of 24 from beyond the arc, while Mali hit just 7 of 26.

Leading the scoring for Nigeria was guard Ezinne Kalu, who poured in 20 points on 53.85 per cent shooting, also registering five assists, four rebounds and a perfect 4/4 from the free throw line.

Amy Okonkwo, who played the full 40 minutes, contributed a crucial double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds, shooting a superb 63.64 per cent from the field and registering an efficiency rating of 26.

Murjanatu Musa dominated the paint, grabbing 12 rebounds alongside nine points and three steals. Veteran point guard Promise Amukamara was the engine of Nigeria’s fluid offence, dishing out a game-high 11 assists and finishing with a +16 plus-minus despite scoring just eight points.

Victoria Macaulay added 10 points off the bench, offering Nigeria much-needed depth. In contrast, Nigeria’s bench contributed 22 points overall, slightly outscored by Mali’s 26, but it was Nigeria’s starting five that made the difference.

Collectively, Nigeria totalled 24 assists and committed 14 turnovers, a figure Mali could not exploit fully despite Nigeria’s occasional lapses.

Defensively, Nigeria were disciplined. They managed eight steals and conceded only 13 personal fouls, keeping Mali’s offensive threats at bay. The rebounding battle was narrowly lost, with Mali edging it 37 to 36, but Nigeria’s 27 defensive rebounds were vital in limiting second-chance points.

Despite grabbing fewer offensive rebounds (nine to Mali’s 13), Nigeria still outscored their opponents in the paint with 40 points to Mali’s 26.

Perhaps the most telling statistic was points off turnovers. Nigeria converted 17 Mali turnovers into 17 points, compared to Mali’s 14 points off Nigeria’s 14 turnovers.

Fast-break points also tilted in Nigeria’s favour, 10 to 5, as did second-chance points, 8 to 5. These margins, although modest, collectively illustrated Nigeria’s efficiency and composure in key moments.

With this victory, Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in the competition now stands at an extraordinary 29 games, dating back to 2015. (Punch)

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Falcons helped us forget Nigeria’s problems – Citizens

Nigerian citizens have praised the Super Falcons for helping the nation momentarily forget its problems following the women’s national team’s stunning comeback victory to claim a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

The 3-2 victory against hosts Morocco in Rabat saw the Falcons stage a remarkable comeback from being two goals down on Saturday night, prompting celebrations across the football-mad nation.

President Bola Tinubu led the country in celebrating the women’s squad, telling the team in a post-match video call that their “spectacular performance exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.”

“You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation,” Tinubu said.

“You have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. Nigeria celebrates you.”

The triumph, dubbed Mission X, provided a welcome tonic for many Nigerians enduring the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation as the government carries out economic reforms.

Taye Stephen, a father of three, told The PUNCH, “I’ve stopped watching the national teams for a while, but I’m so happy I watched this final. They have made all of us so happy.

“Sometimes, this is what Nigerians need to forget the issues going on here and just enjoy togetherness and joy. Let’s hope the Eagles can do the same when it’s their turn.”

Muhammad Awwal, a taxi driver who relocated to the northern city of Kano to escape the violence of Borno state, the epicentre of the jihadist insurgency, hailed the Falcons for helping Nigerians to momentarily forget the problems.

“Everywhere, people erupted in celebration after the final whistle. All our problems were drowned in the frenzy of celebration of the spectacular win,” Awwal told AFP.

“Last night, all the problems tormenting us – the high cost of living, banditry and Boko Haram violence – disappeared. It was a great relief, thanks to the Falcons,” he said.

Abuja housewife Comfort Zamani agreed, saying, “Life has not been easy, but at least the girls helped us to forget the hardships, even if for only a few hours.

“They have given us some hope that we should keep fighting and not give up even when things are rough.”

The victory confirmed the West Africans as the queens of women’s football in Africa, having now won 10 titles in 13 editions of the continental championship, providing a rare moment of national unity and joy amid challenging times. (Punch)

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Nigeria seal 10th Wafcon as comeback stuns Morocco

Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and seal a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Atlas Lionesses led 2-0 at the break in Rabat through Ghizlane Chebbak’s fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy.

But Esther Okoronkwo inspired the West Africans after the break, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi’s cross.

Okoronkwo burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalise in the 71st minute, then teed up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score the winner with two minutes of the game remaining.

The 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium was stunned into silence as the Super Falcons players collapsed to the turf in celebrations at the final whistle after producing a seemingly unlikely revival that will live long in the memory.

Nigeria billed their campaign as Mission X and have achieved their target, reclaiming the title they last won in 2018 and preserving their 100% record in Wafcon finals.

Morocco, meanwhile, had hired 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda after he parted company with Spain in a bid to land their first continental crown, but have now lost back-to-back Wafcon finals.

The Super Falcons pick up $1m in prize money – which has been doubled since the last edition – and become the first side to lift the new-look Wafcon trophy.

However, the stadium had largely emptied out by the time Fifa president Gianni Infantino and Confederation of African Football counterpart Patrice Motsepe took to the stage for the presentation.

The 2024 edition of the tournament had been delayed because of scheduling issues last year, which included the participation of the West Africans and Zambia at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Nigeria had not been shy in expressing their intentions of winning their 10th Wafcon, with players consistently asked about that target in media engagements.

The Super Falcons have certainly backed up their off-field talk in their performances in Morocco this month as coach Justin Madugu found the right blend in the knockout phase.

Yet the top-ranked side in Africa made a poor start and Nigeria were unable to match Morocco’s level in the first half.

The North Africans went ahead in the 13th minute when Halimatu Ayinde gave the ball to Chebbak, who sent a fine shot just inside the left-hand upright, and doubled their lead 11 minutes later when Mssoudy shot across goal.

Okoronkwo was composure personified after the intervention of VAR to make it 2-1 from the spot, and then kept her head when she burst through the Morocco defence to control, pause and put the ball on a plate for Ijamilusi.

Another big moment came when Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute when Imane Saoud helped a cross onto the hand of Blessing Demehin, who was barely two yards away.

Chebbak had the ball on the spot when Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa was called to the VAR screen and overturned her decision almost four minutes later.

And the comeback was completed when Okoronkwo provided a pin-point free-kick delivery and Echegini got ahead of centre-back Benzina to sweep home from six yards out.

The West Africans have now beaten a third host nation in a Wafcon final following successes over South Africa and Cameroon in 2000 and 2016 respectively. (BBC)

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Super Falcons edge South Africa 2-1 to qualify for WAFCON finals

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, on Tuesday, secured a spot in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a tense semi-final clash.

The match, played with high intensity, saw the Super Falcons take the lead in the first half through Rasheedat Ajibade, who calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 45th minute to give Nigeria a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.

Earlier in the game, South Africa were forced into a substitution in the 26th minute after striker Hildah Magaia was withdrawn due to injury, with Thubelihle Makhubela coming on in her place.

South Africa responded strongly in the second half and levelled the score in the 60th minute when Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty to make it 1-1.

With the game seemingly headed for extra time, Nigeria found the winner deep into stoppage time.

Michelle Alozie struck in the 90+4th minute after a setup from Esther Okoronkwo, sealing a dramatic win for the Falcons.

Substitutions from both sides added to the pace and physicality of the match, with the Super Falcons showing greater composure in the final moments.

The victory sees Nigeria book a place in the WAFCON final, continuing their dominance on the continental stage and putting them within reach of another title. (Punch)