The Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes, Joshua Wang, has opened up on the cancellation of the broadcast deal with the Nigeria Premier Football League, confirming The PUNCH’s initial report on why both parties ended the partnership.
StarTimesand the NPFL signed a five-year deal worth N6bn in 2023, but the agreement has been terminated after two years.
The PUNCH understands that StarTimes ended their deal as the official broadcast partners of the NPFL following a poor return on investment, especially in the patronage of their decoder and offerings by Nigerians.
Wang also affirmed this in Abuja, during an event orgaised by the NPFL.
“Since StarTimes has been the broadcast partners of the NPFL, during the past two seasons, we have tried to meet our promises to promote and broadcast the NPFL,” he said.
“But unfortunately, we are here because of these economic issues; we are not making it as a business partner for the pay TV business to be sustainable.
“Everything is business; we don’t have the capability to continue. I also heard last week that our partners NTA have taken over the broadcast.”
Chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, also revealed that the five-year deal didn’t pass the two-year probation that both parties set.
“Signing with StarTimes that time, we said that the first two seasons are probatory, after that we would discuss again on how to go further,” Elegbeleye said.
“Our last match in Lagos between Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors was live on NTA. We will still be going ahead with that until we finish the current discussion regarding the broadcast.”
Last week, Elegbeleye led the NPFL board to meet with the management of the NTA to seal a new broadcast partnership for the league, but the future of the arrangement is currently uncertain, no thanks to the premature reshuffling of the station’s management by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu appointed Rotimi Pedro (whom the NPFL board met) as the new DG of the NTA on August 20, but the appointment was reversed after the President ordered the reinstatement of Salihu Abdullahi Dembos to complete his three-year tenure as the NTA DG on Tuesday. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over the death of the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, who died on Sunday at 69.
President Tinubu commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the highly resourceful officer. Arase’s reforms as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission brought lasting changes to the force.
The President acknowledged the dedication of the former IGP to enhancing security in the country, through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.
Reflecting on Arase’s laudable service to the country, President Tinubu remarked, “Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and the Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs.
“He was Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.
“After retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.
“His expertise extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.”
“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation”. (Vanguard)
A chieftain of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abba Moro, says the party regrets fielding Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.
Moro, a senator representing Benue South in the National Assembly, stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“As a result of how the election turned out and because the Nigerian people spoke, definitely, it [fielding Atiku] was an error,” the Senate Minority Leader said on Tuesday.
“To lose a very monumental election in that disastrous manner is certainly in for regret.”
The PDP lost the presidential election to the All Progressives Congress (APC), coming second in the exercise won by Bola Tinubu, the then-flagbearer of the ruling APC.
About two years after that defeat, Atiku dumped the PDP and has yet to announce his new party.
Though the 2027 general polls are barely two years away, there are rumours that the main opposition wants to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to return to its fold.
Since Jonathan lost to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, he has kept a low profile as he has not been seen at public functions within the PDP.
Similarly, Obi, who was running mate to Atiku in the 2019 elections, dumped the PDP for the Labour Party, where he later secured its presidential ticket for the 2023 polls.
He was said to have been frustrated out of the PDP, a claim that was corroborated by Moro.
But Moro said there were ongoing talks to persuade the duo to join the presidential race.
He added, “So, in the run-up to 2027, I am aware certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi, ‘Hey, come back home, this is what we are likely to do, and if you come, you stand a chance of being the candidate’,” Moro said on the show.
When asked about the possibilities of ex-President Jonathan returning to the PDP, Senator Moro said, “Some persons are talking to the former president to come and run. It is a possibility”. (Channels)
Brazilian state-owned oil giant Petrobras is set to resume operations in Nigeria five years after it exited joint venture activities in the country, following the signing of five strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Nigeria and Brazil to strengthen trade, diplomacy, science, aviation, and finance cooperation.
The announcement was made during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to Brazil, where he met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
President Tinubu at a joint press conference in Brasília said Petrobras’ return would reignite economic cooperation in the energy sector between the two countries.
“We have the largest gas repository. So I don’t see why Petrobras doesn’t join as a partner in Nigeria as soon as possible. I appreciate President Lula’s promise that this will be done as soon as possible,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu praised President Lula’s commitment to revitalising the partnership between the two countries, noting that Nigeria’s economic space remains a virgin land, full of opportunities for Brazilian companies.
He also praised Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for its growing footprint in Nigeria, particularly its plans to establish a regional service hub to support the country’s growing airline industry.
Tinubu recalled his previous engagements in Brazil and emphasised the urgency of moving beyond symbolic ties to concrete economic cooperation.
He said; “Honourable Ministers of both countries, members of the Brazil Business Group, I have listened carefully to my friend, President Lula. We had a lengthy discussion. We talked about history and about African and Brazilian heritage.
“We tried to see why we are not at the level we wanted. We have allowed some problems and activities in the past to deter us from making progress and fulfilling our promises. But today we say that is the end of that.
“This is my third visit to the country. First, the visit to attend the G20. Second, on climate change, BRICS. And today, an official and state visit was very emotional.”
Tinubu also noted Nigeria’s readiness to partner with Brazil on technology transfer, food security, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
He added; “Today, we are fighting and working hard to bring our sovereignty to the level of expectation that we as a nation, the most populous, the most dynamic country, Nigeria, share with Brazil. We need to share—technology transfer, energy, economy—so that Brazil can continue to widen the opportunities for us to embrace Africa. Africa is the new frontier.
“There is no other way to do it than to embrace it with technology, fast development, research, food sovereignty, and manufacturing.”
The president also stressed the need for investment and knowledge exchange on healthcare and pharmaceuticals, stating that “We have elevated this promise to the path of reality, as you have seen in various MOUs. I don’t know why the manufacturing of generic drugs, which Brazil has done deeply and far, cannot be in Nigeria.
‘I don’t see why the technological superiority of Brazil is not shared with Africa. We assured each other that only we can develop our economies to help our sovereignty.”
On domestic reforms, Tinubu assured Brazilian investors that Nigeria’s economic transformation is yielding results, noting that “the reforms I’ve embarked upon since I took over in Nigeria have been very impactful. It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming.”
“It’s getting clearer to the people. We have more money for the economy, and there will be no more corruption. We have the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria here. You don’t have to know him before getting the foreign exchange you need. The speculators are out. In our currency market, the door is open for businesses,” he added. (Guardian)
President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family, friends, and associates of Col Mohammed Mana (retd), a former military administrator of Plateau State and onetime senator, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Abuja.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain represented Adamawa North in the Senate between 2007 and 2011.
President Tinubu described Mana as a distinguished patriot and officer gentleman who gave much to his fatherland in and out of uniform.
The President lauded Mana’s commitments to the common good and a better society, saying his counsel and leadership would be sorely missed.
President Tinubu commiserated with the people and government of Adamawa State and members of the APC family in Adamawa, who benefited from Senator Mana’s wisdom.
Senator Mana was chairman of the party’s Reconciliation Committee until his death. (Vanguard)
President Bola Tinubu has permanently abolished the controversial 5% excise duty on telecommunications services, a move aimed at easing financial pressures on consumers and businesses in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The announcement was made by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Maida confirmed that the excise levy—initially suspended in 2023—has now been officially removed under revised national tax laws.
“The 5% excise duty is no longer in effect,” Maida stated. “Initially, it was only suspended, but the President has now completely removed it. I was present when the issue was raised, and he firmly said, ‘No, we cannot place this burden on Nigerians.’ I was very pleased to see that this directive was upheld in the new legislation.”
The duty, which applied to mobile voice and data services, had sparked significant backlash from both industry stakeholders and consumer advocacy groups, who argued it would increase the cost of digital access and threaten the viability of telecom operators already grappling with high operational costs.
President Tinubu first suspended the tax in July 2023 as part of a broader fiscal policy overhaul aimed at mitigating the impact of multiple tax burdens on businesses and households. The suspension came through a series of executive orders signed shortly after he assumed office.
However, the issue resurfaced in October 2024, when the National Assembly proposed reinstating the tax as part of broader revenue-generating measures, which also included levies on gaming, betting, and lottery services.
The proposal was met with strong resistance from the telecom sector.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) argued that reinstating the excise duty would undermine service affordability and hinder sectoral growth, particularly at a time when reliable internet access is increasingly vital to Nigeria’s economy. (Channels)
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)
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)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that he will support those who support President Bola Tinubu, urging residents to “support those that the government will listen to.”, has stated that he will support those who support President Bola Tinubu, urging residents to “support those that the government will listen to.”
Wike made the statement while commending former Senator representing the FCT, Philip Aduda, and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, during the flag-off of Lot 2 of Water Supply Projects in Karu, on Thursday.
The minister hailed both men for their capacity and for bringing development to the people, while promising the construction of a 2km road in Karu site, on the request of Aduda, adding that he will support those who continue to support the Tinubu-led administration.
He further commended the AMAC Chairman, Maikalangu, as “very good and hardworking”, noting that the latter had used his access to government to deliver several projects to his residents in the area council, adding that his administration will do, whatever he asked if he (Maikalangu) won his re-election bid as council chairman.
“There is a road where you said is about 2km, is it not? Consider it done. You know, one thing about government and politics, support those who have capacity to bring something to the people. Support those that government will listen to.
“From what happened now, you see that Aduda, government has his ear where he is. And that’s why government said where is that road he mentioned? Consider it done.
“You can see that since he (Maikalangu) became the Chairman of AMAC, he has brought government to do Saburi Road, he has brought the government to do Kabusa-Takushere Road, he has brought government to redo this road. He has brought government to do Deidei Road.
“For me, I’m here to talk about those who have access to government and bring something to the people.
“The chairman has access to us. Anything he tells us, we will do. This is the only man I know. If he wins as chairman of AMAC, we will give him whatever he wants. I don’t know the party he belongs to. But I know that he supports Tinubu. Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him,” Wike said.
The minister pointed out that past governments had failed to provide the needs of the people, particularly water supply to the communities in Karu, noting that the government of Tinubu has fulfilled its promise to provide potable water to satellite towns.
“We have had a government who stayed here for five years, isn’t that correct? We have had a government who stayed here for eight years too, is that correct? Has any government come to say, look, we will provide you water? Have you had water before? Did this government promise it will give you water? Have we come now to give you water?
“So, you believe you have a covenant with this government. And the covenant is like somebody said, agreement is agreement. So, the people of Karu, you will readily remember the government that remembers you, is it not correct?
“Will you remember those who had the opportunity and they refused to do anything for you? Will you remember those who left Karu unattended, will you remember them? So, we have come to fulfil the promise we made to you, that you must have clean and potable water,” he stated.
PUNCH Online reports that Aduda represented the FCT on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party between 2011 and 2015, and was re-elected in 2015 and again in 2019, before losing the seat in the 2023 general elections.
Meanwhile, Maikalangu is seeking re-election as Chairman of AMAC in the forthcoming February 2026 Area Council elections, on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, after defecting from the PDP in 2024. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointed of Rotimi Pedro as the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority.
The presidency announced the appointment in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Pedro, a Lagos indigene, has over 20 years of experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and media consulting, including leadership stints at Bloomberg Television Africa.
Tinubu also appointed Karimah Bello, who hails from Katsina and represents the north-west, as the executive director of marketing.
The president appointed Stella Din from Plateau state as executive director of news, and Sophia Mohammed from Adamawa state as managing director of NTA Enterprises Limited.
According to the presidency, the appointments take immediate effect.
The president added that the appointments reaffirm Tinubu’s “commitment to strengthening national broadcasting as a platform for unity, cohesion, and soft diplomacy”. (Punch)
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