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Tinubu returns after Japan, Brazil trips

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja around 1:20am on Thursday after concluding a three-day state visit to Brazil that yielded a raft of bilateral agreements and high-level engagements aimed at deepening Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic ties with South America’s largest economy.

The President, who arrived aboard the presidential jet, was received at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by a high-powered delegation of political leaders and senior government officials.

Among those present were Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Uba Sani (Kaduna); Hope Uzodinma (Imo) and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara).

Also on hand to welcome the President were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and some Ministers, including Nyesom Wike (FCT); Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning) and Bello Matawalle (Defence, State).

President Tinubu’s visit to Brazil was marked by the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering aviation, trade, science, diplomacy, and finance. 

At a joint press conference in Brasília, he welcomed the imminent return of Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil giant, to Nigeria—five years after it halted its joint ventures. 

“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,” he said.

The agreements also included a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, paving the way for direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, to be operated by Air Peace. 

Other MoUs targeted political consultations, scientific collaboration, and agricultural financing through Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture and Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development.

Beyond the MoUs, President Tinubu underscored his administration’s economic reforms, assuring Brazilian investors of a stable, transparent financial climate. 

He cited Nigeria’s capital market growth as evidence of renewed investor confidence and pledged continued reforms to “unlock capital, protect investors, and drive innovation.”

In a meeting with Nigerians in Brazil, Tinubu called on the diaspora to contribute actively to nation-building, pledging technology-driven development and food security as the pillars of a prosperous future. 

“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” he told the gathering.

The visit, which featured red-carpet honours, bilateral meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and cultural engagements, signalled what both leaders described as a new era in Nigeria–Brazil relations.

Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil was preceded by his participation at the recently concluded ninth edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). (Nation)

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Shooter kills 2 children in Minneapolis church, 17 people injured

A gunman opened fire Wednesday on school children attending church in Minneapolis, killing two pupils and wounding 17 people, police said, in the country’s latest violent tragedy.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told a media briefing that the shooter, in his early twenties, sprayed bullets into the Annunciation Church as dozens of students were at Mass to celebrate their first week back to school.

The church sits next to an affiliated school in the south of the city, the largest in the state of Minnesota.

“Two young children, ages eight and 10, were killed where they sat in the pews,” O’Hara said, adding that 17 others were injured, including 14 children.

Two were in critical condition, he said.

The gunman fired a rifle, shotgun and pistol before he took his own life in the parking lot, according to the police chief.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wrote on X earlier that he was “praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”

Live video footage showed panicked parents retrieving their young children and fleeing amid a major emergency response.

“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” O’Hara said.

“Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their children, for these young lives that are now fighting to recover, and for our entire community that has been so deeply traumatized by this senseless attack,” he added.

Wednesday’s violence is the latest in a long line of school shootings in the United States, where guns outnumber people and attempts to restrict access to firearms face perennial political deadlock.

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church. These are kids that should be learning with their friends,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told reporters.

“They should be playing on the playground. They should be able to go to school or church in peace without the fear or risk of violence.”

President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the “tragic shooting” and that the FBI was responding.

“The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The confirmed shooting comes after a wave of false reports of active shooters at US college campuses around the country as students return from summer break. (Channels)

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FCTA promotes 49 Deputy Directors to Directors

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has promoted 49 Deputy Directors to the position of Director in various departments, moving from Grade Level 16 to 17.

This was consequent upon the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike’s approval of the release of the result of the first-ever Computer-Based Promotion examination held at the National Open University Duste-Alhaji Study centre in Bwari Area Council, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

The promotion examination was done to clear the backlog of promotion arrears of 2023 to 2025, for workers on grade level 16.

A statement on Tuesday, by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social to the FCT Minister, quoted the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Eze, as saying that the promoted deputy directors will fill 49 of the 63 vacancies declared in various departments.

Out of the 49 promoted, the Education Officer Cadre had the highest of 20, followed by the Accountant Cadre, which had nine.

While Civil Engineer, Social Welfare, Tourism, Fisheries, and Medical Officers Cadres had one vacancy and one eligible officer each, the Education Officer cadre had 820 eligible officers for 20 vacancies, while Admin had 12 eligible officers for 10 vacancies.

Recall that to ensure transparency and a promotion exercise devoid of any form of pressure and influence, the FCT Minister directed the Civil Service Commission to adopt the most technology-driven methodology in the conduct of the promotion examination.

The Minister consequently approved the Civil Service Commission’s request to adopt Computer Based Test (CBT) model for the conduct of promotion exercise, and in order to make the examination completely CBT model complaint and reduce delays associated with the release of examination results, the commission’s Board of examiner set minimum of 60 percent as pass mark. (Vanguard)

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Ex-gov Ikpeazu’s former deputy defects to Labour Party

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Chukwu, on Saturday formally joined the Labour Party (LP) at his country home in Nkoro, Ohafia Local Government Area.

Chukwu, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, described his move as the beginning of a new political era for him and his constituents.

“All Nkporo people are here today. The implication is that Nkporo is now in the Labour Party,” Chukwu declared.

Explaining his defection, the former deputy governor lauded Governor Alex Otti’s leadership style. “I decided to join you because you treat governance as a personal mission.

“You have done well. Today, we can proudly say we are Abians. PDP in Abia State has closed shop as from today,” he said.

Governor Otti, while receiving Chukwu into the Labour Party, praised his decision and described him as a principled leader. According to him, Chukwu is “a man who will give you your due respect.”

The governor further assured that ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Nkporo road, would be of the same standard as those in Aba and Umuahia.

Also speaking, the Abia LP Chairman, Sir Emmanuel Otti, said Chukwu’s entry would “awaken the people of the area to new opportunities.”

In the same vein, the Ohafia LGA LP chairman, Godwin Kalu, pledged unity and development for the zone, while the PDP LGA chairman, Egesi Eze Azu, also announced his defection alongside Chukwu. (Vanguard)

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PDP’s fielding of Atiku in 2023 an error, says Abba Moro

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)

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Tinubu, Lula sign five MoUs as Petrobras returns to Nigeria

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)

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CHAN 2024: Morocco beat Senegal on penalties 5-3, to face Madagascar in final

Morocco reached the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 on Tuesday night after “overcoming holders Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra-time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.”

The Atlas Lions, who “won the tournament in 2018 and 2020,” will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi, “after the island nation beat Sudan earlier in the day.”

“The defending champions struck first through Joseph Layousse, who rose highest in the 16th minute to head home from Libasse Guèye’s corner.”

But Morocco “hit back just seven minutes later. Sabir Bougrine unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner, levelling the match at 1-1 and swinging momentum back to the two-time champions.”

The release on the CAF website noted that “both teams had chances before the break — Senegal’s Layousse missed another header from close range, while Morocco’s Anas Bach saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Marc Diouf — but neither side could add to the scoreline.”

“The second half was a cagey affair, with Morocco gradually seizing control of possession but Senegal looking threatening on set pieces.”

Goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar “kept Morocco in the game with fine saves, notably from Joseph Layousse and Seyni Ndiaye, while Diouf stood tall at the other end to deny Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui.”

“Extra time produced frantic moments but no goals. Morocco came closest when Lamlaoui’s header was tipped over by Diouf in the 119th minute, while Bonaventure Fonseca fired just over for Senegal seconds earlier.”

“With the match still locked at 1-1, penalties decided the contest.”

“Morocco converted all five of their spot-kicks with composure: Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and finally Mehri.”

“Senegal faltered when captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their opening effort, leaving them playing catch-up. Although Vieux Cissé, Baye Ciss, and Daouda Ba all scored, Morocco’s perfect sequence proved decisive.”

“The Atlas Lions triumphed 5-3, booking their third CHAN final appearance in six years and ending Senegal’s dream of back-to-back titles.”

According to the organisers, “the semi-final had been billed as a clash between Morocco’s tournament pedigree and Senegal’s youthful energy — and it lived up to expectations. Morocco showed resilience, experience, and discipline to weather Senegal’s early dominance, while the West Africans displayed promise that suggests a bright future.”

Coach Tarik Sektioui hailed his team’s mentality: “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed composure in the key moments. We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.” (Punch)

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My opponents in November gov poll are merely looking for appointments – Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has downplayed the chances of rival candidates in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election, saying those presenting themselves as contestants are only seeking appointments and cheap popularity.

Soludo, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made the remarks on Saturday at the Chuba Ikpeazu Sports Complex, Onitsha, during a political rally organised by the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, where traders endorsed his second term bid.

Addressing the large gathering of market leaders and traders, the governor reiterated that he has no real opponents in the poll.

“The journey to the November 8 election is still far. We are not going to take it for granted. Although we have no contestants, we are going into the election with all seriousness.

“Every other contestant is looking for an appointment, but instead of them to come and tell us what they are looking for, they are claiming to be contesting for the election.

“Our opponents don’t have a certificate. Gone are the days when charlatans rule Anambra; this is the state of the great Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chinua Achebe, Alex Ekwueme; no unknown character will be allowed to rule Anambra again. They should go and continue their land-grabbing business and stop contesting to be governor.”

Soludo also assured traders of a new tax system where no one would be compelled to pay cash.

Thanking the people for their support in the August 16 by-elections, which APGA candidates won, the governor said the victory reaffirmed the party’s dominance in the state.

“The election in Onitsha became a national election, because the election was about leadership by selection against leadership by competence. Election is not about sympathy, it’s not about ‘oh, vote for me, my husband is no more’… But I am glad you guys voted for competence over sentiment.

“Some people who were ready to write result said it was a mock election for November, but they were defeated at their wards and polling units. APGA is our address. APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA,” the governor said.

He further dismissed threats from opposition parties, branding them “nomadic politicians.”

“Last time, it was Labour Party everywhere, they were making noise. I call them the nomadic politicians; every election year, they enter into another party. But for us, we are APGA and we are saying APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA.

“Election period is business for some people, after the election, they will write on their complimentary card, ‘former governorship candidate’ and be begging for appointment here and there.

“Between now and November, you will be seeing new projects we are embarking on across the state. Keep the markets clean, keep it safe and most importantly, open your market on Mondays, there is nothing like Monday sit-at-home,” Soludo said. (Vanguard)

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EPL: 16-year-old Ngumoha scores winner as Liverpool edge Newcastle 3-2

Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha was the hero on Monday night as Liverpool snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in a pulsating Premier League encounter at St James’ Park.

The teenager came off the bench to score a stunning stoppage-time winner in the 100th minute, sealing three points for Arne Slot’s side in a game filled with drama, goals, and controversy.

Liverpool had gone ahead in the 35th minute through Ryan Gravenberch, whose long-range strike left goalkeeper Nick Pope rooted. Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead seconds after the restart with a composed finish.

Despite being reduced to 10 men after Anthony Gordon was sent off just before the break following a VAR review of his reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk, Newcastle fought back.

Bruno Guimarães halved the deficit with a powerful header in the 57th minute before substitute William Osula struck late in the 88th minute to level the scores.

Just when it looked as though Eddie Howe’s side had rescued a point, Mohamed Salah found Ngumoha deep into stoppage time.

The youngster showed remarkable composure, slotting past Pope to become the youngest scorer in Liverpool’s history.

The result leaves Newcastle to rue Gordon’s red card and a missed opportunity, while Liverpool continue their strong start to the campaign. (Punch)

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Rasheedat Ajibade signs for Paris Saint-Germain until 2027

Paris Saint-Germain have strengthened their forward line with the signing of Nigerian international Rasheedat Ajibade.

Announcing the signing in its blog post on Tuesday, PSG said Ajibade’s contract will run until 30 June 2027.

The Club said, “Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the arrival of Nigerian striker Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade, who has joined the club on a deal that runs until 30th June 2027.”

The 25-year-old, born on 8 December 1999 in the Mushin district of Lagos, arrives from Atlético de Madrid, where she has played since 2021 after a two-year spell in Norway with Avaldsnes IL.

In the 2024–25 season, Ajibade made 25 appearances, scoring eight goals and supplying three assists.

She was crowned as Nigeria’s NFF Young Player of the Year in 2018 after emerging from FC Robo Queens.

As captain of Nigeria, Ajibade has twice led the Super Falcons to continental glory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having done so in 2018 and in 2024.

The forward also featured as a regular starter for her side at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and, with over 30 caps under her belt already, now represents a central figure in Nigerian football.

Commenting on the deal, Ajibade said, “I’m deeply honoured to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a top-drawer club in Europe.

“This is a major step for me, and I’m committed to giving my all to help PSG win titles and to inspire young footballers, be they in Nigeria or elsewhere.” (Punch)