The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has felicitated Christians in the state and Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration.
Oyebanji said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was the essence of the Easter celebration, remained the greatest sacrifice for the redemption of mankind, which should be cherished.
The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, made available in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, urged Christians to emulate Christ’s virtues of humility, love, perseverance and compassion.
The governor said, “I wish all the people of Ekiti State and Christians across the country and other parts of the world, happy Easter as we celebrate God’s greatest sacrifice to mankind.
“Events leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were epochal in the annals of Christianity and humanity. They remind us of his virtues of sacrifice, love, harmony and peaceful coexistence among humanity.
“As Christians, this period offers us an opportunity to rethink our relationships as individuals, as communities and as a nation. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ typifies love, affection and tolerance.
“I want to urge Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by positively impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours and family members,” the governor said.
Oyebanji also solicited prayers from the people of the state and other Nigerians for a peaceful and successful conduct of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti.
He admonished governorship aspirants, party leaders, other politicians and their supporters “to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner before, during and after the election. Ekiti interest supercedes personal and partisan interests”. (Punch)
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has distanced himself from the contest over who succeeds him, stating that the people will determine the next governor in 2027.
Speaking on Saturday at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Yola, Fintiri dismissed speculation that he was backing any governorship aspirant, stressing that the choice of leadership rests solely with the electorate.
“The power to choose leaders rests with the people; no one will decide for them,” he said.
The governor maintained that he would remain neutral in the unfolding political process, urging aspirants to engage directly with the grassroots and earn their mandate through credible interaction with voters.
“Democratic leadership cannot be imposed but must be freely given by the citizens,” he added.
Fintiri also assured members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly governorship aspirants, of a level playing field.
His declaration appears to have reassured party aspirants who had expressed concern about their prospects following his defection to the APC in February, a move that positioned him as the party’s leader in the state.
Prior to his clarification, there had been growing speculation that the governor was keen on influencing the emergence of his successor. (Nation)
President Bola Tinubu in his Easter message yesterday, urged Nigerians, particularly political leaders to embrace restraint, responsibility and civic maturity ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also assuring citizens of his administration’s commitment to building a safer and more secure nation through intensified efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
Also yesterday, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, canvassed for care of the needy and less privileged in society, while Governors and other political leaders charged Nigerians to leverage on the spirit of the season to show love and tolerance for one another.
In his Easter message, addressed to Nigerians at home and abroad, the President acknowledged that, despite the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, challenges to national security have persisted.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Tinubu called for political responsibility, restraint, and civic maturity, stressing that the Election Act must guide the conduct of political parties and actors to safeguard democracy, peace, and national stability.
His words: “As the nation gradually approaches another electoral cycle, this season also serves as a call to civic duty and maturity. The Electoral Act must guide the conduct of our political parties and political actors. Let our choices be guided by a shared commitment to peace, continuity, stability, and the long-term good of our country. Democracy flourishes where responsibility, restraint, and informed participation prevail.”
The President expressed optimism that the country is on the path to recovery, citing improving economic indicators as evidence that the right choices are being made.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to keep faith with the administration’s vision of a safer, stronger and more prosperous nation.
“Fellow Nigerians, you have been very supportive of my administration because you trust our ability to make our nation better. I will continue to serve to retain your trust. I enjoin you to keep the faith and never cease to contribute to the progress and greater future we seek, each in our own way, to the emergence of a democratically stronger, more prosperous, and safer nation,” Tinubu further said.
According to him, the government was making available the necessary resources and strengthening foreign partnerships to enable security agencies to deal decisive blows to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
His words: “Despite the good efforts of the administration and the gallant efforts of our men and women of the Armed Forces who leave behind their families to confront the evil actors in our land, challenges to our security have remained. However, my administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisive blows to the agents of terror and banditry.”
Tinubu noted that following his condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he commiserated with victims of the recent deadly attack, security chiefs had given strong assurances of progress, while international support was also mobilised to reinforce Nigeria’s response.
He added: “On Thursday, I was in Jos to commiserate with people of Plateau State, share in their grief, and offer reassurances of better days to come. The leaders of the nation’s security institutions have given strong assurances of progress. We have also sought and are receiving assistance from outside our shores.”
He further assured residents of other parts of the country facing one form of insecurity or another that concerted government actions are beginning to produce results, urging citizens to support lawful efforts, remain united, and reject forces that threaten the country’s collective peace and stability.
“I am reassured that the citizens appreciate our efforts. I will continue to remind us of the imperative of unity and oneness. No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace.”
The President said no nation can make meaningful progress where fear prevails, assuring communities affected by violence that better days lie ahead.
Tinubu said Easter season symbolises sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness, noting that its message resonates strongly with Nigeria’s present realities as the nation navigates economic stress and security challenges.
Also, wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, charged Nigerians to remember the needy in society and extend necessary support to them.
In her Easter message, the First Lady in a four-paragraph release titled ‘The Blessed Hope in Christ’s Resurrection,’ stated, inter alia: “Easter is a reminder of the enduring power of love and the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the hope His resurrection brings to all humanity.
“As we celebrate Easter with our loved ones, friends, neighbours and communities, let us remember those in need and extend compassion and support wherever we can.
“May the spirit of Easter inspire us to uplift the vulnerable, love one another, make sacrifices when necessary and work together to build a peaceful and prosperous nation for all.” (ThisDay)
The head of Italy’s football federation resigned on Thursday, falling on his sword after the men’s national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Gabriele Gravina revealed he would step down as the country’s top football official following a meeting held at the FIGC’s headquarters in Rome on Thursday.
Italy fell at the play-offs again on Tuesday, this time after a penalty shoot-out against Bosnia and Herzegovina and will miss this summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The shock waves of the latest humiliation for one of the world’s most important football nations forced Gravina, 72, to go back on his initial plans to wait until a FIGC board meeting next week to announce a decision on his future.
The FIGC said in a statement a vote for a new president will be held on June 22, with Giovanni Malago, the former long-time head of the Italian Olympic Committee, who was president of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics organisation committee, among the names in the hat.
Gravina’s resignation also means Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso could resign, as it was Gravina who asked the 2006 World Cup winner to stay on beyond the end of his current contract, which expires in the summer.
He was elected FIGC president in October 2018, becoming the permanent replacement for Carlo Tavecchio, who stepped down following Italy’s first World Cup play-off defeat to Sweden the previous year.
The highlight of his reign was Italy’s thrilling triumph at Euro 2020, when an Azzurri team that under Roberto Mancini went unbeaten for 37 matches beat England at Wembley to be crowned kings of the continent.
But two World Cup qualification failures and a dismal defence of the European title left Gravina with little choice but to resign as Italy shines in other sports while being left behind in football.
Gravina also caused anger on Tuesday by referring to other sports as “amateur” and “state sports” compared to football due to the large number of athletes, particularly Olympians, who are nominally employed by different arms of Italy’s armed forces and police.
Italy claimed a record 30 medals at the recent Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, including 10 golds, and left the 2024 Summer Games in Paris with 40 medals.
The Mediterranean nation also has top performers in a wide variety of other sports, with tennis star Jannik Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam winner, the most obvious example. (Punch)
The Delta State Police Command says it has massively deployed officers and put in place all necessary security measures to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Easter celebration.
This was contained in a statement signed by the police public relations officer for Delta State Command, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Friday.
The statement said, ”The Command has deployed personnel strategically to churches, event centres, highways, recreational spots, and other public places, while tactical teams and patrol units have been positioned across the State to deter crime and respond promptly to any security concerns”.
Also, the State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders “to intensify visibility policing, sustain intelligence-led operations, and maintain a high level of alertness throughout the festive period.”
In an earlier meeting with Area commanders, the Commissioner of Police directed that they work with religious leaders in the Area of responsibility, and be in close communication with them during the Easter period and beyond.
The CP further charged officers to remain professional, courteous, and respectful in their interactions with members of the public.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant, security conscious, and to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s Control Room Number: 08036684974.
Parents and guardians were also advised to keep a close watch on their children and wards during the celebrations.
While wishing all Christian faithful a peaceful, hitch-free and happy Easter celebration, the commissioner of police reiterated the command’s commitment to the protection of life and property and called for continued cooperation from the public in maintaining peace and order across the state. (Punch)
Four-time champions Italy will miss out on a third consecutive World Cup final after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their European qualifying playoff for the 2026 edition.
With the match level at 1-1 after extra time, Bosnia secured the spot kicks 4-1, as the Italians, reduced to 10 men in the first half of normal time, crumpled under the pressure.
Esmir Bajraktarevic hit the winning spot kick in Zenica, where the Bosnians booked a place in Group B, as well as matches against cohosts Canada, Switzerland and Qatar, and plunged Italy into a new nightmare.
Italy took the lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean’s fine first-time finish, curled home from the edge of the box.
The Italians were reduced to 10 men, however, when Alessandro Bastoni saw red for a professional foul, denying the home side a clear goal-scoring opportunity by chopping down Amar Memic four minutes before half-time.
After relentless pressure thereafter, they found their way to level terms, with Haris Tabakovic pouncing on a loose ball in the box following a corner.
Italy missed their first and third kicks of the shootout, while the home support were electrified as their side rifled in the four kicks they were required to take.
Italy are the first former winners to fail to qualify for three consecutive World Cup finals. Their last win in the tournament was in 2006, when current manager Gennaro Gattuso was part of the national team.
Bosnia, meanwhile, reached their second World Cup finals, and first since 2014, in front of a passionate crowd, which was sent delirious by Bajraktarevic’s decisive penalty. (AlJazeera)
Iranian football had a good week on its troubled path to playing World Cup games in the United States in June.
A first face-to-face meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino since the US and Israel started a war against Iran on February 28 made genuine progress in football diplomacy at the end of a fraught month.
The Iranian football federation’s upbeat readout of the meeting in Turkiye made no mention of moving World Cup games to Mexico — a subject Infantino has repeatedly shut down for the past two weeks.
Infantino also offered tangible help for the squad to prepare for the World Cup in the next two months. Most Iran players are with clubs in the national league, which has shut down during the war.
Iran’s World Cup hosts in Arizona in the US said this week that they were pressing on with training-camp upgrades plus local and federal security plans – echoing the “stick to the schedule” mantra that FIFA has used.
Infantino stayed on in the Turkish coastal resort of Antalya to watch Iran rout Costa Rica 5-0 in a warm-up.
Clearly, the next two months are full of uncertainty for Iran’s team and for the nation itself amid mixed messages about US intentions for the war.
Still, talk of Iran boycotting football’s biggest event or seeking to move its games from Los Angeles and Seattle to Mexico has faded.
The Iranian delegation is due at its Tucson, Arizona training camp no later than June 10 for the June 11-July 19 tournament.
The war immediately cast doubt on Iran’s ability and willingness to fulfil a World Cup entry that it secured in March 2025 as one of the best teams in Asia.
In the first half of March, government officials variously suggested that the team could not play at the World Cup, that it could not travel to the US, and that FIFA should move Iran’s games to cohost Mexico.
A spokesman for the Iran Football Association did not respond on Thursday to a request for comment. Iran has not withdrawn its entry with FIFA.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum appeared to suggest hosting Iran games was possible, without advocating for an unprecedented late change to the World Cup schedule.
US President Donald Trump added to the confusion with mixed messaging. He said, “I really don’t care” if Iran comes to the World Cup, then said that players were not safe, seeming to mean they were at risk from regime reprisals at home. He then went on to promise that the players would be treated like stars.
FIFA has been the most consistent commentator, and Infantino the only top soccer official openly talking about the delicate diplomacy: That Iran will come to the US, that the schedule will not change, and that no formal negotiations about Mexico had or would take place.
Iran, therefore, is on track to come to Arizona and start preparing for a first game on June 15 against New Zealand at the Los Angeles Rams’ SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. (AlJazeera)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday announced a N200 million support package for autism advocacy and caregiver development, as 16-year-old autistic cyclist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke added another Guinness World Record to his achievements.
The announcement was made at Lagos House, Marina, during an event marking World Autism Awareness Day 2026.
Kanyeyachukwu was celebrated for completing a long-distance cycling journey that began in Enugu on March 14.
Sanwo-Olu said N100m would go to autism-focused organisations under the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, while the remaining N100m would support the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation.
“I will give N100 million to all autism-focused groups under LASODA and an additional N100 million from the Lagos State Government to the foundation. This is not just about one child. It is about using this platform to touch many others who do not have the same opportunity.
“We must train and develop real caregivers with the knowledge and skills required to support our children with special needs. Once we do that, half of the problem is solved,” the governor added.
He described the funds as initial support to strengthen advocacy, expand care access and train professional caregivers.
During the event, a Guinness World Records representative certified Kanyeyachukwu as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles, adding to his record last year for the largest painting on canvas unveiled in Abuja.
Sanwo-Olu commended the teenager for changing perceptions of autism.
“Your advocacy has helped many people to see autism not as a limitation, but as a different way of expressing and contributing to our world,” he said.
Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Tagbo Okeke, said the cycling journey passed through multiple states over 15 to 16 days without incident.
He thanked the government and other supporters for guidance and safety measures.
LASODA General Manager, Adenike Oyetunde, said the event highlighted the state’s commitment to inclusivity and improving the lives of people with autism.
“Impossibility is truly a myth. Our core responsibility is to protect the interests and needs of persons with disabilities. We strive to ensure Lagos State is truly inclusive, and our goal is to ensure that the lives of people with autism are optimised,” she said. (Punch)
Iraq’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has completed the lineup of 48 nations for the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The Lions of Mesopotamia edged Bolivia 2-1 on Tuesday to win the second final of the FIFA Playoff tournament in Mexico. In the first final earlier, Democratic Republic of the Congo beat Jamaica 1-0.
In the other games, Turkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden and Czechia were the final four teams to complete the European quota of World Cup qualification.
Widely considered the most famous sporting event in the world, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be its biggest ever. Forty-eight nations will play instead of the usual 32, with 104 matches in 16 venues across the three host nations.
Argentina will look to defend the trophy lifted by iconic captain, Lionel Messi at Qatar 2022. Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their debut.
The World Cup’s first game will be a throwback to 2010 when Mexico take on South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City in a replay of the tournament opener then. Football fans will hope the opening goal this year matches the screamer scored by Lawrence Tshabalala from the South African hosts then. (AlJazeera)
Ghana have sacked manager Otto Addo, 72 days before the start of this summer’s World Cup.
Addo’s departure followed a 2-1 defeat by Germany in a friendly in Stuttgart on Monday, and a 5-1 thrashing by Austria in Vienna last Friday.
The Black Stars, who are in the same World Cup group as England, have lost their last four games and despite having Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo and Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus among their ranks, failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under Addo.
Following the Germany game, the Ghana Football Association said, external it had “parted ways” with Addo and his exit was “effective immediately”.
It added: “The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.”
Addo, 50, was born in Germany and spent his entire playing career in the country, also winning 15 caps for Ghana, and began his second spell as national team manager in March 2024.
The World Cup, which is being held in Canada, Mexico and the USA, runs from 11 June to 19 July.
Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on 18 June (00:00 BST) before facing England on 23 June (21:00 BST) and Croatia on 27 June (22:00 BST). (BBC)
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