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Tinubu, Obasanjo, Otti call for National Unity as Abia honours Aguiyi-Ironsi

President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other eminent Nigerians have called for renewed commitment to national unity and patriotism as Abia marks the 60th memorial anniversary of the country’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

The leaders made the call in Umuahia, Abia State, during a memorial ceremony to commemorate the late military leader, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966, urging Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of history and work collectively towards building a more peaceful, united and prosperous nation.

President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a courageous and disciplined officer who assumed leadership at a critical period in Nigeria’s history.

He said although the late Head of State’s tenure was brief, his commitment to preserving national unity, restoring stability and safeguarding the integrity of the country remains worthy of emulation.

The President said the values of patriotism, discipline, integrity and selfless service exemplified by Aguiyi-Ironsi remain relevant to Nigeria’s development, urging citizens to embrace the nation’s diversity as a source of strength.

He also commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as visionary leadership and quality governance in Abia State.

Governor Alex Otti said the memorial was not only to honour a fallen leader but also to remind Nigerians of the importance of unity, merit and sacrifice.

According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s willingness to lay down his life for the country should inspire leaders and citizens alike to place national interest above personal or ethnic considerations.

He maintained that appointments in his administration are based on competence and integrity rather than state of origin, stressing that Nigeria stands to gain more as one united nation.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), and former First Lady Patience Jonathan described the late Aguiyi-Ironsi as a patriotic Nigerian whose sacrifice should never be forgotten. They commended the Abia State Government for preserving the nation’s history and urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace, unity and selfless service.

Presenting the citation of the late military leader, his daughter, Mrs. Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, said the commemoration was intended to preserve the legacy of a leader who made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria’s unity and not to reopen old divisions.

She called on present and future leaders to embrace justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good in nation-building.

The ceremony featured prayers and the consecration of Aguiyi-Ironsi’s tomb by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony led by the President’s representative, Governor Alex Otti, representatives of other state governments, Dame Patience Jonathan and several distinguished guests.

The event attracted serving and former public officials, military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community and the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, who all paid tribute to the late Head of State’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity and nation-building. (Channels)

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Season to end in Europe if war continues – F1 boss

Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says the 2026 championship will end in Europe if the conflict in the Middle East makes it impossible to hold the season-closing races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Domenicali said on a call with F1 media that a final decision would be made by the “middle of September”.

“For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed,” Domenicali said. “By the way, they are already sold out. That is an incredible sign of how much the sport is bigger than the problem that our world is living.

“But of course, if the situation will not be cleared the way that we believe it should be, before the middle of September we will take the decision.

“If this will not be possible, the end of the season will be in Europe, because we cannot go in other places.”

The 61-year-old did not elaborate on where the final race would be held if Qatar and Abu Dhabi have to be called off, but the strong front-runner is the Imola circuit in Italy.

F1 has already been forced to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races, which were scheduled for April, as a result of the US-Israel war with Iran.

The sport announced on Sunday that Malaysia would step in hold a race in September on behalf of Bahrain.

Although that event takes F1 to the 21 grands prix needed to satisfy various commercial contracts, Domenicali is determined for there to be another race after the Las Vegas Grand Prix on 21 November.

Domenicali said: “There was a possibility of having two races in Las Vegas, but we don’t want to ruin, let me put it this way, a jewel that is growing by undervaluing what we are doing there.

“And of course, we don’t have to forget that in that period of the year, we are fighting in the US against the NFL.

“That is a major sport that is, I don’t want to say detracting, but a lot of fans are watching that. So we need to avoid any kind of situation that would put us in front of something that, of course, is still quite big in the US.”

Next year, the opening race is set to revert to Bahrain after two years in Australia as a result of the timing of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Domenicali said contingency plans were in place should the war still be ongoing, he added.

“So far, the calendar that will be presented, let’s say in autumn, will be as a sort of a normal plan,” Domenicali said.

“But in case the situation in the Middle East will be not solved, we have options, different plan. And the trigger for that, of course, is at the end of the year.”

He said these alternative plans would “accommodate the fact that we will keep, in any case, the target of 24 countries also for next year”. (BBC)

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Tems and Ayra Starr feature in ‘‘Children of Blood and Bone’’

Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has her hit single, ‘Me & U’, featured in the first official teaser for the Hollywood fantasy film, Children of Blood & Bone.

Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, also appeared in the teaser, marking her Hollywood acting debut.

The behind-the-scenes teaser, shared on Monday by director Gina Prince-Bythewood on her Instagram page @gpbmadeit, features scenes from the film’s production, including costume preparations, action sequences and brief appearances by cast members

Its caption reads: “So excited to share a peek behind the scenes of our incredible journey to Orisha. CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE TRAILER drops TOMORROW! And in theaters Jan 15!”

Tems’ Me & U soundtracks the teaser, while Ayra Starr appears briefly alongside other cast members in the Paramount Pictures adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel.

The film stars Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amandla Stenberg and Ayra Starr.

The plot follows Zélie Adebola as she seeks to restore magic to her people after it was violently taken from them, in a world inspired by West African mythology.

The plot follows Adebola, a young woman who seeks to restore magic to the West African-inspired kingdom of Orïsha after it was violently taken from its people.

Children of Blood & Bone is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 novel, the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha series. (Vanguard)

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Infantino abandons plans to sell World Cup profits to private equity following massive pushback

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is abandoning his divisive plan to sell World Cup profits to private equity after receiving pushback from all corners of the soccer world.

Infantino’s decision came after his senior adviser who sat on a White House panel resigned and Asia’s soccer body joined Europe and North America in opposing it.

“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place,” Infantino said in a statement on Friday. “Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”

Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors including the Kushner family, but drew backlash that grew every day since Tuesday’s announcement.

UEFA’s 55-member nations agreed to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA competitions over Infantino’s plan on Thursday. North America’s CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation also said they opposed the plan.

“Some things are simply too important to sell,” UEFA said in a statement. “The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”

Infantino’s senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker who represented the soccer body on the White House Task Force for the World Cup, resigned on Friday and urged other senior FIFA staff to speak out.

“I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro said in a statement, just hours after FIFA insisted: “Nobody is selling football.”

Hours later, FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour issued a statement to The Associated Press, saying FIFA staff were deceived by Infantino’s lack of openness in planning the sale over recent months and that the project must not continue.

“It is the project of one person,” Lamour, a longtime colleague of Infantino at both FIFA and European soccer body UEFA, wrote. “Not only must this project not go ahead … but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.”

Infantino has proposed spinning off FIFA’s commercial businesses — including World Cups and Club World Cups for men and women — into a $20 billion subsidiary with 20% owned by private investors.

The “anchor investor,” described by FIFA, is a New York-based investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

The next FIFA competition is the Women’s Under-20 World Cup starting Sept. 5 in Poland — which UEFA members said they would boycott.

The misstep could prove costly for Infantino, particularly after the interventions by Lamour and Cordeiro.

Reelected unopposed in 2019 and 2023, Infantino is allowed one more four-year term under FIFA statutes. The deadline for the next presidential contest is Nov. 18, exactly four months ahead of the vote in Rabat, Morocco, where FIFA has its African headquarters.

Infantino’s job seemed secured despite long-term unease with his style and previous attempts to force through unpopular projects, but could become more tenuous with the failed private equity proposal. (JapanToday)

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Klopp starts Germany reign by threatening to quit

Jurgen Klopp started his reign as Germany’s head coach by threatening to quit if the media invades his family’s privacy.

The former Liverpool manager was appointed on a four-year deal on Friday to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned this month after Germany’s shock World Cup defeat by Paraguay in the last 32.

But the 59-year-old issued a warning to the media as he held his first news conference as Germany’s head coach.

“If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace then I’ll be gone, I’ll just turn away,” Klopp said.

“I know there are other countries where national team coaches are treated even worse.

“I’m not doing this job for myself, I’m doing it for you. I’m taking this job even though I’ve seen how you’ve treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.

Both Nagelsmann and England boss Tuchel came under media scrutiny after their exits from the World Cup, with Tuchel criticised for his defensive tactics and substitutions as the Three Lions let slip a 1-0 lead in their semi-final defeat by Argentina.

Klopp’s appointment was widely expected for weeks and his contract will see him through to the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.”

Jurgen Klopp is not going to have any ‘career’ after the national team,” he added.

“This is the pinnacle, the absolutely high point of my footballing career as coach. I will give everything I have got.”

It is Klopp’s first coaching job since ending his nine-year tenure at Liverpool in the summer of 2024 after “running out of energy”.

He said he feels “the time is right” for his return to coaching and to take up his first role in international football.”

Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself,” he said.

“I have always surmised the job of Germany head coach is really big but now it is really dawning on me what being the national team head coach is all about.

“For many, many years it was unimaginable for me to assume this position. As the years went by, it became more or less evident that sooner or later I would be asked to do this job.

“Now I think the time is right.”

His first game in charge will be against the Netherlands in a Nations League group-stage match on 24 September. (BBC)

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Falcons know what is at stake, says Oshoala

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has urged Nigerians to continue supporting the team as they seek to recover from their shock opening defeat to Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Tournament debutants Malawi announced their arrival in stunning fashion on Tuesday, beating 10-time champions Nigeria 3-2 in a thrilling Group C encounter in Rabat.

The Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, combined to inflict a memorable defeat on the Falcons, with Temwa scoring twice in a performance that exposed the vulnerabilities of Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

Oshoala started the match on the bench and replaced Esther Okoronkwo in the 83rd minute.

However, the veteran striker was unable to make a decisive impact despite Nigeria’s late rally before Malawi sealed the victory with a third goal.

Ahead of the Falcons’ remaining two group matches, the 31-year-old believes there is still enough time for the team to respond.

“It’s still a long competition, so there is still a lot of time to prepare for the next game,” she told journalists after the match.

“We need their support right now. A World Cup ticket is at stake and this is the time we need everyone to support the team. We know the Super Eagles didn’t qualify, so we know what’s at stake and we know how Nigerians feel about this.”

Oshoala, a six-time winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award and one of the biggest figures in African women’s football, admitted that the traditional gap between Nigeria and the rest of the continent is narrowing.

“Smaller nations are closing the gap for sure, but it’s also a wake-up call for us to put in more effort, knowing that there are other teams who want to win this trophy as well,” Oshoala said.

The Super Falcons are currently third in Group C without a point and will face group leaders Zambia on Saturday before concluding their group campaign against Egypt.

Nigeria must win both matches to guarantee qualification for the quarter-finals before attempting to secure a place in the last four, which would also earn the team qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. (Punch)

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Oyedele sets up new VAT Modification Order C’ttee

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to develop the 2026 Value Added Tax (VAT) Modification Order.

The Ministry’s Head , Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, in a statement, this morning said the committee was Inaugurated in Abuja, on Friday, in a move aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws.

Mr. Oyedele was quoted as saying the committee’s work would “provide greater certainty for businesses, investors and tax administrators,” and thst the assignment was critical to the successful implementation of the Tax Reform Acts, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

Mr. Raymond Omachi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance was named the Chairman of the committee.

The minister described the reforms as the most far-reaching overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades, noting that they were designed to simplify tax administration, improve certainty, enhance the country’s competitiveness, protect vulnerable Nigerians and lay a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth.

According to him, the previous VAT Modification Order, which was issued under the now repealed VAT Act, had served its purpose, but a new Order had become necessary to align with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025.

“This is not about reproducing an old document. It is about developing a VAT Modification Order that is clear, practical and responsive to the needs of a changing economy,” Oyedele said.

He explained that the new Order should eliminate ambiguity, simplify compliance for taxpayers, support investment decisions and provide tax administrators with clearer guidance for implementing the law.

The Minister directed the committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the legal framework, administrative practices and policy directives governing VAT administration, with particular attention to VAT-exempt and zero-rated provisions contained in Part IV of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025.

He tasked members with identifying areas requiring further clarification and engaging extensively with stakeholders across government, the organised private sector, professional bodies and other interest groups to validate classifications and resolve implementation concerns.

Oyedele also instructed the committee to recommend a comprehensive schedule of VAT-exempt and zero-rated supplies, taking into account revenue implications, social impact, Nigeria’s treaty obligations and regional integration commitments.

In addition, the committee is expected to prepare a practical VAT Modification Order that aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act and recommend amendments to the Tax Reform Acts and other enabling laws where necessary to strengthen implementation.

The Minister urged members to ensure that their recommendations remained faithful to both the letter and spirit of the new tax laws, adding that the Order should promote industrial growth, attract investment, encourage exports, strengthen food security, foster innovation and support Nigeria’s energy transition without undermining the integrity of the VAT system. (Vanguard)

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Fifa offers $40m if nations back controversial plan

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations saying they will receive $40m (£30m) if they back his controversial plan to sell off stakes in its major competitions.

Infantino has set a deadline of 19 September for football federations to accept his plans if they want to access an initial $20m (£15m).

Football’s world governing body has said it wants to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including the World Cup, and external investors will be able to buy stakes in it.

The incentive to nations comes less than 24 hours after the bombshell statement rocked football’s foundations, quickly leading to condemnation from Europe, Asia and North America.

It is understood Infantino even left some of Fifa’s eight vice-presidents in the dark about his plan, which it is claimed could raise $10bn (£7.52bn).Infantino has signed a five-page letter, seen by the BBC, outlining the merits of his proposal.

The letter states if member associations respond positively by the deadline, $20m will be “available immediately” from 1 January 2027.

Fifa confirms the money will come from “liquidating a minority portion” of its stake on Fifa Forward Enterprise, a subsidiary company set up to maximise commercial revenue that will include private investors.

Although Fifa suggested Infantino gave a broad outline of his proposal at a council meeting just before the World Cup final earlier this month, others who were present rejected this strongly. They say Infantino merely offered an aspirational vision for the future around maximising revenue streams.

They now believe they were duped, with the events of the past 24 hours leading them to conclude negotiations have all been completed and now they are being presented with a fait-accompli.”

It is my duty and responsibility as Fifa president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,” said Infantino.

“It is equally my duty and responsibility to ensure such proposals are sufficiently complete and feasible, replete with substantiated figures and clear terms to assist you in the decision-making process.”

Opposition to the plan has been fierce, with many citing the lack of due process as the first point of their anger. (BBC)

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Tinubu approves 12 divisions for Nigerian Army, recruitment of 28,000 personnel

In a bid to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to 12 divisions.

The presidency, in a statement, said that the expansion builds on the administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.

It explained that the approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.

Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions, strategically positioned across the country.

They are: 1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States); 2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States); 3 Division Headquarters – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States); 5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States); 6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States); and 7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe States).

Others are 8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States); 9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin (Kwara and Niger States); 10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa States); 81 Division Headquarters – Lagos (Lagos and Ogun States); 82 Division Headquarters – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States); and 83 Division Headquarters – Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States).

“The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide,” the statement signed by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, partly read.

The presidency further explained that the implementation of the new force structure would be done in two phases, with the first phase covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, which will be completed by September 2026.

The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians. (Channels)

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Takaichi vows to further boost ties with Britain under new PM Burnham

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan will further deepen relations with Britain under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office Monday after winning the ruling Labour Party’s leadership race last week.

In a post on X on Monday evening, Takaichi said in English that she looks forward to working closely with Burnham, who succeeded Keir Starmer, to further deepen bilateral ties “across a wide range of fields” as “enhanced global strategic partners.”

Takaichi also said she believes Burnham will lead Britain with “robust leadership,” leveraging his “strong track record” from his time as the mayor of Greater Manchester, during which he promoted public services reforms before returning to national politics by winning a June by-election.

On Tuesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference that Japan will tackle global challenges with Britain, such as the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision advocated by Japan that is seen as an attempt to counter China’s growing clout in the region.

Kihara, the top government spokesman, also said that Japan will continue to collaborate with Britain and Italy on their joint project of developing a next-generation fighter jet by 2035.

As the sole contender, Burnham won the party leadership contest held on Friday following Starmer’s announcement in late June of his decision to resign after the party’s heavy defeat in May local elections. (JapanToday)