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‎Benue Governor Alia Lauds First Lady Remi Tinubu for N1 Billion Donation and Motherly Support

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‎By Prosper Mene

‎Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has expressed profound gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her compassionate support and intervention following the recent violent attacks in the state. During a condolence visit to Makurdi on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Mrs. Tinubu donated N1 billion through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to aid families displaced by a suspected herders’ attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where over 100 lives were lost in June.

‎Governor Alia, speaking at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House, described the First Lady’s gesture as a reflection of her “motherly heart, compassion, and commitment to national solidarity.” He highlighted her consistent support, noting her similar aid to Plateau State during its recent challenges. “Benue is overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity,” Alia said, emphasizing that the donation and her presence provide hope and healing to the state’s grieving communities.

‎ ‎The N1 billion donation aims to help displaced families rebuild their lives by addressing essential needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and vocational training. Mrs. Tinubu, addressing the people of Benue, urged for peace and dialogue, stating, “The way of peace is the way of love, and love is the greatest power on earth.” She also pledged RHI’s support to ensure affected children return to school and to address cross-border attacks in collaboration with the wife of the Nasarawa State Governor.

‎ ‎The First Lady decried the “hellish” living conditions of over 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue, including 3,160 at the International Market in Makurdi and 18,592 at NKST Primary School in Naka. She called for unity, emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity should foster understanding rather than division.

‎ ‎Governor Alia also used the occasion to advocate for state police, arguing that a decentralized policing structure would enhance intelligence gathering and swift responses to security threats. He further appealed to Mrs. Tinubu to champion the domestication of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across North Central states to curb farmer-herder conflicts.

‎ ‎The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Prof. James Ayatse, described the attacks as a “genocidal war” and accused neighboring Nasarawa State of serving as a base for assailants, calling for urgent action.

‎ ‎Mrs. Tinubu’s visit, which included a ceremonial cheque presentation and stakeholder meetings, was warmly received by state officials and local leaders, who described the donation as a lifeline for families struggling to survive. ‎Governor Alia reiterated his commitment to working with stakeholders to rebuild affected communities and ensure lasting peace, expressing hope that the First Lady’s gesture would inspire further support for Benue’s humanitarian crisis.

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‎Super Falcons’ Captain Ajibade Shares Plan to Win World Cup

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎After leading Nigeria’s Super Falcons to their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, captain Rasheedat Ajibade has revealed how the team can win the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Speaking at a reception hosted by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Ajibade outlined a clear path to global success.

‎The Super Falcons won the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over the hosts, thanks to goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini. Ajibade, named Player of the Tournament, believes the team can achieve more. “We’ve conquered Africa again. Now, we aim for the world,” she said.

‎Below is Ajibade’s plan for World Cup glory:

‎Better Support: Ajibade called for more funding, better training facilities, and regular matches against top teams to prepare for the World Cup.

‎Improved Tactics: Under coach Justin Madugu, the team played an exciting, attacking style. Ajibade wants to keep improving their game, especially defending set pieces.

‎Young Talent: She emphasized nurturing young players from Nigeria’s U-20 and U-17 teams to strengthen the squad.

‎Strong Mindset: Ajibade highlighted the team’s fighting spirit, shown in their WAFCON comeback, as key to winning tough matches.

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‎First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged the team to aim high, saying, “I told Mr. President you need to win the World Cup, and Rasheedat agrees it’s possible!” The Super Falcons have reached every Women’s World Cup since 1991, with their best result being the quarterfinals in 1999. Their 2023 performance, including a win over Australia, proved they can compete with the best.

‎Fans are excited about Ajibade’s vision. “This team has what it takes,” said sports journalist Biola Solace-Chukwu. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Ajibade and the Super Falcons are ready to chase history and bring pride to Nigeria.

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‎Tragic Road Accident Claims Lives of UNIPORT Student, Infant, and One Other in Rivers State

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By Prosper Mene 

‎A devastating road accident along the Eliozu-Rumuokoro Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has claimed the lives of a University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) student, an infant, and one other person.

The incident, which occurred on Monday near the Eliozu Flyover, involved a UNIPORT shuttle bus colliding with a stationary truck, leaving the community in mourning and raising concerns about road safety.

The UNIPORT student, identified as Silvia Oko, a 300-level Economics undergraduate, was among the victims confirmed dead at the scene. The state commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Inyang Umoh, reported that two females and a child were found deceased by responders, with overspeeding identified as the primary cause of the crash. “The driver lost control and rammed into a truck parked on the side of the road,” Umoh stated, citing eyewitness accounts.

‎Initial reports from eyewitnesses suggested a higher death toll, with some claiming up to five fatalities, primarily students. However, UNIPORT’s spokesperson, Dr. Sammy Kpenu, clarified that only one student, Silvia Oko, lost her life, dispelling social media rumors of multiple student deaths. Another student, Chidinma Blessing, sustained facial injuries and underwent successful surgery at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). “She is stable, and her parents have been informed,” Kpenu confirmed.

‎ ‎The accident has caused outrage and grief within the UNIPORT community, with students and faculty demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the exact cause, with preliminary findings pointing to the shuttle bus driver’s excessive speed. Emergency responders evacuated the scene, and injured victims were promptly transported to UPTH’s Accident and Emergency unit for treatment.

‎ ‎The tragic loss of Silvia Oko, the infant, and the third victim shows the urgent need for improved road safety measures in Rivers State. The university has extended condolences to the families of the deceased, with Kpenu stating, “We share in the grief of this profound loss and are committed to supporting the affected families.” The institution is also engaging with relevant authorities to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.

‎The Rivers State community mourns the lives lost and rallies for justice and enhanced safety protocols on its roads.

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Female-Led NGO Empowers 420 Lagos Schoolgirls with Agriculture and Life Skills Training

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By Prosper Mene 

‎A female-led non-governmental organization, Great Brave Women (GBW), has successfully trained over 420 schoolgirls across eight secondary schools in Lagos State in agricultural practices and essential life skills.

The initiative, spearheaded by GBW’s Lagos State Coordinator, Alhaja Omotayo Atoba, aims to empower the next generation of female leaders in agriculture while fostering sustainable development and gender equality.The training program, conducted as part of GBW’s ongoing efforts, equipped students with practical knowledge in agricultural and environmental practices.

‎Selected participants received starter kits, including live catfish with feeds, hens with poultry feed, watering cans, and eco-friendly pesticides, to kickstart their agricultural journeys. “This effort is fully powered by the individual contributions of our women farmers, without any external support,” said Mrs. Yetunde Olaniyan, a dedicated farmer involved in the program. She emphasized the NGO’s commitment to reshaping perceptions of farming while nurturing the potential of young girls.

‎Alhaja Atoba, who also serves as the state coordinator for Nigerian Women in Agriculture, noted the transformative impact of the initiative. “What you see here today is the result of collective passion and sacrifice. I firmly believe that when you train a woman, you train a nation,” she stated. Atoba called for support from the Lagos State government, local authorities, and private sector partners to expand the program’s reach and impact.

‎One of the beneficiaries, Dorcas Olaniyan, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Agriculture has taught me that nothing is wasted. Whether it’s farming or another skill, I urge fellow students to embrace learning and make the most of every opportunity.”The program received commendations from representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and other senior government officials, who praised GBW’s grassroots approach to gender-focused agricultural education. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that GBW plans to continue the training when schools resume in September, setting a new standard for empowering young women in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

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‎Tinubu Shares Funny Story of First Lady Ditching Cooking to Watch Super Falcons Win WAFCON

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By Prosper Mene 

‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought laughter to a reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, as he recounted how his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, left her cooking to cheer on Nigeria’s Super Falcons during their thrilling victory in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final.

‎ ‎Speaking to the triumphant team, Tinubu admitted he initially avoided watching the match to spare himself the stress, humorously citing concerns about high blood pressure. “Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure,” he said to an amused audience. “But they turned on the television. When it was 2-0, I got offended and restless.” Despite his reluctance, the President found himself captivated by the team’s resilience, particularly praising Esther Okoronkwo’s “courageous” 64th-minute penalty kick that spunned Nigeria’s comeback.

‎ ‎The room erupted in laughter when Tinubu shared that the First Lady, who rarely watches football unless the Super Falcons are playing, was so engrossed in the match that she nearly forgot his dinner. “You almost made me angrier because your mother, the First Lady, was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner,” he quipped. “She came running: ‘We have won!’ I said, ‘You have not yet won.’ And at the final whistle, it was all excitement all over the country.”

‎ ‎The Super Falcons, led by captain and tournament MVP Rasheedat Ajibade, were honored at the State Banquet Hall, where Tinubu conferred the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and the 11-member technical crew. Each player was also awarded a three-bedroom flat in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate and a cash prize equivalent to $100,000, while the technical team received $50,000 each.

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‎ ‎The First Lady, celebrated by the team with their now-famous “Na our mama be this o” chant, also received accolades for her steadfast support. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who had earlier congratulated the team for their semi-final win, hailed their victory as a testament to the strength and brilliance of Nigerian women. “You have written your names in gold and inspired millions across the continent,” she said. ‎

‎President Tinubu expressed confidence in the team’s ability to inspire future generations, stating, “You represent that hope. You ignited our hope, and we will continue to encourage you.”

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‎Tinubu Honors Super Falcons with National Awards, $100,000, and Houses After Historic WAFCON Win

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated Nigeria’s Super Falcons in grand style on Monday, conferring the prestigious national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and the technical crew for their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Morocco.

The team, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, reaffirming their dominance as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

‎During a reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President’s wife Nana Shettima, and top government officials, President Tinubu announced substantial rewards to honor the team’s resilience and national pride. Each player will receive a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate and a cash award equivalent to $100,000 in naira (approximately N153 million). The 11-member technical crew will also be awarded three-bedroom apartments and $50,000 each (approximately N75.6 million).“Your indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage has lifted the spirit of the entire nation,” Tinubu said, praising the team’s dramatic comeback from a 2-0 deficit, sealed by goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a stunning late free kick by Jennifer Echegini. “You have not only won a trophy but inspired millions, especially young girls, who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.”

‎ ‎The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, complemented the President’s gesture by donating N10 million to each player and technical crew member. The ceremony also saw the team present the glittering WAFCON trophy to President Tinubu, fulfilling a promise made during a post-match video call where he pledged to host them.The Super Falcons’ victory, marked by standout performances from Rasheedat Ajibade (named Player of the Tournament), Esther Okoronkwo, Chiamaka Nnadozie (Best Goalkeeper), and Michelle Alozie, who all made the WAFCON Best XI, has ignited widespread celebrations across Nigeria. Their triumph shows the team’s legacy, having now won four of the last five WAFCON titles (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2024).

‎Tinubu lauded the team’s sportsmanship, particularly their compassionate visit to injured South African player Gabriela Salgado after the semi-final, calling it a reflection of “shared humanity and empathy.” He added, “The Super Falcons have proven, once again, that Nigeria is unstoppable when we stand united.”

‎ ‎The reception showed the administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence in sports and advancing athlete welfare, with Tinubu noting that the team’s success has reignited national pride.

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‎Lagos Woman Arrested for Selling Contaminated Yam Flour Mixed with Harmful Coloring

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By Prosper Mene 

‎A woman identified as Mrs. Kehinde Raji has been apprehended by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) for allegedly producing and selling contaminated yam flour, locally known as ‘Elubo Isu,’ mixed with spoiled yam and harmful coloring agents.

The arrest which was announced by the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, followed a tip-off from the Chairman of the Elubo Sellers Association, who raised concerns about dangerous food adulteration practices in a local market.

‎According to Wahab, credible intelligence revealed that some traders were deliberately mixing spoiled yam flour with hazardous coloring chemicals to deceive unsuspecting consumers. “This morning, we received information from the Elubo Sellers Association about unscrupulous traders endangering public health,” Wahab stated. “Our KAI enforcement team conducted a swift raid, leading to the arrest of Mrs. Kehinde Raji, who was caught in the act of producing this contaminated product.”Preliminary investigations suggest that the adulterated yam flour has already caused health complications for several consumers, raising alarm about the safety of food sold in local markets. The suspect is set to face prosecution under relevant Lagos State laws, with authorities stressing their commitment to protecting public health.

‎The Lagos State Government has commended the market leadership for their vigilance and urged citizens to report suspicious activities in food production and sales.

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‎EU, NWTF Empower Anambra Women with Voter Education Ahead of Elections

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By Prosper Mene 

‎As a part of it’s bid to boost women’s participation in the democratic process, the European Union (EU) has partnered with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) to train 30 women from diverse communities across Anambra State on voter education.

The initiative, aimed at curbing voter apathy and addressing electoral challenges, is part of a three-day “Train the Trainers” workshop held in Awka, ahead of the August 16 senatorial by-elections and the November 8 governorship polls.The EU-funded program, which began on Thursday, equips participants with the knowledge and skills to conduct local voter education forums, fostering informed participation and promoting peaceful elections. Malliya Manu, Programme Officer at NWTF, emphasized the importance of familiarizing women with the electoral process to encourage greater involvement. “The objective is to reduce voter apathy, which has often marred past elections, and ensure more women participate fully in the upcoming polls,” Manu told journalists.Venezia Gregory, a lead resource person, highlighted key challenges such as double registration, transportation difficulties, and a lack of voter education resources. She stressed that voter education is critical to strengthening democracy by promoting tolerance, acceptance of election results, and inclusive governance. “This training is designed to create a multiplier effect, with each participant mobilizing and educating 50 more women in their communities,” Gregory added.Anambra’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, urged participants to uphold integrity and resist vote-buying, emphasizing the role of women in ensuring credible elections. The participants, carefully selected in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Social and Integral Development Centre, are expected to drive grassroots campaigns to enhance electoral awareness.

‎INEC reported over 96,000 new voter registrations in just nine days during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with women and youth leading the surge. With campaigns set to commence on June 11, this voter education effort is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring a transparent and inclusive electoral process in Anambra State.

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‎Bauchi State Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Woman for Child Theft and Murder of Two Young Girls

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended 19-year-old Esther Gambo in connection with the horrific murder of two seven-year-old girls and the abduction of a newborn baby in Toro Local Government Area. The incident, occurred on July 22, 2025, and has sparked widespread outrage and violent protest in the community of Unguwan Sarkin Yaki.

‎According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakil, Esther Gambo, a resident of Lemoro Village, allegedly lured two young girls, Khadija Sama’ila and A’isha Dahiru, from Unguwan Sarkin Yaki Village under false pretenses. Preliminary investigations reveal that Gambo’s motive was to kidnap a newborn baby girl belonging to Nafisa Dahiru. After abducting the infant, Gambo reportedly led the two girls to a nearby maize farm, where she brutally killed them with a machete before fleeing the scene.

‎Swift action by a combined team of police operatives and local vigilantes led to Gambo’s arrest, the recovery of the deceased girls’ bodies, and the safe rescue of the kidnapped newborn. The tragic incident triggered public unrest, with angry youths in the predominantly Muslim community setting churches ablaze and attempting to burn down the Tulu Divisional Police Headquarters. Police reinforcements from Toro Area Command and neighboring divisions successfully restored order.

‎In addition to Gambo, 15 other suspects have been arrested in connection with the murders and subsequent unrest. The suspects, identified as Abbas Abdullahi (20), Mubarak Auwal (19), Abdullahi Muhammad (19), Dauda Abdullahi (19), Abubakar Sama’ila (18), Abdulmutallib Ibrahim (18), Yazid Auwal (20), Abdulrahman Ibrahim (17), Abdulwahid Sulaiman (17), Salihu Shuaibu (20), Sirajo Halliru (24), Musayib Abdullahi (21), Ibrahim Abubakar (19), Esther Idi (19), Gambo Yakubu (20), and Idi Bitrus (50), are currently under investigation.

‎Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu condemned the violence and emphasized the importance of upholding the law. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” Aliyu stated, urging residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover the full details of the crime and bring all perpetrators to justice.

‎The Bauchi State Police Command has called for community cooperation and vigilance, encouraging residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via emergency contact numbers: 112 or 08156814656.

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‎Super Falcons Soar to WAFCON 2024 Final with Dramatic 2-1 Victory Over South Africa

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured their place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a thrilling 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

The hard-fought semi-final win keeps alive Nigeria’s “Mission X,” their quest for a record-extending 10th continental title.The match was a tense affair, with both sides showcasing their strength in a clash befitting a final. The Super Falcons struck first just before halftime when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted a penalty in the 45th minute, following a handball by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane. The goal sent Nigeria into the break with a 1-0 lead, buoyed by their dominant first-half display.South Africa, known as Banyana Banyana, responded in the second half, leveling the score in the 60th minute through a penalty by Linda Motlhalo after Osinachi Ohale was penalized for a foul in the box. The equalizer shifted momentum, and with the game seemingly headed for extra time, the Super Falcons found a moment of magic in stoppage time. Defender Michelle Alozie unleashed a stunning 35-yard strike in the 94th minute, catching South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini off guard, causing wild celebrations among Nigerian fans and players.The victory marks Nigeria’s first WAFCON final appearance since 2018 and sets up a highly anticipated showdown with host nation Morocco, who defeated Ghana 4-2 on penalties in the other semi-final. The final, scheduled for July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, promises to be a blockbuster, with Nigeria seeking redemption after losing to Morocco in a penalty shootout in the 2022 semi-finals.

‎Coach Justine Madugu praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We knew Banyana Banyana would be tough, but our tactics paid off. The girls showed incredible determination, and we’re ready to make history in Rabat.”

‎The Super Falcons’ journey to the final has been marked by dominance, with a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia in the quarter-finals and an unbeaten record in the tournament, scoring nine goals without conceding until Motlhalo’s penalty. Their blend of experienced stars like Ajibade and emerging talents like Esther Okoronkwo has made them a formidable force.

‎President Bola Tinubu joined the chorus of praise, posting on X, “Congratulations to our Super Falcons! Your incredible #WAFCON2025 semi-final victory over South Africa was nothing short of superlative.” First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also hailed the team, noting, “This win is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves and stand together.”

‎As Nigeria prepares to face Morocco, the Super Falcons are fueled by their “Mission X” campaign, a rallying cry for their pursuit of a historic 10th WAFCON title. With a new trophy and a $1,000,000 prize at stake, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 WAFCON.

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