Former Super Falcons player Iyabo Abade, now a man and renamed James Johnson, has begged the Nigeria Football Federation to assist him with the payment of N69.7m to facilitate a corrective surgery that will enable him bear children.

Johnson, a confirmed hermaphrodite, was a member of the Falcons from 1997 to 2000 and successfully underwent a sex change operation in the United States in 2004 courtesy of then Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

This came after a series of failed attempts to correct the abnormality that led to his being dropped from the women’s national team.

A hermaphrodite is a person or animal with both male and female organs. While it is common with animals, it is rare in human beings.

Johnson told our correspondent he wrote to the NFF for financial assistance last year to undergo the surgery but hasn’t heard from the football body.

The 40-year-old said he would be a fulfilled man if he could conclude the final stages of the surgery and bear children.

“Anytime I think that I can’t father a child’ yet, I feel broken, that’s why I wrote to the federation for financial assistance. The NFF president Ibrahim Gusau is a man with a listening ear and hopefully, through him, the federation can help me achieve my dream,” Johnson told our correspondent.

In the letter titled ‘Appeal for financial assistance to enable me finalise my surgery of transforming from an inter sex person (male and female organs – hermaphrodite) to full fledged man so that I can father a child’, and addressed to the NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, Johnson said he needed the money to undergo the final two phases of surgery that would make him a full man.

The letter dated April 4, 2023, read, “My President, I am using this medium to passionately appeal to you for God and humanity sake, to use your good office to assist me financially to enable me travel to the United State of America where I did the 1 & 2 phase of surgery (Midway Hospital Medical Centre, Los Angeles) for the surgery and treatment of the 3rd and 4th phase of my transformation to a full fledge man so that I can father children.

“The total cost of the surgery and treatment is one hundred and sixty thousand dollar ($160,000) equivalent to sixty nine million seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N69,750,000:00).”

The letter to Gusau added, “I was born hermaphrodite i.e both female and male organs and was brought up as a female. I love football and played very well, that led to my selection to play for the Super Falcons in 1997. During my days of playing, an issue ensued that led to a test, which confirmed that I am a hermaphrodite, 70% male and 30% female. This led to terminating my appointment as a female player.

“The NFA (Nigeria Football Association) instructed that I should go for sex corrective surgery. The then Minister of Federal Capital Territory Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in 2004 sponsored my trip to the United State of America to undergo the sex corrective surgery.

“I was told that I’m going to undergo four phases of surgery. The first and second phase was done and I was invited to join the Flying Eagles in camp in 2005. I was coached by Samson Siasia, but I was dropped due to overage.

“I was able to sign up with NEPA Football Club of Abuja, from there I signed for Plateau United of Jos. I later went on to sign up with Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, where I was discriminated against and humiliated.”

The Branch Controller (Ekiti) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mrs. T.A.Y. Lawson, has stated that the National Labour Congress’s nationwide strike set to begin on Monday will not disrupt examinations across the country.

This was disclosed in a letter to principals and school proprietors in Ekiti State, titled “Notice of commencement of indefinite strike by NLC and TUC.”

Lawson stated that though the examination body sympathizes with the unions’ concerns, it is crucial that students do not suffer by missing the ongoing examinations.

The letter reads, “The attention of Management has been drawn to a notice of the Commencement of Indefinite Strike by NLC and TUC effective, Monday, 3rd June 2024.

“Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE SC 2024 goes on as scheduled.

“In as much as we share the concerns of the unions and the generality of Nigerians, the WASSCE SC is going on across the member Countries of WAEC and the Nigerian Child should not be put to a disadvantage of missing the exam.

“For the aforesaid reason, WAEC will conduct the exam and School Principals, supervisors, parents and the general public should please take note and make adequate arrangements for their candidates to sit the exam. Kindly be guided accordingly.”

Real Madrid claimed a record-extending 15th European Cup after goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior earned a hard-fought 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium.

Der BVB landed the first jab in this heavyweight clash, as Julian Brandt fired wide from Niclas Füllkrug’s intelligent pass.

Karim Adeyemi was then left to rue a golden missed opportunity after arching his run beautifully to meet a Mats Hummels pass, but could not find a way past Thibaut Courtois.

Füllkrug then slid into the box and agonisingly saw his effort hit the post, in another huge warning for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Courtois was called into action again to deny the lively Adeyemi, before comfortably dealing with Füllkrug’s follow-up header.

The Belgian was by far the busier of the two shot-stoppers, and pushed away Marcel Sabitzer’s strike, leaving Edin Terzić’s men wondering how they had not managed to draw first blood before halftime.

Toni Kroos was making the final appearance of his illustrious club career, and almost answered his team’s call for a moment of magic when the German’s free-kick was pushed behind by Gregor Kobel in the Swiss goalkeeper’s first save of the match, just past the restart.

However, there was a growing sense of inevitability that despite Dortmund’s overall superiority, it was only a matter of time before Real struck first.

Kroos was the provider with a sublime corner into the path of Carvajal, who executed a superb glancing header past Kobel in the 74th minute, and a club synonymous with this competition had struck first.

Vinícius scored the killer second goal with a scuffed angled finish from Bellingham’s pass, and Dortmund’s brave fight had come to nothing.

This was another far-from-vintage Los Blancos performance, but incredibly, it was enough to get the job done and secure what was surprisingly only a fourth LaLiga and European Cup double. It was also a fitting way for Kroos to end his club career before making his final playing sojourn at UEFA Euro 2024, winning a joint-record sixth European Cup/UCL title, matching club legend Paco Gento’s record.

The Federal Government has reacted to the proposed strike by organised labour, set to take off on Monday, saying it would compound the economic woes of citizens.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, who reacted on behalf of the government, cautioned that any new minimum wage must not lead to widespread job losses, particularly in the Organised Private Sector, which employs the bulk of the nation’s workforce.

She warned that the strike is not in the best interests of the country and its people, especially when negotiations are ongoing.

Recall that owing to failure of parties in the tripartite committee to reach a compromise on a new national minimum wage, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, decided to embark on strike on June 3.

“Going on strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would not only compound the economic woes but also exacerbate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to eke out a living from their daily endeavors,” Onyejeocha said through her media aide, Emameh Gabriel.

She noted that the “government has consistently demonstrated commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations with organised labour”.

According to the Labour Minister, the government’s proposals were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities and incorporating innovative solutions.

She listed these proposals to include a comprehensive package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the introduction of CNG-fueled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Additionally, according to her, the government has pledged investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and many others that are already in the pipeline.

“This sector is crucial to the country’s economic growth and stability. The government’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the negotiations, demonstrating its dedication to finding a balance between the needs of workers and the economic realities of the country. The goal is to establish a minimum wage that is not only realistic but also sustainable, avoiding any potentially detrimental consequences for the economy.

“By adopting this approach, the government aims to safeguard the interests of both workers and employers, ensuring that any agreement reached is mutually beneficial and does not jeopardise the country’s economic progress. This balanced stance is crucial for maintaining harmony in the workforce and driving national growth”, she explained.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has directed its members to comply with the indefinite nationwide strike ordered by Organised Labour.

The strike is slated to commence on Monday.

NUPENG General Secretary, Mr Afolabi Olawale, in a statement on Saturday, said the union was committed to ensuring total compliance with the directive.

DAILY POST recalls that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, declared an indefinite nationwide strike to begin on Monday.

The strike is to express Nigerian workers’ anger at the refusal of the Federal Government to adopt the proposed new minimum wage.

Afolabi said the union was concerned and disturbed with the insensitive attitude of the Federal Government “to the very critical issue of negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers”.

“This is in view of the various socio- economic policies of this administration that have impoverished the working people of this country.

“Leaders of our great union at all levels, from the units, zones and branches, should immediately put all processes in place to ensure total compliance with this directive,” he added.

Fulham and Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has said he has no regret in choosing Nigeria over England.

Speaking in an interview with Kiss Fresh, London, Iwobi stated he respects England but feels more at home in Nigeria.

He added that football in Nigeria is like a festival, stressing that the entertaining atmosphere in Nigerian stadia gives him a sense of belonging.

“I actually felt more at home in Nigeria. Football out there is like a festival, it’s like a party. You go into the game, you see people blowing trumpets, and drums, it doesn’t even feel like a proper match. I was like, ‘Yeah, this is where I belong.’

“Of course, I have respect for England but I have no regret in choosing Nigeria.”

Iwobi represented England up to under-18 level. He made his senior international debut for Nigeria in October 2015.

Nigerians woke up to the sad news of the passing of popular Islamic scholar and motivational speaker, Abdullateef Aliyu Maiyaki, on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

The 20-year-old, known as Mufti Yaks, reportedly died after a brief illness at the National Hospital in Abuja.

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami who confirmed the unfortunate news on his Facebook page expressed his sadness over the demise of the cleric, who he described as his son.

He said: “Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun! Just heard that our beloved son, Abdullateef Aliyu Maitaki, popularly known as MUFTI YAKS passed away. What a great loss! Janaza by 10 am at Justice Maiyaki’s residence Dutsen Kura Gwari, Minnah. May the Almighty Allah admit him into Jannatul Firdaus.”

Prominent Islamic scholar Mufti Menk also offered his condolences.

“I’m saddened by the news of the death of the young Abdul Latif Miyaki Mufti Yaks this morning. He was a very talented young lad trying to spread goodness. May Allah Almighty forgive him, accept his good deeds, and grant him the highest ranks of Paradise. Aameen,” he said.

The cause of Maiyaki’s illness has not yet been disclosed.

The Dangote refinery in Nigeria has marked a significant milestone by exporting its first jet fuel cargo to Europe.

This milestone is pivotal in the global energy market, underscoring the rapid expansion of the facility’s operations.

On Friday, S&P Global Commodity Insights reported that BP is moving 45,000 metric tons of jet fuel from the Dangote refinery to Rotterdam via the Doric Breeze.

This export marks the refinery’s debut in the European market, following a substantial 120,000 metric ton tender.

According to PUNCH Online, “BP cargo” denotes the jet fuel shipment acquired and currently being transported by British Petroleum (BP).

This groundbreaking development involves BP leading the transportation of 45,000 metric tons of jet fuel to Rotterdam, signifying a pivotal moment for the new 650,000 b/d complex and potentially reshaping global energy dynamics.

The shipment, loaded from Lekki on May 27, highlights the refinery’s swift increase in production and its compliance with European jet A1 standards, potentially altering West African trade flows.

“Two sources confirmed that the Doric Breeze ship marked the inaugural BP cargo, loading 45,000 mt of supply from Lekki May 27, according to S&P Global Commodities at Sea data.

“Cepsa also secured part of the tender, with the Spanish refiner expected to deliver supply to the continent imminently, traders said.

“Neither of the companies were available for comments on purchases of jet fuel from the refinery, while a representative from Dangote previously confirmed to S&P Global Commodity Insights that the refinery has complied with European jet A1 standards since the product first started being shipped within Africa in April.

“The inaugural European shipment demonstrates the growing reach of products from the 650,000 b/d Dangote refinery as it has rapidly ramped up operations and aims to shake up established West African trade flows.

“Dangote has exported six jet fuel/kerosene cargoes starting April 8, with all material delivered to Senegal, Togo or Ghana, according to CAS data. BP is also expected to continue supplying jet fuel to the West African market with product from the refinery,” sources said.

European traders cautioned that the influx of fresh jet fuel flows from Nigeria could worsen existing market weakness due to oversupply.

The Central Bank of Nigeria on Friday, announced that international oil companies can sell their retained 50 per cent of repatriated export proceeds in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.

This decision comes after the CBN placed limits on the transfer of crude export proceeds by IOCs to offshore parent company accounts on February 14.

The apex bank noted that these transfers affected domestic foreign exchange market liquidity and sought to reverse the trend through ongoing reforms.

According to a circular signed by the Director of Trade and Exchange Department, W.J. Kanya, banks can only transfer 50 per cent of repatriated export proceeds to IOCs’ offshore parent company accounts, with the remaining 50 per cent repatriated after 90 days.

However, on May 6, the CBN reviewed this directive, allowing IOCs to repatriate 50 per cent of their export proceeds immediately or as needed, while the remaining 50 per cent can be used to settle financial obligations in Nigeria.

This move aims to balance the needs of IOCs with the need to maintain liquidity in the domestic foreign exchange market.


By allowing IOCs to sell their retained proceeds in the Nigerian market, the CBN seeks to boost liquidity and promote economic growth.


However, in a new development, CBN said following the release of the circular “dated May 06, 2024, referenced TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/008, in respect of Cash Pooling by banks on behalf of IOCs, we received several requests for clarification on item No 3 ( on forex sales at the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market”.

Providing more clarifications, the apex bank said the “50% balance of the repatriated export proceeds may be sold to Authorized Dealers or eligible users of foreign exchange with eligible transactions”.

“If the IOC does not have any financial obligation to settle with the funds during or after the 90-day retention period, the 50% balance may also be sold wholly as stated in (1) above,” CBN said.

Some of the financial obligations mentioned by the CBN are the balance for cash calls, domestic loan principal and interest payments, transaction taxes (including the Nigerian Content Development Levy) and education tax

The recent news of South Korean billionaire Chey Tae-won’s divorce settlement, totaling $1 billion, has caused a stir online.

PUNCH Online reports that Chey, chairman of the SK Group conglomerate, has been ordered to pay his ex-wife a divorce settlement of 1.38 trillion won (approximately $1bn), marking the largest divorce settlement in South Korean history.

Nigerians reacted in shock, with many commenting that marriage now appears to be a business arrangement rather than a romantic commitment.

However this is far from the largest divorce settlement in history. 

In this report, PUNCH  highlights some of the most expensive divorce cases.

• Jeff Bezos and Mackenzie Scott

In 2019, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the world’s wealthiest individual with a net worth of $197 billion, ended his 26-year marriage to MacKenzie Scott, finalising their divorce with a settlement of $38 billion.

• Bill Gates and Melinda Gates

The divorce settlement between Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates remained private, with no public disclosure of financial details. While the couple’s combined net worth was estimated at $130 billion, it is reported that Melinda French Gates received over $6 billion in stock shares, but the exact asset division remains undisclosed.

• Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein

In 1999, French-American businessman and art dealer Alec Wildenstein ended his 21-year marriage to Jocelyn Wildenstein, resulting in a divorce settlement worth $3.8 billion, with Jocelyn receiving an initial $2.5 billion and an additional $100 million annually for 13 years.

• Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv Mann

Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv Mann, married for over three decades and parents of three, separated in 1999. Their divorce settlement was valued between $1.2 and $1.7 billion, equivalent to approximately $40-56 million per year of marriage.

• Bernie Ecclestone and Slavica Radic

Bernie Ecclestone, former chief executive of Formula One group, ended his 25-year marriage to model Slavica Radic in 2009, with a reported divorce settlement of $1.2 billion.

• Steve and Elaine Wynn

Steve and Elaine Wynn, Las Vegas casino moguls, had two marriages spanning 1963-1986 and 1991-2010. Their second divorce in 2010 resulted in a settlement worth $1 billion to Elaine, including $741 million in Wynn Resorts stock, the company they co-founded.

• Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Arnall

In 2014, oil tycoon Harold Hamm finalised his divorce from Sue Ann Arnall, paying her $974.8 million in a single settlement payment.

• Adnan and Soraya Khashoggi

According to Forbes, the late Saudi billionaire Adnan Khashoggi paid his ex-wife Soraya Khashoggi a divorce settlement of $874 million in 1982, equivalent to $42 million per year of their 21-year marriage, in an out-of-court agreement.

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum & Princess Haya bint al-Hussein

In December 2021, the Dubai ruler was court-ordered to pay a $728 million to his ex-wife, Princess Haya, ending a prolonged divorce battle marked by allegations of infidelity and threats. The settlement will cover Princess Haya’s lifelong security expenses and ongoing costs for their two children, Al Jalila and Sheikh Zayed, according to CNN.

• Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren

Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren finalised their divorce in August 2010, after five years of marriage, with Elin receiving a reported $100 million settlement, equivalent to $20 million per year of marriage.

• Stephen Spielberg and Amy Irving

Film director Steven Spielberg’s 1989 divorce from Amy Irving, his wife of four years, resulted in a settlement worth $100 million, equivalent to half his wealth at the time, or $25 million per year of marriage.

• Paul McCartney and Heather Mills

Paul McCartney’s ex-wife, Heather Mills, received a divorce settlement of $50 million, translating to $12.5 million per year for their four-year marriage.

• Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison

The Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford’s 1994 divorce from Melissa Mathison, his wife of 18 years and mother of two of his children, resulted in a settlement of $90 million, equivalent to $5 million per year of marriage.

• Michael Douglas and Diandra Douglas

Two-time Academy Award winner Michael Douglas’s 23-year marriage to Diandra Douglas ended in a divorce settlement of $45 million, which translates to approximately $2 million per year of their marriage.

• Madonna and Guy Ritchie

Madonna’s divorce from film director Guy Ritchie in 2008 reportedly resulted in a settlement of $76 – $92 million, paid to the British film director and her ex-husband of eight years. The specifics of their agreement remain private, so the exact reasons for the payment amount aren’t publicly disclosed.