A former Presidential Spokesperson, Dr Doyin Okupe, says the present economic indicators show that the nation’s economy is beginning to make a recovery and an obvious turnaround is now clearly observable.

Okupe, a former Director-General of Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, made this remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

He was reacting to the criticism of President Bola Tinubu by Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, over the socio-economic challenges in the country.

NAN reports that Afenifere had on Wednesday expressed concern over what it described as the near collapse of the economy.

The Yoruba group expressed the concern in a communique issued at the the end of its quarterly meeting held in Ogun .

In the communique, signed by its Deputy Leader, Chief Oladipo Olaitan ,and Deputy Secretary -General, Mr Alade Rotimi-John ,the group said that the state of the economy had left the people perplexed with hardship.

Reacting, Okupe said that Afenifere spoke well about the current socio-economic challenges ,but its response was belated.

“It is commendable that Afenifere, a pan- Yoruba socio- cultural organisation and now political group,has always lived to its nationalistic stance.

“This it does by criticising the government of the day in spite of the fact that a Yoruba man , Asiwaju Tinubu, is the current President of the country.

“This is one of the outstanding and commendable attributes of the Yoruba people as a race and Afenifere has been consistent in this patriotic display of true nationalism.

“However, while it is true that the country and its citizens are undergoing very harsh socio-economic conditions, principally because of strong and brave economic policies put in place to correct the economic quagmire brought on the country by the previous administration.economic indicators show that the economy is begining to make a recovery and an obvious turn around is now clearly observable,” Okupe said.

According to him, all hands must now be on deck to support the administration to succeed in its efforts to revamp the economy.

(NAN)

Nigerian-born UFC star, Israel Adesanya, has revealed what led to his decision to become a professional fighter.

This is as he also urged aspiring athletes not to follow his footsteps but to create their own path and draw inspiration from him and other celebrated athletes.

Fielding questions when he attended a Celestial Church of Christ service in Lagos, the Last Stylebender said he started fighting as a way of looking out for himself.

The fighter, who was decked in Celestial garment in a video sighted by our correspondent online, said he decided to become a professional fighter when he realised he was good at fighting.

He also highlighted the roles played by his father, saying he wouldn’t have become a fighter without his father’s support.

When asked why he took fighting as a profession, he said, “That’s a long story, but for me, I was just standing up for myself. It was what it took to learn how to fight and eventually, I realised I was good at it and I took it as a career and it worked out well so far.”

Adesanya also claimed faith has played a major role in his career, adding that after preparing for fights, he also holds onto faith.

He said, “Faith is something you have to have in this life. You can’t walk by side, you have to walk by faith. Faith has guided me a lot through my life and not just my career alone.

“I just trust in myself and trust in the high power. I trust and believe in who I am and I stand steadfast in it.”

“I prepare for my fight through training, hard work, and sometimes, you don’t know what the outcome is going to be and you just have to have faith.

“Faith is something I hold on to in life in general and it helps me in all parts of my life and even in my career,” Adesanya added.

On his advice for aspiring athletes, the last stylebender said, “Don’t try and follow in my footsteps. I’d say create your path. Get inspiration from someone like myself and what I have done and use it to further yourself in your own life.

“I feel like people trying to copy what someone’s done right now isn’t worth it. If you’re inspired by what someone has done, take that inspiration and use it in your own life.”

The PUNCH reports that the Nigerian-born athlete, who arrived in Lagos last Wednesday, received a hero’s welcome despite his recent UFC 305 loss to South African fighter, Dricus Du Plessis.

He had also visited his hometown of Esa-Oke in Osun State.

Adesanya had also been spotted enjoying the Lagos nightlife as he hit a popular club on Lagos Island Friday night.

The mixed martial arts star shared glimpses of his outing on his Instagram stories, drawing attention from fans and celebrities alike.

Despite losing to Dricus du Plessis in a thrilling UFC 305 main event, Adesanya reportedly earned more than the reigning champion.

The bout, which took place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, saw Du Plessis successfully defend his UFC Middleweight Championship for the first time, forcing Adesanya to tap out in the fourth round.

The fight, which was the first-ever UFC title clash between two African fighters, held significant historical importance and generated substantial financial rewards for both competitors.

According to reports from The Sportster, Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, was guaranteed $750,000 for the fight, while Du Plessis got $500,000.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has declared that the union will not be intimidated by external pressures, following his appearance at the Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Ajaero, who was invited by the police to address allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony, arrived at the IRT office at 10:17 a.m. and left shortly after 11:15 a.m.

Speaking to journalists at the Labour House after leaving the police headquarters, Ajaero asserted that the NLC remains committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and will not be cowed by any form of intimidation.

“We can’t be intimidated,” he stated emphatically. “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”

Reflecting on the challenges faced by labour leaders, Ajaero shared, “You can’t do this job we’re doing without this type of hazard. Even at the unit level, some of us experienced it, as far back as 1997/1998 with Femi Falana, we were equally together in the cell during the time of Abacha… but whatever the case is, we’re out to continue the struggle, we’ve gotten minimum wage but we can’t be intimidated, we have to press for its implementation as soon as possible.

“Every other thing that will make the welfare of the Nigerian workers worthwhile, we will be involved in it,” he noted.

Ajaero further explained that his appearance before the police was in the interest of transparency and to clear the air on the unfounded accusations levelled against him and the NLC.

He noted that the union would continue to fight for the welfare of workers and stand firm in the face of challenges.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ajaero maintained a confident stance, dismissing the claims as an attempt to weaken the labour movement.

“Our resolve is stronger than ever,” he added. “We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles.”

The NLC president’s appearance at the IRT headquarters followed his initial invitation by the police on August 20, which he was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

Gernot Rohr has backed his compatriot Bruno Labbadia to make an instant impact with the Super Eagles, DAILY POST reports.


Labbadia was named Super Eagles head coach on Tuesday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The 58-year-old will be the sixth German to manage the three-time African champions.


Rohr,who was in charge of the Super Eagles between 2016 and 2021 labelled Labbadia a very good coach.

“He’s a very good coach, I hope he’s well treated by the NFF and Nigerian fans,” the 71-year-old was quoted by SCORENigeria.

“He has experience in the Bundesliga, I hope he quickly finds his way in Nigeria, which is a different environment.”

Rohr will come up against Labbadia when Benin Republic face the Super Eagles in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie in Uyo on Saturday, September 7.

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has started training with his teammates at Atalanta despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Soccernet.ng reports.

Just like his compatriot Victor Osimhen, Lookman’s next destination has dominated transfer talks in recent weeks following his impressive performances for Atalanta.

The Nigerian attacker joined La Dea two seasons ago, and he has shone brightly. His stock rose at the end of last season when he scored a hattrick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final of the UEFA Europa League.

Since then, he has been linked to Chelsea, Liverpool, PSG, and some clubs in Saudi Arabia have shown interest in signing him.

Due to the numerous talks surrounding his future, Lookman did not participate in Atalanta’s first two Serie A games. For the past two weeks, he has been training alone, away from his teammates.

However, the talks have cooled off in recent days, and it seems like the former Leicester City man will not get his big move this summer.

According to Atalanta BC, Lookman has returned to training with the full squad, and that makes him available for their next Serie A fixture against Inter Milan at Stadio Giusseppe Meazza.

Lookman’s return to the team would be a big boost against a solid Inter Milan side at home. La Dea lost their last game against Torino, but Lookman has enough magic on his feet to help them return to winning ways next time out.

Italian football administrator Pietro Lo Monaco has criticized Victor Osimhen over the management of his transfer from Napoli.

Osimhen’s exit from Napoli is one of the biggest issues in Europe as it has dragged on since the end of last season till now.

The Nigerian striker has been superb for Napoli in the past three seasons and has attracted interest from a lot of top clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Osimhen has attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, and Al Ahli, but the debacle has either been his personal demands, or Napoli’s price tag.

With his future still in the balance, Osimhen has not played for Napoli since the start of the season, missing their Copa Italia game against Modena and their two Serie A games against Verona and Bologna.

The issue has dominated the news in Italy, and football administrator Lo Monaco has expressed displeasure at the turn of events. He believes Osimhen should still not have excluded himself from Napoli’s squad.

“The market sets the price, it all depends on whether the president decides to accept or not. His (Osimhen) management has been a joke, it is inconceivable that a player would dare to refuse to play,” Lo Monaco said, per Calcio Napoli.

The transfer window will close in less than 48 hours, putting Osimhen in a tough position. His next destination remains unclear despite numerous speculations.

Nonetheless, a lot could still happen before 11:59 PM on August 30.

Nigerian businesses and households expect the inflation rate to rise in the next one to six months.

This is according to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s July Inflation Expectations Survey Report released on Tuesday.

The survey showed that respondents expect inflation to rise in the review months with indices of 37.4 for the next month, -26.3 for the next two months and -15.8 for the next six months.

However, the report showed respondents expect the inflation rate to gradually reduce over the next six months.

A further analysis indicated that businesses anticipate that the inflation rate will drop compared to households, with indices of -33.4 and -11.0 points for the next month and next six months respectively.

“Overall, both businesses and households believe that the inflation rate will rise further in the periods”, the survey stated.

It added that the expected inflation rate hike will be driven primarily by changes in energy prices, exchange rates and transportation costs.

The reports come weeks after Nigeria’s inflation declined to 33.40 percent in July, from 34.19 percent in June.

In the past months, the apex bank had continued to tighten Monetary policy measures such as the interest rate which stood at 26.75 percent to tame the inflation rate.

The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the appointment of 12 new Permanent Secretaries (PMs).

The appointees were chosen from their respective constituencies to fill the available vacancies in the Kogi State Public Service.

A statement released on Wednesday by the Head of Service, Elijah Evinemi, indicated that the governor highlighted the careful selection of permanent secretaries based on merit, fairness, and justice principles.

In a congratulatory meeting with the successful candidates, Mr. Evinemi urged the newly appointed permanent secretaries to meet expectations in their roles and demonstrate utmost loyalty, dedication, and integrity.

The newly appointed permanent secretaries are as follows: Momoh Aziz from Ajaokuta LGA, Negedu Muhammed Bala from Ankpa 1 Constituency, Haruna Jibo Muhammed from Bassa LGA, Ejigbo Akoji from Dekina-Biraidu Constituency, Enimola Enimola A. from Kabba-Bunu LGA, Fashoba Ayo-Sunday from Mopa-Amuro LGA, Adurodija Ebenezer O. from Ogori-Magongo LGA, Enehe Dorcas Omeneke from Okehi LGA, Sanni Haruna Muhammed from Okene 1 Constituency, Ochu Philips Omeiza from Okene 2 Constituency, Shaibu Danjuma Fabian from Olamaboro LGA, and Baiyegunsi Taiwo S. from Yagba-East LGA.

Appointment Of 1,192 Additional Aides

Naija News reports that Governor Ododo’s latest appointment comes days after controversies over his appointment of 1,192 additional aides to his government.

These appointments were confirmed in a statement issued last Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashde Ayoade.

However, the development has not settled well with opposition camps and other concerns of the state’s citizens.

SDP Reacts To Ododo’s Additional Appointments

The Kogi State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has criticized Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo

Reacting, the Director of Media for the SDP campaign organisation in Kogi State, David Ijele, faulted the incumbent administration, describing the appointment as a misplaced priority.

“They haven’t paid those who laboured for the state, yet they are employing youths to be used as thugs,” Ijele said.

The SDP chieftain stated that Governor Ododo’s days in office were numbered.

Speaking further on the party’s legal battle against the incumbent administration, Ijele insisted that the Supreme Court would rule in favour of the SDP candidate, Yakubu Ajaka.

“The Constitution is very clear on the BVAS, and we believe the Supreme Court will give justice to the people of Kogi State and chase these charlatans out of Lugard House,” Ijele announced.

A Nigerian Navy officer, Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, has been arrested for the murder of Aminu Ibrahim, the son of former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retd).

During a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, revealed that Muhammad killed Aminu and stole his car two weeks ago. Igweh confirmed that the vehicle, a Prado SUV, has since been recovered.

“About two weeks ago, Aminu Ibrahim, the son of Vice Admiral I. I. Ibrahim (retd), was robbed and killed in the Maitama area of Abuja, and his Prado SUV was stolen. I want to inform you that Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, a serving Nigerian Navy personnel, committed the murder. He has confessed to the crime, and we have recovered the Prado Jeep,” Igweh stated.

Speaking to journalists, Muhammad, a seaman in the Navy, admitted to the crime. He explained that he was assigned to the former Naval Chief’s residence as a security guard.

“I work at the house. He wanted to go out at night, around 11:30. He said he needed security, so I followed him with my gun. Along the way, he stopped to check his ATM, as if he was going to buy something. I thought maybe I was going to escort him to a market or somewhere. Then, when I came out through the other door, I shot him, took the car, and left. He did not do anything to me; I killed him to steal his car,” Muhammad confessed.

In a related development, 94 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria were also paraded for their involvement in the death of two police officers on Sunday.

Former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu might be in another trouble while serving his sentence in the UK.

Recall that he is currenlty serving 10 years in prison for human trafficking last year.

According to a new report by TheNation, Ekweremadu is currently under investigation by the London Metropolitan Police in a new case linked to him.

A documentary by Chude Jideonwo titled: “Daniel vs Ekweremadu,” the police are investigating a case involving Ekweremadu, although details are scarce due to the ongoing investigation.

Part 1 of the two-part docu-series was released on Friday, 23 August. It is written and directed by award winning filmmaker and TV host, Chude Jideonwo.

In an email from a spokesperson to the police, Alexandra Meek to the producers as shown in the documentary, she said: “With regards to the live investigation, which is linked – On Tuesday, 8 November 2022 detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime arrested a woman on suspicion of conspiracy to exploit for the purposes of organ harvesting.

“The woman, who is in her 50s, has been released under investigation. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

Ms Meek, who is senior communication manager for the MET Police, gave this as a reason for the police’s inability to participate in the documentary.

According to Chude: “‘Daniel’ is the name given by a journalist and adopted by the documentary filmmakers for the victim-survivor of the first conviction under the UK’s Modern Slavery Law – under which Ekweremadu became the first to be sentenced to jail alongside his wife, Beatrice and a doctor-friend, Obinna Obeta.

“It follows a directive from the judge of the case for the real name to remain undisclosed.

“‘Daniel vs Ekweremadu’ tells the story of Senator Ekweremadu’s fall from Nigerian deputy senate president to British jailbird upon his conviction for organ harvesting.

Shot in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the series includes exclusive access to British prosecutors, police, the family of the survivor-victim amongst others in this first-of-its-kind thriller-style documentary from a West African independent studio.”