The International Criminal Police Organisation has arrested more than 300 people with links to one of West Africa’s most feared criminal networks, Black Axe, and other affiliated groups.
In a series of covert missions, tagged, “Operation Jackal III” in 21 countries between April and July 2024, Interpol said the highly-coordinated cybercrime group was responsible for some of the world’s cyber-enabled financial fraud and many other serious crimes, BBC reports Wednesday.
While the police labelled the operation as a “major blow” to the Nigerian crime network, it equally warned of its worldwide reach and technological sophistication — making the Black Axe a global threat.
The report noted that Operation Jackal III had led to the seizure of $3 million of illegal assets and more than 700 bank accounts being frozen.
A senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, Tomonobu Kaya, stressed the significance of financial technology and cryptocurrency in aiding the operations of cybercrime syndicates which are renowned for multi-million dollar online scams.
He said, “They are very organised and very structured. These criminal syndicates are early adopters of new technologies… A lot of fintech developments make it easy to illegally move money around the world.”
The Black Axe is a secretive criminal network involved in trafficking, prostitution and killing operations around the world. However, cybercrime is the group’s largest source of revenue.
The report noted that several members of the dreaded group are university-educated and were recruited into the group during their schooling.
In a 2022 report by Interpol, it said, “Black Axe and similar groups are responsible for the majority of the world’s cyber-enabled financial fraud as well as many other serious crimes.”
Multiple so-called “Jackal” police operations have taken place since 2022. Dozens of Black Axe and other gang members had been arrested and their electronic devices seized during these transnational raids.
In one example, Canadian authorities said they busted a money-laundering scheme linked to Black Axe worth more than $5 billion (£3.8bn) in 2017.
Dealing with highly sophisticated criminal groups requires a high level of technological expertise and personnel.
Interpol said it had launched the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments system which enables the authorities in its 196-member countries to freeze bank accounts around the world with unprecedented speed.
The mechanism was used to halt a $40m scam targeting a Singaporean business in July 2024, the police said.
Kaya noted, “We need to have data and to collate our findings from these countries to help build a picture of their modus operandi. If we can gather this data, we can take action.”
In his view, the West Africa Regional Coordinator from the Institute for Security Studies, Dr Oluwole Ojewale, blamed the government for its laxity in curtailing criminal groups such as the Black Axe, among others.
He also said politicians use members of these syndicates for their gains, providing them with the necessary tools to defraud innocent people and commit other atrocities.
“The general failure of governance in the country has put pressure on people to be initiated (into the Black Axe). It is the politicians who are arming these boys,” he asserted.
Ojewale added that “the emphasis must be on prevention not on outright operations against these criminal groups.”
President Bola Tinubu, in February 2024, pledged increased support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to increase its capacity to tackle digital offences.
This was as he deplored what he termed “mislabelling and blanket stereotyping” of Nigeria as a country with the highest prevalence of cybercrime and other forms of corrupt practices among its population.
In November 2023, the Nigerian Senate expressed concerns over an annual loss of $500m to various forms of cybercrime across the country.
It warned that if the national cybersecurity programme was not effectively funded, the gains of the digital economy would be defeated.
The report also recalled that Interpol’s Jackal Operations originated from Ireland.
In 2020, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau identified 1,000 people with links to Black Axe and arrested several members, paving the way for the exposure of a far wider network.
A detective superintendent at the GNECB, Michael Cryan, who led the operation, said Ireland had experienced a surge in money laundering, owing to the criminal acts of the Black Axe.
“They were very under the radar, very low-key. The amount of money being laundered through Ireland was astronomical.
“Bank robberies are now done with laptops – they are far more sophisticated. This is not a typical or ordinary crime… People who make decisions need to know how serious this is,” Cryan said.
He estimated that €200m ($220m; £170m) had been stolen online in Ireland in the past five years and that only accounts for the 20% of cyber-crimes that are believed to be reported.
More than €1m in crypto-assets were also seized during one operation, the report added.
Award-winning cinematography and music producer, ThankGod Omori popularly known as TG Omori, has revealed that he had a failed kidney transplant after his brother donated to him to improve his kidney-related ailment.
Omori revealed this on Wednesday, shortly after disclosing that he was going through hell and that Nigerians should pray for him.
He wrote, “One year after my kidney crashed, I just had a failed transplant at St Nicolas Hospital Lagos. Pray for me.”
The cinematographer also noted that he had gone into the theatre three times already and that he was not just destined to die today.
The PUNCH earlier reported that Omori recounted his brother donating his kidney to him.
“Yesterday, my only brother gave me one of his kidneys so I could live again.
“Keep my spirit alive. I don’t wanna die,” he wrote.
The music producer, who has been away from the public for some time now, shared the picture of him crying on the hospital bed while receiving oxygen.
Although he has been making cryptic tweets about his health before the recent transplant.
Last month, the award-winning music producer wrote on his X handle, “If I cross your mind, sometimes say a prayer for me.
“Poor marijuana, they blame you for all my rasclaat.
“You wanna eat, I wanna live.”
These revelations have left netizens concerned about his health; many have left words of encouragement and prayers for his quick healing and recovery.
A user on X.com, who tweeted with the handle #Mr Ebony, said, “The biggest sacrifices are from families, especially brothers. Quick recovery bruh.”
Another user who tweeted anonymously with the handle #Ikorodu President wrote, “Ohh really, hadn’t been you tell me I would have gladly give you one of mine so you can live.”
“Stay strong, wishing you speed recovery. Nothing go do you in Jesus name,” A user with handle #Honest30bgfan said.
“When they tell you to stop smoking, you guys won’t listen. Thank God for giving you a second chance,” a user with the handle #Realtimmywrld opined.
One Winifred, who tweeted on X.com as Winifred, said, “Such a sweet soul he is. Wishing you a quick healing.”
TG Omori, also known as Boy Director, is a familiar name to Nigerian music lovers.
He has been active in the music industry since 2018 and has directed videos for a diverse range of music recording artistes, including Olamide, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tekno, Kizz Daniel, Fireboy DML, Falz, Naira Marley, Asake, and many others.
Nigeria At The Mercy Of Terrorists And Bandits, We Have A Nearly Ineffective Government To Protect Us – Peter Obi
AFOLABI
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lamented the growing insecurity in Nigeria, fuelled by the activities of terrorists and bandits.
Obi, in a statement on Wednesday, decried the collapse of the nation’s security infrastructure, lamenting that Nigerians are at the mercy of terrorists and bandits.
Speaking against the backdrop of the recent killing of the Emir of Gobir by kidnappers and the subsequent return to abduct 150 innocent people, and steal 1,000 cattle by the bandits after the brutal killing of the traditional ruler, Peter Obi described the event as beyond tragedy and now a national emergency.
The former Anambra State Governor demanded the government take decisive action on the challenges of insecurity bedevilling the country, noting that it is time to put an end to rhetoric statements without corresponding action.
“Still reeling from the shocking news of the tragic murder of the Emir of Gobir, my earlier message reflected my deep sorrow and dismay. Yet, even those words now feel insufficient to convey the weight of one’s feeling of tragic loss.
“This most recent atrocity marks the tipping point in the decline of a failing state. The fact that, according to widely circulated reports, the terrorists returned to the emir’s domain, abducted 150 innocent people, and stole 1,000 cattle, after his brutal murder serves as a grim indication of the continued collapse of our national security infrastructure. We are now at the mercy of terrorists and bandits, with a nearly ineffective government to protect us. This is not just a tragedy, but a national emergency.
“We demand decisive action, not empty rhetoric, to confront this crisis. This is why I strongly advocate for a declaration of war on insecurity, the food crisis, and poverty—a stance that some have twisted, distorted, and used for their agendas.
“It’s time for us to take collective responsibility. We cannot stand by as our nation deteriorates to this unacceptable level. We must revive our commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians. Enough must now be enough. -PO,” Obi wrote via his account on the X platform.
An estimated 31.8 million Nigerians are enduring acute food insecurity, a crisis that is further intensified by widespread malnutrition among women and children across the nation.
According to the 2024 Cadre Harmonise report, the surge in food prices—largely driven by the removal of fuel subsidies coupled with ongoing security challenges—has pushed millions of Nigerians into a dire situation.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Julie Osagie-Jacobs, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, development partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Green Action in Enterprises (GAIN), GIZ, and Agsys disclosed these findings during a joint review meeting on the implementation of food systems in Nigeria, held from August 26th to 27th, 2024.
The report highlights a significant increase in the number of people facing acute food insecurity, rising sharply from the 18.6 million identified by the U.N. World Food Programme as vulnerable between October and December 2023.
“The surge in food commodity prices, which is a result of the removal of fuel subsidy in addition to security challenges, has placed millions of Nigerians in a precarious situation,” the ministry said.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the need for a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to address the food security crisis, stressing that such cooperation is essential to tackling the various challenges simultaneously.
They also noted the importance of involving civil society organizations and the private sector to broaden the reach of nutrition initiatives.
Despite the grim findings, the development partners pledged their unwavering support to transform Nigeria’s food system.
The report was produced in collaboration with the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, and the German development agency GIZ, utilizing data from the Cadre Harmonise, a regional food security framework.
Nigeria’s national convener of Food Systems and Director of Social Development in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Sanjo Faniran, stated that the study has been instrumental in identifying gaps, successes, and challenges while offering recommendations to improve the situation.
This report comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with soaring food inflation, which has now surpassed 40 percent.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said lawyers who are paid by their clients from corruption proceeds would be arrested and prosecuted.
The Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, said lawyers who receive payment from clients must ensure their payment comes from legitimate sources. He argued that receiving pay from corruption proceeds is also aiding and abetting corruption.
Olukoyde stated this on Tuesday at a panel discussion on money laundering during the 64th Annual General Conference of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Conference 2024, in Lagos.
The EFCC boss maintained that international conventions would not always dictate the way the agency operates.
He emphasized that it is the duty of EFCC to trace proceeds of crime, adding that if proceeds of crime are traced as payment to a lawyer, the agency would arrest the lawyer.
Olukoyede said, “As lawyers, we are supposed to hold a position of trust in our professional conduct. While we try to comply with international laws and regulations, we should also do what is right for ourselves so as to protect the sanctity of our profession, which is very key.
“Doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily come from the way of international conventions. If you do the right things, they will automatically take you off the grey list.
“It is expedient on you to, at least, know who your client is. You are expected to be paid from a legitimate source. If you are a victim of crimes, you will understand what I am saying. As lawyers, you must not, in any way, derogate or demean your professional commitment to your clients.
“Even a part of the Money Laundering Act that we have evaluated doesn’t stop me from enforcing the regulations of the EFCC Act and other financial laws in Nigeria.
“It is my duty to trace the proceeds of crimes. And if I trace it to you, I will invite you for questioning, and it is your duty to answer my questions.
“I mean, why do we talk about aiding and abetting crimes? Why do we have accessories before and after the fact? Knowing these will assist me to determine your level of culpability or otherwise.
“We are not saying you are not entitled to your pay, but what we are saying is that the money that comes to you must not be proceeds of crimes.”
dines with Edo Governor, Obaseki and wife
Nigerian music sensation Divine Ikubor, known to the world as Rema, was showered with overwhelming love and admiration by the Edo State government and its people during his grand homecoming welcome party.
The celebration was not just an ordinary gathering; it was a powerful reunion with his roots, filled with heartfelt moments and unforgettable scenes.
The hometown hero, who is gearing up for his much-hyped homecoming concert in Benin City, was seen sharing an emotionally charged moment with his mother, a scene that melted the hearts of many who watched the video.
The Afrobeats star made his way back to Benin, Edo State, in a highly anticipated return ahead of his homecoming concert, this Friday.
On Tuesday, August 27, his record label, Mavin, ignited social media by posting a video of his arrival on X.com, accompanied by the caption, “Benin, your illustrious son; The Prince of Afrobeats – Rema is Home!” This post was just the beginning of a whirlwind of emotions and events that unfolded as the Edo boy returned to his homeland.
One particularly touching video showed Rema and his mother sharing a tender, intimate moment amid the vibrant chaos of the event. The video went viral, capturing the essence of a son’s deep love for his mother, as Rema’s mother, a picture of grace and beauty, beamed with joy while speaking lovingly to her superstar son.
Rema, clearly enchanted by his mother’s presence, couldn’t help but compliment her on her stunning attire, his voice filled with pride and admiration.
Adding to the evening’s splendor, another video emerged showing the Mavin prodigy dining with Edo State Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and his wife, Betsy Bene Obaseki.
The trio laughed heartily, sharing stories and enjoying the festivities, with Rema clearly feeling the love and pride of his people enveloping him.
SEE VIDEO BELOW
Media
Mother & Son ❤️ pic.twitter.com/k82Uj0m7Dn
— MAVIN (@MavinRecords) August 27, 2024
South African billionaire, Johann Rupert, overtakes Aliko Dangote as Africa’s richest person
AFOLABI
Johann Rupert, South African billionaire and chairman of Richemont, a luxury goods conglomerate, has overtaken Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, as Africa’s richest person.
According to the latest data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Rupert’s net worth has surged to $14.3 billion, overtaking Dangote, whose fortune has declined to $13.4 billion.
The data shows that Rupert’s wealth has increased by $1.87 billion year-to-date, while Dangote’s fortune has declined by $1.69 billion.
Nicky Oppenheimer, another South African billionaire, occupied the third place with $11.3 billion net worth, Nassef Sawiris, an Egyptian businessman, followed with $9.37 billion, and Natie Kirsh, a South African investor, completed the top five with $9.14 billion.
The downturn in Dangote’s net worth is largely attributed to Nigeria’s challenging macroeconomic environment, where his conglomerate primarily operates.
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023 and partially removed petrol subsidy while easing currency controls to attract foreign investment, the naira has lost its value.
The Dangote Group has faced production delays and other industrial issues at its refinery, compounded by the steep depreciation of the naira.
The decline has significantly impacted Dangote, whose wealth is largely tied to assets denominated in naira.
Despite the challenges faced, the Dangote Group plans to generate roughly $30 billion in revenue by 2025, focusing on expanding its influence in the foreign exchange market.
Four people have been jailed after forging more than 2,000 marriage certificates to help people live in the UK illegally.
Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, 41, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, 38, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, 31, and Adekunle Kabir, 54, were all sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court in London on Tuesday.
The Home Office said the four were part of an organised criminal group that made fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications for Nigerian nationals.
They carried out the enterprise between March 2019 and May last year, and were also found to have provided false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documentation to help applicants remain in the country.
An investigation from the Home Office in the UK and Lagos found more than 2,000 false marriage documents were facilitated by the group, who themselves were Nigerian.
Home Office chief immigration officer Paul Moran said: "This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice.
"As with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain. I am delighted that my team was able to intercept their operation, and I hope these convictions will serve as a warning to unscrupulous gangs who exploit people's desperation to remain in the UK.
"We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money."
Onifade, from Gravesend in Kent, and Shodipo, from Manchester, were both found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud. They were jailed for six years and five years respectively.
Gbadamosi, from Bolton, was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation and sentenced to six years.
Kabir, from London, was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but was cleared of obtaining leave to remain by deception. He was jailed for nine months.
A former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, has revealed that he had to take a loan in 2003 to buy the governorship nomination form for his party’s primary election.
According to him, his party had fixed ₦5 million for the form but he didn’t even have up to ₦500,000.
He explained how his friends and political associates raised money for him. However, it still wasn’t enough, and he had to approach the late elder statesman, Mallam Magaji Danbatta, then chairman of Kano Forum and got a loan of ₦1 million from him.
Naija News reports that Shekarau made the revelation while speaking at the maiden memorial lecture in honour of the late Magaji Danbatta.
“In 2003 my party, the APP, fixed its nomination forms at N5 million and I did not have even N500,000 but my co-contestant Ibrahim little was a millionaire and we learned he had already bought the forms. We managed to raise N1.5 million and N2.5 million was mysteriously raised but the money was still not complete.
” I approached the late Malam Magaji Danbatta, explained my situation and wanted him to support me with a loan to complete the money.He asked me to write and then approved and minuted to the DG Kano forum to pay,” Shekarau said.
The former Governor noted that the mantra of administration built on human capital development and social justice was partly an idea of the late elder statesman.
French Ligue 1 Champions, Paris Saint-Germain, are preparing a final bid for Napoli and Super Eagles striker, Victor James Osimhen.
Luis Enrique’s side, alongside Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, have been two powerhouses that have been linked with signing the former LOSC Lille man, but Napoli have not been budging during negotiations, as they’re keen on receiving nothing less than Osimhen’s €130m release clause.
Recall that Napoli had agreed to a £55m deal with Saudi Pro League side, Al Ahli, for Osimhen, but the 25-year-old rejected the offer, with his agent, Roberto Calenda, coming out to say the Nigerian still has a lot to offer in Europe.
As per Caught Offside, Luis Enrique has finally considered the option of bringing Osimhen to the Parc des Prince, with Goncalo Ramos’ opening-day injury forcing them back into the market.
According to a recent report from Gianluca Di Marzio, the French giants are preparing to make Napoli a take-it-or-leave-it offer worth between £42 – £50 million (€50 – €60 million), after seeing how little it took Conte’s side to agree on a deal with Al Ahli.
PSG’s offer is way below what Napoli want, and the offer will most likely be rejected, although the player has already agreed to personal terms with Le Parisien.
Since arriving in Naples in 2020, Osimhen, whose contract expires in the summer of 2028, has scored 76 goals and registered 18 assists in 133 games in all competitions, winning the Scudetto in the 2022/2023 season.
More...
New head coach Bruno Labbadia has confirmed a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda.
Nigeria will first face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before travelling to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.
For these fixtures, Labbadia has selected three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Notable inclusions are Orlando Pirates defender Olisah Ndah, former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Ola Aina, who missed out under Finidi George due to injuries sustained during the AFCON tournament, have been recalled to the squad.
AFCON 2023 hero Stanley Nwabali, alongside Udinese FC’s Maduka Okoye and Obasogie, will compete for the number one goalkeeper spot.
The players are expected to assemble in Uyo on Monday, 2nd September, in preparation for these crucial matches.
Here is the full squad list
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
Former Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen striker Bruno Labbadia has been named the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
The German-Italian tactician brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a manager, to a nation brimming with football talent but yearning for global success.
But who is Bruno Labbadia, and what can Nigerians expect from him? Here’s a deep look into ten key things you need to know about the man now charged with leading Nigeria to new heights.
1. A Prolific Striker in His Playing Days
Bruno Labbadia’s name might not resonate as loudly as some of the world’s top strikers, but his record speaks for itself.
Across a storied playing career in Germany, Labbadia netted 229 goals in 599 appearances.
His best seasons saw him score prolifically for clubs like Arminia Bielefeld and Bayern Munich, with standout campaigns including 29 goals for Bielefeld in 1998-99 and 21 goals for Darmstadt 98 in 1986-87.
This goal-scoring nous could hint at an attacking philosophy that might excite Nigerian fans eager to see their team play with flair and purpose.
2. Tactical Flexibility and Pragmatism
Labbadia has built a reputation as a manager who can adapt his tactics to suit the strengths of his squad.
Whether leading a team to survival in a relegation battle or pushing for European qualification, Labbadia has shown he can be both pragmatic and flexible. His stints with clubs like VfB Stuttgart and VfL Wolfsburg showcased his ability to shift between different formations and playing styles.
Nigerian fans can expect a coach who will tailor his approach to maximise the potential of the Super Eagles’ diverse talent pool.
3. Success at Top-Tier Clubs
Labbadia’s managerial career has seen him take charge of some of Germany’s most storied clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV, and VfL Wolfsburg.
Interestingly, he led Stuttgart to a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga and a spot in the UEFA Europa League.
While he has faced challenges, Labbadia’s ability to guide teams through difficult periods and achieve respectable finishes speaks to his competence at the highest levels of the game.
4. The Relegation Specialist
If there’s one label that sticks with Labbadia, it’s that of a “relegation specialist.”
On multiple occasions, he has been brought in to save clubs from the brink of relegation — a task he has completed with remarkable consistency.
Whether it was rescuing Hamburg in 2015 or leading Wolfsburg to safety in 2018, Labbadia has shown he can steady the ship in turbulent waters.
Nigeria might not be in a relegation battle, but the former African champions are far from being in a great place in the World Cup qualifiers.
Labbadia’s experience, therefore, in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable in the cutthroat world of African football.
5. Italian Roots, German Discipline
Born to Italian parents who migrated to Germany as Gastarbeiter (guest workers), Labbadia’s heritage combines the passion and flair of Italian football with the discipline and efficiency of the German game.
This unique blend of influences is reflected in his managerial style — a mix of tactical rigidity and creative freedom.
For a Nigerian team that often struggles to balance structure with spontaneity, Labbadia could be the perfect fit.
6. A Connection to Youth Development
Throughout his managerial career, Labbadia has shown a willingness to trust and develop young talent.
At VfL Wolfsburg, he played a crucial role in the development of players like Josip Brekalo and John Brooks.
His ability to nurture and integrate young players into the first team could be a boon for Nigeria, a nation with an ever-growing pool of young, talented footballers eager to make their mark on the global stage.
7. A Record of Mixed Results
While Labbadia’s managerial career has had its highs, it’s also seen its share of lows.
He has been sacked multiple times, most recently from VfB Stuttgart after a poor run of results.
However, his ability to bounce back from setbacks and land jobs at other top clubs speaks to his resilience and the respect he commands within the footballing community.
Nigerian fans should be prepared for a coach who is not afraid to take risks but who also understands the demands of managing at the top level.
8. A Focus on Defensive Organization
One of the hallmarks of Labbadia’s teams is their defensive organization.
He often emphasises a solid defensive structure as the foundation for success. While this might not always lead to the most thrilling football, it has proven effective in grinding out results.
For a Nigerian team that has sometimes struggled with defensive consistency, Labbadia’s emphasis on organisation at the back could be exactly what’s needed to turn the Super Eagles into a formidable force.
9. A New Chapter in African Football
Labbadia’s appointment as the head coach of Nigeria represents a significant chapter for him.
This is the first time the 58-year-old gaffer will be taking up a coaching job outside of Germany. It even becomes more challenging as he is arriving in African football for the first time. There is no cause for alarm, though.
European coaches have had varying degrees of success on the continent, and Labbadia will be keen to make his mark by leading Nigeria to continental and possibly global glory.
His journey from the Bundesliga to Africa’s biggest footballing stage is one filled with potential, challenges, and the promise of success.
10. Labbadia’s first hurdles
With Labbadia’s appointment being with immediate effect, the German gaffer will be in charge when Nigeria begin their qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next month.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Benin Republic on September 7 before trading tackles with Rwanda three days later.
Labbadia’s first task will be to name a 23-man squad for those engagements over the coming hours and set a strategy in motion to guide Nigeria to positive results.
How the former FC Koln coach navigates the September hurdles will be a pointer to how he will be perceived in the Nigerian football space.
We Can No longer Buy Fertilizers, We Want The Days Of Buhari Back – Farmers Association President
AFOLABI
The president of All Farmers Association, Kabir Ibrahim, has said Nigerian farmers can no longer afford fertilizers to apply on their farmers due to its high cost.
Kabir Ibrahim said under former president, Muhammadu Buhari, between 2017 and 2020, farmers were able to purchase fertilizer at cheap rates.
Ibrahim regretted that the US dollar to naira exchange was responsible for why farmers could not afford to get fertilizers.
In an interview with Arise TV on Tuesday, Ibrahim explained that the Presidential Farmers Initiative (PFI) of former President Buhari was beneficial to farmers, as it helped to make fertilizers cheap for farmers to afford.
“I think during the Buhari days, the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) was formed as a means to make fertilizer available.
“Between 2017 and 2020, we received fertilizer like Coca-Cola. It was all over the place. The price was good. It was the first ₦5,500. After the pandemic, a further subsidy of ₦500 was given and we were buying it at ₦5,000.
“But from 2021 to date, it’s been a problem. The farmers cannot afford it,” he said.
Ibrahim continued on the reason for the high cost of fertilizer, “Well, the value of our currency went down and most of these things are imported, the components that they mentioned.
“We had a pact with Morocco. We were getting them at a very reasonable price and of course they were giving discounts. I think our government appealed to them and then after that, we began to import from other places at the prevailing market rates.
“Then the blenders had to make up whatever money is expended. So it has been a bad situation from that to 2021 to date.”
He explained that flooding has also been affecting farmers. He advised the federal government to return the fertilizer subsidy. He stated that farmers should be able to buy fertilizers at cheap rates like in 2017 for the country to have cheap food.
“Then of course, there are mentions of the effects of climate change and all that. You know when you have flooding, it even washes away the little fertilizer that you are able to put in one place and all that.
“In fact, I was at this meeting, we told them that we want the restoration of what we enjoyed between 2017 and 2020. Let the subsidy be. They really go down to the end users. We want to be able to buy fertilizer all over Nigeria, like Coca-Cola, and it should be affordable to us.
“That way, the hues and cries from consumers will not be as much, because we have to recoup our investments. The fact is that the insecticides, herbicides, the inputs like fertilizers, even labor, we are now paying through our nose system,” Ibrahim said.
The founder of Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor, has shared his battle with cancer and how God healed him.
The clergyman made the disclosure while addressing his congregation.
According to the cleric, he left Nigeria for medical treatment in the USA and knew someone who also travelled to the United Kingdom with the same kind of cancer but never survived it.
He said: “While I was leaving for America, somebody I know was leaving for the United Kingdom with the same kind of cancer. It’s an aggressive cancer. The day I boarded the flight coming to Nigeria, he was in a casket coming to Nigeria.
“How do you face cancer and still stand like this?
“But I did not tell you when I was going to America full of cancer, you did not know, I did not tell you. I look normal because this is my way of life.
“Hear me, I was on my two legs. I walked onto the plane, but he wasn’t there.
“Please don’t clap because I am not better than him but God remembered my heart. I have always had a heart for God.
“I told God, ‘If you save me from this, I would double my service, I would serve you twice more’. God saved me and brought me home.”