Reigning champion Novak Djokovic, world No 1 Iga Swiatek and the outspoken Dan Evans are all in action on Monday as this year's Wimbledon Championships gets under way.

Djokovic claimed a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open last month to leapfrog Rafa Nadal and go three ahead of another great rival in Roger Federer, with the 36-year-old targeting an eighth crown at Wimbledon which begins on Monday.

Victory at the All England Club will leave Djokovic level with Margaret Court on 24 major titles atop the all-time list.

The Serb gets his quest for glory at a Wimbledon without either Federer or Nadal taking part for the first time in 25 years up and running as he faces Argentina's Pedro Cachin on Centre Court, with his preparation for the encounter helped by a training session with British veteran Andy Murray.

"It was great to have a hit with him on a championship court," Djokovic told Sky Sports. "We haven't done that in a while, it was like the gold old days. He's someone that is really inspirational to so many players around the world.

"In terms of my objectives and goals, they're always very high and still at this stage of my career I am able to perform well. That's what actually matters the most right now. I'm going to try play well here and maybe get another shot at the same result as last year. And as long as there's the drive, I'll be here."

Women's world No 1 Swiatek is on a mission to improve her modest record on grass courts at Wimbledon this year.

Swiatek won the US Open in 2022 and last month secured her second consecutive French Open crown. But while the 22-year-old has had success on hardcourts and clay, she is yet to win a tournament on grass and has yet to get past the round of 16 at Wimbledon.

The Pole's overall win-loss record on the slick surface is 9-5, and she acknowledged she had to do better to be counted among the game's great players.

"I believe the best players, they can play on all surfaces. I want to become that kind of player who can play well on grass as well and feel comfortable there," Swiatek, who meets China's Zhu Lin on Court 1 on Monday, told reporters.

"I'm doing my best to just work on my skills. Last year I feel like we've done a pretty good job with my coach in terms of my touch and getting back slices and also playing the slice.

"This year I feel like we had more time to kind of focus on the basics, more time to also play matches. Yeah, I'm using that time as much as possible."

There are plenty of Britons in action on the opening day of the Championships.

All eyes will be on 27th seed Evans as he takes on France's Quentin Halys on Monday, after the 33-year-old had a controversial build-up to this year's tournament.

Over the past couple of months the outspoken Evans has criticised other British players for not playing enough tournaments, hit out at the elitist nature of the sport and claimed Emma Raducanu's US Open win papered over the domestic cracks.

Results on grass for home players have been broadly encouraging but Evans remains one of only three British singles players to earn entry to Wimbledon on their own rankings, with all the women needing wild cards.

"I was asked a few questions and I answered them honestly," said Evans. "I think that's what the players are supposed to do. I think we owe it back to you guys. I've had plenty of messages of support and plenty of messages of whatever the other word is.

"I've never made it personal towards anybody in particular. I've stated groups at certain rankings. I'm not singling people out. And I think we'd all agree it would be better if we had more players inside certain ranking brackets."

One of those wildcards, Katie Swan has been handed a tough start to her Wimbledon as she takes on 14th seed Belinda Bencic on Court 2 before Evans' match, while Jodie Burrage faces American Caty McNally and it is Diane Parry up first for Harriet Dart.

Who else is in action on Monday?

Two of the rising stars in men's tennis looking to take the challenge to Djokovic in Federer and Nadal's absence begin their 2023 Wimbledon campaigns on Monday.

French Open finalist and number four seed Casper Ruud takes on Frenchman Laurent Lokoli on Court Two before Swan and Evans' matches take place, while Italian number eight seed Jannik Sinner is the final match on Centre Court, up against Argentine Juan Maneul Cerundolo, after Djokovic and veteran Venus Williams' clash with Elina Svitolina.

Twenty-six years after her Wimbledon debut, Williams will be 43 this time around but is not feeling hindered by her advancing years.

"Tennis is something I had done my entire life," she said. "I have reached a level not many have, in anything. These tournaments mean a lot to me. It will be a privilege to play there [on Centre Court]."

Expect fireworks on Court 1 on Monday afternoon as the enigmatic Australian Nick Kyrgios, seeded number 30 in this year's competition, faces experienced campaigner David Goffin. Exciting teenager Coco Gauff follows Kyrgios in the final match on Court 1, taking on fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Could there surprise be in store at SW19 this year?

Wimbledon has become increasingly elusive for those chasing a first Grand Slam, particularly with Djokovic's presence looming large in the men's draw. That is the task that awaits Alcaraz and co, while in the women's singles the draw remains as open as it has done since Serena Williams won her last of seven Wimbledon titles in 2016.

Since then, there have been five different winners, with Rybakina the reigning champion and Swiatek so far unable to translate her dominance elsewhere onto the grass.

Nevertheless, Swiatek is still being backed to come good on the surface, but names throughout the draw threaten to challenge the world No 1 and ensure her wait at Wimbledon goes on.

We take a look at six players to look out for at Wimbledon, from the outside contenders to the rising stars, and a couple of 30-plus hopefuls too.

Andy Murray believes his wealth of experience at Wimbledon can help propel him into the latter stages of a major tournament for the first time since 2017.

The 36-year-old two-time champion, who first featured at the All England Club in 2005, took on defending champion Novak Djokovic in a training set on Court 14 on Saturday.

Murray, who defeated the Serb to win the first of his Wimbledon titles a decade ago, last practised with his rival at the 2019 Australian Open - a miserable occasion that prompted him to go public on the extent of his hip injury.

"Where I am today in comparison to where I was then is night and day," Murray admitted. "Just from a mental perspective, my enjoyment of the game, and how I'm still able to compete with those guys.

"I didn't feel like I could really back then. I'm happy to be in that position still - I really enjoyed it."

Heather Watson revealed her delight when Wimbledon relaxed its strict dress code after female tennis players reported period anxiety and worry about playing in all-whites at the Grand Slam.

Traditionally, all players at Wimbledon have had to adhere to a strict dress code, but there has been a clamour for the All England Club to change their rules requiring players to wear all-white clothing.

Billie Jean King and Judy Murray are a few of the names who believe the rule created anxiety for players when they are on their period.

The dress code has now been reconsidered and altered to be more considerate for female players, who are able to play in coloured shorts under their tennis skirts to reduce worry around menstrual cycles.

"When Wimbledon announced that about the under-shorts I was so happy because it makes such a big difference," a delighted Watson told Sky's Jacquie Beltrao.

"I speak openly about my period and being on my period. I don't think it's a taboo subject. I would love for people to talk about it more, especially women in sport.

"So, when I heard this I was really happy because last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white under-shorts, and I didn't want to face any embarrassment.

[Skysports]

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag eyed Harry Kane as his primary transfer target this summer but stands no chance of getting his man after being left with just £65million to sign the Spurs ace

Manchester United are reportedly out of the race to sign Harry Kane after being set a meagre £65million budget.

Tottenham talisman Kane has several of Europe’s biggest clubs pursuing him in what could finally be the summer where he leaves the north Londoners.

Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and United have all been closely linked with the 29-year-old. Spurs chairman Yet Daniel Levy does not want to sell to a direct London rival and Real Madrid are understood to have turned their attention to signing Kylian Mbappe.

But despite having the opportunity to land their long-time target and needing a world class striker, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag has not been allocated enough funds to sign Kane by club bosses.

United are close to finalising the £55m transfer of Mason Mount for Chelsea. That means the Old Trafford side have just £65m left to buy a striker, which is “nowhere near enough” to appease Ten Hag according to Manchester Evening News.

Such a lowly sum will not be entertained by Spurs, who rejected a £60m offer from German giants Bayern last week. And it is unlikely to impress Ten Hag, who cited the importance of investment into his squad ahead of the transfer window.

Kane has just one year left on his contract but has been slapped with a £100m price-tag in an attempt by Levy to deter potential suitors, according to the Evening Standard.

With United’s financial restraints, Bayern are now leading the race having agreeing personal terms with the England captain. Sky Sports reports the Bundesliga champions will come in with a revised offer in the coming days, though they would need to drastically increase their initial figure.

Meanwhile, Chelsea may have been given fresh hope after The Telegraph reported Kane is building a new house just 15 miles away from the Chelsea training ground.

The possibility of being reunited with ex-Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge could tempt Kane to seek the Blues as a suitable next step.

Chelsea have the financial power to offer a more realistic bid for Kane as the legendary forward grows increasingly restless at being yet to win any silverware in his career.

[DailyStar]

Man is created as the "Centre Piece" of the Supernal Glory of God, but most times behaves very animalistic, killing, maiming, wailing, and creating a daily atmosphere of gnashing of teeth.

Scientists, mystics, and others of sane persuasions say man and dogs, goats, cats, monkeys, baboons, lions, etc belong to the Animal Kingdom on Mother Earth.

We are though members of the same phylum but are slightly or greatly differentiated in modes of living, attitudes, and behaviors.

Some animals are pure herbivores or are herbivorous purely living on plants while several others are carnivorous such as in deep forests away from human habitats. Others of animal stock engage or/ and live their lives on plants and animals, but don’t ask me who they are, for man is mainly in this business of consumption and now the destruction of God’s created creation and creatures.

“What is Man that Thou art mindful of him, and Son of Man that Thou supporteth him?” goes the question raised by the Psalmist. The Psalmist concluded that Man was created a little lower than the Angels but again, the mystics in reverence and adoration to the ever-living God praise the Almighty Allah for letting the angels cling to the biddings of man.

Hmmm since Missy a pet dog was once adopted as a family member by my wife and kids against my inclination for a black cat with eyes like a lion to help ward off some troublesome friends, I could see and perceive love, affection, and bit of humanness in mere a dog. Dangling its tail on the arrival of the Son of Man, peacefully barking, speaking in tongues in happiness, and jumping all over one’s body as the massaging of love convinces me that other animals could prove God’s love for man better than man-to-man seem to be.

Missy would like to kiss with passion, but this height of love cannot be same reciprocated to it.

I do laugh aloud realizing a pet dog could be humane if immersed in an aura that emits harmony, love, and peace.

On the other side of the divide is man, created as the “Centre Piece” of the Supernal Glory of God but most times behaving very animalistic, killing, maiming, wailing, and creating a daily atmosphere of gnashing of teeth.

Man of today now seems a regret why God ever thought of creating him, a regret to other creatures including the man himself and to fully represent the “woman folk”, I say ” herself” all-in-all, ” Ourselves.”

Because man will always come to steal day and night, barking and devouring dogs abound in houses always pouncing on even harmless visitors and guests, such, rather than trained to love are to harass and bark at the intruders.

When man resorts to drugs and their abuses, dogs of Security status are imported and on the payroll of the Police, Army, and Federal Service Civil Defence Corp to sniff, arrest or maybe disembowel recalcitrant culprits all in an attempt to make humane the Nigerian animalistic humans.

We are in today’s Nigeria engulfed in an era of a dark age where barbarism is observed in some religious orders and cannibalism in materialism is the order of politics and politicians.

As humans which God has made us, should we always have to make kilishi of ourselves, roasted useless creatures of God, or try to learn how Humane cats and dogs could be when they play together according to the observation of Brother Bob Marley and the Wailing Wailers?

Destructions in Nigeria are daily getting heinous and ungodly and man-to-man is so unjust to such an extent no one knows who to trust. Who then are the enemies, and who are the friends?

In Missy our pet dog, I learned a lesson that lesser animals could be more humane than those humans who display animalistic behaviour whereas by our Creator’s design as the Psalmist claims, ” Man is created a little lower than the Angels.” Are You in Thoughts and Conducts? Think about it.

God bless Nigeria.

Taiye Olaniyi, a retired Postman of the Nigeria Postal Service, is based in Lagos

Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks, with Manchester United keen on securing his services.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia, Manchester United have reportedly failed with a €35 million offer for 20-year-old Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The 20-year-old joined Atalanta at the start of the season from Sturm Graz, and he has made an immediate impact in Italian football. Hojlund has established himself as one of the most lethal forwards in Serie A. So it is no surprise that the top clubs, including Manchester United, are hoping to sign him.

The Danish striker has the potential to develop into a world-class goalscorer, and Manchester United will be hoping to snap him up before his price explodes. The youngster could be available for a reasonable fee this summer. So it will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to come forward with an improved offer after the rejection of the €35 million bid.

The Red Devils certainly have the financial resources to pay big money for the Dane, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops. The 20-year-old striker was a key player for Atalanta, and the Italian club will be looking to recoup as much as possible for him.

The striker scored 16 goals across all competitions last season while picking up seven assists along the way. His numbers are likely to improve when he plays alongside better players at a bigger club. Manchester United have top-class creators like Bruno Fernandes at their disposal, and Hojlund is likely to have better service at Old Trafford.

The talented youngster will look to make his mark in European football. And moving to a big club like Manchester United will provide him with the platform he needs. Furthermore, Manchester United have qualified for the Champions League and the 20-year-old will be attracted to the idea of competing against the European elite next season.

The Red Devils have been overly dependent on Marcus Rashford for goals, and the English international could use more support in the attack. The 20-year-old striker could form a quality partnership with Rashford next season.

His arrival would also allow the England international to operate in his natural role as the left-sided winger. Hojlund has been likened to Erling Haaland following his prolific displays, and he could be the ideal long-term addition to the Manchester United squad.

[HardTackle]

Kylian Mbappe is reportedly requesting €240million (£206m) if he is to join any club this summer.  

The PSG and France forward is currently on holiday after a gruelling but hugely successful season.

For his club, Mbappe netted 41 goals in 43 games, while he also added 13 more goals for Les Bleus across the past 12 months - which included winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup in Qatar.

However, there is currently uncertainty over his future with the Parisians after he confirmed a desire to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in June 2024.

In a statement released earlier this month, the forward pointed to the French giant's 'shortcomings' and the departure of World Cup winner Lionel Messi as major factors in his decision not to renew his deal.

He has been linked to a whole host of clubs, including Real Madrid - who Mbappe snubbed last summer to pen a new contract - although his reported £893,000-per-week wages are seen as a potential challenge for any suitor.

And, according to Marca, the France star - who is represented by his mother Fayza Lamari - would request a package worth £206m from any club.

The report also states that long-term admirers Real never saw a move for Mbappe as being on the cards this year, and this hasn't changed since he outlined his desire to leave PSG.

There is a belief at the Bernabeu that the 24-year-old - who is one of the best-paid athletes in the world - is a 'prisoner of money' who must realise he will have to take a pay cut if he does eventually move to the Bernabeu.

Los Blancos' plan remains to approach him as a free agent next summer - a move they were very close to completing last year.

Given the lack of alternatives, and along with financial considerations, this means that despite the departure of club icon and legend Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti's side are not expected to bring in another striker currently.

Last month they did complete a deal to bring in Espanyol's 33-year-old striker Joselu on a season-long loan deal. 

The former Stoke City and Newcastle flop endured a torrid time in the Premier League but has since reinvigorated his career back in his homeland.

He scored 16 times last season for Espanyol - who were relegated from LaLiga - while he has also netted three times in four caps for Spain since breaking into the national team earlier this year.  

Speculation surrounding Mbappe comes amid chaos engulfing PSG in recent days.

Boss Christophe Galtier - who is widely expected to be replaced by Luis Enrique in the role - was reportedly taken into police custody over allegations of racism while in charge of Nice and it remains to be seen what happens next.

[DailyMail]

Last month, Tottenham confirmed that Clement Lenglet will be returning to FC Barcelona after the expiry of his loan spell. But talks were understood to be continuing in the background over a possible permanent transfer.

In fact, some reports even suggested that the defender and the London club had reached an agreement in principle over his contract terms. But the talks of a transfer have gone quiet recently, casting doubts about whether Spurs do intend to sign him or not.

But the Premier League giants are waiting it out for Barcelona to possibly terminate his contract so that they can sign the defender on a free transfer this summer, reports AS.

The Spanish news publication claims Deco is currently working on two important files right now, as Barcelona look to reduce their salary mass. One of them is Lenglet, who is coming on the back of a relatively impressive loan spell at Spurs.

Tottenham were understood to be keen on a permanent transfer, but there was a difference in the valuation of the player between the two clubs.

And, the Lilywhites are now hoping that the Catalans will now terminate his contract, much like they did with Samuel Umtiti, which will enable them to sign the defender on a free transfer this summer.

The idea of Barça handing Lenglet a letter of freedom is not so far-fetched either. After returning to Camp Nou this summer, the defender is entitled to a figure of around €16 million next season in the form of wages.

That would greatly burden Barcelona, especially given the current economic situation. With that in mind, the Blaugrana might not rule out the possibility of terminating the contract of the former Sevilla centre-back, who has no future at the club.

The Catalans, though, could always wait around for other suitors. Lenglet, after all, has enjoyed a good season in the Premier League, which is bound to attract interest.

There is a possibility the club could lower their demands for the defender, so it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming weeks.

[BarcaUniversal]

Taking into consideration the current economical situation at FC Barcelona, it is no secret that the Catalan club is in the market to generate additional funds as well as find new arrivals to strengthen the squad for next season.

However, despite them being keen on certain arrivals that would entail significant transfer fees if they are to come to Barcelona, it is also simultaneously true that La Blaugrana will need to make significant sales in order to facilitate those transfer fees.

In comes the potential interest of English Premier League side Manchester City in one of Barcelona’s biggest stars. As per English outlet The Sun and further highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League champions are reportedly interested in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

Moreover, similar to how their city rivals Manchester United were willing to spend big on the Dutchman last year, the Mancunians are also not far behind in terms of the financial offer.

As per speculation, the Manchester City offer for Frenkie De Jong reportedly stands around a massive €104 million. The 26-year-old is currently valued at €75 million as per Transfermarkt, a value around which Barcelona paid to take him away from his previous club Ajax Amsterdam in 2019.

Having already lost club captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona on a free transfer, as well as other targets such as Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and Declan Rice to Arsenal, Manchester City are adamant on ensuring they themselves are not left behind in terms of recruitment.

While the validity of this potential offer remains to be addressed, it must be remembered that it was only recently that Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club having rejected a €100 million offer for De Jong in the past and were happy with their decision.

[BarcaNewsNetwork]

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his good offices and leadership position to “urgently publish details of spending of about N400 billion, so far saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol.”

A recent statement by Chinedu Okonkwo, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said the Federal Government has so far saved about N400 billion within the four weeks following the removal of payment of subsidy on petrol.

However, SERAP, in a letter signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged President Tinubu to “provide details of the plans on how subsequent savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, including specific projects on which the funds would be spent, and the mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that any such savings are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

According to the rights advocacy group, “Nigerians have the right to know how the savings are spent. Publishing the details of the spending of the savings would promote transparency, accountability, and reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.”

Dated July 1, 2023, the letter reads in part: “SERAP is concerned that the savings from subsidy removal may be embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.

“Opacity in the spending of the savings from subsidy removal would have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“Unless the government is transparent and accountable to Nigerians in how it spends the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, the removal will continue to undermine the rights of Nigerians, and increase their vulnerability to poverty and social deprivation.

“Transparency would ensure that the funds saved from the removal of subsidy are not diverted into private pockets, and increase public trust and confidence that these savings would be used to benefit Nigerians.

“The implementation of the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) and spending on the programme have been mostly shrouded in secrecy.

“Publishing the details of the spending of the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy would also ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of the funds.

“Transparency and accountability in the spending details of the N400bn saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on petrol, and on the spending of subsequent savings from the removal would mean that the savings can help poor Nigerians to overcome the effects of such removal.

“It would also help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians.

“The lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and the resulting human costs would directly threaten fundamental human rights that your government has an obligation to protect.

“Your government has the legal obligations to address the effects of subsidy removal on the human rights of 137 million poor Nigerians, and to prevent and address some of the direst consequences that the removal may reap on human rights, especially given the disproportionate impact on these Nigerians.

“SERAP also urges you to promptly instruct Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the spending of all savings from subsidy removal.

“SERAP notes that the removal of subsidy on petrol continues to negatively and disproportionately affect poor Nigerians, undermining their right to adequate standard of living.

“Your government has a positive obligation to protect individuals against the threat posed to human rights by the removal of subsidy on petrol. Your government also has legal obligations to effectively address the aftermath of subsidy removal.

“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of public funds and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public trust and confidence in governments at all levels.

“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol would be spent.

“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent.

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power” in the country.

“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.

“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.

“Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on your government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”

[TheWill]

A coalition of non-governmental organizations, including the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), Original Inhabitant groups, and other civil society organizations (CSOs), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to address long-standing marginalization of the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Original Inhabitants by including them in his ministerial list.

The group issued a joint statement on Sunday, urging the President to rectify the historical wrongs committed against the indigenous people in the FCT.

This call came amid grievances over the alleged political exclusion and marginalization of the original inhabitants who surrendered their ancestral lands for the creation of the country’s capital, Abuja, in 1976.

“Decades-long injustices meted to the FCT Original Inhabitants include the failure to fulfill promises made by the Nigerian government in 1976 to relocate and adequately compensate them for their lands.

“47 years later, no Original Inhabitant of the FCT has held the position of Minister of the Federal Republic,” said Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED.

The coalition argued that the original inhabitants have been reduced to spectators in the politics and administration of their own country, with their democratic rights being denied.

“When Nigerians in other states are voting for governors and members of their Houses of Assembly, the original inhabitants and other residents of the FCT are excluded,” said Ambassador Hannatu Aze Usman-Nga, Executive Director of the Association of FCT Traditional Rulers Wives.

The coalition expressed the belief that the inclusion of FCT Original Inhabitants in key governance structures, like the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the National Assembly, and the judiciary, would be an important first step in remedying these injustices.

According to the CSOs, it would also uphold their fundamental rights under Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“Another denial of the original inhabitants’ participation in a key governance structure such as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would be a continuation of the injustices they have endured for decades,” warned Chief Isaac David, President of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO).

The group looked forward to the release of President Tinubu’s ministerial list, hoping that it will mark a turning point in the treatment of the FCT’s original inhabitants by the Nigerian government.

The coalition further called for a “big and bold step” from the President to begin rectifying the historical wrongs committed against these indigenous people.

Other signatories to the joint statement include: Mr. Festus Yakubu, President of the Original Inhabitants With Disabilities Multipurpose Co-Operative Society FCT; Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, President of the Helpline Foundation for the Needy; Mrs. Faith Nwadishi, JP, Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA); Mrs. Maryamu Isah Barnabas, Director of the Mairo Women Foundation, Ushafa; Mr. Olusola Babalola, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Development Awareness (CESDA); Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Executive Director of the Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls; Mr. Tijani Abdulkareem, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC); and Mr. Bassey Bassey, Executive Director of the Hipcity Innovation Hub Centre (HIPCITY).

[vanguard]