The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, says he doesn’t have an account on X, formerly Twitter.

Fagbemi, in a statement on Saturday by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF, advised members of the public not to engage with handles impersonating him.

“The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has no Twitter handle.

“He has channels of communicating with Nigerians, but Twitter is not one of them, at least for now.

“The public should take notice of this and be well guided for future interactions,” the statement said.

Former Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amunike have won the race for the head coach position of the Super Eagles.

According to reports, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has decided to go with Amunike as the substantive head coach of the national team.

The Super Eagles head coach role will be the biggest challenge Amunike has had to handle.

The former Zamalek and Sporting Lisbon winger excelled as coach of the Golden Eaglets, leading the Nigeria U17 national team to win the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Amunike also impressed as head coach of the Tanzanian national team, guiding the Taifa Stars to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations – their first in nearly forty years.

However, Amunike’s record with Egypt’s Misr Lel Makkasa and Zambia’s Zanaco left much to be desired.

The 53-year-old coach also fumbled when placed in charge of the Flying Eagles, failing to help the Nigeria U20 team qualify for the AFCON in 2017.

Aside from Amunike, USA U20 national team coach Michael Nsien, former Manchester City assistant manager Domenec Torrent, and Fortuna Sittard coach Danny Bruijs were all running to become the Super Eagles head coach.

Instagram influencer Pascal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chief Priest, was seen at a wedding party in Abuja on Saturday transferring cash to a hype man, days after his arraignment for naira abuse.

In an Instagram story shared by Davido’s logistics manager, Israel Afeare, Cubana Chief Priest, dressed in white native attire, was spotted transferring cash to a hype man as he danced.

The video, which also saw the socialite asking the hype man to confirm receipt of the transfer, was captioned “strictly on transfer.”

As of 8:30 p.m., Cubana Chief Priest was still at the party. The wedding between Maureen and Samuel Adekunle was held at JD Leisure Park.

Cubana’s Chief Priest’s choice of transferring instead of spraying the naira notes comes days after he was arraigned on three count charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for naira abuse and subsequent release on a N10 million bail.

Following his release on bail, the court adjourned the case until May 2 for the hearing of the preliminary objection, signifying a pause in the legal proceedings surrounding his situation.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu ended petrol subsidy and multiple exchange rates in the official market because they were producing billionaires overnight.

Shettima spoke during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) led by Gabriel Idahosa, president of the chamber, in Abuja on April 18.

Tinubu declared the end of petrol subsidy during his inaugural speech as president on May 29, 2024.

A month later, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) unified the multiple exchange rates in the official markets.

Also, Shettima expressed optimism about the performance of the naira.

He said the naira will continue to appreciate in the foreign exchange (FX) market.

After a consecutive appreciation trend from March 20, the naira depreciated by 17.14 percent to N1,230 per dollar on April 19.

He said the naira will strengthen in the coming days.

“Naira went haywire and some people were celebrating but inwardly we were laughing at them because we knew that we have the leadership to reverse the trend,” he said.

“Asiwaju knows the game, and truly the naira is gaining and the difference will drop further.”

Meanwhile, Shettima said the present administration is making every effort to address challenges in the power sector because it is aware that power is crucial.

“We are determined to ensure that we generate jobs for our youths. Honestly, the President’s obsession is to live in a place of glory, to transform this country to a higher pedestal,” he said.

Shettima said Tinubu wants to leave a legacy, one of qualitative leadership since Nigeria represents the hope of the black man and Africa as a whole.

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has made state of origin certificate a compulsory requirement for passport renewal and fresh application.

Immigration made this known to the public in a post on its X handle on Saturday morning.

It said passport applicants do not necessarily need to go to their states of origin to get the “indigenship document”.

NIS added that it is aware that most states have liaison offices in other states.

“For example, Anambra state has liaison offices in Lagos (Eti-Osa) and Abuja (Asokoro),” NIS said.

According to Immigration, these liaison offices are empowered to issue such documents.

NIS said every document that the it requires from passport applicants to produce/submit/upload was carefully thought through.

It further stated that each document is backed by certain laws and policy documents.

“They are approved by the Federal Government through our supervising ministry – in this case, the Ministry of Interior,” Immigration said.

“It is quite important, especially based on certain intel that we have (but cannot disclose publicly), that ANYONE, a Nigerian of course, who wishes to obtain a Nigerian passport – a document of authority for identification and travel – MUST prove beyond reasonable doubt, that he/she is a Nigerian citizen.”

NIS stated that for one’s claim of being a Nigerian citizen to hold water, there has to be a document that “ties” an individual to a local government (indigenous area) within the country.

This document is what NIS requests that an applicant presents to them, amongst others, to authenticate one’s claim of being a citizen.

Immigration has urged passport applicants to read up the particular part of the Nigerian Constitution that bothers on citizenship.

The basic requirements for first-time passport applicants are as follows: completed passport application form, a recent passport-style photograph and a copy of your National Identification Number (NIN).

Others requirement include a copy of applicant’s birth certificate, letter of consent from your parents or guardian and payment of N5,000 for the passport application fee.

The requirements for renewal passport applicants are as follows: completed passport application form, a recent passport-style photograph, a copy of old passport and payment of N2,000 for the passport application fee.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu says Tunde Onakoya’s achievements show greatness can come from humble beginnings.

The governor, in a statement on Saturday, congratulated the young chess master for completing a 60-hour chess marathon in New York.

Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess master, coach, and the founder of a non-profit initiative called Chess in Slums Africa.

He has organised several interventions for children across slums in Lagos state including Ikorodu, Makoko, and Oshodi.

The children are engaged in a two-week session to unlock their potential through chess while learning and acquiring literacy.

Onakoya would take on what became one of his most daring projects, opting to set a record for the longest chess marathon.

The Nigerian completed the Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt on Saturday after surpassing the previous mark of 56 hours.

GWR is typically expected to vet an attempt before confirming that a new record has been set on any task.

Sanwo-Olu said Onakoya’s achievement at Times Square New York captures “the true spirit of Lagos”.

“Your journey from Lagos, Nigeria to global recognition embodies the spirit of our great city,” he said of the young chess master.

“Tunde Onakoya continues to demonstrate that greatness can emerge from even the most humble beginnings.

“His remarkable story serves as a blueprint for all of us in Lagos city where his impact has been felt the most, showing that, with determination, dreams can indeed soar to monumental heights.

“Tunde’s entire journey was showcased on digital billboards and celebrated with watch parties, capturing the true spirit of Lagos. Despite enduring pain and fatigue, Tunde persevered, driven by his commitment to empower the children he champions.

“This is your moment, Tunde, and Lagos stands with you every step of the way.”

Onakoya learned to play chess at a barber’s shop in an Ikorodu Lagos slum where he grew up.

He got a diploma in computer science at Yaba College of Technology, representing the school in chess competitions.

Onakoya, aged 29, is a board member of the New York City-based non-profit The Gift of Chess.

Tunde Onakoya says chess, in 2022, allowed him to travel out of Nigeria for the first time.

On Wednesday, Onakoya commenced his attempt to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon.

The marathon chess playing was held at Times Square in New York City, US.

The chess master aimed to play different games for 58 hours without losing.

Announcing his attempt, he said he hopes to empower illiterate children across Africa through the feat.

Onakoya achieved the feat in the early hours of Saturday.

Speaking at the venue of the event, the child education advocate revealed that he grew up in the slums.

Onakoya said the first time he got on a plane to leave Lagos in Nigeria was two years ago.

He added that playing chess allowed him to discover his potential.

“What we are advocating for is that there are millions of children without access to opportunities like us,” he said.

“And it is important that they feel seen just like the way the rest of the world sees me now because of my capacity to do this thing that everyone seems so marvelled by.

“But in actual reality, I also grew up in the slums like these kids. The first time I ever left Lagos was just two years ago.

“The first time I ever got on a plane to leave my country was two years ago. Chess gave me an opportunity to find out what I could truly become.

“And I think that’s the greatest gift that you could ever give anyone, by helping them see their potential.”

Onakoya is the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, a nonprofit organisation.

The chess master earlier said that the “ultimate goal” of his world record attempt was to raise the sum of $1,000,000.

He said the money will be used to transform the lives of underserved children across Africa.

As of the time of this report, the fundraiser has garnered over $108,000.

It is believed the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, have a final shortlist of three coaches, from which they will pick the next head coach of the Super Eagles.

They are: Emmanuel Amunike, Domenec Torrent and Antonio Conceicao.

“I think that, in the first place, it must have been a quite underwhelming set of applicants that these are the three best candidates,” Solace Chukwu, Site coordinator, AfrikFoot NG tells DAILY POST.

“Conceicao has the strongest merit but Amuneke has not managed anywhere in a few years and Torrent has extremely limited success and/or experience as either a head coach or in international football.”

Amunike is the only local coach on the shortlist. He excelled as coach of Nigeria’s U17 team, leading them to glory at the FIFA U17 World Cup.

He also led Tanzania to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations – their first in nearly 40 years.

However, Amunike’s record with Egypt’s Misr Lel Makkasa and Zambia’s Zanaco left much to be desired.

The 53-year-old coach also failed to help the Nigeria U20 team qualify for the AFCON in 2017.

Conceicao, 62, is no stranger to African football, having previously managed Cameroon.

He led the Indomitable Lions to a third-place finish at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

Since leaving the Cameroon position in 2022, Conceicao has been without a job.

Torrent is a former assistant to Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola,

The 61-year-old has worked closely with Guardiola throughout his coaching career, including stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

Torrent has since transitioned into a head coach role himself. Apart from coaching Girona, he has managed in Major League Soccer (MLS) with New York City FC.

The Spaniard has also coached Brazilian Serie A club, Flamengo, and most recently led Turkish Super Lig side, Galatasaray.

It is believed that Torrent is a big favourite among NFF board members.

So, do those in the football house have an obsession with foreign coaches?

“That does seem to be the case. While some might attribute that to thinly veiled internalized prejudice against our own indigenous coaches, I think we also have to consider the fact that our indigenous coaches seldom do enough to test and prove themselves worthy.

“That, I feel, is the bigger issue. If a Nigerian coach went to, say, Morocco, South Africa or Egypt, and won league titles there, on what basis would anyone question their viability?

“Keshi qualified Togo for a World Cup and took charge of Mali as well. When he was appointed, even those who had a problem with his personality could not say he was unqualified for the role,” Chukwu explains.

So, why should the NFF go ahead and appoint Amunike instead of a foreigner?

“Well, it depends on who the foreign person is, really,” Chukwu notes.

“I’m personally not persuaded any foreigner is better than Amunike (or any indigenous coach for that matter).

“However, speaking objectively, there is no Nigerian candidate who applied that combines international experience, (a measure of) success, and (if ongoing/recent employment can be considered a proxy for that) currency of ideas.”

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expected to take delivery of six M-346 fighter aircraft before the end of 2024.

In November 2023, NAF struck a deal with Messrs Leonardo, an Italian defence company, for the supply of 24 M-346 fighter aircraft.

The deal is reportedly worth around €1.2 billion.

On Wednesday, Claudio Sabatino, the vice-president of the Italian company, visited NAF headquarters in Abuja and met with Hasan Abubakar, the chief of air staff.

In a statement by Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, Sabatino was quoted to have assured Abubakar of the timely delivery of the first batch of the aircraft.

Sabatino said further agreement between NAF and the company would be necessary to complete some aspects of the projects.

He added that after the final agreement, the maintenance of the aircraft fleet would not constitute a challenge as there is a binding agreement for the 25-year maintenance support.

Sabatino disclosed that the manufacturing of the aircraft fleet has reached an “appreciable state”.

On his part, Abubakar commended the company for the “assurance of long-term maintenance support” for the aircraft fleet.

The NAF chief urged the Italian company to set up a maintenance hub in Nigeria to serve the needs of its African clients.

“Reflecting on the journey thus far, Air Marshal Abubakar also acknowledged the challenges overcome and expressed optimism for the future trajectory of the partnership,” the statement reads.

“Envisioning the operational impact that the M-346 fighter aircraft, Air Marshal Abubakar underscored its dual role in bolstering training capabilities and augmenting operational effectiveness in diverse mission scenarios.

“Moreover, the prospect of close air support, air interdiction, and tactical reconnaissance as well as advanced pilot training capabilities inherent in the M-346 fighter aircraft heralded a new prospect for NAF’s operational versatility.”

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has faced hurdles regarding its students’ participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

This is due to the university’s distinct structure as an open and distance learning institution, which doesn’t conform to the traditional requirements of NYSC involvement, necessitating physical presence on a university campus for a designated period.

The genesis of this situation can be traced back to the establishment of NOUN.

During the Fourth National Development Plan (1981-1985), the National University Commission (NUC), under the leadership of Prof. Jubril Aminu, proposed the creation of an autonomous Open University for Nigeria.

The Federal Government embraced this proposition and later incorporated into the National Policy on Education in 1977.

Section Five Paragraphs 40, Sub-section A of the Policy emphasised the government’s commitment to extending higher education access through various means, including universities, correspondence courses, open universities, part-time, and work-study programs.

The ineligibility lies in NUC’s regulations, which bar individuals enrolled in part-time studies from participating in the NYSC.

This restriction is rooted in the original act establishing NOUN, which describes the university’s mode of instruction as correspondence-based, thus categorising it as part-time education and rendering its students ineligible for NYSC enrollment.

Efforts to address this discrepancy have been ongoing.

In 2018, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill to grant NOUN graduates the opportunity to participate in the NYSC and enroll in the Nigerian Law School.

This legislative action marked a significant stride toward integrating NOUN graduates into national service programs, hinting at a potential shift in policy to accommodate NOUN’s unique educational framework.