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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

The organized private sector has accepted the Federal Government’s proposal for a new minimum wage of ₦60,000.

The Director-General of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Ajayi Kadri, confirmed this development during a recent interview, stressing that the private sector is constrained by microeconomic, infrastructure and security challenges and that anything more than the federal government’s proposed minimum wage is not feasible for the sector at the moment.

Ajayi emphasized that the ongoing negotiations between the government, private sector, and labour primarily focus on establishing a minimum wage rather than a living wage, representing the lowest possible payment for any worker in the country.

He further highlighted the significant economic challenges faced by both labour and private businesses, making it exceedingly difficult to meet the wage demands of labour unions.

“To start with, this is a very difficult time for anyone to negotiate minimum wage. From the perspective of government, labour and organized private sector, we operate in an environment where there is general acceptance of the fact that the macroeconomics are not right, even the global economy is experiencing a lot of shakeups and the aftermath of government necessary reforms.

“From the beginning of the negotiations of the minimum wage, it’s evident to the tripartite— that is, the government, labour, and organized private sector— that we are going to operate in a difficult terrain.

“Incidentally, the organized private sector and government have offered ₦60,000 as the minimum wage and I think it is very important for us to understand that what we are talking about is the minimum wage. That is what some people have called the walk-in wage. That is the amount we will pay the least workers in the country. It is the minimum wage we are negotiating, not a living wage,” Ajayi while on a Channels Television programme on Saturday.

Ajayi revealed that significant obstacles are being faced by both the government and the private sector in meeting the proposed N419,000 living wage demand.

He pointed out that the private sector, particularly, is struggling with economic difficulties and inflation, making it unfeasible to meet such a high wage.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the current period is not conducive for organized labour to engage in discussions regarding a new minimum wage. Rather, they should work together with other parties to bolster the economy.

“All of us in the tripartite— the government, the labour, and the private sector — we all knew that we were operating in a very difficult environment. The government itself realized that it had limited capacity to pay. The private sector is constrained by microeconomic, infrastructure and security challenges. So, we are also constrained to pay.

“Labour, on its part, is under intense pressure from its constituencies to ask for a higher wage because inflation has hit the roof and the operating environment is tough.

“Throughout the negotiation process, we made it known that this is not the best time to negotiate minimum wage. This is the time for us to agree, the crew behind the government, and grow the economy in such that we will bake a bigger cake, and then we’ll be able to share,” the director general added.

He urged the organized labour to rethink their choice of initiating a nationwide strike, emphasizing that leaving negotiations and resorting to strike action would not be beneficial.

He emphasized the importance of organized labour reconsidering their decision to go on a nationwide strike, highlighting that rejecting the N60,000 offer from the government and private sector was regrettable.

“We cannot afford to cripple the economy when all we needed to do was continue to build it. I think President Tinubu was very clear when he emerged as president that these are not going to be easy times, and I think we needed to tighten our belts to deliver on economy that we know has been seriously battered,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

He added: “Of course, the government on its own side has to demonstrate leadership, sensitivity and sense and sense of mind as well as the sense of occasion of the period that we are in. So, government expenditure, government choices of what needs to be done, how much to be spent, the cost of governance itself, all of it has to come to the table.

“I think what labour is actually worried about is that they appear to be the ones on the brunt of it but we needed to be able to engage, walking out on the process and declaring a strike, I do not think that that is what is going to solve this issue.”

Naija News reported earlier that the labour unions, on Friday, announced a nationwide strike without a specified end date due to the Federal Government’s rejection of increasing the proposed minimum wage of N60,000.

They asserted that the strike was initiated after the previous appeal to the Federal Government to finalize all discussions regarding a new minimum wage by the end of May had expired.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero has described the minimum wage negotiation with the federal government and other tripartite committee members, as a “helpless situation”.

Ajaero’s assertion was revealed during a press briefing shortly after an earlier meeting with the federal government which ended in a deadlock in Abuja on Friday.

THE WHISTLER had earlier reported that NLC and its counterpart the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared an indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024.

The strike was to press home their demands for a new minimum wage, reversal of electricity hike, and the removal of electricity consumers from various bands announced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

However, Ajaero said “In the meeting today we told them we have to be here and allow them to go and get the mandate and come back to this meeting, we also told them we are ready to sleep here. But they said no, we should allow them that it is difficult to see Mr. President as they don’t have access to him.

When asked if the strike would be called off if the federal government calls for another negotiation with a new proposal, Ajaero responded, “The federal government can only call for a continuation of the negotiation, not by awards.

“You can’t say come we are giving you N10, N20. No, we have to sit down and negotiate, calling us doesn’t mean agreement. Until you sign an agreement to what is mutually agreeable by the parties involved, our action will not stop negotiations.

“Because the two parties are going to negotiate under duress now, that is the meaning of this strike, so the earlier they respond the better for all of us.

“I am not sure where you have the labour centres in a country and they are embarking on a strike for one month and you don’t listen to them.

“So, I think what you will be praying for, is for the people who are suffering so much and these are some of our people, that was why we were reluctant, and why we were virtually telling them that we needed to find a solution.”

South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos has said the Super Eagles are a different team under the new head coach, Finidi George.

Portuguese tactician, Jose Peseiro was in charge of the Super Eagles the last time the West Africans confronted South Africa at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Finidi took charge of the Super Eagles in an interim capacity in the friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March. 

Broos claimed that he saw a different Super Eagles team from the friendlies compared to the side that played at the AFCON.

The Belgian claimed he has to work out a way to stop the Super Eagles like he did at the AFCON.

“We will try to shock them again. It’s a little bit different than the team of AFCON,” Broos told SABC

“With Finidi George they have a coach who thinks more offensively. Peseiro was a little bit more defensive and I saw that certainly in the game against us, he was always telling the team to go back.

“Also in the final they didn’t really play offensively, they just tried to be good defensively and then hoping on a counterattack or a situation in front of the goal where they could score.

“I saw two games against Mali and Ghana, it’s different. They take a little bit more initiative. It’s not the team anymore who went back and waited.

“They also try to make pressure early in the game and close to the goal of the opponent, so we have to look for something now that we can shock them again like we did for the game in Ivory Coast.”

Bafana Bafana will be up against the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo next Friday.

The Ogun Government has said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is set to begin oil and gas exploration in the state.

In a statement on Friday, the government said the development would make its quest to become an oil-producing state materialise soon. 

The statement noted that stakeholders in the oil and gas industry were received at the office of Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State Governor, and Noimot Salako-Oyedele, his Deputy, to discuss the prospect.

Speaking at the meeting, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister Of State For Petroleum Resources (Oil), said Ogun has always been part of the Dahomey basin with the prospect of having a huge deposit of hydrocarbons.

“We decided that we are going to resume exploration in the different Basins; we decided to come to Ogun State to reassure the people that we have very high potential of discoveries here,” he said. 

“Ogun has always been part of the Dahomey Basin and our presence underscore the seriousness the federal government attaches to the exploration activities that we want to carry out in Ogun State.”

Lokpobiri said the visit was also to demonstrate the commitment of the federal government to bolster its revenue through the oil and gas sector.

“Today we are here to tell the people of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that we continue our campaign and exploration activities across the country,” the minister said.

“We are doing this exploration activities in several places across Nigeria and today we are in Ogun after which we will proceed to Sokoto State.”

On his part, Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, said Ogun state is blessed to be in the Dahomey basin corridor, with expected high deposit of oil.

He assured that the company would return in earnest to commence exploration activities.

Kyari also expressed hope that oil would be found in commercial quantity in the state.

In his remarks, Gbenga Komolafe, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), said the team’s visit was to further indicate the commitment of the federal government to growing oil reserves and enhancing federation revenue.

Komolafe said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) makes provision for funding the development of the frontier basins.

He added that in line with the commitments of the government, the NUPRC is collaborating with the NNPC to leverage on the PIA to carry out oil exploration in the Dahomey basin.

“The Dahomey Basin stretches up to Delta, Edo, Ogun and Ondo states. We intend to in the course of this exercise, cover all those states leveraging on the provision of Section 9, Subsection 4 of the PIA,” he said.

In his response, Governor Abiodun said Ogun state is part of the oil prospecting leases (OPLs) 302, 303, 306, and 307.

He said numerous studies show the potential of the basins, highlighting the state’s potential for commercial success and economic benefits from exploration and production within a short timeframe.

“It is noteworthy that this is a region of the country that provides ease of access, low entry and operating costs, a safe and welcoming community and a very active state government support and participation,” Abiodun said.

“Ogun State therefore presents some unique opportunities towards the realization of the full intentions of the PIA section 9 on frontier exploration as it will contribute to guarantee additional petroleum production of additional petroleum products for the country and afford more supply to potential refineries in the area.”

The Governor said the area presents an opportunity for Bitumen extraction, reducing import dependency and reducing foreign exchange expenditure on a single line item.