By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has dismissed a challenge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to a public debate on governance, saying the minister must first become a presidential candidate before seeking such an engagement.

Mr Obi made the remark during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, while responding to comments by Mr Umahi, who had downplayed his political relevance and declared that he posed no threat to President Bola Tinubu.

The minister had also challenged the former Anambra State governor to a debate, claiming he possessed stronger credentials on governance.

Responding, Mr Obi said presidential debates are traditionally meant for candidates contesting the presidency, not government appointees.

“If he is inviting me to a debate as a presidential candidate, then he has to become a presidential candidate first,” Obi said.

Drawing an analogy with international football, the former Labour Party presidential candidate said participation in presidential debates should follow a qualification process.

“The World Cup is going on now. You cannot stay outside and invite a team that qualified for the World Cup to come and play against you simply because you think you are good. No. There is a qualification process,” he said.

The exchange is the latest in the growing war of words between key political figures as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.

By Blessing Chinwendu Ekwem

The Emir Of Kano Muhammad Sunusi II has pledged to continue to embark on mass campaign against the menace of sickle cell disease in Kano.

Kano religious leaders also gave their commitment to the fight against the disease, during the one day advocacy seminar organized to mark the 2026 World Sickle Cell day , held on June 18, 2026, at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano.

Our correspondent reports that , the seminar with the theme, Faith Based Advocacy for Sickle Cell Prevention and Genotype Awareness in Kano State featured Muslim and Christian clerics drawn from various denominations.

The religious leaders dissect the role of faith based institutions in combating sickle cell disease (SCD) through awareness, premarital counselling, and genotype screening.

The chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kano branch, represented by Reverend Bitrus Nuhu, said that sickle cell disease was a serious inherited blood disorder caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, leading to abnormal, sickle shaped red blood cells that obstruct blood flow and cause severe health complications.

According to him, the disease is a significant challenge and burden to families, communities, and the nation at large.

He emphasized the need for intending couples to engage in medical tests to determine their status before getting married.

He further advocate for the provision of adequate care for individuals living with the condition through the provision of subsidised treatment, saying that it is key to mobilize partnerships with various health organisations and outreach programmes.

In his remarks , the chairman, Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalid, lamented that sickle cell disease is a major challenge with burdening financial implications.

He called for the need to impose mandatory certification of intended couples to determine their HIV status, genotype, hepatitis status, and other relevant health screenings prior to marriage.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, National Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Dr. Annette Akinsete disclosed that sickle cell disease is a group of inherited disorders affecting haemoglobin, the major protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells.

Akinsete further explained that under normal conditions, red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible, enabling them to move easily through blood vessels.

“sickle shaped due to a gene mutation affecting the haemoglobin molecule. Akinsete stated.

She hinted that Nigeria bears the highest burden of sickle cell disease worldwide, through the trauma and emotional toll it places on affected families.

She added that the illness constitutes a significant burden, causing damage, straining marriages, and increasing financial demands on households.

Dr. Akinsete revealed that sickle cell disease can be tackled through sustained awareness campaigns and by ensuring that every prospective couple undergoes genotype testing before marriage.

She urged religious leaders to mandate testing as a prerequisite for solemnising marriages in churches and mosques.

The Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sunusi declared his uwaivering support to programmes that will enhance the health benefits of the people of Kano ad humanity at large.

The royal father , represented by High Chief Lamido Abubakar Bayero, described the Emir as a leader who consistently encourages progress for the betterment of humanity.

He disclosed that the Emirate has engaged district leaders on the importance of proper data collection, including the number of deliveries and pregnant women within their respective areas, as part of broader health monitoring efforts.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Kano Pillars Football Club has officially unveiled Daniel Ogunmodede as its new Technical Adviser, with the club outlining an ambitious plan to rebuild the team, establish a world-class youth academy, and restore the club’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading football institutions.

Speaking during his unveiling in Kano, Ogunmodede said he accepted the appointment because the club’s vision aligned with his personal football philosophy and long-term ambitions. He said the project presented by the club’s leadership convinced him that Kano Pillars was committed to building a successful future.

“The vision and mission presented to me fit perfectly with what I want to achieve as a coach. This is an important project aimed at building a team capable of winning every competition we participate in. We are not just here to play football; we are here to win,” Ogunmodede said.

The new Technical Adviser revealed plans to restructure the club’s football development system through the establishment of a world-class academy beginning from the Under-12 level. According to him, the academy will serve as the foundation for sustained success while preparing young talents to compete at the highest level.

“We will restructure and organize a world-class academy from the Under-12 category upwards. Our goal is to compete in every competition available to us, including the CAF Champions League, and to build a team that consistently challenges for honours,” Ogunmodede stated.

Ogunmodede also stressed the importance of open communication within the club, saying he would operate an inclusive leadership style that encourages dialogue rather than authoritarian decision-making. He assured players, officials, and supporters that his office would remain accessible to everyone working towards the club’s success.

“My door is always open for proper communication. I dislike autocracy and believe in deliberation and teamwork. If you cannot meet the chairman, you can meet me. I am result-oriented, but I also believe we must work together as brothers and sisters to achieve our objectives,” he said.

Addressing Kano Pillars supporters, Ogunmodede acknowledged the passion of the club’s fans and appealed for patience and unity throughout the rebuilding process. He noted that while success cannot be guaranteed in every match, the team would remain committed to improving and competing for honours.

“I have seen how passionate Kano Pillars supporters are. It is impossible to win every game, but we want to build a team that competes and wins consistently. I appeal to the fans to remain calm and avoid the kind of crises the club experienced over the past three years. This project is built on respect, honesty, hard work and discipline. While I will not beg for respect, my players and I deserve it,” Ogunmodede said.

The Technical Adviser added that challenges were inevitable in football but expressed confidence that the club would be prepared to overcome them. He also noted his familiarity with northern Nigeria, saying he was pleased to return to the region.

“We cannot run away from problems, but whenever they come, we will be ready to handle them squarely. I have lived in northern Nigeria before, and I am happy to be back. I appreciate the warm welcome and hospitality I have received and the numerous goodwill messages. I promise not to let the people of Kano down,” he added.

Ogunmodede further urged all stakeholders to put aside political differences and unite behind the club’s collective ambition of returning Kano Pillars to the summit of Nigerian football.

Earlier, Chairman of Kano Pillars Football Club, Ahmad Musbahu Garo, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kano State for his continued support for the club. He described the appointment of Ogunmodede as a demonstration of the club’s determination to build a competitive and successful team.

“The appointment of our new Technical Adviser reflects our unwavering commitment to assembling a competent team capable of achieving our goals. We pledge our full and unreserved support to him as he begins this important assignment, and we are confident that together we will return Kano Pillars to its rightful place among the top clubs in Nigeria and Africa,” Garo said.