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US, Canada ,Mexico 2026 FIFA World Cup: Kano sports writers , PIN, FOCHPA , others agrees to promote peace

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10 months ago

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Sports journalists under the aegis of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Kano chapter have reached an understanding with other critical football stakeholders to pursue the single agenda to promote peace and national unity during the 2026 FIFA World cup .

The sports writers during a media parley session organized by Sahel Sports News in collaboration with American Space Kano held at Kano state Library Complex had vowed that in spite of the failure of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the world cup, they would resort to the new dimension of setting up an national development agenda through football .

Earlier in his remarks the news editor Sahel Sports News, Abdulgafar Oladimeji had tasked Nigerian journalists to always use the world cup period to set the ball rolling on topics that are geared towards national development .

He said “ the world cup is not just about going to compete and win or lose matches Nigerian journalists must shift their focus from just reporting the participation of Nigeria and other national teams of their interest , in the biggest global sports events like the world cup , our journalists need to fashion out to seize the vacuum to arouse curiosity on critical national and global issues that are associated with SDG and MDG human development agenda .

Abdulgafar said “during the world cup period, as sports journalists let us from now henceforth set and pursue national agenda on issues like Peace, health, economic issues , education, issues of inclusion, human rights, gender based issues, community development, security, issues that affect our lives, lets always not forget that football lives in every aspect of our national lives ”

He added that “ though Nigeria would not be at the world cup, the media can still make Nigeria to be at the world cup by using their platform to help drive discussions around national developmental issues, usually the world cup goes beyond just qualifying to play at the Mondial , the Nigerian media should from now learn to tie the world cup to one or more national issues, I am here today to task Kano sports writers to set the ball rolling. Others across Nigeria follow the trend .”

 

The executive director, Fortress Centre For Human Rights and Peace Advocacy, FOCHPA comrade Abbass Ibrahim, said that peace envelopes all human activities, noting that sports writers should always be conscious of the important need to use their skills in promoting peace, rather than resorting to negativity, just because Nigeria failed to qualify for the world cup they resort to inflammatory reports , this is unprofessional.” Abbass said.

He warned that the media as a tool if not professionally deployed could in contrast become an weapon of destruction, citing the role played by the media in fueling the Rwandan genocide

Abbass urged sports journalists that despite Nigeria would not be at the world cup, they should adopt peace as the world cup set to be won by Nigerians, this he said could be achieved only , if the Nigerian sporting press can dedicate the world cup period to pursue peace building.

 

In his presentation, executive director, Peace Initiative Network, PIN, Femi Shodipo represented by Coach Friday spoke on the inevitable essence of peace in communities , highlighting on how football is an tested effective tool for peace building in communities.

He tasked sports journalists to synergize to take better advantage of those football elements that have proven to be effective towards promoting peace and stability at all times.

He said PIN have invested hugely in the area of peace building through sports programs in communities in Kano and Ogun states, he testified that these investments have yielded positive returns ,adding that the network would always collaborate with sports media practitioners to promote national peace and unity through sports.

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The National Executive Committee , NEC member Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Lurwanu Idris Malikawa in his goodwill message had appealed to sports writers to allocate massive media space and emphasis towards reporting grass root sports events.

According to him, there presently exist huge deficit in the reporting of local and national sports events, he lamented that the Nigerian sports media space has been overtaken by the reports and much emphasis on international sports events , this he said has led to the widened decline in sports development and promotion in Nigeria .

 

Explaining that this has played a significant role in the decline of the level of success been recorded by Nigerian national football teams.

Malikawa also decried the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA world cup, citing that the failure to address issues of development and promotion by stakeholders is responsible , stating that the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the2026 FIFA world cup is undoubtedly a failure that should be squarely addressed.

The chairman, Kano NUJ Correspondents’ chapel, comrade Muritala Adewale assured the august gathering that the chapel under his new leadership would revive the old days of good relationship its members enjoyed with sports reporting.

He said sports is amongst the predominant factor in the contemporary world, pledging that the chapel will strengthen its relationship with bodies like SWAN and SWIBODA with the aim to enhance sports reports that will foster sports developments in the state.

He also align with the massive outcry by Nigerians over the failure of the Super Eagles to pick the FIFA 2026 World cup ticket, he described how heart broken it has been for Nigerians to wake up that morning to nurse the pains that their darling national team has again failed to pick the ticket to be at the global stage for the largest world football party.

Adewale said , it is time to address whatever were the hiccups responsible for the monumental decline been witnessed in Nigerian football” this has to be addressed, nobody is happy with our football. At this moment ” He lamented.

The chairman, Nigeria Football Coaches Association, NFCA, Kano , Bar. Ibrahim Gwadabe decried the worrisome state of sports infrastructure in the state , saying that no meaningful sports development could be achieved without the availability of adequate spots infrastructure,

Gwadabe specifically appealed to Kano state government to cease from the disruption of sports facilities in the state, he lamented that the disruption of sports facilities across the state is taking its heavy retrogressive tolls on sports development in the state.

He further lamented that new sport facilities were not springing up rather existing ones are been disrupted or erased entirely without replacement, this would not augur well for the well being of the aging citizens and the development of Kano youths , who both require these facilities not just to shape their health well being, but also to help in the development of future professional athletes.

The secretary, Kano NLO Forum, Lawan Wada, who spoke on behalf of the forum said , NLO clubs in the state were ready to key into the promotion and building of peace through football programmes , assuring that their platform would be made available to support any project that would enhance peace building and its co existence in the state.

The deputy executive director, Sports Without Borders Development Association, SWIBODA, Sydney Emeafu said it is time to go back to the drawing board to confront the challenges facing the development of sports in Nigeria.

He said, “it is no longer time to pretend that all is well with sports in Nigeria, sports no longer put smiles on the face of Nigerians, like it use to do in the past, everyday the tales of our sports performance on the continent and on the international stages leaves us with a bitter taste .

Emeafu said “ Nigeria was the power house of youth football, from being the first world champions , when we won the first U-17 world cup to be hosted in world history in 1985 in China , we dominated the game at this level for years and today we can no longer dominate west Africa, countries like Benin republic and Niger republic can confidently challenge our football power without shivering , where did we get it wrong.”

“before in the world of football by just mentioning the name Nigeria even giant nations like Brazil, France, England they catch cold, but today Lesotho and Zimbabwe and Rwanda can stop us from going to the world cup, 20 years ago I could not have imagined that Benin republic and Lesotho will deny us from going to the world cup, well the earlier we wake cup the better, Nigerian government must wake up and address this challenge, football loving Nigerians should not fold their arms and legs , all must come on deck to save our football.” Emeafu said.

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President Tinubu Adds Days to Working Vacation, Returns at Weekend

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11 hours ago

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September 21, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return to Nigeria this weekend after extending his working vacation in Europe by a few days, the State House announced Monday evening.

The President departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin the working vacation, which was initially expected to last three weeks. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President has since relocated to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Mr. Vincent Bollore, whose media group includes Canal+, Multichoice, and Universal Music Group.

Despite his absence, the statement emphasized that President Tinubu has remained actively engaged with domestic affairs, particularly directing an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

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The President has delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at official functions. However, Vice President Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. In his absence, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President at official engagements.

On the political front, the statement noted that Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), has been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country alongside other notable party leaders.

The extension comes as the President’s initial three-week vacation timeline elapsed, with the State House confirming he will now return to the country at the weekend.

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Court Adjourns El-Rufai’s N1 billion Suit Against ICPC, AGF, Police

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11 hours ago

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September 21, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Monday adjourned a N1 billion rights suit filed by former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and others until October 27 for a definite hearing.

Others named in the suit are the Inspector-General (IG) of police and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as the second and third respondents, respectively.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the suit to allow counsel to the former governor, Akinyemi Aremu, to respond to the counter affidavit filed by the AGF opposing the claims.

When the case was called, Mr Aremu informed the court that the matter was scheduled for hearing.

Counsel for the AGF, Maimuna Lami-Shiru, however, told the court that the AGF had filed a counter affidavit.

She prayed the court for leave to move their motion seeking an extension of time to deem their counter affidavit as being properly filed and served.

El-Rufai’s lawyer, Mr Aremu; Ezekiel Rimamsomte, who appeared for the IG, and the ICPC counsel did not oppose the application, and the judge granted it as prayed.

Mrs Abdulmalik then adjourned the case until October 27 for a definite hearing.

Earlier in the suit, the ex-governor sued the ICPC, the chief magistrate at the Magistrate’s Court of the FCT, Abuja, the IG, and the AGF as first to fourth respondents, respectively.

He, however, dropped the name of the magistrate from the case following his inability to specify the name of the magistrate who was sued as the second respondent, after the judge made the observation.

Mr El-Rufai is, therefore, demanding N1 billion in damages against ICPC, the IG and the AGF.

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In an originating motion on notice marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, dated and filed February 20 by Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, the former governor sought seven reliefs.

He prayed the court to declare that the invasion and search of his residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, on February 19 at about 2:00 p.m. by the ICPC and IG amounts to a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights.

He said it violated the dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy under Sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the Constitution.

He urged the court to declare that “any evidence obtained pursuant to the aforesaid invalid warrant and unlawful search is inadmissible in any proceedings against the applicant, as it was procured in breach of constitutional safeguards.”

Mr El-Rufai, therefore, sought an order of injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further relying on, using, or tendering any evidence or items seized during the unlawful search in any investigation, prosecution, or proceedings involving him.

He sought an order directing the first and third respondents (ICPC and IG) to forthwith return all items seized from the applicant’s premises during the unlawful search, together with a detailed inventory thereof.

He also sought an order awarding N1,000,000,000.00 (one billion naira) as general, exemplary, and aggravated damages, among others.

In its counter affidavit, the ICPC said it received a petition against Mr El-Rufai and, acting on it, commenced an investigation that led to the search at his residence.

It argued that its operatives acted under a valid search warrant issued on February 18 and executed on February 19 between 1:37 p.m. and 3:56 p.m. at 12 Mambilla Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

The commission said its officials were accompanied by Nigeria Police Force personnel and that the exercise was witnessed by Mr El-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza El-Rufai, and his son, Mohammed El-Rufai.

The ICPC, which urged the court to dismiss the suit, listed the items allegedly recovered from the residence.

The police, also in its counter affidavit deposed to by Ewa Anthony, argued that it had the statutory power to detect, arrest, investigate and prosecute offenders.

It argued that the search at Mr El-Rufai’s residence was carried out pursuant to a search warrant issued by a competent court of law.

The anti-graft agency disagreed with the ex-governor, insisting the search warrant was a genuine court order.

It said its officers who carried out the operation complied with all applicable legal procedures in executing the search warrant.

According to the police, the applicant is trying to use the honourable court to shield him from the security investigation and prosecution in court.

It, therefore, prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

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Tinubu Becomes First Post-1999 Nigerian President to Miss Three Consecutive UNGAs

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12 hours ago

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September 21, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has again delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, marking the third consecutive year he has personally skipped the global summit since taking office in 2023.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said on Monday that Tinubu is “currently on annual leave,” describing the delegation to Shettima as “neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing”. Idris insisted Shettima “carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria” and will deliver the national statement.

However, the explanation has done little to quell public scrutiny. Tinubu last personally attended UNGA in September 2023 for the 78th session, shortly after his inauguration. He has since been absent from the 79th session in 2024, the 80th in 2025, and now the 81st in 2026—a pattern unmatched by any Nigerian president since the return of democracy in 1999.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through his media aide Phrank Shaibu, demanded a “full explanation,” arguing that three consecutive absences “could no longer be dismissed as coincidence or routine delegation” but constituted “a pattern of presidential evasion”. Atiku questioned whether Tinubu’s “documented history with United States law-enforcement agencies has become a burden on Nigeria’s foreign relations”.

At the centre of the opposition’s claim is a long-standing U.S. forfeiture case in which $460,000 was held in an account linked to Tinubu, after American authorities alleged the funds represented proceeds of narcotics trafficking or were involved in prohibited financial transactions. Atiku also questioned why the administration spent up to $9 million on American lobbyists to improve Nigeria’s standing in Washington while the President repeatedly stays away from New York.

The Presidency has not directly addressed the drug-case allegation. A ruling party chieftain, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, dismissed the claims as “political propaganda,” noting that no U.S. court has reopened a criminal case or pronounced Tinubu guilty of drug trafficking.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, had earlier announced that Tinubu would attend and that a seat had been secured for him near U.S. President Donald Trump. That seat remained empty.

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