Liverpool appeared poised to win the race for Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi last summer, with the player initially agreeing to move to Merseyside. However, at the very last moment, he reversed his decision—choosing to remain with Sociedad for another season. Despite this, he has now committed his future to Arsenal. Jamie Carragher, speaking on Stick to Football, alleges that Mikel Arteta, a fellow Basque, strategically leveraged his regional ties to sway Zubimendi’s decision. Carragher asserted that Arteta reached out personally, perhaps offering reassurance that joining Arsenal would align closely with his values and career ambitions. With the prior commitment to Liverpool scrapped, Carragher believes Arteta’s intervention played a decisive role in securing the transfer for the Gunners. Carragher stated: “I’m convinced now that Mikel Arteta definitely stole him from Liverpool. He had agreed to come to Liverpool… at the last minute he said, ‘I don’t want to come… I’ll have another year at Sociedad.’ Mikel Arteta’s from the Basque area… he’s been into him and said, ‘We’re signing Merino this season, Arsenal will come for you next season.’” This narrative underscores the nuances of transfer dynamics—highlighting how personal connections and timing can influence player decisions in football’s high-stakes environment.
The Opta SuperComputer projects that Liverpool are most likely to hold onto the Premier League crown in the upcoming 2025/2026 campaign. The model assigns the reigning champions a 28.5 percent probability of securing successive titles—marking the first instance of back-to-back trophies under Arne Slot, who steered the club to victory by a ten-point margin in his inaugural season, succeeding Jürgen Klopp. Arsenal are forecast once again to finish as runners-up, marking the fourth season in a row in that position. Despite not winning, they’ve been granted a 24.3 percent chance to finally end their lengthy two-decade wait for the trophy. Manchester City are anticipated to repeat last season’s third-place finish. Their projected 18.8 percent chance of clinching the title points to the potential of Guardiola going two straight seasons without a Premier League triumph in England for the first time. On the other end of the table, Opta expects Manchester United to linger in the lower half, again predicted to finish in 12th place. Their struggle to climb into a top-half position appears poised to continue as the season unfolds.
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Former Arsenal legend Tony Adams has publicly urged current head coach Mikel Arteta to consider making a bold leadership change by appointing Declan Rice as the club’s new captain for the ongoing season. At present, Martin Odegaard holds the prestigious captaincy role at the Premier League giants. The Norwegian international was handed the armband in 2022, following the departure of Alexandre Lacazette from the Emirates Stadium. Arteta’s choice at the time was praised for selecting a technically gifted and composed leader to guide the North London side through a crucial stage of their development. Since taking on the captaincy, Odegaard has had a significant impact. He captained Arsenal to a Community Shield victory in 2023 and played a central role in helping the Gunners secure second place finishes in three consecutive Premier League campaigns. His leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in Arsenal’s resurgence as title contenders. However, Adams believes that a change in leadership could benefit both the team and Odegaard’s personal game. Speaking to Tribal Football, the former Arsenal captain explained that shifting the armband to Rice could unleash Odegaard’s creativity without the additional weight of leadership responsibilities. “He [Arteta] has got a really big call to make this year,” Adams stated. “The call is to make Declan Rice the captain. I think Declan is my kind of captain, and it might free Odegaard up to play with a bit more freedom.” Adams’ suggestion stems from his view of Rice’s commanding presence and natural leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch. Since joining Arsenal from West Ham United, the England international has impressed with his tactical awareness, determination, and ability to inspire teammates during high-pressure moments. While no official decision has been announced, the debate over Arsenal’s captaincy could become a key talking point among fans and pundits as the season progresses. Whether Arteta sticks with Odegaard or makes the switch to Rice, the choice could influence Arsenal’s momentum in their quest for silverware.
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Franco Mastantuono, the latest signing for Real Madrid, has passionately pledged his complete dedication to the Spanish LaLiga giants, promising to give his all both on and off the pitch. The 17-year-old Argentine midfielder made the emotional declaration during his official presentation as a new Real Madrid player on Thursday, a moment that marked the beginning of what he described as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Mastantuono made the move from River Plate, one of Argentina’s most prestigious football clubs, to join Xabi Alonso’s side in Madrid. His transfer has been highly anticipated, with many football enthusiasts viewing him as one of the brightest young prospects in South American football. Speaking with visible excitement and gratitude at the unveiling, Mastantuono said: “It is a dream come true to join a club like Real Madrid, the biggest in the world. I promise I’ll give my life to this jersey, it is the dream I’ve always had. Thanks to Juni, José Ángel, the president, Xabi Alonso and all the team for trusting in me.” His heartfelt words reflect not only his professional ambition but also his emotional connection to the opportunity of wearing the famous white jersey. For Mastantuono, this is more than a career move — it is the realization of a goal he has cherished since his earliest football days. Real Madrid has a long history of nurturing young talent, and the signing of Mastantuono reaffirms the club’s commitment to building a future squad that blends experience with youthful energy. With the mentorship of Xabi Alonso and the club’s strong leadership, Mastantuono now steps onto one of the most competitive football stages in the world, ready to prove himself worthy of the crest he so proudly represents.
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Evicted Big Brother Naija Season 10 contestant Ibifubara has voiced her frustration over what she believes was insufficient television coverage during her time in the highly competitive reality show. Speaking in a candid interview with Arise TV, the ex-housemate revealed that she came into the BBNaija house with high energy and plenty of entertaining moments. However, she expressed disappointment that most of these moments did not make it to the televised episodes for viewers to see. According to Ibifubara, her time in the BBNaija house was filled with activities that could have showcased her vibrant personality, but the editing process appeared to have left out many of those moments. “I brought in so much fun and did everything I could to make the house lively, but those moments never made it to the screen,” she lamented. “What I thought was happening inside the house didn’t exactly reflect on TV. It’s a house of 29 people, with cameras focusing on different individuals at different times. Now that I’m out and reviewing everything, I keep asking myself—where are the clips of what I did? I wish the audience had seen more of my personality.” Ibifubara also acknowledged the challenges of sharing a confined living space with 29 contestants, each competing for attention in front of multiple cameras. Her eviction, alongside fellow contestant Danboskid, became the first double eviction of the season. With their exit, the competition now has 27 housemates remaining in the race for the N150 million grand prize. ? Watch Ibifubara’s full interview on Arise TV here
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The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) has officially handed over four 50-seater hybrid buses to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in a move aimed at enhancing the public transportation network within Abuja and its environs. These newly donated buses operate using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in combination with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) — commonly referred to as diesel — making them dual-powered vehicles capable of offering efficient and environmentally friendly transport solutions to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Nigerian government first introduced the PCNG Initiative in 2023 as part of a nationwide strategy to encourage the use of CNG-powered and electric vehicles. This shift aims to significantly improve mass transit systems, reduce operational and fuel costs for drivers, and create sustainable employment opportunities within the transportation sector. Donation Ceremony and Significance The handover ceremony took place with Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director and Chief Executive Officer of PCNGi, officially presenting the buses to the FCTA. The donation was received on behalf of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, by Chinedu Elechi, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Transportation. While addressing the event, Elechi highlighted that the four buses would help bolster the ongoing reforms aimed at transforming public transport in Abuja. According to him, each bus can carry 50 passengers, collectively transporting over 200 commuters per trip in a safe, comfortable, and reliable manner. Elechi further noted that Minister Wike is making deliberate efforts to acquire additional buses to further expand the fleet. He emphasised that an improved public transport system would not only serve local residents but also encourage tourism in the FCT. “Public transportation exists to serve everyone — from those who cannot afford private vehicles to those who choose to use public transit for convenience,” Elechi stated. “When tourists arrive, they often rely on our transportation system, and that is why the FCT is investing in new buses, modern road networks, bridges, and state-of-the-art bus terminals. Recently, we commissioned two world-class terminals located at Mabushi and Kugbo.” Support for the CNG Vision In his own remarks, Oluwagbemi explained that the bus donation aligns with PCNGi’s mission to make Compressed Natural Gas a mainstream fuel option for Nigeria’s transport sector. He stressed that the hybrid buses would drastically reduce commuting costs for residents, which is a priority for the present administration. “This is a presidential initiative,” Oluwagbemi said. “Mr. President is committed to ensuring Nigerians can travel more cheaply, safely, and reliably. On behalf of the President, the board of PCNGi, and our entire team, I proudly hand over these four hybrid CNG buses for the benefit of the people of the FCT. They are intended to serve humanity and create more job opportunities in the transportation space.” When asked why the FCTA was selected for this donation, Oluwagbemi revealed that Abuja has demonstrated strong institutional support for the CNG programme and already possesses the infrastructure necessary to facilitate CNG-powered public transport operations. With this development, residents of Abuja can expect safer, greener, and more cost-effective public transportation, reflecting the government’s long-term plan for a cleaner energy transition in Nigeria’s mobility sector.
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Earning small but steady cash from your phone is possible in Nigeria—if you focus on legit apps, set up the right payout methods, and follow a simple daily routine. This guide breaks down the best Android apps that actually work for Nigerians, how they pay, what to expect per task, and a repeatable plan to earn every day without falling for hype. Read this first (important + honest) The 6 best Android earning apps for Nigerians in 2025 1) Premise – local photo & survey tasks (Nigerian-friendly cashouts) What you do: Short surveys, price checks, simple photo tasks in your area.Why it works in Nigeria: Premise has long supported Paga payouts in Nigeria and also uses other common options depending on location. Tasks appear daily in many cities. PremiseWhere to get it: Google Play – “Premise: Earn Money for Tasks.” Google PlayTypical flow: Open the app in the morning → grab 2–6 quick tasks → submit clearly lit photos and accurate answers → cash out when you hit the minimum. Tips to earn more daily 2) GeoPoll – short surveys with airtime / cash rewards What you do: Fast opinion polls and short surveys.Payouts Nigerians can use: Airtime (often credited quickly), mobile money (where available), and other options listed in-app. Airtime redemptions are common and fast. GeoPollGoogle PlayGeoPollWhere to get it: Google Play – “GeoPoll.” Google Play Daily strategy 3) Clickworker – global micro-tasks on mobile What you do: Data labeling, product checks, short surveys, photo tasks.Why it works: Weekly payments via Payoneer, PayPal (availability varies), ACH, or direct bank transfer (non-EU)—use Payoneer in Nigeria for the smoothest path to your local bank. Clickworker Helpdesk Community Support+1Where to get it: Google Play – “clickworker.” Google Play Daily routine 4) Toloka – bite-size AI/data tasks on Android What you do: Image/text checks, simple relevance judgments, data tidying—no special experience required.Payouts: Depends on your region; confirm current options in the app. (Many users route earnings to external providers like Payoneer or other supported methods when available.)Where to get it: Google Play – “Toloka: Earn online.” Google Play Daily routine 5) Toluna Influencers – survey community with gift cards/cash options What you do: Opinion surveys and community interactions for points redeemable for rewards (cash/gift cards vary by country). Google PlayTolunaSave the StudentWhere to get it: Google Play – “Toluna Influencers.” Google PlayNote: Redemption catalogs differ by location; always check the Nigeria catalog in-app before grinding points. 6) Your “Gig Boosters” (not pure microtask apps, but useful on Android) Critical payout facts for Nigerians (so you don’t get stuck) The “Daily Earnings Playbook” (30–60 minutes a day) Target mix for dependable daily cash How to avoid scams and rejections Honest expectations: how much can you make? Quick start checklist (Nigeria-ready) FAQs (Nigeria, 2025) Can I get paid every single day?You can earn daily as tasks appear. Withdrawals depend on the app: airtime (GeoPoll) can be very fast; Premise cashouts are typically quick; Clickworker runs weekly bill-pays (great for steady weekly income). GeoPollClickworker Helpdesk Community Support Is PayPal a problem?For most Nigerians, yes—receiving money via a Nigerian personal PayPal account isn’t supported. Prefer Payoneer, Paga, airtime, or bank transfer options. HOSTAFRICAPrestmit Which app should I start with today?Start with Premise + GeoPoll for quick wins (local tasks + airtime), then add Clickworker (weekly Payoneer payouts) and Toloka for extra tasks. PremiseGeoPollClickworker Helpdesk Community Support Final honesty note These apps won’t make you rich—but they can consistently cover airtime, data, and small bills if you follow the Daily Earnings Playbook and stick to Nigeria-friendly payout methods (Paga, airtime, Payoneer, direct bank). That’s the real, sustainable way to earn daily from your Android phone in 2025.
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If you’ve ever searched “apps that pay daily in Nigeria,” you’ve probably met two problems: (1) exaggerated claims and (2) apps that vanish after a few months. This guide cuts through the noise. You’ll find only Android apps and programs that are active in Nigeria, have clear earning mechanics, and offer realistic payout pathways. I’ll also show you the exact type of “daily pay” each one supports, plus red flags to avoid. What “Daily Pay” Really Means “Daily” usually falls into three buckets: Category A: Micro-tasks & Surveys (Low risk, steady trickles) 1) GeoPoll (surveys; airtime, PayPal, or mobile money by country) GeoPoll runs short surveys across Africa. In Nigeria you typically earn airtime or cash equivalents depending on current redemption options; they publicly state rewards through airtime in select countries, PayPal in select countries, and M-Pesa in Kenya, with redemptions usually processed within seconds to 48 hours after you request. GeoPoll+1Google PlayDaily angle: new surveys appear frequently; you can reach small redemptions regularly if you’re active. 2) SagaPoll (African survey app; bank transfer/mobile money/airtime) SagaPoll (built for African audiences) lists bank transfer, mobile money, or airtime once you reach the points threshold, and promotes “daily surveys = daily rewards.” Google PlayDaily angle: consistent check-ins can stack points daily; payouts happen when you hit the minimum. 3) Premise (photo tasks & local insights; cashout options vary) Premise pays for local photo tasks, price checks, and micro-surveys. It’s a legit research marketplace, though task volume can vary by city. FacebookDaily angle: when task volume is high, you can complete multiple tasks per day and withdraw once you meet their minimums. Reality check: survey/micro-task apps rarely replace a salary. Treat them as data-bundle money or small top-ups. Category B: Gig & On-Demand Work (Highest daily earning potential) 4) Bolt Driver (ride-hailing; Early Cashout in Nigeria) Bolt introduced Early Cashout in Nigeria, letting drivers access earnings any day of the week instead of waiting for the normal cycle (a small processing fee applies). Bolt’s support docs note basic eligibility (e.g., a minimum number of recent trips) and that the feature can be used once per day. Bolt+1Daily angle: you can literally finish rides and cash out the same day (once per day). Great for drivers who need liquidity. Tip: Keep an eye on your fuel, data, and maintenance costs so “daily cashout” doesn’t become “daily negative margin.” Category C: Affiliate, Sales & Referral Apps (Earn daily, payouts on thresholds) 5) Jumia JForce (sell via Jumia; earn commissions) JForce is Jumia’s official sales consultant program. You earn commissions by helping customers place orders and by recruiting new consultants. It’s a long-standing, legit channel backed by Jumia’s marketplace. Jumia NigeriaDaily angle: you can generate orders every day and see commissions accrue; withdrawals follow Jumia’s payout rules. 6) Kuda (banking app; structured referral rewards) Kuda’s official Help Center states a referral program that pays ₦5,000 to referrers (Kuda Premium) and ₦2,000 to referees once criteria like Tier-2 upgrade and 5 transactions within 30 days are met (with a cap of 2 paid referrals per month). Terms can change, so always check the page before running a campaign. help.kuda.comDaily angle: referrals can happen daily, but payouts track the program rules and limits. 7) PalmPay (cashback, coupons, missions & periodic referral promos) PalmPay is a licensed Mobile Money Operator in Nigeria. The app advertises cashback/discounts, coupons, and frequent missions/promos; rewards structures (including any referral bonuses and point caps) are governed by PalmPay’s current terms. Google PlayPalmPay+2PalmPay+2Daily angle: you can earn daily via bill payments, airtime/data, and missions; convert points/coupons per current rules. Treat it as real savings on transactions rather than guaranteed cash income. Category D: Global Micro-work (requires patience; credible operators) 8) Clickworker (app + web microtasks; payout via Payoneer/SEPA) Clickworker is a well-known micro-work marketplace (data labeling, text, image checks). They list payouts via Payoneer and SEPA; many Nigerians use Payoneer. Task availability varies by time and profile. GeoPollDaily angle: you can work daily when tasks are available; withdraw when you reach your minimum and your account is verified. Nice-to-Know (but manage expectations) How to Choose Safely (5 quick rules) Smart Earning Playbooks (Copy & use) Red Flags & Common Scams (Read before you download) Final Word Daily pay is real—but not magic. The best combo for Nigerians in 2025 is one on-demand cashout app (e.g., Bolt Driver), one steady micro-task app (GeoPoll / SagaPoll / Premise), and one legit referral/sales channel (Kuda, Jumia JForce, PalmPay promos). Rotate them based on your time, location, and weekly cash needs. BoltGeoPollGoogle Play+1Facebookhelp.kuda.comJumia Nigeria
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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). The Bible strongly enjoins that we take our physical presence, our onsite attendance in church services, very seriously. Those who don’t heed this admonition are in error and not to be emulated. Many have become so used to participating in services online and have lost sight of the original purpose of online church meetings; they’re not meant to replace your physical presence in the church at the times you’re supposed to be there. The provision of online platforms for church services was never intended to be a matter of convenience but a necessity for those who, due to circumstances that may be beyond their immediate control, are unable to attend in person. It is not meant for those who simply do not “feel” like going to church but for those who truly can’t for one reason or the other. Therefore, whenever you’re able to be physically present in church, you must go. If you travel out of the location where your home church is, perhaps for business or for other reasons and there’s no church in the town or city you travelled to, then it’s understandable to join your home church service online. But if there’s a branch of your church there, you should go and introduce yourself and join the Christians there in fellowship. Pastors should encourage their members to attend the church in the city they travel to rather than simply logging in online. Telling members to only connect online when a local church is available is not the right approach. If the nearest church is too far, that is understandable. But even in such cases, we should be proactive in establishing new churches. Many new branches for many churches began because members, upon finding no existing branch of their church in a city they travelled to, started one. The next time they or others visited that location, a church was now in place. We must not become complacent and turn the online solution into a tool of convenience. The gathering of Christians in fellowship is vital, and whenever possible, every Christian should be physically present in church.CONFESSIONI refuse to neglect the assembling of myself with other Christians, knowing that in our gathering, there is an impartation of grace, strength and wisdom. I walk in wisdom, and as I honour the structure and order the Lord has set in His Church, there are increased manifestations of God’s blessings in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDYHebrews 10:25 CEVSome people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer. Acts 2:42 KJVAnd they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Psalm 122:1 KJVI was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Matthew 18:20 KJVFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading PlanRomans 15:14-33 & Psalms 99-101 2-Year Bible Reading PlanLuke 16:1-12 & Ruth 1-2 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: I am a tree planted by the rivers of water. I bring forth my fruits and my leaves shall never run dry. I am furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. Everything required for life and godliness is present in me. There’s order and grace in my life. I will never go down. When men are cast down, I will always be lifted. I have overcome the world and its limitations. My spirit is open to infinite possibilities, as far as my eyes can see, as much as my heart can contain. The Lord has set infinity and eternity in my heart. I can see, and I see far. I see greatness. My vision is lifted, and my capacity is expanded. I bask in the provisions of Christ for my life, health, and all that concerns me. The grace of God is working in me mightily. I have the power of promotion and unending success. I enjoy an extraordinary life of excellence, victory, and dominion. I am loaded with good things, and my life is like a city that is set on a hill that can not be hidden. I am visible. I illuminate my world. In my path are life, health, blessings, peace, and prosperity. The Lord has magnified me and increased my greatness. The Holy Spirit shows me the secrets of life. He shows me how to produce wealth, to make profit and how to stay in wealth and health. I am excellent and full of glory. I am the glorious and the Lord’s delight. Goodness and mercy follow me everywhere I go, and I have the supernatural grace to excel in all endeavours today and always. I am vibrant and spirited because I enjoy divine health every day, all year round. I do not wane with age; rather, my strength is renewed daily like that of an eagle. I have entered into the zone of agelessness, deathlessness, and wantlessness. God’s divine nature takes absolute preeminence over my spirit, soul, and body. I refuse to let any contrary condition take root in me or affect anything that concerns me. I fear no adversary, for Christ has already obtained victory over the enemy and all his strategies. My body is a reflection of the beauty and perfection of God because I am His glory. I endlessly flourish in health, abundance, prosperity, and supernatural favour. I am always making progress because the God-life in me has fashioned me for a life of perpetual victory and glory in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Speak in tongues.
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• 500,000 New Jobs Projected ABUJA — In a strategic move to revive Nigeria’s steel industry and position it as a globally competitive sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government aims to achieve a production capacity of 10 million tonnes of liquid steel by the year 2030. President Tinubu made this known during his keynote address at the inaugural Two-Day National Stakeholders Summit on Steel Development held in Abuja. The event, which was themed “Rebuilding and Consolidating Nigeria’s Steel Industry: Collaborative Action for Sustainable Growth and Global Competitiveness”, brought together key players from government, academia, and the private sector to discuss actionable strategies for industry revitalization. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President emphasized that the steel sector is the backbone of industrialization and plays a central role in Nigeria’s economic diversification away from oil dependence. According to Tinubu, the future of the nation’s industrial capacity cannot rely on government efforts alone. He called for strong private sector investment, academic research and innovation, and active public patronage of locally produced steel. Despite Nigeria’s rich deposits of iron ore, limestone, and coal, the country still imports more than 90% of the steel it consumes. The President described the state of the Ajaokuta Steel Company—once envisioned as Nigeria’s industrial crown jewel—as a “monument to abandoned ambition,” stressing that its dormancy is more than an economic concern; it poses a threat to national sovereignty. In his words: “My administration is determined to change the narrative. We will rethink, retool, and fully revitalize Nigeria’s steel sector. Our set target is to produce 10 million tonnes of liquid steel by 2030 and create over 500,000 jobs within the industry. This is part of our commitment to building a self-reliant and industrialized Nigeria.” To ensure a structured and sustainable transformation, Tinubu disclosed that his administration has designed two key roadmaps: These strategies, he explained, will focus on infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms, and skill development, all aimed at creating an enabling environment for sustainable steel industry growth. Tinubu concluded by reinforcing that this revitalization effort requires collaborative action from private investors, academic institutions, skilled Nigerian workers, and the general public through the active use of locally produced steel.
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The draw for the 2025–2026 Carabao Cup second-round fixtures took place on Wednesday. This stage sees the entry of several Premier League sides, including Sunderland, Manchester United, and Fulham. Matches are scheduled to be played during the week beginning Monday, August 25, 2025. Full Matchups Northern Section Southern Section
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The Bakaro/Dangikka Primary School Old Boys Association has called on Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, currently the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, to contemplate a run for the governorship of Bauchi State in 2027. In their official communiqué, delivered by Secretary-General Umar Musa, the alumni stressed that Pate’s extensive background in health governance and policy would be invaluable in addressing the state’s developmental challenges. They highlighted his prior roles—Director-General of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Minister of State for Health, and consultant with the World Bank—as evidence of his capacity to spearhead impactful change, both domestically and internationally. The group pinpointed several critical sectors in need of urgent revitalization in Bauchi: healthcare, education, agriculture, housing, water infrastructure, security, and employment. “Our appeal stems from his proven delivery and capability—not partisan loyalty,” the statement clarified. While acknowledging that the decision ultimately lies with Prof. Pate, the association expressed hope that he would give the matter serious consideration as preparations for the 2027 election advance.
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has provided a detailed explanation for appointing Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security and passenger conduct. This decision was made following the ValueJet aircraft obstruction incident that led to the veteran musician’s flight suspension. Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, addressed the public to clarify the rationale behind this move. His statement came amid heated public debates and criticism over the perceived implications of the ambassadorial title. Earlier on Wednesday, Keyamo confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s six-month flight suspension to one month. The reduction was tied to the artist’s commitment to collaborate with the NCAA in public awareness campaigns aimed at educating passengers on acceptable behavior and compliance with airport security protocols. The controversy began after KWAM 1 was initially penalized for blocking the movement of a ValueJet aircraft, a violation of aviation safety procedures. Following the reduction of the penalty, some Nigerians questioned why he was appointed an ambassador instead of facing the full length of his ban. Responding on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Keyamo drew parallels to a globally recognized practice where a repentant offender is assigned the responsibility of publicly advocating against the exact misconduct they previously engaged in. He described the move as similar to community service, emphasizing that it is unpaid and voluntary. “For further clarification, it is common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which they have repented. It is akin to community service. It is not paid for, and it is a voluntary service,” Keyamo stated. He further noted that in Nigeria, there is often a misconception that the term “Ambassador” automatically implies a lucrative position with benefits. He clarified that this is not the case and stressed that such corrective ambassadorial roles have been used by previous Nigerian governments and will likely continue in the future.
