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ABS FC Given Strong Motivation Ahead of Relegation-Deciding Match Against Kun Khalifat

As the 2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) season reaches its dramatic conclusion, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC) is gearing up for a decisive showdown that will determine their league survival. On Saturday, ABS FC will face Kun Khalifat FC at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbow George Innih Stadium in Ilorin. The match has been dubbed a “make-or-break” encounter, as ABS FC battles to remain above the relegation zone. ? Victory Is a Must: Director Urges Team to Deliver Alloy Chuwuemeka, the club’s Director of Football, delivered an impassioned address to the players earlier this week. He urged the squad to not just aim for victory—but to win convincingly. “The club’s proprietor is fully backing you. All bonuses and salaries have been approved—you will receive them. This is a mandate: not just to beat Kun Khalifat, but to beat them decisively,” Chuwuemeka said. He emphasized that securing a win would not only guarantee maximum points but also preserve ABS FC’s status in the league. ? Current Standings and What’s at Stake ABS FC currently sits in eighth position on the NNL Group B table with 23 points, only three points above the relegation zone. A loss or draw could place the team in a precarious situation if other results go against them. This final fixture could either cement their place in the next NNL season or result in relegation—a risk the team is determined to avoid. ? Match Details Conclusion: Can ABS FC Rise to the Challenge? With the support of management, the promise of full financial backing, and a clear call to action, ABS FC has everything to play for. The encounter against Kun Khalifat is not just another fixture—it’s a battle for pride, points, and professional survival. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as the team looks to end their NNL 2025 campaign on a triumphant note.

War in Gaza Reverberates Throughout My Entire Being — Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently shared a heartfelt reflection on the Gaza conflict, speaking at the University of Manchester on Monday. “Witnessing what’s happening in Gaza is agonizing—it resonates through every fiber of my being,” Guardiola expressed. He emphasized that his reaction transcends any political or ideological stance: “To be clear, this isn’t about politics. It’s back to the fundamental values—cherishing life and caring for those around you.” The Gaza conflict intensified in October 2023 after Hamas launched attacks, prompting Israel to mount a major military response. Since then, hostilities have persisted, resulting in extensive casualties. Thousands of civilians—including many women and children—have lost their lives amid the ongoing violence.

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo has set two key conditions if he is to extend his stay beyond summer amid interest from Arsenal.

According to The Athletic, Rodrygo is expected to have in-depth discussions with new manager Xabi Alonso regarding his future with the club. Earlier this year, rumors circulated that the Brazilian had communicated to Real Madrid that he was prepared to leave for good. The 24-year-old has found himself on the fringes, with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham taking precedence in key matches. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, tactical changes frequently saw Rodrygo relegated to the bench or shifted across the pitch. Despite this, he may reconsider departing if talks with Alonso satisfy his demands. First, Rodrygo wants assurance of a pivotal role in the squad, having felt sidelined following the signings of Bellingham in 2023 and Mbappé in 2024. Second, he expressed a strong preference to play predominantly on the left wing, rather than the right side where he’s largely featured in recent seasons. Meanwhile, Arsenal appears to be closely watching the situation, as Mikel Arteta seeks options to bolster his attacking line before the upcoming campaign.

Predatory Behavior in the Music Industry Preying on Emerging Artists – Qing Madi Speaks Out

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, known professionally as Qing Madi, has once again spotlighted the alarming issues plaguing the music scene, describing it as “dark” due to exploitative practices. At just 18, Qing Madi disclosed that many young artists are being targeted by unscrupulous industry insiders offering exploitative contracts. Based on her personal encounters, she described executives as excessively greedy and intent on taking advantage of creative talents. Speaking on the Lagos Meets London podcast, she shared: “I’ve faced so many contract issues… Professionals in this industry are often self-serving. They want to benefit off you. The industry really is dark.” She explained that her entry into music was spontaneous—just wanting to write, make some money, and return to school—but as interest in her songs grew, so did the number of offers from individuals with unclear intentions. She emphasized that such motives—from profit-driven collaborators—impair genuine creative work. Balancing the whirlwind of fame and daily life, Qing Madi credits her mother for keeping her grounded. She recalled: “She gives me chores to remind me that I’m still a kid and deserve rest. Often it doesn’t feel human—you become a machine with people constantly watching how to profit from you.” She added that fame can strip away one’s personal space and time to just be human, let alone a child—a troubling reality for many rising artists.

Bella Shmurda urges Nigerian artists to create music with meaning

Nigerian singer-songwriter Bella Shmurda has called on his peers to craft music that carries genuine purpose, while cultivating lifestyles that set positive examples for aspiring youths. He expressed concern that the Nigerian music scene has absorbed many negative trends from the West, now affecting younger audiences in troubling ways. On a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Shmurda appealed to fellow musicians to build enduring legacies instead of chasing flashy displays of wealth through expensive cars and jewelry. He explained, “Many in the music space have lost their uniqueness. It’s become all about shining—imitating American hip-hop culture, flaunting flashy jewelry and exotic vehicles. That spectacle overshadows real goals and causes some young people to lose their direction.” Shmurda highlighted the importance of intent: “Artists should have deeper reasons for making music beyond material rewards. Now, many roll out singles only to show off their new cars or bling, leaving no motivational blueprint for younger talents. What impact are we inspiring? What legacy are we leaving?” He shared his own moment of clarity: “I even stopped wearing jewelry because I felt it distracted from my purpose. That’s when I released ‘Vision 2020’—a song rooted in vision, not vanity.”

Nine Chinese Nationals Jailed in Lagos for Cyber-Terrorism, Set for Deportation

A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, led by Justice D. E. Osiagor, has sentenced nine Chinese individuals to one-year imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. Their sentencing took place on June 5, 2025. According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the defendants were arrested in December 2024 during “Eagle Flush Operation,” a major crackdown that netted 792 suspects accused of cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud networks The convicted are: They were formally charged in February 2025 under Section 27(1)(b) and Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, for unauthorized access to computer systems intended to destabilize Nigeria’s economy and social structure During the proceedings, EFCC prosecutor Nnaemeka Omewa moved for sentencing, and the defense did not oppose it. Each defendant received a one-year prison term, backdated to their arrest on December 10, 2024, and was fined ₦1,000,000. Additionally, they will be deported within seven days of serving their sentences All confiscated devices—including mobile phones, laptops, computers, and routers—have been forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Renaming of ICC to President Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre

The Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) has officially been renamed the President Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre. The name change was announced during the facility’s commissioning on Tuesday, following extensive rehabilitation. The governor of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led the inauguration alongside notable dignitaries including the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau, among others. The centre underwent significant renovation valued at ₦39 billion, and it had been closed for refurbishment since April 8, 2024 Wike was a prominent figure at the ceremony, dancing in celebration of the newly updated multi-purpose venue. The rehabilitation forms part of a broader suite of projects in Abuja, set to be unveiled by President Tinubu ahead of Democracy Day on June 12, 2025. Originally built in 1991 by Julius Berger, the ICC has long served as a venue for high-profile conferences, governmental meetings, and exhibitions. After President Tinubu criticized its deteriorating state during the April 4, 2024 ECOWAS Assembly inauguration—calling it an “eyesore”—he issued directives for a comprehensive overhaul The extensive remodeling reached between 70% and 80% completion by March 2025, with assurances from Wike that the upgrade would restore international standards ahead of Tinubu’s second anniversary in office

Focus on Your Task, Ignore the Noise – Tinubu Advises Wike

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to block out distractions and concentrate on his core mission—revitalizing the national capital. Delivering remarks on Tuesday at the reopening of the refurbished International Conference Centre in Abuja, which now bears his name—the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja—the President emphasized the strategic importance of the project. He described the renovation as emblematic of his administration’s pledge “to change the way we do things, to reflect us as people of quality, people of character, people of determination, people of great spirits.” “And I am glad, Nyesom Wike, you are reflecting that. Don’t pay attention to busybodies and bystanders. Keep up your solid work. “You are a transformational leader. You have the vision, foresight and determination to succeed.” Tinubu further underscored that his government recognizes modern infrastructure as fundamental to fostering economic growth. He also pointed out that the upgraded conference centre stands as a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to diplomatic engagement, continental trade, and global cooperation. He reminded political allies, civil servants, and public office holders that the facility will not be available for complimentary use in social or corporate functions.

Fish Farmers to New NAIC Boss: “Your Appointment Must Deliver Real Change, Not Just Promises”

A coalition of aquaculture professionals, under the National Aquaculture Professionals Alliance (NAPA), has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s selection of Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC). But their excitement comes with a clear challenge: this appointment can’t be merely symbolic. In a statement by NAPA President Engr. Ibrahim Ayotola Bamidele, the group welcomed the pick as “strategic” but emphasized that fish farmers have endured years of hardship—battling floods, disease outbreaks, and volatile production costs—with negligible insurance protection. “Mr. Danfulani’s appointment is a moment of renewed hope, but it must lead to action,” Bamidele asserted. The statement underscores that NAIC remains largely disconnected from smallholder aquaculture farmers, who are essential players in Nigeria’s protein supply chain. These farmers have seen little to no tangible support from the agency. Bamidele stressed Danfulani’s strong credentials in finance, agriculture, and enterprise development. But he emphasized that effective change hinges on political will and a national mandate for a farmer-focused insurance model. Aquaculture, if underpinned by robust risk mitigation tools, could boost food security, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. Yet NAPA warns that without responsive insurance mechanisms and prompt payouts, many young Nigerians will continue to avoid agriculture. NAPA urged the new NAIC leadership to: The group also appealed to the Federal Government to provide Danfulani with the necessary legal, policy, and budgetary enabling environment to fulfill Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in agriculture. “We don’t need more press releases. We need action. Organise town halls, visit our hatcheries and ponds, show farmers that NAIC is not just a name on paper,” reads the statement. NAPA concluded by reaffirming its commitment to support NAIC’s rollout efforts, urging that this opportunity translate into real benefits for Nigerians across the aquaculture sector.

PDP Stakeholders Back Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary & Call for 2027 Southern Zoning

A coalition within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), spearheaded by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has endorsed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the officially elected National Secretary. During a meeting in Abuja on Monday evening, several prominent PDP leaders, including former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue), also urged the party to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria. The group released a communique, read by Wike, stating: “We wholeheartedly confirm Senator Anyanwu as the legitimately elected substantive National Secretary of our great party. In line with fairness and our party constitution, PDP must clearly designate that its 2027 presidential candidate will come from the south.” They emphasized that Anyanwu is the only person authorized to issue official notices for key party gatherings, including the National Convention, National Working Committee, National Caucuses, and the National Executive Council (NEC), the PDP’s supreme decision-making body.

FG Begins Payment of ₦35,000 Wage Award Arrears and Implements ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Nationwide

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced the disbursement of five-month arrears for the ₦35,000 wage award to its civil servants, with payments beginning in late May 2025. This update comes amid nationwide anticipation following government clarification that the ₦70,000 new minimum wage has been fully implemented across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). In an exclusive interview with LMSINT MEDIA on Monday, Bawa Mokwa, Director of Media in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, confirmed the development ahead of the resumption of public service work after the Eid-Al-Adha break. It will be recalled that during a Sallah day interview on Arise Television, Benson Upah, spokesperson for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), sharply criticized the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for delays in fulfilling wage-related commitments. Upah described the persistent delay in payments as deeply disappointing, labeling it a “betrayal of trust” and “utterly disgraceful.” “This is a betrayal of trust and an abuse of our patience,” Upah said. “It’s completely unacceptable.” Responding to these criticisms, Mokwa explained that the government had already initiated payment for the wage award arrears, beginning with the first month and with plans to settle the remaining four months in phases. “We have started paying the ₦35,000 wage award arrears,” Mokwa confirmed. “Some agencies like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have made arrangements to handle their wage awards independently. But for others, payment will be spread across four months.” Mokwa further explained that the wage award was initially introduced as a temporary intervention by the federal government before the approval of the new minimum wage policy. Although Labour had argued that implementation was delayed, resulting in five months of outstanding payments, the government is now actively settling them. On the subject of minimum wage implementation, Mokwa stated: “Regarding the ₦70,000 minimum wage, it has been implemented comprehensively across all federal institutions.” Efforts by LMSINT MEDIA to get further reaction from Benson Upah were unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report. It’s worth noting that President Bola Tinubu signed the Minimum Wage Bill into law in July 2024. However, despite this legislative approval, concerns remain about full execution, especially at the state government level, nearly a year later. Related News

Rhapsody of Realities June 10th 2025, OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH DIVINITY

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Ephesians 2:14). Angels, as far as we know, will live forever. But the life they have isn’t eternal life. They don’t have the organic and existential attributes of deity. That’s why they can’t have real fellowship with God. Only the new creations in Christ, are called into fellowship with divinity: “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). Do you see why we’re different from angels? We were brought into fellowship with Jesus Christ. We’ve become associates or sharers of His life, glory and nature. In fact, the Bible tells us He brought us into such a relationship that made us joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). What a blessed reality! There’s something about this fellowship that’s extraordinary. It’s deeper than being brought into God’s class or being made friends with God; it’s the most significant aspect of our fellowship with Him and we find it in John 14:10. There, the Lord Jesus was speaking to Philip, one of His disciples, and said, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” If you understand this scripture, everything about your life is settled. Who was Jesus referring to when He said, “The Father that dwelleth in me”? He was referring to the Holy Spirit. That’s the same Holy Spirit that lives in you today; He’s the Father that dwells in you. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Now you can understand why the Bible says, “…truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Our fellowship, our oneness with divinity is the biggest thing about Christianity. Hallelujah! PRAYERDear Father, I thank you for your grace, your love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit that I enjoy. Thank you for making me inseparably one with you and a partaker of the divine nature. I’m completely yielded to the Holy Spirit who dwells in me and orchestrates the circumstances of my life to synchronize with your perfect will. I walk in the consciousness of my oneness with you, today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDY1 Corinthians 1:9 AMPCGod is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. John 14:10 AMPCDo you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? What I am telling you I do not say on My own authority and of My own accord; but the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power). 1 Corinthians 6:17But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading PlanActs 2:1-21 & 2 Chronicles 5-7 2-Year Bible Reading PlanMark 16:12-20 & Deuteronomy 8 Extract From Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: I have peace all around me! I am never without strength because the Strengthener – the Holy Spirit – is in me. He ministers to my body and energizes me in health, strength, and vigor. Weakness is not an option in my life because the Holy Ghost dwells in me. The Lord is my Shepherd—to feed, guide and shield me; I lack nothing! He makes me lie down in fresh, tender green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Therefore, I walk in ever-increasing prosperity, possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. The glory of God is evident in my finances, health, family, business, and ministry. Christ in me is my guarantee of perfect health, prosperity, and success. Eternal life flows into everything I lay my hands on to do, causing endless prosperity. God’s divine power has given unto me all things that pertain to life and godliness. I live in endless prosperity. I display the perfections of Christ in sound health. I refuse to let sickness abide in God’s temple. When people see me, they glorify God. I am living the life of victory and dominion that Jesus purchased for me through His vicarious death, burial, and resurrection. I am preserved from the machinations of evil men. I have peace on every side. I am in the centre of God’s will for my life and I am equipped with all things that pertain to life and godliness. I am filled with the fullness of God! The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yes, I have a goodly heritage. I refuse to struggle for anything or respond in fear because God had not given unto me the spirit of fear. I declare that there is money everywhere, especially around me. Money is coming to me from everywhere. I don’t go after money, money comes to me by free course unhindered. Money comes to me in a continuous stream, never stopping, never-ending. Resources are locating me right now in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. God is supplying me with continuous streams of finances in Jesus’ name. Amen. Speak in tongues.

Bruno Fernandes Sets His Sights on World Cup Glory After Nations League Victory

Following Portugal’s impressive victory in the UEFA Nations League, Bruno Fernandes has now set his focus on a more prestigious goal—winning the FIFA World Cup. Portugal triumphed over Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday, securing their second UEFA Nations League title. Fernandes was instrumental in the team’s success, playing a vital role in Portugal’s thrilling 5-3 win on penalties. The match concluded in a 2-2 draw after both regular time and extra time. Spain took the lead twice through Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute and Mikel Oyarzabal just before halftime. However, Portugal responded with goals from Nuno Mendes in the 26th minute and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 61st, leveling the game and setting up the penalty decider. After the game, Bruno Fernandes reflected on the team’s ambition for the future. Speaking through Tribal Football, he stated: “We want to be at the World Cup and try to win another competition. Portugal don’t enter anything to lose. But first, we have qualification ahead of us and we’re going to do everything we can to win.” Portugal’s recent form, capped by their Nations League success, strengthens their position as strong contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.