Former England international and ex-Barcelona forward Gary Lineker has described Manchester United defender Harry Maguire as one of the most underrated footballers in the modern game. Lineker made this observation following Maguire’s impressive display during Manchester United’s dramatic 3–2 Premier League victory over Arsenal on Sunday. The centre-back delivered a commanding performance, drawing renewed attention to his often-overlooked qualities on the pitch. While speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker highlighted Maguire’s technical ability and composure, particularly when playing under pressure. According to the former striker, Maguire’s ability to remain effective with the ball at his feet is frequently underestimated by fans and pundits alike. Lineker also pointed to Maguire’s record with the England national team, emphasizing his reliability whenever he represents the Three Lions. He stressed that, despite criticism at club level, the defender has consistently delivered solid performances in international competitions. “I genuinely believe Harry Maguire is one of the most underrated players in football,” Lineker said during the podcast discussion. He further explained that Maguire’s confidence in possession and dependable displays for England demonstrate his true value as a defender. Reiterating his point, Lineker added that Maguire has never failed his country when called upon, underlining his importance to England’s defensive setup. His comments reflect a growing appreciation for Maguire’s contributions, particularly during high-pressure matches.
The Interim National Chairperson of the Labour Party (LP), Nenadi Usman, has stated that only the faction of the party under her leadership will be officially listed on the ballot for the 2027 general elections. She made this declaration on Monday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired by Arise Television. According to Usman, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises her as the legitimate national chairperson of the Labour Party, stressing that no other individual currently holds that recognition. Usman explained that this recognition carries significant implications for the party’s internal processes. She noted that only the leadership she heads is authorised to formally communicate with INEC regarding party activities, including the conduct of primary elections and congresses. She emphasised that any other faction, including the group led by Julius Abure, lacks the legal standing to invite INEC to observe or supervise party primaries. She further clarified that INEC’s position eliminates any uncertainty about the party’s leadership structure. According to her, the commission’s acknowledgment means that only one Labour Party can lawfully participate in the 2027 elections, and that party is the one operating under her interim leadership. Explaining the situation further, Usman said that INEC’s recognition confirms which faction represents the authentic Labour Party. She stressed that this clarity removes confusion over who has the authority to lead the party and oversee its electoral activities. The former lawmaker also used the interview to call for a shift in priorities among party members and stakeholders. She urged them to focus first on the interests of Nigeria, and secondly on the stability and unity of the Labour Party. According to her, genuine commitment to the nation and the party requires restraint and respect for institutional processes. Usman noted that her leadership has not engaged in attacks or internal hostility. She maintained that when a party official’s tenure expires, the appropriate response is for the party’s institutional organs to act, rather than allowing individuals to cling to positions. She explained that members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), along with other institutional stakeholders, convened with the party’s most senior political office holder, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. She described Governor Otti as the highest-ranking elected official within the Labour Party, making him a key figure in guiding internal resolutions. According to Usman, the NEC and other stakeholders met to address the leadership vacuum after INEC indicated that the party no longer had a recognised leadership structure. She said the group collectively agreed that a temporary leadership team was necessary to organise congresses across all levels of the party. She outlined that the proposed process involved conducting congresses beginning from the ward level, progressing through local government and state levels, and ultimately leading to a national convention. This, she said, was intended to restore full internal order and compliance with electoral regulations. Usman stated that despite these efforts, some individuals refused to participate in the process. She maintained, however, that she has chosen a peaceful approach, insisting that her role was not driven by conflict or personal rivalry. Describing her disposition, Usman said she is not inclined toward confrontation or aggressive tactics. She stressed that her actions were guided by the need to stabilise the party and ensure its readiness for future elections, rather than by any desire to engage in internal battles.
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A legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Liborous Oshoma, has strongly criticised the call by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for the release of ₦130 billion allegedly withheld from the state’s local government allocations. Oshoma made the remarks on Monday while speaking during an interview on Arise Television, which was closely monitored by LMSINT MEDIA. According to him, the situation reflects what he described as Nigeria’s continued operation of a “feeding bottle” system of governance. LMSINT MEDIA recalls that Governor Adeleke had earlier demanded the immediate disbursement of over ₦130 billion in statutory funds, which he claimed were withheld from the local government councils in Osun State. Reacting to the issue, Oshoma argued that Nigeria’s structure encourages excessive dependence on the federal government. He stated that at the end of every month, political actors converge in Abuja to depend on centrally shared revenue, rather than generating income independently. According to him, in a genuinely practised federal system, revenue generation should originate from the grassroots and move upward, rather than the federal government collecting nearly all income and redistributing it to states and local governments. He explained that the current system creates a scenario where states and local councils are forced to queue for funds, collecting allocations only when permitted. Oshoma noted that when a state government is not fully aligned with the authorities at the centre, it risks being sidelined through administrative or technical reasons. He further pointed out that such technicalities are often justified by citing alleged irregularities, including disputes surrounding local government elections conducted by the state. Oshoma insisted that it is contradictory for the federal government to retain funds meant for local governments while simultaneously promoting democratic values and integrity. He stressed that withholding allocations undermines governance at the grassroots level. According to him, the most appropriate step available to President Bola Tinubu is to instruct both the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release the allocations designated for the affected local governments. He added that rather than seeking political compromises after withholding funds, the government should consider addressing tenure issues directly by compensating for the period already served or the remaining duration of the interrupted term, before allowing a fresh process to begin. Oshoma concluded that continuously holding back funds meant for local councils is unjust, emphasizing that the real victims of such actions are the ordinary residents of Osun State, not the governor
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Traditional leaders in Abia State have raised concerns over the state’s low participation level in national registration exercises and have now commenced a coordinated mobilisation effort to address the situation. Speaking during a council meeting held in Umuahia on Monday, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, disclosed that monarchs across the state have agreed to actively mobilise residents to register for the National Identification Number (NIN) and obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs). The meeting was attended by principal officers of the Council as well as chairmen representing traditional rulers from all 17 local government areas of Abia State. During deliberations, the traditional institutions expressed dissatisfaction with the current registration statistics, noting that the figures do not reflect the size and population strength of the state. According to the monarchs, Abia risks being placed at a disadvantage in important national processes if the low registration trend continues. They stressed that it is unacceptable for the state to trail behind others in exercises that directly influence representation, planning, and development. Eze Mbah explained that the traditional rulers unanimously resolved to assume direct responsibility for encouraging eligible residents, especially citizens 18 years and above, who are yet to complete their NIN and voter registration processes. The Council emphasized that its goal is for Abia State to emerge among states with the highest number of registered citizens nationwide. They clarified that the initiative is not driven by personal motives or political interests, but rather by the collective interest of the state and its long-term development. To achieve this, the Council announced plans to deploy a grassroots-driven strategy, extending mobilisation activities beyond the state level to zones, local government areas, and autonomous communities. This approach, they said, is aimed at ensuring that no eligible resident is excluded from the registration process. In addition, the traditional rulers disclosed that they intend to evaluate the availability and sufficiency of registration facilities across the state. This includes assessing equipment, manpower, and logistical support by visiting offices where NIN and PVC registrations are conducted, with the aim of identifying gaps that may be hindering wider participation.
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Former England and Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has suggested that Arsenal could end up being the main reason they fail to secure the Premier League title this season, should they allow their current advantage to slip away. Ferdinand made this observation while speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel following Arsenal’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Manchester United in a Premier League clash on Sunday. According to the former centre-back, Arsenal’s most significant challenge is not necessarily their rivals, but their own mentality and approach to games. He explained that the pressure appears to be affecting the players, preventing them from expressing themselves fully on the pitch. “The biggest obstacle to Arsenal winning the league might actually be Arsenal themselves,” Ferdinand said. He went on to stress that the team needs to develop a stronger mindset and a fearless winning attitude, one that allows them to play with confidence and authority rather than restraint. “You have to build that character, that confidence, and that mentality that says, ‘We’re going to go out there and win this.’ Right now, they look tense, restricted, and too cautious,” he added. Ferdinand also noted that Arsenal’s style of play has become overly mechanical, lacking the freedom and creativity expected from a title-challenging side. He questioned the use of certain players, pointing out that the team does not appear to be maximizing their attacking potential. “They don’t look free enough. Everything feels robotic. That’s what I thought Eze was brought in for, but they’re not using him the way you’d expect,” Ferdinand stated. The former defender also aimed criticism at Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, suggesting that his tactical approach throughout the season has been overly conservative. According to Ferdinand, Arteta appears to be playing with caution rather than fully committing to an aggressive, decisive style. Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table was cut to just four points after a stunning late goal from Matheus Cunha, who came off the bench to beat goalkeeper David Raya, silencing the Emirates Stadium crowd. Michael Carrick’s side showed resilience in north London, recovering from an early setback after Lisandro Martinez unintentionally put the ball into his own net just before the 30-minute mark. A rare mistake from Martin Zubimendi allowed the visitors to draw level, with Bryan Mbeumo capitalizing on the error to score the equalizer. Momentum swung further in Manchester United’s favor in the 50th minute when Patrick Dorgu fired in a powerful strike that sent the away supporters into celebration. Arsenal appeared to have salvaged a point late on when Mikel Merino found the net following a chaotic scramble in the penalty area. However, Cunha’s introduction changed the course of the match, as his decisive goal sealed the victory after replacing Mbeumo. The result saw the Red Devils move above Chelsea into fourth position on the Premier League table, with Carrick continuing his impressive run after also guiding his team to a surprise derby win against Manchester City the previous weekend. Ferdinand continued his critique by likening Arteta’s tactical approach to a boxer who refuses to fully commit to powerful punches. “Arteta is naturally cautious,” he explained. “It’s like he’s only throwing light jabs. I haven’t seen him deliver that big right hand or step inside to land something decisive.” He added that Arsenal’s play often lacks intensity, describing it as tentative and lacking conviction rather than assertive and dominant. The former United defender also expressed concern about Bukayo Saka’s recent performances, suggesting that the winger has not been operating at his usual level. Ferdinand pointed out that Saka’s on-field chemistry with Martin Ødegaard appears to have declined compared to previous seasons. “He’s the player they usually rely on, but I don’t see him fully involved right now,” Ferdinand said. “Maybe it’s down to Arsenal’s setup, or perhaps United settled into their defensive shape quickly, limiting the space available.” While acknowledging Saka’s recent improvement in making outside runs, Ferdinand emphasized that the connection between the winger and Ødegaard is no longer as sharp or effective as it was 12 to 18 months ago.
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Former Chelsea captain John Terry has taken a swipe at Arsenal following their 3–2 loss to Manchester United in a Premier League clash played on Sunday. The defeat had wider implications beyond the match result, as Arsenal’s defensive numbers now rule them out of matching Chelsea’s historic Premier League defensive record from the 2004/2005 season. By conceding three goals in the encounter, Arsenal’s total goals conceded this season rose to 17, a figure that officially places them above Chelsea’s long-standing record. The Chelsea side from 21 years ago allowed only 15 goals throughout the entire league campaign, a benchmark that has remained untouched since then. With Arsenal now unable to equal that achievement, the record stays firmly in Chelsea’s hands for at least another season. Reacting after the game at the Emirates Stadium, Terry shared his thoughts on Instagram, writing simply, “The record is safe for another year.” The post was widely interpreted as a playful jab directed at Arsenal’s failed attempt to match the defensive milestone. John Terry was a central figure in the Chelsea team that achieved the record under the management of Jose Mourinho, playing a crucial role at the heart of the defence during that historic campaign. The former England defender, now 44 years old, went further by naming key members of that defensive unit. He mentioned Petr Cech, Paolo Maldini, Ricardo Carvalho, and William Gallas, suggesting it was time for the group to celebrate the enduring achievement. According to Terry, the moment deserved a toast, adding that it was time to mark the occasion with “a bottle or a glass of red wine.”
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Former Arsenal head coach Arsène Wenger has shared his thoughts on why the Gunners suffered a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in their Premier League encounter on Sunday. According to the legendary French tactician, Arsenal’s approach to the match showed excessive urgency, which negatively affected their decision-making and overall control of the game. The London side managed to restore parity after Mikel Merino found the net to make the scoreline 2-2. However, their hopes of securing at least a point were dashed when United substitute Matheus Cunha struck the decisive goal, handing the Red Devils all three points. Wenger also took time to commend Manchester United’s tactical preparation, singling out Michael Carrick for executing an effective match strategy against Arsenal. He explained that Arsenal’s strong desire to claim victory led them to rush their play, reducing their level of patience, especially in key moments when composure was required. The former manager noted that Arsenal moved the ball too quickly without fully assessing situations, which disrupted their rhythm and allowed United to capitalize. In contrast, Wenger highlighted that Carrick achieved an impressive tactical balance for Manchester United. He observed that United combined defensive solidity with technical efficiency, enabling them to absorb pressure while remaining dangerous on the counter and during attacking transitions. Despite the setback, Arsenal remain in a favorable league position. Victories recorded by Manchester City and Aston Villa over the weekend mean the Gunners continue to hold a four-point advantage at the top of the Premier League standings.
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Former Manchester United defender and football analyst, Gary Neville, has expressed surprise over Mikel Arteta’s tactical choice to leave Gabriel Martinelli out of Arsenal’s starting lineup during their dramatic 3–2 Premier League defeat to Manchester United. According to Neville, the decision not to begin the match with Martinelli may have been a contributing factor in Arsenal falling short against the Red Devils at the Emirates Stadium. The result reduced Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the Premier League table to just four points, following Manchester United’s second straight victory under interim manager Michael Carrick. Arsenal appeared to have rescued a point late on when Mikel Merino finished from close range in the final six minutes of normal time, sending the home crowd into celebration. However, Manchester United had already mounted a strong response earlier in the game. Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu both found the net — one before the interval and another after the restart — coming after an early own goal by Lisandro Martinez that initially gave Arsenal the advantage. United continued to press relentlessly, and their persistence paid off late in the match. Second-half substitute Matheus Cunha struck a powerful effort from roughly 25 yards in the 87th minute, beating goalkeeper David Raya and sealing the win for the visitors. The defeat marked Arsenal’s first home loss of the season and allowed Manchester United to climb to fourth place in the league standings, moving one point ahead of Chelsea. Arteta’s side will now be eager to respond quickly as they prepare to face Leeds United in the Premier League next week, a fixture that could prove crucial in keeping their title push on track. Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville reflected on Arsenal’s recent performances and suggested that warning signs had already appeared in their previous match against Liverpool. He pointed out that Liverpool lacked enough attacking strength in that game to fully capitalize against Arsenal. Neville noted that Liverpool were missing several key players and were unable to seriously threaten Arsenal, a situation that Manchester United did not replicate. “Manchester United have Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Benjamin Sesko, and Patrick Dorgu,” Neville said, emphasizing that United possess attackers capable of causing real damage. “They’ve been hurt tonight, Arsenal.” During the second half, Arteta made full use of his bench as Arsenal searched first for a winning goal and later for an equalizer. Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Ben White, and Merino were all introduced in north London. Despite the flurry of substitutions, Neville believes Arteta’s choices may have inadvertently eased the task for United’s tiring defense by not deploying Martinelli earlier. “He used everything he had to try and fix it,” Neville explained, before questioning why Martinelli was not part of the initial attacking setup. Neville suggested an alternative approach, proposing a more aggressive forward combination involving Martinelli, Madueke, Eze, and Gyokeres, while keeping a midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. In his view, removing Bukayo Saka and committing fully to fresh attacking options could have added spontaneity and unpredictability. Neville concluded that while Arteta attempted to chase the game, the approach lacked full commitment. Reflecting further on the substitutions, Neville stated that he did not feel the changes significantly improved Arsenal’s performance or intensity, adding that the match failed to become as dynamic as he had expected following the second-half adjustments.
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Manchester United attacker Matheus Cunha has described Arsenal as the best football team in the world, despite the Red Devils securing a dramatic 3–2 Premier League victory over the league leaders on Sunday. The thrilling encounter took place at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal’s recent defensive instability continued in a match that delivered end-to-end action and late drama. Mikel Arteta’s side entered the fixture in strong league position but were undone by Manchester United’s resilience and decisive finishing. Arsenal began the match on the front foot, pressing aggressively and controlling possession in the early stages. Their dominance paid off when Lisandro Martinez inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing the hosts an early advantage and igniting the home crowd. Manchester United, however, responded with composure and intent. The visitors gradually grew into the game and found their way back before halftime when Bryan Mbeumo calmly converted, restoring parity and shifting momentum heading into the break. The second half remained tightly contested, with both teams pushing for control. United briefly took the lead through Patrick Dorgu, whose well-taken goal silenced the Emirates and placed pressure back on the league leaders. In the 84th minute, Arsenal thought they had rescued the contest when Mikel Merino rose highest from a corner kick, powering a header into the net to level the score once again. At that point, it appeared the Gunners were regaining authority and possibly steering the match toward a late winner. However, United refused to settle. In the closing moments, Michael Carrick’s side pushed forward with renewed belief, and the breakthrough arrived in spectacular fashion. Matheus Cunha produced a superb curling strike, sealing a rare and memorable victory for Manchester United on Arsenal’s home ground. The result significantly altered the Premier League landscape. Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the table was cut to four points, while Manchester United climbed into the Champions League qualification positions, moving ahead of both Liverpool and Chelsea. Speaking after the match, Cunha expressed pride in his team’s bravery and determination, insisting that the victory came against the strongest side in global football at present. “We defeated the best team in the world,” Cunha told BBC Sport. He went on to praise Arsenal’s structure and long-term development under their manager. “I think we showed strength and unity as a group. Coming here, we knew exactly what to expect. For me, this is the best team in the world right now.They’ve worked with Mikel [Arteta] for many years, so they fully understand his ideas, his system, and everything he wants on the pitch.” Cunha also highlighted Manchester United’s collective mindset and belief heading into such a demanding fixture. “We know how difficult it is to play here, but we stayed together. Everything we do as a team is about winning matches.” Reflecting on the influence of Michael Carrick since stepping in as caretaker manager, Cunha acknowledged the emotional connection and understanding Carrick brings to the role. “He understands the feeling because he played here for many years.”
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Former Manchester United captain and football analyst, Gary Neville, has put forward two high-profile managerial options he believes could succeed Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s permanent head coach at the end of the season. His comments followed the Red Devils’ 3–2 Premier League victory over Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. Neville suggested that despite the impressive win, Manchester United should maintain stability by allowing Carrick to continue in his interim role until the season concludes. According to him, the club should simultaneously prepare for a long-term transition by targeting elite-level managers with proven pedigree at the highest level of world football. In his assessment, Neville identified Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel as the two standout candidates capable of taking over the role on a permanent basis. Both managers are currently leading major national teams, with Ancelotti in charge of Brazil and Tuchel overseeing England’s national side. Reflecting on Manchester United’s performance against Arsenal, Neville emphasized that the result itself was not the most important takeaway from the match. Instead, he highlighted the team’s approach, noting the intensity, energy, and overall quality displayed throughout the game, which he described as the standard he expects from the club. Neville further stated that Carrick’s current responsibility should be to guide the team through the remainder of the season while ensuring a smooth handover to a world-class successor. He stressed that the next appointment must be someone of elite managerial stature, capable of restoring Manchester United’s long-term competitiveness at the highest level.
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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued an official traffic advisory ahead of a scheduled mini-marathon set to hold on Sunday across selected areas within Agege, Lagos State. According to a statement released via the agency’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the mini-marathon will commence from the Agege Local Government Area. From there, participants will move through Odo Eran and continue along Oba Ogunji Road, covering Oke-Koto, Oniwaya, and Dopemu. The designated route will further extend through Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road toward Agbotikuyo, where it will connect to the Old Ipaja Motor Road before concluding at the Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA). LASTMA explained that vehicular movement along all listed corridors will be temporarily restricted for the duration of the event. The agency emphasized that these measures are necessary to ensure safety and allow the marathon to proceed without disruption. Motorists have therefore been advised to plan their journeys ahead of time and make use of approved alternative routes during the exercise. For road users approaching from Wemco Road, LASTMA recommended diversion through Ogba, proceeding in the direction of Excellent Hotel, and then linking College Road to Iju Road to continue their movement. Similarly, motorists coming from the Pen Cinema axis were encouraged to use Moshalashi Alhaja Road, connect through Mobil Ashade, and proceed from that direction to avoid congestion along the marathon route. The mini-marathon, officially tagged “Run for Asiwaju 2027,” is being organised by the Orile-Agege LCDA under the leadership of its chairman, Mr. Dipo Liadi. Organisers stated that the event is designed to promote unity, discover and nurture sporting talents, and mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the forthcoming general elections. Participation in the marathon cuts across several categories, including youths, professionals, senior citizens, persons living with disabilities, VIPs, as well as members of the Hausa and Igbo communities. This structure, according to organisers, is intended to ensure broad inclusion and community representation. The organisers also disclosed that a total cash reward of ₦2.3 million will be shared among participants. The first 200 finishers are expected to receive ₦10,000 each, while seven top-performing athletes will earn ₦50,000 apiece. The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who is a key supporter of the initiative, had earlier announced his intention to participate in the VIP category. He described the marathon as a symbol of President Tinubu’s transformational leadership. In a separate statement shared on his X account on Thursday, Obasa reaffirmed that 200 participants would receive ₦10,000 each, while seven professional athletes would be rewarded with ₦50,000 each. LASTMA concluded by urging all road users to cooperate fully with traffic officers deployed along the affected routes and to adjust their travel plans accordingly in order to reduce inconvenience during the event.
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The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, widely known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has issued a firm warning to pastors and church leaders against the habit of lying in an attempt to grow or sustain their ministries. The cleric delivered this message during the third service held at the church’s international headquarters, Canaanland, located in Ota, Ogun State. The sermon took place on Sunday, marking the final day of the church’s 21-day fasting and prayer programme. According to Bishop Oyedepo, dishonesty has no place in genuine ministry work, stressing that ministers who rely on falsehood eventually lose relevance and credibility. He stated clearly that anyone who chooses to lie for personal image or public approval will not endure in ministry. Emphasising his stance, the bishop declared that he would never fabricate testimonies or falsely attribute actions to God simply to impress people. He noted that integrity before God must remain the foundation of any true calling, adding that God does not require exaggeration to prove His power. Bishop Oyedepo further highlighted the necessity of standing firmly on the truth of the Scriptures and ensuring that all glory is directed solely to God. He explained that unwavering commitment to biblical truth is what enables ministers to rise to admirable levels without compromising their faith or conscience. In addition, the church leader encouraged believers to keep their love for Jesus alive at all times. He explained that complete dependence on God provides strength and guarantees victory over the challenges of life, regardless of their severity. Sharing a personal experience, Bishop Oyedepo recounted how a close associate in Ile-Ife, who was afflicted with insanity, experienced restoration after Scripture was read to him. He presented this as a demonstration of the power of God’s Word when applied with faith. The bishop also reaffirmed his confidence in divine protection, boldly stating that no evil plan formed against him would succeed. He expressed assurance in God’s covering and faithfulness, maintaining that spiritual consistency remains the key to enduring success in ministry
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially signed a concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport located in Enugu State, a development that has been described as a major economic boost for the South-East region. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, describing the agreement as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing drive to modernise critical national infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). According to the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, the concession agreement represents a strategic step toward strengthening infrastructure delivery while encouraging private sector participation. He explained that the agreement was executed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development alongside the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), acting on behalf of the Federal Government. Ewalefoh noted that the agreement reflects the increasing role of PPPs as a central mechanism for infrastructure development under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that this approach aligns with broader national goals focused on efficiency, sustainability, and long-term economic growth. He further explained that the entire transaction was carried out under the regulatory supervision of the ICRC. This process ensured full compliance with Nigeria’s national PPP framework, including the certification of the project’s business case and comprehensive due diligence. According to Ewalefoh, the process also involved structured negotiations, formal approval by the Federal Executive Council, and a detailed legal review of the concession agreement by the Federal Ministry of Justice. These steps were completed before the final execution of the contract, in accordance with the provisions of the ICRC Establishment Act. Describing the signing as a strong indicator of Nigeria’s preparedness to deepen private sector involvement in infrastructure development, Ewalefoh stated that the transaction marked the project’s commercial close and paved the way for full implementation in subsequent phases. He explained that the concession would significantly enhance the airport’s capacity as a critical gateway serving the South-East states. By improving connectivity and strengthening links to both domestic and international destinations, the airport is expected to support tourism, facilitate trade, and contribute to broader economic development across the region. Ewalefoh added that the concession underscores the Federal Government’s determination to unlock private investment, improve service delivery, and reposition key national assets for long-term sustainability in line with global best practices. He further noted that the Enugu Airport concession aligns with the ICRC’s ongoing efforts to simplify PPP processes, improve collaboration among government agencies, and accelerate project execution nationwide. According to him, these efforts are expected to generate wide-ranging economic benefits across multiple sectors and regions of the country. As Nigeria’s official PPP regulator, Ewalefoh said the ICRC provided regulatory guidance and transaction assurance throughout the process. This was done to ensure adherence to established PPP frameworks, protect value for money, and reinforce investor confidence. He commended the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for his consistent commitment and strategic efforts toward positioning the state as an emerging economic hub. Ewalefoh noted that such focused leadership and sustained engagement play a crucial role in achieving transformational infrastructure outcomes. He also encouraged other state governments to adopt similar approaches, pointing to subnational leaders in states such as Ondo, Cross River, and Lagos, who are increasingly leveraging PPP models to attract investment, speed up infrastructure delivery, and promote inclusive economic growth. In addition, Ewalefoh praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his leadership and key role in driving sector reforms and expanding private sector participation within Nigeria’s aviation industry. He equally commended FAAN and all transaction partners for successfully reaching commercial close on the project, while reaffirming the ICRC’s commitment to supporting Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as implementation continues in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
