Nigeria News (Standard)
UEFA Appoints Somali Referee Artan for Super Cup After U.S. Denial at 2026 World Cup
CAF confirms backing for Artan’s nomination as UEFA seeks to honour African officiating talent after U.S. visa setback
CAF confirms backing for Artan’s nomination as UEFA seeks to honour African officiating talent after U.S. visa setback
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been named as the match official for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, following his exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States due to visa denial. The appointment was announced by European football governing body UEFA after consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday.
Artan, who was initially listed to officiate at the ongoing World Cup, was dropped from FIFA’s referees’ roster after being denied entry to the United States. UEFA stated that he will now oversee the high-profile Super Cup fixture scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, where Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will face Europa League champions Aston Villa.
This development comes amid growing calls within African football circles for greater inclusion of African referees on the global stage. Many Nigerian stakeholders have described Artan’s appointment as a positive signal, especially after his removal from World Cup duties due to circumstances beyond his control. The Confederation of African Football confirmed its support for UEFA’s decision, saying it demonstrates recognition of officiating standards across Africa.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin described Artan as “an excellent young but already experienced referee” who has proven himself in CAF competitions. Ceferin added, “Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.”
Artan’s nomination is expected to draw significant attention from both European and African football communities when he takes charge of the Super Cup in Austria. Observers say the move could set a precedent for how international sporting bodies respond when bureaucratic or political barriers affect participation by officials or athletes from Africa.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/artan-to-officiate-uefa-super-cup-after-u-s-visa-crisis/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Jigawa Launches AI System to Support Public School Pupils Missing Classes in Rural Areas
State government partners with NewGlobe to deliver home-based learning, real-time teacher support and education data tracking
State government partners with NewGlobe to deliver home-based learning, real-time teacher support and education data tracking
Jigawa State Government has deployed an artificial intelligence-powered education system across public schools, aiming to help pupils continue their studies from home when they are unable to attend classes due to farming, bad weather, or other disruptions. The initiative was officially launched under the JigawaUNITE programme in partnership with NewGlobe on Friday, targeting thousands of children especially in rural communities.
The new technology allows pupils who miss school for reasons such as assisting their families on the farm or travelling long distances to access lessons remotely, preventing them from falling behind academically. According to state officials, the AI system will deliver educational content directly to pupils outside the classroom and ensure they remain engaged with their schoolwork even during unavoidable absences.
Jigawa has prioritised digital learning reforms in recent years, investing in smart school projects, ICT-enabled classrooms and innovation hubs. Officials say this latest move is designed to bridge the gap for children in underserved communities where regular attendance is often disrupted by local realities like seasonal farming and harsh weather conditions.
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Haruna Musa, Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board, said that deploying artificial intelligence marks a significant step in modernising public education and improving learning outcomes. He explained that the technology will also offer teachers real-time coaching and classroom monitoring tools while providing education administrators with instant data on school performance and learning gaps.
One of the core features of the project is an AI platform called COGNITION, which enables officials to ask questions about the school system and receive immediate answers based on real-time classroom data collected statewide. This is expected to assist policymakers in making informed decisions about resource allocation and future interventions.
Beyond supporting pupils and teachers, the state government believes that combining classroom instruction with AI-driven solutions will help reduce learning loss and improve academic results for all children irrespective of their location. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the deployment.
The JigawaUNITE programme forms part of broader efforts by the North-Western state to strengthen digital education access through technology-driven solutions. Officials expect that insights generated from the new system will inform policy development and further drive improvements across basic education in Jigawa.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Alimosho Council Arrests 10 for Illegal Refuse Dumping, Unveils Project Iron Shield
Task force targets Egbeda, Shasha and Dopemu hotspots as authorities intensify environmental sanitation drive in Lagos
Task force targets Egbeda, Shasha and Dopemu hotspots as authorities intensify environmental sanitation drive in Lagos
Authorities in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State have arrested at least 10 persons for allegedly dumping refuse illegally in various parts of the council. The arrests took place during an overnight operation on June 11, as part of the maiden enforcement exercise for ‘Project Iron Shield,’ a new initiative designed to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal and improve environmental sanitation.
According to a statement issued by Taiwo Onayinka, Head of Legal Services and Chairman of the Project Iron Shield Task Force, the operation focused on key hotspots notorious for illegal dumping—including Egbeda Road Corridor, Shasha Axis and Dopemu Under Bridge. Onayinka stated that the suspects were apprehended while purportedly disposing waste at unauthorised locations within these areas.
The local government launched Project Iron Shield to address persistent environmental challenges caused by illegal refuse dumping, which has led to blocked drainage channels and increased risk of flooding in several neighbourhoods. The council noted that previous warnings had not deterred offenders, prompting this more robust enforcement approach.
Onayinka emphasised that those arrested would be prosecuted in accordance with existing environmental laws. “We are committed to ensuring that Alimosho remains clean and safe for all residents. This operation is just the beginning,” he said in the statement. He further called on community members to support government’s efforts by properly disposing their waste through authorised channels.
The local government plans to sustain similar operations across other identified hotspots in Alimosho. Residents have been urged to comply with sanitation regulations or face legal consequences, as authorities move to enforce stricter penalties against environmental offenders.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Insurgents Attack Chibok in Borno, Kill One and Set School Block Ablaze
Security agencies confirm renewed assault as residents urge government to strengthen protection in North-East LGA
Security agencies confirm renewed assault as residents urge government to strengthen protection in North-East LGA
Suspected insurgents launched a fresh attack on Chibok Local Government Area in Borno State on Sunday, killing at least one person and burning down a block of classrooms at a local school. The incident occurred late evening, causing panic among residents and raising new concerns over persistent insecurity in the region.
According to community members, the attackers stormed the area firing sporadically and setting fire to part of the secondary school before fleeing. The military responded to distress calls, but the assailants had already left by the time security operatives arrived at the scene. This latest assault comes despite ongoing military operations targeting insurgent hideouts in Borno and neighbouring states.
Chibok has become synonymous with insecurity since the 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram, drawing international attention to the North-East’s security challenges. Many residents say repeated attacks have disrupted education and forced families to flee their homes, with rebuilding efforts hampered by fear of further violence.
A senior security official, who confirmed Sunday’s incident, said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible. “We are working closely with community leaders to gather information and ensure such attacks do not happen again,” he stated. Residents are calling on both federal and Borno State governments to increase patrols and invest more in local security infrastructure.
As at press time, authorities had yet to announce any arrests linked to the attack. The incident highlights ongoing threats faced by communities in Borno State, even as government claims progress in counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.
