Nigeria News (Standard)
PFL Africa Launches MMA Showcase in Lagos, Touts Nigeria as Hub for Rising Talent
General Manager Elias Schulze says eight Nigerians to compete as league prepares for debut event in South-West city
General Manager Elias Schulze says eight Nigerians to compete as league prepares for debut event in South-West city
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa will hold its debut Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event in Lagos on Thursday, with General Manager Elias Schulze highlighting Nigeria’s prominence as a centre for elite fighters on the continent. Schulze spoke at a media presentation in Lagos on Wednesday, where fighters—including eight Nigerians—were introduced ahead of the competition.
Schulze, flanked by Nigerian featherweight contender Wasiu Adeshina and Spain’s Nacho Campos, said the choice of Lagos aligns with PFL’s strategy to position Africa—and especially Nigeria—as a leading force in global MMA. “The future is Africa, but the present is Nigeria. That’s why we’re here,” Schulze said. He added that the growing visibility of professional pathways for African fighters has made the continent an attractive destination for international MMA promotions.
Nigeria’s reputation in the sport has grown steadily, with local athletes making strides on both African and global stages. The PFL event will feature 26 fighters in total, with Nigerian participants making up nearly a third of the line-up. Schulze explained that this was a deliberate move to reflect the depth of talent available within the country: “We are spoilt for choice when it comes to Nigerian fighters,” he said.
The PFL manager also stated that his organisation aims to contribute to the development of MMA across Africa by providing opportunities for homegrown athletes to compete professionally and earn fair rewards. He noted that the Lagos showcase would serve as a platform for Nigerian fighters to gain exposure and potentially move onto bigger international contests.
The event is expected to attract significant attention from fans and stakeholders within Nigeria’s fast-growing sports sector, as well as from international observers tracking the expansion of MMA in Africa. According to PFL officials, further events may be staged across other major African cities if the Lagos edition proves successful.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/mma-potential-in-nigeria-africa-huge-says-schulze/
Nigeria News (Standard)
NDLEA Seizes 1.12 Tonnes of Cannabis in Taraba’s Bali LGA, Arrests Warehouse Owner
Agency describes operation as major breakthrough as 45-year-old suspect apprehended in Maihula Town raid
Agency describes operation as major breakthrough as 45-year-old suspect apprehended in Maihula Town raid
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated over 1.12 tonnes of cannabis sativa during a targeted operation on June 13 in Maihula Town, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. The NDLEA said its operatives recovered 70 bags of the illicit substance, weighing a total of 1,121.5 kilograms, from a warehouse where the drugs were allegedly stored.
The raid, which followed intelligence gathering, led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man identified as Ali Adamu. According to the agency, Adamu was apprehended at the scene and is believed to be connected to the storage and distribution of the seized cannabis. The NDLEA stated that the success of this operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks in Taraba and across Nigeria.
NDLEA Taraba State Commander Javanson Talayedi Kwalma confirmed the development, describing it as one of the most significant seizures since the command was established. Kwalma commended his officers for their swift response and reiterated the agency’s resolve to intensify anti-narcotics operations throughout the North-East geopolitical zone. He noted that drug abuse and trafficking continue to pose serious challenges to public safety and youth development in the state.
The NDLEA maintains that such large-scale interceptions are critical in reducing the flow of illegal drugs into communities and preventing associated criminal activities. Kwalma called on residents to support ongoing anti-drug campaigns by providing useful information and warned that anyone found complicit would be prosecuted according to Nigerian law.
With investigations ongoing, authorities say further arrests may follow as they work to uncover additional networks linked to the seized consignment. The agency also reiterated its commitment to regular patrols and intelligence-led raids aimed at safeguarding public health and security across Taraba State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tech Entrepreneur Launches Newbanger Platform to Boost Affordable Music Promotion
Founder says direct artist-curator connections will cut costs for independent musicians struggling with high fees in Nigeria
Founder says direct artist-curator connections will cut costs for independent musicians struggling with high fees in Nigeria
A Lagos-based tech entrepreneur has launched Newbanger, a digital platform designed to make music promotion more accessible and affordable for Nigerian and African artists. The unveiling took place in Lagos on Friday, with the founder highlighting the platform’s commitment to bridging the gap between emerging musicians and industry professionals.
According to the founder, Newbanger enables independent artists to connect directly with music curators and professionals without relying on expensive intermediaries. The platform aims to address longstanding complaints from Nigerian musicians who face high promotional costs and lack of transparency when seeking airplay or playlist placements.
Music industry stakeholders say that many up-and-coming artists in Nigeria struggle to break through due to prohibitive promotion fees charged by agents and promoters. Newbanger’s model, which allows direct engagement, is expected to reduce these barriers by providing cost-effective solutions for music distribution and audience reach.
The founder stated that Newbanger was developed in response to demands from artists for a fairer system. “We want musicians to have more control over their work and how it reaches listeners,” he said during the launch event. Some industry professionals welcomed the initiative, noting it could foster more diverse talent discovery. Others cautioned that sustained impact would depend on user adoption and partnerships with established curators.
The company said it will focus initial outreach on Afrobeat and hip-hop genres popular in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, before expanding its network across West Africa. The founder added that feedback from early users would guide further improvements. As at press time, no major record labels had officially endorsed the platform.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ibadan Fire Destroys Four Vehicles, Container at Akingbade Mechanic Workshop
Oyo State Fire Services Agency says swift response prevented spread to nearby buildings after Saturday night blaze
Oyo State Fire Services Agency says swift response prevented spread to nearby buildings after Saturday night blaze
A fire outbreak on Saturday night gutted four vehicles and a container at a mechanic workshop situated on Togunde Street, Akingbade Area, along Old Ife Road in Gbagi, Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident, which occurred around 9:16 p.m., was confirmed by the Oyo State Fire Services Agency following a distress call from a resident identified as Mr. Damola.
According to the agency, firefighters led by a Chief Fire Superintendent were immediately deployed to the location after receiving the report. Upon arrival, personnel discovered that flames had already engulfed a container and four vehicles within the premises of the mechanic workshop, with thick smoke visible from surrounding properties.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency stated that its team was able to contain the inferno and stop it from spreading to other buildings or shops in the area. The agency emphasised that quick intervention helped to avert further loss of property and possible injury.
Fire incidents remain a concern in urban centres like Ibadan, where densely populated neighbourhoods and commercial clusters pose high risks for rapid fire spread. Authorities have consistently urged business owners and residents to maintain proper safety measures and ensure functional fire-fighting equipment is available on site.
As at press time, no casualties had been reported in connection with the incident. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency reiterated its commitment to improving emergency response across the state and called on members of the public to promptly report any suspected fire outbreaks.
NDLEA Seizes 1.12 Tonnes of Cannabis in Taraba’s Bali LGA, Arrests Warehouse Owner
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