Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Urges Media, CSOs to Criticise Government but Maintain Faith in Nigeria
President addresses journalists and civil society in Abuja, calls for constructive engagement while reaffirming national unity
President addresses journalists and civil society in Abuja, calls for constructive engagement while reaffirming national unity
President Bola Tinubu on Friday called on members of the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria to continue holding government accountable through criticism, but stressed the importance of never losing faith in the country. The president made this appeal during an address in Abuja as part of activities marking Democracy Day.
Tinubu acknowledged that robust scrutiny from journalists and CSOs remains vital for democracy, especially as Nigeria faces economic and security challenges. He urged all stakeholders to keep engaging government policies critically, stating that such engagement should be rooted in hope for national progress rather than despair.
The president’s statement comes at a time when public confidence in government has been tested by persistent inflation, unemployment, and security concerns across several regions. Civil society groups and media practitioners have often voiced frustration over shrinking civic space and alleged government intolerance to dissent.
While addressing the gathering, Tinubu said the administration welcomes constructive feedback from all quarters. “You can criticise me, criticise my policies, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” he said. The president’s remarks were seen as an attempt to reassure Nigerians of his commitment to democratic principles amid calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Representatives of civil society present at the event acknowledged the president’s outreach but maintained their demand for more open governance and respect for fundamental rights. There was no immediate response from opposition parties regarding the president’s comments.
As the country marks another year since the return to civilian rule, attention is expected to shift toward ongoing electoral reforms and renewed calls for inclusive governance.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Fire Destroys Four Vehicles at Mechanic Workshop in Ibadan, Shop Razed in Ogbomoso
Oyo State Fire Services contain blaze on Togunde Street; agency urges residents to adopt safety precautions
Oyo State Fire Services contain blaze on Togunde Street; agency urges residents to adopt safety precautions
A fire outbreak on Saturday night gutted a mechanic workshop on Togunde Street in the Akingbade Area along Old Ife Road, Gbagi, Ibadan, destroying four vehicles and a container. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirmed the incident, which occurred around 9:16 p.m., adding that emergency responders were deployed immediately following a distress call from the area.
According to the agency, firefighters led by a Chief Fire Superintendent arrived at the scene to find flames had already engulfed several vehicles and a container within the premises. The team, working alongside personnel from the Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command, successfully brought the inferno under control and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring properties.
Preliminary findings by fire officials revealed that sparks from a vehicle’s engine compartment ignited combustible materials inside the workshop, resulting in significant damage. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over fire safety at workshops and business premises across Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Speaking after the incident, Dr Moroof Akinwande, Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, called on residents to prioritise safety measures in their homes and workplaces. “We urge all citizens to be vigilant and take proactive steps to prevent fire disasters, especially as we approach periods of increased risk,” he said.
The agency reiterated its commitment to rapid response but emphasised that community awareness remains critical in reducing property loss. No casualties were reported in this incident. Authorities have encouraged business owners and residents to ensure proper maintenance of electrical systems and safe storage of flammable materials.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/fire-razes-mechanic-workshop-in-ibadan-shop-in-ogbomoso/
Nigeria News (Standard)
African, Asian Federations Condemn UEFA President Over World Cup Remarks
Thirteen associations, including Nigeria’s CAF allies, reject Ceferin’s comments on ‘uninteresting’ matches and defend tournament expansion
Thirteen associations, including Nigeria’s CAF allies, reject Ceferin’s comments on ‘uninteresting’ matches and defend tournament expansion
A coalition of football federations from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean has publicly criticised UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin for his recent remarks regarding the FIFA World Cup’s expanded format. The joint statement was released on Friday and includes support from major African football nations, with reactions also monitored in Lagos and Abuja.
The controversy began after Ceferin was quoted describing several World Cup matches as ‘uninteresting’, a comment that has sparked widespread condemnation among the 13 federations involved. Signatories to the communique include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, Haiti, as well as Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa—all of which are members or close partners of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The issue has drawn attention within Nigerian football circles due to its potential impact on the continent’s representation at global tournaments. Many stakeholders have long advocated for increased African participation at the FIFA World Cup. The federations argued in their statement that every World Cup match is significant not only for the players but also for fans across participating countries. They emphasised that qualification itself is a historic achievement for many nations.
According to the joint statement: ‘We reject any characterisation of our matches as uninteresting. Each fixture carries meaning and pride for our people.’ The group further stated that such remarks undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and growth in world football. UEFA has yet to respond to the communiqué as at press time.
The dispute comes as FIFA prepares to implement its planned World Cup expansion, which will see more teams from Africa and other regions participate in future editions. Observers say continued disagreement between FIFA and UEFA could affect negotiations over tournament structure and allocation of slots. For now, CAF members remain united in defending their right to compete on football’s biggest stage.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/fifa-wc-row-deepens-as-13-federations-condemn-uefa-chief/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerian University Sacks Two Professors, Three Staff Over Alleged Sexual Abuse, Extortion
Dismissals spark fresh debate on academic misconduct as management vows to enforce zero-tolerance policy
Dismissals spark fresh debate on academic misconduct as management vows to enforce zero-tolerance policy
A Nigerian university has sacked two professors and three other staff members over alleged involvement in sexual abuse and extortion cases. The decision was announced on Sunday, 14 June 2026, following internal investigations into reported cases of misconduct within the institution.
According to university authorities, the affected staff were found culpable after a disciplinary process that reviewed several complaints submitted by students and stakeholders. The management stated that the dismissal is part of ongoing efforts to sanitize the academic environment and protect students from exploitation.
Sexual harassment and extortion have remained persistent concerns in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with previous incidents sparking public outrage and calls for stronger action from regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC). Stakeholders say these latest dismissals highlight the scale of the challenge and the need for more transparent processes to address abuses of power.
The university’s management reiterated its commitment to upholding ethical standards, warning that any staff found guilty of similar offences would face severe consequences. “We are determined to create a safe learning environment for all students,” a senior official said. No names were disclosed due to privacy considerations.
Advocacy groups welcomed the move but urged authorities to go further by supporting victims and prosecuting offenders where evidence allows. As at press time, no criminal charges had been announced. The development is expected to intensify pressure on other institutions across Nigeria to take decisive action against academic misconduct.
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