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Nigeria News (Standard)

Real Madrid Appoints Jose Mourinho as Head Coach in €15m Deal After Trophyless Season

Portuguese tactician returns to Santiago Bernabeu on three-year contract, replacing Arbeloa following back-to-back trophy droughts

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5 days ago

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Portuguese tactician returns to Santiago Bernabeu on three-year contract, replacing Arbeloa following back-to-back trophy droughts

Spanish giants Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach on a three-year contract, bringing the Portuguese manager back to Santiago Bernabeu after a 13-year absence. The club announced the decision in Madrid on Thursday, following the sacking of Alvaro Arbeloa after two consecutive seasons without securing a major trophy.

Mourinho, who is 63 years old, will officially resume his role on July 13, coinciding with the start of preseason training for the first team. According to Real Madrid’s statement, the veteran coach has been contracted until June 30, 2029. Benfica, Mourinho’s previous club, confirmed that Real Madrid agreed to pay €15 million as compensation for his release.

The move comes after Los Blancos failed to match domestic rivals Barcelona both this season and last. Mourinho’s appointment is seen as an attempt to restore Real Madrid’s status at the top of Spanish and European football. During his first spell at the club from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho won La Liga and other domestic honours but was unable to secure a Champions League title.

A statement released by Real Madrid on Thursday described Mourinho as one of football’s most successful and influential managers. Meanwhile, reactions across Europe have been mixed due to Mourinho’s divisive reputation and defensive tactical approach. However, many Madrid supporters expressed hope that his return would bring renewed discipline and competitiveness to the squad.

Mourinho leaves Benfica after completing an unbeaten league campaign with the Lisbon side, though they finished third overall in Portugal’s top flight. The Portuguese coach is now expected to oversee squad restructuring at Madrid ahead of next season’s La Liga and UEFA Champions League campaigns.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/real-madrid-hire-mourinho-as-manager-for-second-time/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Federal Government Denies Plans to Introduce New Telecoms and Fuel Taxes Nationwide

Presidency dismisses reports of proposed levies on fuel and telecoms, urges public to ignore speculation

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8 minutes ago

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June 17, 2026

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Presidency dismisses reports of proposed levies on fuel and telecoms, urges public to ignore speculation

The Federal Government has debunked claims circulating online about plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications and fuel across Nigeria. The clarification was made on Wednesday, 17 June, following widespread reports alleging imminent policy changes affecting the cost of telecom services and petrol.

Authorities moved swiftly to address growing public concern as rumours about possible hikes in telecoms tariffs and fuel prices gained traction on social media. Many Nigerians had expressed fears that such taxes would worsen the economic burden already facing households amid high inflation.

The government’s position comes at a time when citizens are grappling with persistent increases in the prices of essential goods and services. With inflation rates remaining in double digits, any suggestion of additional taxes sparks anxiety among businesses and consumers alike. The telecoms sector, a major driver of Nigeria’s digital economy, would have been particularly affected by such fiscal moves.

Responding to the reports, the Presidency categorically stated there are no plans to impose new taxes on either fuel or telecommunications. Officials urged Nigerians to disregard unsubstantiated claims and assured that any significant changes in government tax policy would be communicated transparently through official channels. No opposition party or independent experts had issued statements as at press time.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to stabilising the economy without imposing extra hardship on citizens. Economic analysts say ongoing reforms should focus on improving tax compliance and widening the revenue base rather than introducing new levies in critical sectors.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/888467-fg-debunks-claims-of-plans-to-introduce-telecoms-fuel-taxes.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Xenergi Launches Tender Offer for Premier Paints Minority Shares in Ogun State Takeover Move

Offer comes after Xenergi’s emergence as core investor, signaling major ownership shift in Nigeria’s paint industry

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13 minutes ago

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June 17, 2026

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Offer comes after Xenergi’s emergence as core investor, signaling major ownership shift in Nigeria’s paint industry

Xenergi, the new core investor in Premier Paints Plc, has initiated a tender offer for the company’s minority shares as part of a fresh ownership restructuring in Ogun State. The move was confirmed on Wednesday, 17 June, as Xenergi seeks to consolidate its position following its recent acquisition of controlling interest in the leading Nigerian paint manufacturer.

According to details made available, Xenergi’s tender offer is targeted at shareholders holding minority stakes, with the aim of acquiring additional shares to strengthen its grip on Premier Paints’ operations. This development follows Xenergi’s earlier stake purchase that positioned it as the largest single shareholder in the company. The transaction is expected to trigger a significant change in Premier Paints’ board and management structure.

Premier Paints Plc, based in Ogun State and listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), has faced stiff competition from bigger players within the manufacturing sector. Industry analysts say Xenergi’s entry could signal renewed investment and possible turnaround for the company, which has struggled with market share and operational challenges over recent years.

The management of Premier Paints confirmed receipt of Xenergi’s offer in an official statement, noting that all regulatory procedures would be followed in line with NGX rules. “We assure all shareholders that their interests will be protected throughout this process,” a company representative said. Shareholders are expected to receive further communication regarding terms and timelines of the tender.

Market watchers believe Xenergi’s aggressive approach may lead to delisting or a significant reorganisation of Premier Paints, depending on acceptance levels among minority shareholders. Analysts further predict ripple effects across Nigeria’s paints and coatings sector as new capital and management expertise flow into Premier Paints through this transaction.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/888464-premier-paints-new-core-investor-xenergi-launches-a-tender-offer-for-minority-shares.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Zamfara Group Moves to Sue Minister Matawalle over Certificate Allegations

Concerned citizens accuse former Zamfara Governor of using vocational certificate for elective office; legal action imminent

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23 minutes ago

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June 17, 2026

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Concerned citizens accuse former Zamfara Governor of using vocational certificate for elective office; legal action imminent

A political storm is brewing in Zamfara State as the Zamfara State Concerned Citizens (ZSCC) announced plans on Monday to take legal action against the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over alleged irregularities in his educational qualifications. The group made its position known through a statement issued by its leader, Musa Abdullahi, in Kaduna.

According to Abdullahi, ZSCC is challenging Matawalle’s use of a certificate reportedly obtained from the Vocational Training Centre, Bunza, for his previous governorship bid and current ministerial appointment. The group alleges that the said certificate does not meet constitutional requirements for public office holders at state or federal level. “We have concluded consultations and are preparing to approach the court to test the validity of these credentials,” Abdullahi stated.

This development comes amid growing scrutiny of public officials’ academic backgrounds in Nigeria, with similar cases having resulted in court actions and political setbacks for some politicians. ZSCC said their move is motivated by a desire to uphold transparency and accountability in governance within Zamfara and beyond. “Public office is a position of trust that demands honesty, transparency and strict compliance with the law,” Abdullahi added.

At the time of filing this report, Matawalle had not publicly responded to the allegations. The Minister, who represents Zamfara (North-West), served as Governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC). As at Monday evening, calls seeking comment from his aides were not returned.

Legal experts say if the matter proceeds to court, it could set a precedent for future eligibility screenings across Nigeria’s political landscape. Stakeholders are watching closely as the case may affect both upcoming appointments and electoral contests in Zamfara State.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/certificate-controversy-zamfara-group-moves-to-sue-matawalle/

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