Nigeria News (Standard)
Police Rescue Five Kidnap Victims After Armed Men Invade Owo, Ondo State
Swift intervention by security operatives thwarts abduction attempts in South-West community; victims include local pastor and family
Swift intervention by security operatives thwarts abduction attempts in South-West community; victims include local pastor and family
Five persons have been rescued by security operatives following coordinated kidnap attempts in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, at the weekend. The incidents, which occurred on Saturday evening and late night, involved armed men targeting the home of a local pastor and a family of four in different parts of the ancient town.
According to eyewitnesses, six gunmen invaded Pastor Taiwo’s residence at Ojana axis around 7:00pm in an attempt to abduct him. Pastor Taiwo, who also serves as chairman of the community, was saved after his family raised alarm and officers from B Division, Owo responded promptly. Security agents engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing the suspects to abandon their victim and escape into nearby bushland.
In a separate incident at about 11:30pm the same day, another group of suspected kidnappers stormed Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate in Owo. The armed men entered the home of Daniel Ologun, aged 39, and shot him in his left leg before attempting to whisk away his family members. The police intervened swiftly once again, leading to the rescue of Mr Ologun’s relatives.
These incidents have sparked anxiety among residents in Owo and across Ondo State’s South-West region due to rising cases of armed attacks targeting both individuals and families. Security agencies have intensified patrols within the area as at Sunday evening while investigations continue into the identities and motives of those behind these coordinated kidnap attempts.
The Ondo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the arrests or possible casualties during the exchange with the suspects. However, community leaders commended the prompt response from law enforcement officers. As at press time, authorities advised residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FNCCI Concludes Paris Business Mission to Boost Nigeria-France Trade Partnerships
Lagos-based chamber organises executive leadership training for Nigerian business leaders, aims to deepen cross-border investment opportunities
Lagos-based chamber organises executive leadership training for Nigerian business leaders, aims to deepen cross-border investment opportunities
The Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has rounded off its maiden Executive Paris Leadership Training Programme and Business Mission in Paris, as part of fresh efforts to strengthen economic collaboration between France and Nigeria. The week-long event, which held recently in the French capital, brought together top executives from sectors such as fintech, oil and gas, energy, maritime services, hospitality, and enterprise development.
The initiative, organised in partnership with Bodik France and certified by Paris Graduate School, provided participants with executive-level training and direct access to European institutions championing economic cooperation with Africa. According to FNCCI officials, the programme was designed to equip Nigerian business leaders with strategies for navigating global challenges including technological disruption, sustainability requirements, funding constraints and evolving market conditions.
This year’s edition was themed “Advancing Sustainability Through Innovation: Project Funding, Digital Transformation, and Resilience.” Attendees took part in intensive workshops covering leadership development, organisational transformation, digital innovation, project financing and business resilience. Participants also engaged in strategic networking sessions with their French counterparts to explore new avenues for cross-border trade and investment.
FNCCI said the leadership programme is part of ongoing efforts to foster mutual growth for both countries’ private sectors. The chamber stated that strengthening Franco-Nigerian relations will support innovation in key industries and create more opportunities for job creation back home. “We are committed to providing Nigerian businesses with the tools needed to compete globally,” an FNCCI representative said during the closing session.
Organisers indicated that future editions of the business mission will include expanded sector representation and deeper collaboration with European partners. Stakeholders expressed optimism that continued engagement between Nigerian executives and French institutions will help drive sustainable economic growth on both sides.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/fncci-deepens-franco-nigerian-business-ties-2/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Messi Sets New World Cup Scoring Record as Argentina Defeats Austria 2–0 in Arlington
Guinness World Records hails Messi after historic brace sends Argentina into Round of 32 at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Guinness World Records hails Messi after historic brace sends Argentina into Round of 32 at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi broke the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record on Monday as Argentina defeated Austria 2–0 in a group stage encounter at Arlington, United States. The Argentine captain netted twice, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose to become the highest scorer in the tournament’s history and securing his team’s place in the round of 32.
The match saw Messi open scoring in the 39th minute with a trademark left-footed finish, giving Argentina a first-half lead. In added time of the second half, Messi capitalised on a rebound after Julian Alvarez’s shot was blocked, sealing his brace and ensuring victory for the defending champions.
Messi, who is featuring in his sixth World Cup campaign, had earlier equalled Klose’s record of sixteen goals after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening game. With his two goals against Austria, Messi now stands alone atop the all-time scorers’ chart with eighteen goals at the FIFA World Cup.
The Guinness World Records organisation publicly celebrated Messi’s achievement following the game. The milestone further cements Messi’s legacy as one of football’s most prolific players on the global stage, particularly as he continues to deliver for Argentina at age thirty-eight.
With this result, Argentina secured safe passage into the knockout rounds and will await their next opponents. Meanwhile, Austria faces elimination from the tournament after failing to register a win in their group matches.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Hosts JOF U-13 Cup Grand Finale as Youth Football Talent Shines
Grassroots football tournament reaches final stage, boosting local talent development in Lagos sporting calendar
Grassroots football tournament reaches final stage, boosting local talent development in Lagos sporting calendar
The JOF U-13 Cup, a grassroots football competition for under-13 players, has reached its grand finale in Lagos, drawing attention to the city’s growing investment in youth sports. The final match, scheduled for Monday, 22 June 2026, is set to showcase emerging footballers from across Lagos State as they compete for top honours.
Organisers say the tournament has progressed through several knockout rounds featuring young teams from various parts of the state. The grand finale is expected to bring together football stakeholders and enthusiasts to witness some of the best youth talent Lagos has to offer. The championship aims to promote sportsmanship and provide a platform for discovering future stars who could represent Nigeria at higher levels.
The JOF U-13 Cup forms part of ongoing efforts by local authorities and private sponsors to strengthen grassroots sports development in Lagos. With growing interest in youth tournaments, stakeholders believe such events are crucial for nurturing the next generation of professional players while keeping young people engaged positively.
While official statements from tournament organisers highlight the importance of early talent discovery, some observers have called for increased funding and improved facilities at the grassroots level. “Competitions like this help us identify and mentor potential stars from a young age,” one organiser noted during preparations for the final match.
The grand finale of the JOF U-13 Cup is expected to draw scouts and representatives from major academies, with many hoping that standout performers will be given further opportunities within Nigeria’s competitive football system.
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