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Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta State Sponsors 15 U.S.-Based Athletes for Commonwealth Games Trials in Lagos

NSC Director General Olopade and NOC Vice President Ogba hail Delta’s support as trials conclude at YABATECH Sports Complex

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NSC Director General Olopade and NOC Vice President Ogba hail Delta’s support as trials conclude at YABATECH Sports Complex

Fifteen United States-based Nigerian athletes participated in the 2026 Commonwealth Games National Trials held at the YABATECH Sports Complex in Lagos, following sponsorship provided by the Delta State government. The event, which commenced on Sunday and ended yesterday, saw Delta facilitate travel for 15 out of 17 selected athletes to boost Nigeria’s chances ahead of the global competition.

Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, commended both the athletes and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for their efforts in organising what he described as an ‘impressive’ set of trials. Olopade stated that such partnerships between state governments and sporting bodies remain crucial for talent development and preparation for major international events.

The support from Delta State comes at a time when many foreign-based Nigerian athletes have expressed concerns over access to national team opportunities due to funding and logistical constraints. By underwriting travel costs for U.S.-based competitors, Delta has signalled its ongoing commitment to sports development across Nigeria, reinforcing its position as a leading state in athletics support.

Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Solomon Ogba, also praised the initiative. He noted that enabling foreign-based athletes to compete alongside their home-based counterparts strengthens team selection and overall competitiveness ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

With the trials concluded, attention now shifts to final team selection and preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Stakeholders within Nigeria’s athletics community have called on other states and private sector partners to emulate Delta’s approach in supporting national sports ambitions.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/u-s-based-athletes-laud-delta-for-sponsoring-15-to-trials/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Enugu Tanker Crash Claims Three Lives, Destroys ₦900m Property Along Expressway

Federal Fire Service confirms accident caused by brake failure on Dangote truck; several injured, emergency response ongoing

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June 24, 2026

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Federal Fire Service confirms accident caused by brake failure on Dangote truck; several injured, emergency response ongoing

Three persons lost their lives and property valued at about ₦900 million was destroyed after a tanker fire broke out at the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu State on Monday. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of June 22, was confirmed by Deputy Superintendent of Fire Maxwell Ucheagwu of the Federal Fire Service Command in Enugu.

According to Ucheagwu, the fire erupted following a collision between a Dangote truck carrying bags of cement and a tanker transporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). “Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by brake failure on the Dangote truck, which rammed into the LNG tanker, damaging the tanker and causing a leakage of its contents,” he stated while briefing journalists.

Emergency responders from the Federal Fire Service received a distress call at around 3:28 a.m. and immediately deployed personnel and firefighting equipment to the scene. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, three fatalities were recorded and several others sustained injuries. The injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The incident has raised concerns among residents and road users about safety standards along major expressways, especially as heavy-duty trucks and tankers continue to ply Nigerian roads despite recurring accidents. Authorities have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance regulations and improved driver training.

Ucheagwu added that investigations are ongoing to determine further causes and recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies. As at press time, clean-up operations were still underway, with security agencies securing the affected area to forestall any secondary incidents.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/three-killed-n900m-property-destroyed-in-enugu-tanker-fire/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Yobe Police Arrest Two for Alleged Killing of Newborn, Recover Evidence in Damaturu

Command condemns spike in abandoned babies; pledges prosecution as investigation continues into Anguwar Boka incident

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2 hours ago

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June 24, 2026

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Command condemns spike in abandoned babies; pledges prosecution as investigation continues into Anguwar Boka incident

The Yobe State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged killing of a day-old baby and other offences in Damaturu, the state capital. The incident reportedly took place on 23 June 2026, prompting an immediate response from the Violent Crime Response Unit following a distress call from residents of Anguwar Boka area.

According to a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, preliminary investigations revealed that a female suspect who had recently given birth was allegedly involved in strangling the newborn baby girl. The remains were subsequently concealed in a box and abandoned behind a mosque in the neighbourhood. Police operatives recovered the body and commenced further investigation.

The command expressed concern over the rising cases of abandoned newborns and reiterated that every child is entitled to protection, care, and dignity under Nigerian law. “Anyone found guilty of violating children’s rights will face the full weight of the law,” Abdulkarim stated.

Community members have expressed shock at the incident, calling on authorities to intensify public enlightenment on child protection and maternal support services. Meanwhile, police say efforts are ongoing to unravel all circumstances surrounding the case and any possible accomplices.

The Yobe State Police Command assured that both suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations. Authorities also urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities and stressed their commitment to safeguarding vulnerable persons across the state.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-arrest-two-over-alleged-infanticide-other-offences-in-yobe/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

CBN Governor Cardoso Flags ₦5.19trn Cash Hoarding Despite Push for Digital Payments

Currency held outside banks rises by ₦109bn in May as over 91% of naira circulation remains informal

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3 hours ago

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June 24, 2026

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Currency held outside banks rises by ₦109bn in May as over 91% of naira circulation remains informal

Currency hoarding outside Nigeria’s banking sector has reached a new high of ₦5.19 trillion as at May, according to latest data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The figures, announced by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso in Abuja on Monday, highlight a growing challenge for financial authorities pushing to shift economic activity onto digital platforms.

CBN’s updated Money and Credit Statistics revealed that the amount of cash held outside banks rose by ₦109.34 billion from April’s level of ₦5.08 trillion. Compared to May last year, this represents an increase of ₦559.16 billion, up from ₦4.63 trillion previously recorded. The apex bank stated that 91.27 percent of all currency in circulation was now outside the formal banking system, up from 90.03 percent a month earlier.

This trend comes at a time when government and financial institutions are intensifying efforts to promote cashless transactions through bank transfers, mobile money, agent banking and fintech platforms. However, the bulk of Nigeria’s naira supply continues to circulate within households, businesses and informal markets rather than being deposited in banks or channelled through digital payment systems.

Experts say persistent cash hoarding could undermine policy initiatives aimed at curbing inflation and improving transparency in financial transactions. The CBN has repeatedly urged Nigerians to embrace electronic payment options to reduce reliance on physical currency, citing benefits such as improved security and efficiency in commerce.

While the CBN continues its advocacy for a cashless economy, analysts note that building trust in digital payments and expanding access—especially in rural communities—remain critical to reducing high levels of cash held outside banks.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/cash-hoarding-hits-n5-19tr-amid-aggressive-digital-payment-push/

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