Case highlights growing trend of legal paternity challenges as family seeks scientific confirmation to resolve longstanding issue

A son of a serving Minister in Lagos has formally requested a DNA test to address an ongoing paternity dispute, escalating a private family matter into legal territory. The demand was made public on Wednesday, 24 June, as the individual challenged what he described as an alleged denial of paternity by the Minister.

According to court filings seen in Lagos, the claimant is seeking a definitive scientific assessment to determine his biological relationship with the Minister. The move follows months of reported disagreement within the family over the true parentage of the young man, prompting calls for independent verification through DNA analysis.

Paternity disputes have become increasingly prominent in Nigeria, with several high-profile cases making headlines in recent years. Legal experts note that requests for DNA tests are now more common as families seek conclusive evidence in resolving such sensitive matters. Many observers say these disputes often carry significant emotional and reputational consequences, especially when involving public figures or government officials.

The Minister at the centre of this case has not made any public statement regarding the allegations or the request for a DNA test. Efforts to reach representatives for comment were unsuccessful as at press time. Family sources indicate that both parties are expected to present their positions before a court-appointed mediator or judge in coming weeks.

Legal analysts predict that the outcome could set an important precedent for similar cases involving prominent Nigerians. As attention grows on how such disputes are handled by both families and the courts, stakeholders are urging all parties to respect due process and prioritise amicable resolution.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/890426-ministers-son-challenges-alleged-paternity-denial-demands-dna-test.html

Canadian Minister hails Nigeria as key partner, urges deeper collaboration in energy, agriculture, and clean tech sectors

Nigeria’s bilateral merchandise trade with Canada has risen to $3 billion as at 2025, reaffirming Nigeria’s position as Canada’s second-largest trading partner on the African continent. The milestone was announced on Monday at the opening of the sixth Canada-Africa Business Conference held in Lagos.

The two-day event, organised by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business in collaboration with Zenith Bank Plc, brought together leading investors, policymakers, and business executives from both countries and across Africa. Delegates focused on unlocking opportunities for increased trade and investment in sectors including financial services, infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, and clean technology.

Addressing participants through a message to the conference, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney commended organisers for their efforts in strengthening economic links between Africa and Canada. In his remarks at the event, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, highlighted Nigeria’s growing importance to Canadian business interests and called for renewed efforts to expand partnerships across emerging sectors.

“Nigeria remains an essential partner for Canada in Africa. We see significant potential for growth not only in traditional commodities but also in areas like renewable energy and digital innovation,” Sidhu said.

The conference also featured panel discussions on financing cross-border projects and fostering innovation-driven economies. Stakeholders emphasised that deeper cooperation could unlock new jobs and drive inclusive growth across both countries. Many delegates advocated for regulatory reforms and improved infrastructure to ease business operations between Nigeria and Canadian firms.

The event is expected to lead to new commercial agreements and further boost bilateral ties going forward. Stakeholders will continue engagement after the conference concludes Tuesday, with follow-up meetings planned between government officials and private sector leaders.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-canada-bilateral-trade-hits-3bn/

Move aims to expand access for grassroots coaches; state FAs set to play bigger role in training programmes

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has revealed a new plan to decentralise coaching education across the country, with the goal of making training more accessible to coaches at all levels. Gusau made this announcement on Wednesday, 24 June, during an official engagement in Abuja.

According to Gusau, the NFF intends to move away from a centralised system of organising coaching courses and instead empower state football associations (FAs) to conduct training at the grassroots. This initiative is designed to address long-standing complaints about limited access and high costs that have prevented many aspiring coaches from participating in NFF-accredited programmes.

The NFF president said that decentralisation will allow state FAs to organise coaching courses within their localities, under guidelines and supervision provided by the national body. “We believe that by bringing coaching education closer to the people, we can discover more talent and improve the standard of football in every part of Nigeria,” Gusau stated.

Industry observers note that this marks a significant policy shift for Nigerian football administration. Many grassroots coaches have previously complained about having to travel long distances or pay high fees for certification courses usually held in Abuja or Lagos. The NFF’s new approach is expected to benefit coaches from remote areas and support football development at community level.

While details on implementation timelines are yet to be announced, Gusau assured stakeholders that modalities will soon be communicated through state associations. He urged local FA chairmen to prepare for active involvement in the process, promising that the NFF will provide technical support and ensure uniform standards nationwide.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/890416-nff-to-decentralise-coaching-education-gusau.html