Nigeria News (Standard)
AFN Warns U.S. Coach Shaver Over Favour Ofili’s Non-Participation at Lagos Trials
Federation disputes Shaver’s claim as athlete’s blocked switch to Turkey sparks fresh controversy in Nigerian athletics
Federation disputes Shaver’s claim as athlete’s blocked switch to Turkey sparks fresh controversy in Nigerian athletics
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has cautioned American coach Dennis Shaver against making statements they say could mislead Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, following her absence at the ongoing National Commonwealth Games Trials holding at YABATECH, Lagos, which conclude today. Shaver had recently announced that Ofili would not compete at the trials, a claim the AFN disputes amid ongoing debate over her eligibility for Team Nigeria.
Ofili, who hails from Delta State, was reportedly listed for a sprint event that would have seen her join Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July. However, her competitive future became unclear after she attempted to switch nationality to Turkey earlier in the year—a move blocked by World Athletics over concerns about international competition integrity.
The athlete’s failed application followed a turbulent period marked by her exclusion from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and alleged issues with her registration for the women’s 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. These frustrations led Ofili to request a change of allegiance last year, but World Athletics’ intervention has left her status unresolved and sparked speculation about a possible return to Team Nigeria.
Reacting online, Coach Dennis Shaver stated: “Favour has not and will not be competing or entering the Nigerian Commonwealth Games Trials,” in response to reports linking Ofili to events in Lagos. The AFN, however, insisted that misleading public statements could jeopardise both the athlete’s career and Nigeria’s preparations for major competitions.
With selection for Glasgow imminent and questions over athlete allegiance lingering, stakeholders in Nigerian athletics are calling for clarity from all parties involved. The AFN is expected to issue further guidance on Ofili’s eligibility as it seeks to finalise Team Nigeria’s contingent ahead of international commitments.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/stop-misleading-favour-ofili-afn-tells-u-s-coach-shaver/
Nigeria News (Standard)
NBS, ARCN Sign Deal to Boost Agricultural Research Data System in Abuja
Partnership aims to improve accuracy of Nigeria’s agricultural data for policy planning and sector development
Partnership aims to improve accuracy of Nigeria’s agricultural data for policy planning and sector development
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) have entered into a formal agreement in Abuja to strengthen the country’s agricultural research data system. The signing, which took place on Tuesday, is expected to enhance the quality and reliability of statistics used for policy formulation and sectoral planning across Nigeria.
According to details provided at the event, both agencies agreed to collaborate on data collection, management, and dissemination in order to address gaps that have previously hampered effective decision-making in the agricultural sector. The initiative is designed to ensure that critical information on crop production, livestock, and other key indicators is systematically gathered and made accessible to stakeholders at federal and state levels.
This collaboration comes as the federal government intensifies efforts to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth. With agriculture employing millions of Nigerians—particularly in rural communities—officials say that robust data is crucial for targeting interventions, monitoring progress, and attracting investment into the sector.
The NBS Director-General and his ARCN counterpart noted during the signing that improved data would support evidence-based policies and help Nigeria achieve food security goals. They called on other agencies and private sector players to support this move towards more transparent and reliable information flows in agriculture.
Implementation of the new agreement will commence with joint training sessions for staff of both agencies, followed by a harmonisation of existing datasets. Stakeholders are optimistic that this partnership will lead to better tracking of sector performance and facilitate informed decisions by government, researchers, and investors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Unveils New Policies to Boost LPG Supply, Address Surging Cooking Gas Prices Nationwide
Measures come as households face record-high costs; oil and gas stakeholders urged to support implementation
Measures come as households face record-high costs; oil and gas stakeholders urged to support implementation
The federal government on Tuesday announced a raft of policy interventions aimed at increasing the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly called cooking gas, in a bid to address the persistent rise in prices affecting millions of Nigerian households. The new measures were unveiled in Abuja as part of efforts to stabilise the domestic LPG market.
Officials disclosed that the interventions would focus on improving logistics for local producers, encouraging investment in infrastructure, and streamlining regulatory processes that have contributed to bottlenecks within the sector. The move comes amid complaints from consumers across Lagos, Rivers, Kano, and other states that the price of cooking gas has more than doubled over the past year, placing additional strain on household budgets.
Rising LPG prices have become a major concern for Nigerians, with data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing average prices climbing to unprecedented levels in recent months. Industry experts point to factors such as foreign exchange volatility, high transportation costs, and inadequate storage facilities as key drivers of the hike. The government said it is working closely with oil marketers and depot owners to ensure increased product availability and check arbitrary price increases at retail outlets.
A senior official from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources stated that “government is committed to making cooking gas affordable for all Nigerians”. The official added that regulatory agencies would intensify monitoring activities at filling plants and depots nationwide to forestall hoarding and profiteering. Stakeholders in the oil and gas industry have been urged to support these reforms by investing in new terminals and expanding existing supply chains.
Government indicated that further consultations would be held with state governments and private sector operators to fine-tune implementation strategies. The aim is to guarantee long-term stability in LPG supply while protecting consumers from future price shocks. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the latest measures.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Bandits Kill Nine Farmers in Fresh Attack on Kaduna Community
Local residents say incident occurred on Tuesday as security agencies intensify patrols in Giwa LGA after recent violence
Local residents say incident occurred on Tuesday as security agencies intensify patrols in Giwa LGA after recent violence
Nine farmers have been killed by armed men in a renewed attack on a rural community in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria. The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday, June 23, in Giwa Local Government Area, where a series of violent raids have disrupted farming activities this rainy season.
According to local accounts, the bandits invaded the area in the early hours while residents were working on their farmlands. The assailants opened fire indiscriminately, leading to the deaths of at least nine people before fleeing into nearby bushland. Several villagers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at local health centres.
Kaduna has witnessed a surge in attacks targeting farming communities, especially during planting and harvest periods. Analysts say such violence threatens food production and worsens insecurity across the North-West geopolitical zone. Many residents have abandoned their farmlands due to fear, while others call for increased government intervention.
Security agencies are yet to release an official statement on the latest killings. However, local vigilance groups told reporters they are working with police and military patrols to search for the attackers and prevent further incidents. Community leaders also urged authorities to reinforce deployments in Giwa LGA and support affected families.
The Kaduna State government has repeatedly condemned these attacks and assured residents of ongoing efforts to restore peace. As at press time, no arrests had been made in connection with Tuesday’s incident.
NBS, ARCN Sign Deal to Boost Agricultural Research Data System in Abuja
Federal Government Unveils New Policies to Boost LPG Supply, Address Surging Cooking Gas Prices Nationwide
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