Nigeria News (Standard)
FIFA Urged to Probe VAR Official Over Alleged ‘White Power’ Gesture at World Cup in Houston
Fare Network calls for urgent investigation as Australian official Shaun Evans makes controversial hand sign during Germany vs Curaçao match
Fare Network calls for urgent investigation as Australian official Shaun Evans makes controversial hand sign during Germany vs Curaçao match
Global football body FIFA has come under renewed pressure to address allegations of racism after the Fare network, a long-standing anti-discrimination partner, demanded an investigation into a video assistant referee (VAR) official accused of displaying a ‘white power’ gesture during a World Cup match in Houston, Texas, on Sunday. The incident involved Australian official Shaun Evans, who was captured on live broadcast making an upside-down ‘okay’ hand sign as cameras focused on the VAR team before the Germany versus Curaçao fixture.
According to reports, the gesture—formed by touching the thumb and forefinger in a circle while extending the other fingers—has been officially classified as a hate symbol since 2019 by the Anti-Defamation League based in New York. Fare network, which works closely with FIFA and UEFA to monitor racist conduct at international matches, described the sign as neo-Nazi in nature and called on football authorities to act swiftly.
The issue has sparked serious concern among Nigerian fans and stakeholders who have repeatedly criticised international football bodies for not doing enough to tackle racism in the sport. Many recall previous incidents at both club and international levels where racist gestures or chants were either ignored or met with minimal sanctions. As at Sunday, the controversy threatens to overshadow ongoing World Cup fixtures and raise questions about FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity.
In its statement, Fare network said: “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside-down ‘okay’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ sign by far-right extremists.” The group urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to launch a thorough inquiry into Evans’ actions and ensure that clear guidelines are enforced for all officials. No response had been issued by FIFA or Evans himself as at press time.
Observers say this latest episode underscores the need for more robust anti-discrimination protocols within global football. Stakeholders expect FIFA to clarify its position and take decisive steps if wrongdoing is confirmed. The outcome of this investigation may influence how future incidents are handled across all competitions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Orders Enhanced Security at NIPSS After Fatal Jos Attack
Presidency moves to tighten protection at Kuru campus following deadly assault; security agencies launch investigation
Presidency moves to tighten protection at Kuru campus following deadly assault; security agencies launch investigation
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to reinforce measures at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, after a fatal attack claimed lives on the institute’s premises. The directive was issued on Friday, 19 June 2026, amid rising concern over safety at Nigeria’s top policy training institution.
According to presidency sources, the order came in response to a recent incident in which armed men breached the NIPSS campus, resulting in casualties among staff and visitors. Security operatives have since been deployed to bolster defences around the institute’s facility, with investigations underway to identify those responsible for the assault.
The attack has heightened anxiety within Plateau State and across Nigeria’s academic community, as NIPSS serves as a key centre for strategic government policy research and leadership development. The incident also raises fresh questions about persistent insecurity in North-Central Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups continue despite ongoing military operations.
A statement from the presidency reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding national institutions and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice. “Government is treating this incident with utmost seriousness,” the statement read. “All necessary resources have been mobilised to protect lives and restore confidence at NIPSS.” Security agencies in Plateau State have launched an investigation but had yet to release further details as at press time.
While opposition figures are yet to issue a formal response, some policy experts called for broader reforms of campus security nationwide. The presidency said it will review existing protocols at federal institutions. Further updates are expected once preliminary findings from security operatives become available.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Experts at Abuja Summit Urge Full Adoption of Green Economy in Nigeria by 2026
Stakeholders at NEST conference highlight urgent need for sustainable policies as Nigeria faces mounting environmental challenges
Stakeholders at NEST conference highlight urgent need for sustainable policies as Nigeria faces mounting environmental challenges
Environmental experts and policymakers have called for the urgent implementation of a comprehensive green economy strategy across Nigeria, citing the country’s rising environmental and economic risks. The call was made on Friday, 19 June 2026, during the National Environmental Summit and Technology (NEST) conference held in Abuja.
Participants at the summit emphasised that a shift towards a green economy is vital if Nigeria hopes to address pressing issues such as deforestation, pollution, and over-reliance on fossil fuels. The event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, academia, and civil society organisations to deliberate on practical measures that could accelerate the nation’s transition to sustainable development models.
Nigeria continues to face significant environmental challenges linked to unchecked urbanisation and industrial activities. Experts at the summit noted that these issues have direct implications for public health, food security, and economic stability. They argued that adopting green economy principles—such as investing in renewable energy, promoting waste recycling, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations—would help create new jobs and safeguard natural resources for future generations.
During panel discussions, participants called on federal and state governments to prioritise policy reforms that would incentivise investment in clean technologies. They also urged the National Assembly to expedite passage of pending bills aimed at strengthening environmental governance. “There is an urgent need for robust collaboration between all sectors if we are serious about tackling climate change and building resilience into our economy,” one speaker said during the plenary session.
The conference concluded with a communique outlining recommendations for government action ahead of NEST 2027. Stakeholders expressed optimism that with committed leadership and public support, Nigeria can position itself as a regional leader in green innovation while meeting its international climate obligations.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Jails Terrorist Kingpin’s Mother, Sister for 20 Years Each over Terror Charges
Landmark judgement comes as government intensifies crackdown on terrorism; human rights groups call for due process
Landmark judgement comes as government intensifies crackdown on terrorism; human rights groups call for due process
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday sentenced the mother and sister of a notorious terrorist kingpin to 20 years imprisonment each after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences. The court delivered its verdict on 19 June, following a lengthy trial that drew national attention to ongoing anti-terrorism efforts in Nigeria.
According to court proceedings, both women were convicted for their roles in supporting the operations of their relative, identified by authorities as a major figure in organised terrorist activities across the country. The prosecution presented evidence indicating that the duo provided material assistance and facilitated communication for the kingpin, actions which the judge ruled violated Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
This development marks one of the stiffest sentences handed down to family members of suspected terrorists in recent years, underlining government’s resolve to dismantle support networks aiding criminal groups. Security experts say such convictions are rare but could serve as a warning to individuals enabling terrorism either directly or indirectly.
While government officials have welcomed the court’s decision, some human rights organisations have urged authorities to ensure all suspects receive fair hearings and that convictions are based strictly on evidence. A spokesperson for one advocacy group stated that respect for due process remains vital in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
With this judgement, security agencies are expected to intensify investigations into other suspected collaborators linked to armed groups operating within and outside Nigeria. Legal analysts note that future cases may test how far courts are willing to go in prosecuting those who aid or abet terrorist activities.
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