Nigeria News (Standard)
Osun Governor Adeleke Escapes Injury as Podium Collapses During Ijebu-Jesa Rally
State officials say event continued after brief scare; incident highlights concerns over crowd management at political gatherings
State officials say event continued after brief scare; incident highlights concerns over crowd management at political gatherings
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State narrowly avoided injury on Wednesday when a podium collapsed during a political rally in Ijebu-Jesa, Obokun Local Government Area. The incident occurred as the governor, his deputy, and other top officials were present for the inauguration of Imole canvassers for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. No casualties were reported, and the event later resumed.
Eyewitnesses said the collapse happened shortly after musical performances ended, just as the anchor was set to introduce the next item on the programme. Video footage widely circulated online showed dignitaries seated on the platform when it suddenly gave way, prompting security personnel and aides to swiftly evacuate those affected. Among those on stage were Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, and Imole Campaign Council spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi.
The incident temporarily disrupted proceedings and triggered panic among attendees. A source familiar with the arrangements suggested that the large turnout at the venue may have contributed to the structural failure. Despite initial fears, neither Governor Adeleke nor any official sustained injuries. The rally continued after a short delay, with Adeleke addressing supporters before proceeding to another engagement in Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
Reacting to concerns raised by supporters and opposition figures about safety at public events, Osun State government officials played down the incident. They maintained that there was no cause for alarm as no one was hurt. Stage collapses have previously occurred at political rallies and entertainment shows across Nigeria, often prompting debate over crowd control and construction standards for temporary installations.
Adeleke, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022, has intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of future polls in Osun’s South-West zone. The inauguration of Imole canvassers forms part of ongoing efforts by PDP stakeholders to consolidate support at constituency level. While Wednesday’s event ended without casualties, observers say it underscores the need for improved safety measures at large political gatherings.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Portugal Coach Martinez Explains Ronaldo Substitution in Abuja Friendly Against Super Eagles
Manager says decision to remove star forward during match was tactical, not due to injury concerns
Manager says decision to remove star forward during match was tactical, not due to injury concerns
Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, has clarified his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo during the international friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Thursday. The match saw both teams fielding strong line-ups as they prepared for upcoming continental fixtures.
Martinez made the substitution in the second half, a move that raised eyebrows among fans at the stadium and viewers across Nigeria. The coach stated that his choice was purely tactical, aiming to test different formations and give other squad members an opportunity to impress ahead of Portugal’s competitive fixtures.
The friendly between Portugal and Nigeria is part of both teams’ build-up for their respective continental engagements, with the Super Eagles preparing for AFCON qualifiers. Ronaldo’s presence attracted significant attention from local supporters, underscoring his status as one of world football’s most recognisable players.
Coach Martinez addressed reporters after the game, stressing that Ronaldo had no fitness concerns and was withdrawn to allow the technical crew assess other options. “We needed to see how different players react in certain situations,” he said. The coach added that such substitutions are standard practice during preparatory matches.
With both teams set to return to competitive action soon, Martinez assured that Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s plans. Nigerian football fans will be watching closely as the Super Eagles continue their preparations for their next crucial qualifiers.
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Tells Abuja Court Ethiopian Airlines Jet Was Used for Nigeria Air Unveiling in Sirika Fraud Case
Investigators say aircraft bore Nigeria Air branding for three days before return to Ethiopia; all accused deny allegations
Investigators say aircraft bore Nigeria Air branding for three days before return to Ethiopia; all accused deny allegations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday told an FCT High Court in Abuja that an Ethiopian Airlines plane was used for the public unveiling of Nigeria Air during the final days of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika’s tenure. The revelation came as part of ongoing trial proceedings against Sirika and three others accused of contract fraud linked to the national carrier project.
According to EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin, who appeared as the agency’s twelfth prosecution witness, the aircraft arrived in Abuja on 27 May 2023 and was displayed with Nigeria Air branding until 29 May. Odofin testified that the plane was quickly flown back to Ethiopia after the ceremony, where its markings were removed. He said this arrangement was made under a charter agreement with Ethiopian Airlines for display purposes only, adding that crew members wore Ethiopian Airlines uniforms and local participants were assembled for photographs at the unveiling.
The EFCC maintains that this arrangement forms part of a broader probe into how multiple contracts were awarded under Sirika’s watch at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, specifically targeting decisions around the Nigeria Air initiative. The commission alleges that a company tied to one of Sirika’s associates benefited from these awards. Investigators said they have reviewed electronic communications, including a voice note allegedly sent by Sirika himself, instructing certain contract processes.
Sirika and his co-defendants, which include his daughter and son-in-law, have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Justice Sylvanus Oriji adjourned further hearings in the case to 10 June. During proceedings, EFCC tendered both documentary evidence and digital recordings it plans to rely on as trial continues.
The Nigeria Air project was unveiled at the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as a flagship attempt to revive a national carrier. However, questions soon emerged about compliance with aviation certification requirements after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority highlighted gaps in readiness. The EFCC has also initiated separate legal action against Sirika in another Abuja court over additional alleged contract fraud.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-air-efcc-sirika-ethiopian-plane-trial-2026061116042611645
Nigeria News (Standard)
UEFA Appoints Omar Artan to Officiate Super Cup After World Cup Snub
Referee’s selection for European showpiece follows exclusion from last World Cup, raising questions about officiating standards
Referee’s selection for European showpiece follows exclusion from last World Cup, raising questions about officiating standards
UEFA has appointed Omar Artan as the lead referee for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup, marking a return to high-profile duty for the official who was omitted from the last FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made on Thursday by UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
Artan, who was not selected among the officials for the recent World Cup tournament, will now take charge of one of Europe’s most prestigious club fixtures. The Super Cup pits the winners of the UEFA Champions League against the Europa League champions and is scheduled to hold later this summer at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue.
His appointment comes after widespread debate within football circles over officiating standards at global tournaments. Many observers had noted Artan’s absence from the World Cup referees’ list and questioned FIFA’s criteria for selection. UEFA’s decision to entrust him with the Super Cup is seen by some analysts as a move to reaffirm confidence in his abilities on the big stage.
While neither FIFA nor UEFA has issued public statements explaining Artan’s omission from the World Cup panel, sources within European football suggest that internal assessments and continental priorities played a role. The latest development signals UEFA’s intention to keep top referees active in high-stakes matches despite global selection dynamics.
The football world will watch closely as Artan takes charge of the Super Cup encounter, with many expecting his performance to influence future appointments at both continental and international levels.
Portugal Coach Martinez Explains Ronaldo Substitution in Abuja Friendly Against Super Eagles
Gọvanmentị Federal Kwupụtara Fraịdee Juun 12 Dịka Ezumike Ọha Maka Emume Democracy Day
EFCC Tells Abuja Court Ethiopian Airlines Jet Was Used for Nigeria Air Unveiling in Sirika Fraud Case
UEFA Appoints Omar Artan to Officiate Super Cup After World Cup Snub
Super Eagles Ranked Second-Highest Among Teams Missing 2026 FIFA World Cup
Super Eagles Hold Firm at 26th in FIFA Rankings Despite World Cup Absence
Senate Orders Arrest of Bandits Flaunting ₦100m Cash on TikTok in Kogi
Access Holdings Appoints Managing Directors for Two Key Subsidiaries in Lagos
Federal Government Declares Friday Public Holiday for Democracy Day Celebration
Ex-NNPCL Boss Kyari Challenges Senate Arrest Warrant Over Absence at Abuja Hearing
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
House of Representatives Sets Thursday Vote on State Police Proposal
