
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has scheduled national trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games from June 20 to 22 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos. The federation has also released qualification standards for athletes. The three-day event will include 32 track and field events for both men and women. Participation in the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m, and 400m events is restricted to athletes who have met prescribed qualifying standards between April and June 2026, while other track and field events are open. For Nigeria-based athletes, the 100m qualifying standard is 10.60s for men and 11.55s for women. The 200m standard is 21.85s for men and 23.75s for women, and the 400m standards are 48.50s for men and 54.50s for women. For foreign-based athletes, the 100m qualifying standard is 10.05s for men and 11.17s for women. The 200m standard is 20.48s for men and 22.60s for women, and the 400m standards are 45.50s for men and 51.30s for women. The AFN stated that this arrangement ensures top-form athletes compete in sprint events while maintaining broad participation in other disciplines. Accommodation will be provided for athletes who meet the required standards, and a list of qualified athletes is expected soon. AFN President Tonobok Okowa acknowledged the National Sports Commission's support for the federation and Nigerian athletes.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
BreakingKuwait reported that Iran struck another of its power and water plants, leading to the deactivation of several power generation units. This marks the second such attack in as many days, with the first occurring on Friday. Kuwait's fire service stated that Saturday's attacks caused fires at two locations, injuring several firefighters and a worker. The country's national carrier rescheduled most flights due to the temporary suspension of air traffic at Kuwait International Airport, attributed to rocket and drone attacks. Concurrently, Bahrain's army announced its air defenses repelled a wave of Iranian attacks, with an AFP journalist in Manama reporting blasts after sirens. Bahrain's interior ministry confirmed five air-raid sirens since dawn, advising residents to seek shelter. The Iranian army previously stated it targeted a US-used air base in Bahrain in retaliation for American strikes, according to Iran's state broadcaster, specifying drones targeted aircraft shelters, parking areas, fuel storage tanks, and connecting bridges at Sheikh Isa Air Base.

The Jigawa State Government has adopted a digital revenue collection platform to automate collections in the informal sector, aiming to improve transparency, enhance accountability, and curb revenue leakages. Developed by eTranzact International Plc, the platform was unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement and capacity-building program organized with the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service in Dutse. It is designed to digitize revenue collection across livestock markets, grain markets, haulage operations, and other informal sector activities, replacing manual processes with an automated electronic payment system. Over 90 revenue collectors, market leaders, and other key stakeholders received training on its operation. Gabriel Essien, Deputy General Manager and Group Head, Public Sector Division States at eTranzact International, stated that the platform provides real-time transaction monitoring, eliminates revenue leakages, and offers accurate data for informed decision-making. He explained that it integrates multiple digital payment channels, including mobile wallets and Point-of-Sale terminals, ensuring all payments are electronically tracked and remitted directly into designated government accounts. Nwabueze Ugwu, Regional Manager, Northwest, eTranzact International, noted that the solution provides end-to-end automation, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening accountability. Dr. Nasir Sabo-Idris, Executive Chairman of the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service, said th
Must ReadDaniel Bwala, a presidential aide, stated on The Link Up Podcast that a rivalry between the Nigerian Army and the Air Force during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration led to troops being denied air cover during operations. Bwala claimed that a disagreement between the Chief of Air Staff and Army leadership meant requests for air support were sometimes ignored, a situation he says has since been resolved. He made these comments while dismissing suggestions that the military was infiltrated by elements sympathetic to terrorist groups, though he conceded that isolated cases of infiltration could not be ruled out. Bwala also linked broader security concerns to foreign interference, alleging an international dimension to Nigeria's insurgency, including pro-Russian demonstrations in northern Nigeria. He referenced an unverified claim by US Congressman Scott Perry that the CIA had funded Boko Haram and ISIS. Additionally, Bwala rated the performance of the Tinubu administration highly, citing improvements in foreign reserves and revenue.