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Dele Momodu urges youth involvement in 2027 elections, describes presidential poll as 'war
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Chief Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, encouraged Nigerian youth to actively participate in the upcoming general elections, particularly the presidential poll, which he described as a "war" due to the winner-takes-all nature of Nigerian politics. Speaking at Obafemi Awolowo University OAU in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during a 'Reading Time' event for Library Week, Momodu advised a practical approach to politics, stating that the Nigerian president holds significant power, controlling the judiciary, legislature, and various demographics. He also reflected on his decision not to work with President Bola Tinubu, despite their past association, attributing it to his contentment and the values he learned at OAU. Momodu, who was a guest reader, recalled his student days and emphasized that his choices were not driven by financial gain, noting that if money were his motivation, he would have joined the ruling All Progressives Congress. OAU Librarian, Dr. Adebimpe Fadehan, highlighted the 'Reading Time' event as a key part of Library Week, aiming to promote reading and provide a space for engagement with written words. The PUNCH reported on uncertainties regarding the participation of some political parties in the 2027 elections due to leadership crises, which could impact their ability to field candidates, with the African Democratic Congress and the People’s Democratic Party awaiting Supreme Court decisions on internal disputes.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Chelsea winger Estevao Willian, 18, sustained a hamstring injury during the club's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, potentially jeopardizing his involvement in this summer's World Cup. Medical scans confirmed a hamstring strain, ruling him out for the remainder of Chelsea's season. This setback follows previous muscle issues for the player. Estevao had been a regular part of the Brazil national football team's preparations for the World Cup, which begins for Brazil on June 13 against the Moroccan national football team. While sources close to the player are optimistic about his recovery, his match fitness remains a concern. Despite the injury, Estevao has had a promising debut season at Chelsea, recording eight goals and four assists in 36 appearances.
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The Federal Government of Nigeria plans to waive debts owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies, a measure announced by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo. This intervention follows a high-level meeting in Abuja to address the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel. Keyamo stated that President Tinubu mandated a request for a generous discount on debts owed to agencies like NAMA, FAAN, and NCAA, expressing appreciation to airline operators for not increasing prices despite the challenges. The President will also consider establishing a committee to review and potentially reduce levies, taxes, and fees on domestic tickets, aiming to provide relief to Nigerian travelers. Additionally, a one-on-one meeting between the President and airline operators is planned for broader discussions on access to capital. Allen Onyema, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, attributed the crisis to the disproportionate increase in Jet A1 fuel prices, noting a 300 percent rise in Nigeria compared to a 20 percent global increase after the Hormuz blockade. He emphasized that airlines were "bleeding" and had threatened to shut down due to unsustainable fuel costs, but suspended the action after appeals from the Minister. Onyema called for a total waiver of all debts and a suspension of further payments until the Hormuz situation stabilizes. He also highlighted the high cost of funding acquisition for airlines in Nigeria, urging the government to fund the Bank of Industry