🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ekiti Anglican Diocese calls for fair play in 2027 elections and addresses national issues
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Ekiti Anglican Diocese of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion has advocated for a level playing field for all political parties ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need for credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes. This call was part of a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Third Session of the Diocese’s 20th Synod, held in Ado Ekiti, with the theme ‘Children are the heritage of God.’ The communiqué, signed by drafting committee chairman Taiwo Olatunbosun and Secretary Emmanuel Ojo, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain impartial and ensure all lawful votes are counted, while also calling on anti-graft agencies to combat electoral malpractice. The Synod commended the Federal Government's anti-corruption efforts but requested intensification without bias, recommending transparent reinvestment of funds saved from fuel subsidy removal to alleviate citizens' suffering. Expressing concern over persistent violence, particularly in Northern Nigeria, the Synod urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts and adopt enhanced collaborative strategies to address security challenges. It also welcomed international cooperation, specifically with the United States, in training Nigerian security forces in intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations. The Diocese highlighted the importance of youth development and encouraged greater participation of Christian youths in politics, calling on public off
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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.
A viral photograph showing Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal, initially dismissed by many as AI-generated, has been confirmed as authentic. The image, taken in 2007 during a charity photo shoot for a Barcelona Foundation and SPORT calendar to raise funds for UNICEF, resurfaced in 2024. Photographer Joan Monfort captured the photo, which features a 19-year-old Messi with a three-month-old Yamal. Oriol Canals, then in SPORT's marketing department, recalled the challenges of producing the calendar. Yamal's family participated in a UNICEF community project and won a raffle for their newborn to be photographed with a Barcelona player, leading to the pairing with Messi. The photo shoot, lasting about 30 minutes, took place at Camp Nou. Canals noted Messi's initial stiffness holding a baby, while Monfort described the teenage Messi as shy. The image gained significant attention when Yamal's father shared it on social media in 2024, just before Yamal helped Spain win UEFA EURO 2024. Both Monfort and Canals expressed amazement at the photo's renewed relevance. UNICEF has also confirmed the photo's authenticity, highlighting that both Messi, a Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, and Yamal, who became one last month, champion children's rights. Messi and Yamal are now set to face each other in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Argentina playing Spain.
England and France will compete in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday. This match holds significance beyond the bronze medal, including the Golden Boot race and marking the end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as France coach. The game at Miami Stadium will be their first encounter since France's 2-1 victory in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. Both teams experienced semi-final defeats, with France losing 2-0 to Spain and England falling 2-1 to Argentina. Kylian Mbappé of France and Lionel Messi are tied with eight goals each in the Golden Boot race, while England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six goals apiece. France will be without defender William Saliba due to injury, with Maxence Lacroix expected to start. Theo Hernández will replace Lucas Digne at left-back, and Warren Zaïre-Emery and Rayan Cherki are anticipated to join the starting lineup. England faces injury concerns with Reece James and Jordan Henderson unavailable. Jude Bellingham's availability is uncertain pending a FIFA disciplinary decision, while Morgan Rogers and Kobbie Mainoo could make their first appearances. This will be Deschamps' final game as coach, having led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final. A win would secure England's best-ever third-place finish, while France aims to maintain a perfect record in bronze-medal matches.