🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Global interest surges for Okpekpe International 10km Road Race
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The 11th Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, scheduled for May 23, 2026, is experiencing a significant increase in global interest, with numerous participation requests from elite athletes across Africa and Europe. The World Athletics Gold Label race, considered Nigeria’s premier road-running competition, has attracted particular attention from Kenya, Ethiopia, and European competitors. Race director Zack Amodu noted a high volume of applications, with athletes persistently seeking confirmation after online registration. However, he explained that organizers face limitations due to global athletics regulations, which prohibit direct dealings with elite athletes who do not have managers. To maintain the race's Gold Label status, organizers prioritize top-tier athletes, adhering to strict selection criteria and international standards. The Okpekpe race, the first road race in West Africa to achieve label status in 2015, is one of only two Gold Label 10km races on the continent this year. World Athletics technical delegate Norrie Williamson has praised the event's unique course and high organizational standards. Former Edo State governor and current senator Adams Oshiomhole, who was instrumental in developing the race's infrastructure, continues to support the event, sharing his personal fitness preparations for the hilly course. Organizers have also extended the registration window for Nigerian athletes until early next month to encourage broader domestic participation, parti
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Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and publisher, has rejected calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from the 2027 presidential race. Momodu described the campaign against Atiku as “unbridled chicanery” in response to activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, who argued that Atiku's projected age of 80 by 2027 made him unfit for the presidency. Momodu stated on X that those targeting Atiku should instead focus on holding the ruling government accountable. He cited several global leaders, including former United States Presidents Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Bernie Sanders, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President Muhammadu Buhari, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and Liberian President Joseph Boakai, as examples of individuals who served effectively at an advanced age. Idris had previously released a video urging Atiku's allies to persuade him to withdraw, claiming that Nigeria's challenges require different energy and that no young Nigerian would vote for an 80-year-old candidate. Idris also suggested Atiku should act as an elder statesman by uniting younger contenders like Peter Obi and former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Atiku, who lost to President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, is reportedly considering the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket for 2027.
Must ReadA CNN investigation has uncovered online spaces where men allegedly exchange advice and materials on how to sexually abuse women, described by experts and lawmakers as an "online rape academy." These networks operate across websites and encrypted messaging platforms, with members reportedly sharing tips on how to drug women, often their partners, and carry out assaults without their knowledge. Some groups, including chatrooms on Telegram, encouraged users to upload videos of assaults and discuss methods to evade detection. The investigation links these communities to past criminal cases, including one in France where a man was accused of repeatedly drugging his wife and facilitating her assault by others. While some individuals connected to these networks have been identified, arrested, and convicted, enforcement remains challenging due to anonymity, encrypted platforms, and underreporting of drug-facilitated sexual abuse. Tech companies, including Telegram, have stated they are taking steps to address the issue, with some exposed groups being shut down. Experts highlight this as a growing global concern regarding the misuse of digital platforms for sexual violence, prompting calls from lawmakers and advocacy groups for stronger regulations, improved monitoring, and closer collaboration between tech companies and law enforcement.
The Lagos State Government has deployed 1,710 public toilets across the state and is urging filling stations, banks, and other businesses to make their restrooms accessible to the general public. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation and improve public sanitation. Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab stated that these facilities are strategically located for residents and visitors. He emphasized that the government cannot address this challenge alone and called for a collaborative approach from public-facing businesses to expand access to sanitation facilities. The government is also enforcing environmental sanitation laws, with individuals caught engaging in open defecation being arrested and prosecuted. These measures aim to protect public health, preserve dignity, and maintain a cleaner environment, with Wahab stressing that access to sanitation is a shared responsibility between the government, residents, and businesses.
The National Broadcasting Commission NBC has expressed concern over a rise in unprofessional conduct among broadcast anchors and presenters, cautioning that violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will lead to sanctions as the 2027 general elections draw near. In a statement released on Friday, the NBC noted a "disturbing departure from the core principles of broadcast journalism," with presenters increasingly breaching ethical standards of fairness, balance, and neutrality. This includes presenters stating personal opinions as facts, failing to provide equal representation for opposing viewpoints, and allowing inflammatory or divisive content on programs. The commission emphasized that such actions violate code provisions requiring accuracy, professionalism, and responsible conduct. Any anchor found to have "expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views" will be considered to have committed a Class B breach. The NBC highlighted that editorial responsibility lies solely with broadcasters. The commission also noted the misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors to air content that could incite disorder, spread hate speech, and undermine national unity. The NBC stated it would enforce "strict and uncompromised compliance" with all code provisions, warning that "inflammatory, divisive, or unsubstantiated broadcasts will attract regulatory sanctions." As the country approaches a critical electoral period, t