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Manchester City sets new record with fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Manchester City has made history by becoming the first team to reach four consecutive FA Cup Finals, demonstrating their consistent performance in English football. Pep Guardiola's team secured their spot in the final after defeating Southampton on Saturday, establishing a new record in the competition's history. This achievement means Guardiola will manage his 24th game at Wembley in 10 years as Manchester City coach, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. Guardiola commented on the feat, stating that no team in the country's history has achieved four consecutive FA Cup finals. This accomplishment underscores City's sustained success in domestic competitions, with their squad depth and quality enabling them to consistently advance through demanding knockout rounds and reach Wembley.
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The Yoruba One Voice Worldwide YOV, led by Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to unite against the escalating insecurity in the region. This call emerged from a virtual international conference that gathered various Yoruba organizations, community leaders, professionals, intellectuals, and cultural advocates from Nigeria and the diaspora. The South-West region has recently experienced a surge in abductions and other forms of terrorism, including the ongoing hostage situation involving over 40 teachers and pupils in Oyo State. The YOV emphasized that the security of Yorubaland relies on unity of purpose and effective collaboration among all stakeholders, including traditional rulers. Speakers at the conference highlighted the significant deterioration of the security situation, marked by increasing incidents of kidnapping, banditry, violent crimes, killings, and community attacks. The group called for urgent action and demanded collaboration from the Federal Government, South-West governors, security agencies, traditional institutions, and community leaders to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and implement proactive measures. They noted that the escalation of insecurity stems from the failure of authorities to heed early warnings and intelligence reports regarding the infiltration of Yorubaland by criminals. The YOV reiterated calls for the establishment of state and local government police, urging President
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was among political leaders who endorsed the rotational presidency in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Akume, speaking at a World Press Conference in Abuja for Nigeria's 27th Democracy Day anniversary, recalled that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party met in Kaduna to discuss the country's political future, where power rotation was a key topic. He quoted Atiku as being part of the agreement to alternate presidential power between the North and South to address the political consequences of the annulled election and promote national cohesion. Akume's remarks come amidst ongoing debates about power rotation ahead of the 2027 general election, where Atiku, a northerner, is expected to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu, a southerner. Akume described the June 12 annulment as a painful setback, emphasizing that the people's will must always be supreme. He expressed confidence in Nigeria's democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, stating that the country has learned from past events and will not allow a repeat of such an annulment. Akume also highlighted Nigeria's 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule as a testament to its commitment to democratic governance and freedom, including freedom of expression.
Must ReadSchneider Electric has highlighted that persistent power shortages and unreliable electricity supply are significantly impeding manufacturing growth and industrial competitiveness across Africa. The company stated that inadequate energy infrastructure constrains the continent's drive toward industrialization, digital transformation, and regional trade expansion, despite initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area. Ajibola Akindele, General Manager, Anglophone Africa, at Schneider Electric, emphasized that energy is fundamental to development pathways, from industrial growth to digital transformation and urbanization. He noted that nearly 600 million people in Africa lack electricity, with Nigeria alone accounting for over 80 million. This situation is not merely an infrastructure deficit but a productivity ceiling limiting industrial output. Akindele also pointed out a major financing gap, with Africa requiring an estimated $200 billion annually to achieve energy access goals by 2030, while current investments are around $110 billion. He identified the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, alongside the push for industrial localization under AfCFTA, as forces increasing pressure on West Africa's energy systems. Manufacturers in West Africa heavily rely on diesel generators due to grid instability, increasing costs and reducing competitiveness. Akindele argued that addressing the energy challenge requires not only expanding generat