
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressed disappointment regarding the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road in Abuja, Wike urged former team captain Joseph Yobo, who was present, to convey Nigerians' frustration to the players. Wike noted that many Nigerians are unhappy the country missed the expanded 48-team World Cup, especially as nations with less football pedigree qualified. He highlighted the pain of watching the World Cup without Nigeria's participation, despite numerous Nigerian players competing in top leagues globally. Wike emphasized that Nigeria's absence was particularly disheartening given the tournament's expansion and the Super Eagles' elimination in the qualifying playoffs after losing to Congo on penalties.
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Nigeria's Federal Government has announced the discovery of a significant polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State, containing platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that this discovery, verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, is a major development for the country's mining industry and could enhance its position in the global critical minerals market. The announcement was made at the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026 in Abuja, where Alake highlighted the government's reforms to reposition mining as a key contributor to economic growth. These reforms include attracting investment, encouraging local processing, and boosting government revenues, moving away from raw mineral exports towards value-added processing. Alake noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu views the solid minerals sector as a strategic pillar for economic diversification. He also mentioned a significant increase in government revenues from the mining sector, rising from approximately N6 billion before the current administration to over N38 billion in 2024 and exceeding N70 billion by the end of 2025. Concurrently, Steron Mining and Company Limited unveiled an estimated 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves at its Abuja mining site during a tour for summit delegates. The company's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abu Omar, explaine
Must ReadAgunechemba operatives, a security outfit in Anambra State, dislodged a terror group's camp in Aguata Local Government Area, killing three individuals and injuring several others. The operation, conducted on Tuesday night, led to the recovery of a Rocket-Propelled Grenade, AK-47 rifles, other weaponry, the gang's white Hilux van, charms, and other items. According to Nweke Nweke, Media and Publicity Secretary for Agunechemba, this gang had previously attacked the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Ben Nwankwo, on June 2, resulting in four casualties, including two police officers and two civilians. The attack occurred along the Amansea鈥揘diora鈥揘diukwuenu鈥揂wa鈥揢fuma Road in Orumba South Local Area. Agunechemba operatives, in partnership with the police, raided the camp after intelligence gathering. The gang, which reportedly masqueraded in Federal Government security uniforms, was also involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and abduction in the Anambra South Senatorial District. Prince Ken Emekayi, the Governor鈥檚 Special Adviser on Community Security, Sylvester Ofodeme, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Internal Security, and Chief Chinenye Ihenko, Head of Operations of Agunechemba, highlighted the operation as a significant triumph for Anambra's security forces.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Senate is conducting a manual, clause-by-clause vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police forces. This legislative action is part of ongoing efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution and aims to decentralize policing, addressing concerns about insecurity nationwide. Prominent officials, including Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, were present to observe the proceedings. If approved by the National Assembly and a sufficient number of state Houses of Assembly, this amendment would allow for state-controlled police forces to operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force. The Senate's consideration of this bill follows increasing calls for policing reforms and greater involvement of subnational governments in national security.