🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Norwegian Football Federation asks FIFA to investigate Trump peace prize
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Norwegian Football Federation NFF announced on Tuesday that it has requested FIFA's ethics committee to investigate the world football governing body's decision to award a peace prize to US President Donald Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural peace prize during the December 6 draw for the 2026 World Cup. Later that month, human rights organization FairSquare filed a complaint with FIFA's ethics committee, alleging that Infantino violated his duty of neutrality by supporting Trump. FIFA has not disclosed the criteria for the peace award, which was given while Trump and his administration were actively seeking the Nobel Peace Prize. NFF President Lise Klaveness stated that the federation acted independently in approaching FIFA's ethics committee, noting that other federations were aware they could sign on if they wished, but the NFF concluded that pressuring others would be unproductive. Infantino has openly pursued close ties with Trump in anticipation of the June 11-July 19 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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Troops from Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, neutralized two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation, which began on July 16 and concluded on July 17, involved troops advancing through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities. During a fierce gun battle, two criminals were killed, and three abducted individuals were rescued: Mr. Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr. Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr. Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA. Other captives reportedly fled during the exchange of gunfire. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle with an optic sight, a pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale device, and two pairs each of desert and woodland camouflage uniforms. Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, commended the troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism, reaffirming his commitment to ridding the Joint Operations Area of criminal elements.
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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, swore in two commissioners, 20 permanent secretaries, and members of the Governing Council of the Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology. A key highlight was the appointment of Melody Omosah as the state's first visually impaired permanent secretary. Governor Okpebholo stated on his official Facebook page that this appointment signifies a historic milestone, emphasizing that ability, competence, and character should define opportunity, not disability. The governor also appointed Martin Oli, a member of the Igbo community, as a commissioner, highlighting his administration's commitment to inclusiveness. Okpebholo reiterated his administration's dedication to building an inclusive government where merit, excellence, and equal opportunity are prioritized over ethnicity, background, or personal connections, and to creating opportunities for all qualified individuals.