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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun screened for Ogun East Senatorial District race
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was screened by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress on Friday for the party’s primaries for the Ogun East Senatorial District. This information was shared in a Facebook post by Emmanuel Ojo, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun Governor on New Media. The screening, conducted by the APC NWC Screening Committee at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, is part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. Abiodun stated that his aspiration is driven by a desire to deepen development and effective representation for Ogun East, reaffirming his commitment to quality representation, grassroots development, economic growth, and sustained progress. He also expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for their support and commitment to the APC's ideals. The screening is an internal APC procedure to vet aspirants for elective positions. Abiodun assured the committee of his readiness to serve with responsibility, experience, and integrity. His screening follows his adoption as a consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial race during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where party leaders, including former Senator Lekan Mustapha, backed him. Abiodun had previously submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, indicating his intention to transition to the legislative arm of government after his current tenure. He has stated his administration will
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The Nigerian equities market experienced a strong rebound, gaining N1.518 trillion after several consecutive sessions of losses. The NGX All-Share Index increased by 0.97 percent, closing at 238,219.19 points, and market capitalization rose to N152.845 trillion. This upturn was primarily driven by price appreciation in large and medium-capitalized stocks, including MTN Nigeria Communications, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, Zenith Bank, FBN Holdings, and Lafarge Africa. Despite the overall market gain, market breadth was negative, with 35 declining stocks outnumbering 17 advancing stocks. FBN Holdings and GTCO were among the top gainers, each rising by 10 percent. Conversely, FTN Cocoa Processors led the decliners with a 10 percent drop. The total traded volume increased by 11.07 percent to 489.096 million units, valued at N36.493 billion, with Fidelity Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Access Holdings leading the activity chart.
Lionel Messi has become the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, achieving this feat by scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. The Argentine captain now has a total of 18 World Cup goals, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. This milestone occurred as Argentina secured their spot in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, maintaining a perfect record with six points from two matches. Other top scorers include Ronaldo of Brazil with 15 goals, Gerd Müller of Germany and Kylian Mbappé of France both with 14 goals, and Just Fontaine of France with 13 goals.
Must ReadLionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, netting twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to secure a spot in the last 32. Messi scored his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16. The victory guarantees Argentina a place in the knockout rounds. Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe is set to play his 100th game for France, aiming to add to his 14 World Cup goals. France will face Iraq, while Norway, with Erling Haaland, could also advance from Group I. German defender Nico Schlotterbeck is out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. In other matches, Spain thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0, and Cape Verde drew 2-2 with Uruguay, with their coach Bubista expressing hopes for a knockout stage berth. Belgium drew 0-0 with Iran, who left a message promoting peace, and Egypt secured their first World Cup victory, beating New Zealand 3-1.