President Tinubu establishes committee for state police implementation, led by Gbajabiamila
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill to create the legal framework for implementing state police across Nigeria. The committee, chaired by Chief of Staff Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, includes the Attorney-General of the Federation, National Security Adviser, and Inspector-General of Police, among others. This initiative follows the Senate's passage of the Constitution Alteration State Police Bill, 2026, which proposes a dual policing structure. President Tinubu emphasized that while the constitutional amendment provides the framework, the National Policing Bill will operationalize it by addressing standards, state readiness, federal-state coordination, accountability, human rights safeguards, and personnel transition. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, highlighted the timeliness of the initiative given Nigeria's security challenges and urged governors to ratify the constitutional amendment. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Afam Osigwe, reaffirmed support for state police but stressed the need for legal safeguards against abuse. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, speaking for the Nigeria Governors' Forum, pledged governors' support for speedy implementation, noting that state police would significantly increase security personnel and address the demand for community-based policing, citing the success of regional outfits like Amotekun.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana will miss the remainder of the World Cup after sustaining a torn anterior cruciate ligament ACL in his right knee. The injury occurred during Belgium's 4-1 victory over the United States in the last-16 game in Seattle on Monday. The 24-year-old Aston Villa midfielder was forced off early in the match. The Belgian Football Federation announced the injury on Tuesday, with team doctor Brahim Hacene confirming the devastating news for both Onana and the team. Discussions are underway with Onana and Aston Villa to determine the best approach for his recovery and rehabilitation. Despite the injury, Onana will remain in North America with his teammates until at least the quarter-finals, where Belgium is scheduled to play Spain in Los Angeles on Friday.
Must ReadGlobal oil prices increased by over two percent following attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about supply disruptions. Brent crude futures reached $74 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude rose to $70.28 per barrel. Reports indicated that a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker were damaged, with Qatar attributing the attacks to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. This incident has reignited fears over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for approximately one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies. Andy Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates, noted that operators would need to reassess the risks of navigating the strait. The attacks coincide with fragile diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. Despite the price rally, some analysts, like Soci茅t茅 G茅n茅rale, anticipate a shift from a supply deficit to a surplus in late 2026 and throughout 2027, projecting lower oil prices for those periods but warning of continued volatility. Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering expanding its crude oil pipeline to the Red Sea coast to bypass the Strait of Hormuz if security issues persist. Additionally, Ukraine's military reported drone strikes on Russian tankers, further contributing to global energy market uncertainty.
Must ReadA new survey by the UN Population Fund UNFPA indicates that financial insecurity, unstable employment, and housing challenges are preventing young people globally from forming families, despite their continued desire for marriage, long-term relationships, and parenthood. The Demographic Futures Survey, which polled over 108,000 internet-connected adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries, challenges the notion that younger generations are abandoning family life. Instead, it highlights economic conditions as the primary obstacle. Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, emphasized the need to remove financial barriers to support young people's choices. The survey found that over two-thirds of respondents desire marriage or cohabitation, and nearly 80 percent view partnership as a prerequisite for parenthood. Among those aged 25 to 39, about a quarter wanted a partner but were single and not dating, with men reporting this more often than women. Overall, 57 percent cited economic and housing constraints as major barriers to stable relationships. Financial security, stable employment, and psychological and emotional readiness were identified as crucial conditions before having children. UNFPA suggests that discussions on declining fertility should focus on creating conditions for young people to build the families they desire, rather than questioning their values.