馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Stephen Keshi to be honored on Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi will be inscribed on the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to Nigerian football. This was confirmed by former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami during a memorial lecture in Lagos. The NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame is a national monument established by the Federal Government to immortalize Nigerians who have significantly contributed to Nigeria鈥檚 international politics and diplomatic objectives through sports. Keshi's role in advancing Nigeria's foreign relations through football will be acknowledged at a ceremony on July 28, one day before the 10th anniversary of his burial. The event also marks three years since the monument was erected within the NIIA premises in Lagos, with sponsorship from Dr Allen Onyema and Air Peace. Odegbami stated that Keshi, a former Nigerian Green Eagles captain and national team coach, has been deemed worthy by the NIIA. Keshi played and captained the Nigerian national football team, coached Nigeria to an African Cup victory, and led Togo to the FIFA World Cup. He also assisted a generation of Nigerian and African football players in transitioning to professional ranks in Europe. Keshi, who died on June 7, 2016, at 54, won the Africa Cup of Nations as both captain in 1994 and coach in 2013, and led Nigeria to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was named CAF Coach of the Year twice, in 2005 and 2013.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Lagos emergency responders successfully contained two separate fire incidents on Thursday, preventing major disasters and recording no casualties. In Ikotun, a gas-laden tanker caught fire after striking a road bump, causing the driver to lose control and a tire to burst. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigeria Police collaborated to extinguish the blaze and manage traffic. LASEMA Permanent Secretary Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu urged motorists to obey speed limits. Separately, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a fire at the electronics section of a Justrite Superstore in Egbeda-Akowonjo. Controller General Margaret Adeseye reported that firefighters quickly contained the fire, which preliminary findings suggest originated from an alternative power source, specifically the building's solar inverter system. Both incidents were brought under control with no loss of life or injuries.
The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the mysterious death of five members of the same family in Umuimo, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area. The victims, identified as Mr Kachi Nnabugwu, his wife, Chinaza, and their three children, were found dead inside their residence on Tuesday. The incident was reported to the Osisioma Divisional Police Headquarters on July 22, 2026, by the deceased's brother after he was unable to reach them. Upon forcing entry into the house, the lifeless and decomposing bodies were discovered. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, stated that detectives visited the scene, conducted a preliminary visual inspection, and took photographs. The bodies have been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy, with investigations ongoing. Residents reported the family was last seen on Saturday, July 18, and neighbors forced entry after repeated failed attempts to contact them. Containers of leftover food and a generator were reportedly found in the building. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.
Credit extended to Nigeria's private sector reached N83.3tn in June 2026, marking a 2.8 percent increase from N81tn in May. This data comes from the Central Bank of Nigeria's latest Money and Credit Statistics. Conversely, credit to the government saw a 0.99 percent decline, falling to N40tn in June from N40.4tn in May. Consequently, net domestic credit grew by 1.5 percent to N123.3tn in June, up from N121.42tn the previous month. This rise in private sector lending indicates that banks are continuing to provide credit to businesses and households, even with the Central Bank of Nigeria's high-interest rate policy. Analysts suggest that sustained credit growth could foster business expansion, investment, and overall economic activity. However, there is also a concern that if credit growth outpaces the economy's productive capacity, it could lead to increased inflationary pressures. The figures highlight a persistent demand for financing despite the Central Bank of Nigeria's tight monetary policy, which aims to control inflation and stabilize prices.