🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Yoruba One Voice Worldwide calls for unity among traditional rulers to combat rising insecurity
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Yoruba One Voice Worldwide YOV, led by Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to unite against the escalating insecurity in the region. This call emerged from a virtual international conference that gathered various Yoruba organizations, community leaders, professionals, intellectuals, and cultural advocates from Nigeria and the diaspora. The South-West region has recently experienced a surge in abductions and other forms of terrorism, including the ongoing hostage situation involving over 40 teachers and pupils in Oyo State. The YOV emphasized that the security of Yorubaland relies on unity of purpose and effective collaboration among all stakeholders, including traditional rulers. Speakers at the conference highlighted the significant deterioration of the security situation, marked by increasing incidents of kidnapping, banditry, violent crimes, killings, and community attacks. The group called for urgent action and demanded collaboration from the Federal Government, South-West governors, security agencies, traditional institutions, and community leaders to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and implement proactive measures. They noted that the escalation of insecurity stems from the failure of authorities to heed early warnings and intelligence reports regarding the infiltration of Yorubaland by criminals. The YOV reiterated calls for the establishment of state and local government police, urging President
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, inaugurated the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory, connecting Ring Road 1 Junction to Ring Road 2 Junction. He emphasized that the project is part of efforts to expand infrastructure and drive economic development, stating that his administration prioritizes hard work and tangible results. Tinubu highlighted the broader role of infrastructure in economic growth and job creation, noting that building roads unlocks a city's potential and makes life easier for various citizens. He recalled previous phases of the expressway project and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to completing ongoing projects across the country, stating that the era of abandoned projects in Nigeria is fading. The President commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his effective leadership in transforming Abuja's infrastructure and ensuring accountability in project execution. Tinubu explained that the new road would significantly reduce congestion, improve economic efficiency, and expand Abuja's economic footprint by linking the Apo District to Wasa. Minister Wike stated that the OSEX project was awarded to CGC between October and November of the previous year and was delivered within the administration's third-anniversary timeline. He also mentioned efforts to relocate traders from Apo Mechanic Village to a more structured site and emphasized the principle of continuity in gover
Nigerian clubs Enyimba and Remo Stars are among those set to receive funds from FIFA's $355 million Club Benefits Programme. This program rewards clubs for releasing players for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and the final tournament. For the first time, the program includes payments for players released during qualifiers, with $100 million allocated for this phase. Clubs will receive at least $2,360 per player for each qualifying match for which the player was released. An additional $250 million will be distributed to clubs whose players participate in the final tournament, calculated on a per-player, per-day basis. Remo Stars, having released four players for a total of 15 matches, are expected to receive approximately $35,400. Enyimba, who released one player for two matches, is set to receive about $4,720. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the increase in funding, a 70% rise from the 2022 edition, is due to the expanded 2026 World Cup, aiming to provide more financial support to clubs globally.
Must ReadThe House of Representatives has summoned National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Gen Christopher Musa, and his finance counterpart Taiwo Oyedele for questioning regarding the increase in kidnappings across parts of Nigeria. The House is seeking details on funds released to the Ministry of Defence over the past six months and an explanation for the lack of corresponding improvements in nationwide security. This resolution followed a motion by Mr Sulaiman Gumi, representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, who highlighted severe insecurity in Zamfara and other North-West states. He cited incidents including the killing of 93 people and the abduction of students and lecturers in June 2026, as well as other attacks in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano states. Lawmakers also proposed establishing state police, revisiting the cashless policy to hinder ransom payments, and strictly regulating Bureau De Change operators. The House urged the defence minister to deploy adequate security personnel and equipment to Zamfara and the North-West and called on other ministers to explore non-kinetic approaches to address security challenges. The Committee on Defence and other relevant committees are mandated to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks.