Author: CSNews

Rivers United Roar, Barau FC’s Atule Puts The League On Notice With A 20 Goal Promise

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Rivers United opened Matchday 2 of the Nigeria Premier Football League with a commanding win over Plateau United, showing sharper finishing under new coach Finidi George in a result fans in Port Harcourt have hailed as an early sign of intent for the season. Rivers United 2- 0 Plateau United Barau FC’s Joseph Atule has quickly become one of the league’s headline acts after declaring his ambition to score 20 goals this season, a bold target that has already set tongues wagging following his brace in a victory over Nasarawa United. Barau FC 3 – 1 Nasarawa United Ikorodu City and Doma United also picked up wins on the day, joining Rivers United at the top of the table as the early pace setters of the new campaign. Bendel Insurance are expecting a defensive boost with the return of goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, whose availability had been delayed by paperwork issues that kept him out of recent fixtures. At the other end of the table, Nasarawa United coach Mbwas Mangut lamented what he described as unlucky finishing, after his side struggled to convert their chances and now sit bottom of the log following two games without a win. With the season still young, the gap between the early risers and strugglers is already taking shape, setting up an intriguing race in the weeks ahead as more clubs find their rhythm.

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Abuja Slaps Down Coup Rumours, Insists Nigeria Stands With Democracy, Not Guns

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, has issued a strong rebuttal to claims circulating on social media that Nigeria, through ECOWAS, backed the recent failed coup attempt in the Republic of Niger, describing the allegations as false and mischievous. In a press statement numbered MFA/PR/2026/223, the Ministry said the Federal Government categorically rejects the claims as baseless and irresponsible, calling them a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image. The statement described Nigeria as a peace loving nation and a defender of constitutional order, positioning the country as a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but across the Sahel and the wider African continent. The Ministry reiterated that Nigeria would never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, regardless of who is involved or which country is concerned, referencing an earlier statement issued on August 30, 2026, in which the government expressed deep concern over the situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to constitutional order. It stressed that any resort to force to settle political differences runs contrary to Nigeria’s long standing foreign policy, and insisted that while Nigeria remains a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is entirely false to suggest the country endorses or condones the military coup in Niger. The Ministry urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online from individuals seeking to sow discord, affirming the country’s continued commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero tolerance policy on unconstitutional changes of government. The statement, signed by Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on September 3, 2026, closed by reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the wider international community to defend democracy and promote peace and stability across the region.

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Army Chief In Ogun Draws A Firm Line Ahead Of 2027, No Politics, No Excuses

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical, neutral and professional before, during and after the 2027 General Elections. Major General Babalola spoke on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a sensitisation lecture titled The Conduct of Personnel in Preparation for the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, held at the Vulcan Officers’ Mess, Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Ogun State. He stressed that there would be no room for partisanship, intimidation or misconduct by personnel under his command, charging officers and soldiers of 81 Division to be guided at all times by the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for the Armed Forces during elections. The GOC outlined four key directives for personnel, to remain neutral at all times, conduct themselves professionally with the highest standards of discipline, be accountable for their actions and uphold the integrity of the Nigerian Army, warning that any personnel found wanting would face the full weight of military and civil law. Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, described the coming elections as another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that beyond the contest for political power, elections test the resilience of national institutions and the maturity of political actors. The monarch said the period would demand sound judgement, professional discipline, inter agency coordination and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution from the Armed Forces and other security agencies, describing the seminar as timely and aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of building a professional, adaptable and combat ready force. Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu, said the lecture demonstrated the Army’s commitment to professionalism and constitutional responsibility, reminding personnel of their role under Section 217(2)(c) of the Constitution to support civil authority and other security agencies in ensuring a peaceful, free and credible electoral process.

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Zulum Writes A ₦622 Million Cheque So No Borno Student Misses Their Exam Over Money

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Borno State Government has presented a cheque of ₦622,308,300 to the National Examinations Council office in Maiduguri, covering 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination fees for 27,599 final year students in public schools across the state. Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, made the presentation on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, in continuation of a state policy running since 2019 that subsidises 75 percent of WASSCE, SSCE and NABTEB fees for eligible students. According to the Commissioner, a total of ₦1,195,661,872.50 has been committed in 2026 alone toward WASSCE, SSCE, SISE and NABTEB fees, pushing the state’s cumulative investment in external examination fees since 2019 to ₦5,987,567,125.00, benefiting 193,396 students. Wakilbe said the 2026 SSCE, conducted across all 24 Local Government Areas of the state, proceeded largely smoothly, despite a security incident in Lassa on June 29 in which 36 learners and one teacher, including a candidate sitting the examination at the time, were abducted. He prayed for their safe and swift return. He said the gesture reflects the governor’s unwavering commitment to ensuring no child in Borno State is denied the chance to sit for final examinations because of financial hardship, noting that nearly ₦6 billion has been invested since 2019 to keep children in school and in the examination hall. The Commissioner said thoughts remain with the affected learners and their teacher from Lassa, with continued prayers for their immediate return to their families and classrooms. He commended NECO officials, local government chairmen, education secretaries, principals, teachers, parents and security agencies for their roles in the successful conduct of the examination, and pledged continued state support toward the planned rollout of Computer Based Test examinations in 2027.

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Oyo APC Hands Out 50 Tickets For 2027, And A Message About Unity Comes With Them

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State presented Certificates of Nomination to 50 candidates who will represent the party across the 2027 general elections, in a ceremony that party leaders described as far more than a formality. Addressing the candidates, a party leader said the moment served as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with the opportunity to serve, congratulating all 50 nominees while urging them to remain focused on the people of Oyo State and the collective desire to build a better future for them. Leadership, the party stressed, is not about occupying a position but about having the capacity, character and courage to serve, solve problems and deliver meaningful progress for residents. Party leaders called for unity going forward, insisting that those who contested against one another during the primaries are not enemies but brothers, colleagues and stakeholders in one shared project, and urged all sides to close ranks and place Oyo State’s interest above personal considerations. The party’s vision, tagged Oyo Ahead, was described as a commitment to an Oyo where young people can access opportunities to learn, work and build meaningful lives, and where education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and enterprise receive the attention they deserve. Leaders said achieving that vision would require capacity, unity, discipline and, above all, genuine service to the people, expressing confidence that with these values the party can build a stronger, more prosperous and more inclusive Oyo State. The ceremony was seen as a formal opening of the party’s campaign season ahead of the 2027 polls, with the 50 candidates now expected to carry the party’s message across their respective constituencies.

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Plateau Shuts Down Schools As State Moves Fast To Outrun A Diphtheria Outbreak

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, effective Monday, September 7, 2026, as a preventive measure against a diphtheria outbreak. The directive, issued under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang, targets suspected cases reported in parts of Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas. According to the government, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also to close from Monday, September 7, and remain shut until further notice. School proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians have been directed to comply fully with the order and ensure that students and pupils remain safely at home throughout the closure period. The government said the measure was designed to safeguard the wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non teaching staff while health authorities work to contain the outbreak. Officials appreciated the understanding and cooperation of stakeholders, stressing that the state would continue taking appropriate steps in the best interest of residents. Further information on the resumption of academic activities is expected to be communicated to the public in due course.

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NYSC Boss Draws A Hard Line On Mistakes As Mobilisation Season Approaches

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The National Youth Service Corps has reaffirmed its commitment to an error free and credible mobilisation process for eligible Nigerian graduates, pledging deeper use of technology to cut manual interventions and boost transparency. Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, gave the assurance at the opening of the 2026 NYSC Batch C Pre Mobilisation Workshop in Abuja, noting that public expectations for efficient and technology driven service delivery had never been higher. He said the Scheme would keep strengthening its systems to guarantee that every eligible graduate is mobilised in a credible, transparent and timely manner, describing the workshop’s theme on institutional accountability, data integrity and digital innovation as an accurate reflection of the priorities guiding all stakeholders. General Nafiu urged institutions and officers involved in mobilisation to take full ownership of their responsibilities, follow approved procedures strictly and remain accountable for their decisions, warning that inaccurate records, unauthorised data alterations, delayed responses or missed timelines could damage both graduates’ prospects and the Scheme’s credibility. He called on stakeholders to strengthen digital competence and cybersecurity awareness, protect institutional databases and embrace responsible innovation, stressing zero tolerance for negligence, manipulation of records or any practice capable of compromising the organisation’s integrity. The DG stressed the need for stronger internal quality assurance mechanisms before data is transmitted to NYSC, noting that the credibility of mobilisation depends heavily on the accuracy, completeness and authenticity of information from Corps producing institutions and other stakeholders. He described mobilisation as a shared responsibility that no single institution could achieve in isolation, urging stronger information sharing, open communication and prompt escalation of anomalies, and stressing that weakness in one part of the system could affect the entire mobilisation value chain. Also speaking, Director of the Corps Mobilisation Department, Mrs Rachel Idaewor, said as preparations for the 2026 Batch C Orientation Course gather pace, stakeholders must comply strictly with the approved timeline, improve verification of graduates’ data before submission and strengthen internal controls to minimise errors and prevent fraud.

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Enugu Youths Take To The Streets, Tell Terror To Its Face That It Has No Home Here

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Residents and youths of Enugu State marched through popular streets in the state capital on Friday in a show of support for the government’s fight against insecurity, declaring zero tolerance for terror, criminality and violent extremism. The march, made up of undergraduates and members of the National Youth Service Corps, ended at Government House, Enugu, where the youths were received by Governor Peter Mbah and pledged to mobilise young people across the state against criminal activities and extremism. Addressing the group, Mbah said security had emerged as one of the recurring risk factors identified by his administration while mapping out the state’s developmental priorities, prompting his decision to confront the menace head on from the outset of his tenure. While commending the youths, the governor said his administration’s Tomorrow Is Here mantra was not a political slogan but a genuine commitment to investing in young people who would one day take charge of the state’s future. He noted that their willingness to march and speak out against crime and terrorism was a profound statement, effectively reversing the usual order in which government preaches to citizens. Mbah said greater youth involvement in the fight against criminality would ultimately reduce crime and free up resources for job creation and poverty eradication, pointing to countries that had shut down correctional facilities after significant reductions in crime. The governor said Enugu State had adopted a zero tolerance policy toward criminality, insisting that a safer state would attract more investors and generate wider economic benefits. He urged the youths to extend their campaign to every part of the state, describing their initiative as proof that criminality was no longer fashionable among young Nigerians, and promised government support through job creation, education and digital skills programmes. Leader of the march and Deputy Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Dr Emeka Ejim, described the coalition as a broad based youth movement of corps members and students united against crime, cultism and terrorism, pledging that members would never join bad groups within or outside Nigeria. Also speaking, Enugu State leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Okeke Kelvin, said the association would mobilise no fewer than two million youths to support the campaign, insisting the march was proof of their rejection of terror in all its forms.

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They Call Us Family Now: Nigerian Pilgrims Open Up On The Roommates Hajj Gave Them

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Nigerian pilgrims who performed Hajj across different years have shared warm and, in some cases, tearful memories of the bonds they formed with roommates and tentmates during their spiritual journeys to Saudi Arabia, describing the relationships as unexpected gifts that outlasted the pilgrimage itself. For many of them, the experience went far beyond sharing accommodation. Strangers became close friends, business partners and, in some cases, brothers and sisters bound by a shared spiritual milestone. Ismail Ademola, who performed Hajj in 2026, said his roommates in Madinah and Makkah quickly became like lifelong companions. He shared accommodation with his father and three others, and said the group bonded as though they had known one another for years, discussing work, family and life experiences. He added that the friendship later translated into business patronage, with his roommates supporting and expressing satisfaction with his services. Aluku Bisola described her roommates as beautiful souls who remain in contact despite returning home, while Fatima Olorunkemi said her 2026 Hajj roommate became like a blood sister, with the pair still keeping in touch. Olamiposi Ademola recalled the memories as deeply emotional, saying he missed being together in Ihram and the ambience of the holy land, and prayed for the chance to return. Fateema Muhammed remembered her Hajj experience as truly amazing, recalling companions including Dr Yelwa, Dr Z and Nurse Habiba who made the journey memorable, while Ash Irt described the friendships formed during the pilgrimage as among the very best and most memorable of her life. Not every memory carried joy. Khalid Sadi recalled his roommate, Alhaji Ibrahim Siniya, who died shortly after returning from Hajj, remembering how his friend had repeatedly told him he felt close to death before collapsing weeks later. Sadi prayed for the repose of his soul. Zakari Turaki said his 2016 Hajj remains cherished, recounting how six pilgrims shared accommodation in Madinah and five in Makkah, developing a brotherly bond despite starting out as strangers. Journalist Ahmed Aisha Ambali, who covered Hajj professionally, said the assignment introduced her to colleagues including Farouk Jibrin Okpanachi, Garba Muhammadu and Usman Salifu, describing the quartet’s friendship as remarkable and strengthened by shared spiritual and professional experience. Muhammad Kabir Alhaji, who performed Hajj in 2023, said he remains in contact with his roommates and tentmates and has built lasting networks from the experience. Across the accounts, one thread stood out clearly, that for these pilgrims, the people they shared a room with in the holy land became far more than travel companions, they became gifts from Allah.

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First Lady Tinubu Sweeps Through South South With ₦500 Million Relief, Healthcare And Digital Hope

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, brought a wave of federal intervention to the South South on Friday, touching lives across Cross River State through a series of humanitarian, health and education initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative. The First Lady was received in Calabar by Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, alongside wives of governors, RHI coordinators and other dignitaries, for the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South South Zone and the commissioning of several RHI projects. The highlight of the visit came with the presentation of a ₦500 million cheque from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support victims of the Calabar Mall fire disaster. Senator Tinubu handed the cheque to Governor Otu and his wife, describing it as a reaffirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to standing with Nigerians during difficult times. Speaking at the event, the First Lady stressed the importance of collective action in supporting vulnerable citizens and building stronger, more resilient communities across the country. Beyond the formal proceedings, the visit carried moments of genuine warmth. The First Lady was seen interacting closely with a young persons’ chorale group as they performed, and she also held talks with traditional rulers in Cross River State on the role of community leadership in driving development. At the Edina Primary Healthcare Centre in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, Senator Tinubu engaged directly with mothers and children, underscoring RHI’s continued focus on maternal, child and community health. Working alongside Governor Otu, Bishop Otu, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and other government officials, the First Lady formally commissioned several RHI projects and launched the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South South Zone. The tour extended to the University of Cross River State, where she commissioned the RHI TETFund ICT Experience Centre, a facility designed to expand access to technology and digital opportunities for young Nigerians in the region. From disaster relief to healthcare and digital empowerment, Friday’s tour captured a single message in many forms, that renewed hope is steadily reaching communities across Nigeria, one intervention at a time.

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