Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Osun Governor to Flag Off Dualisation Projects

Nigeria

Peace Piak Kanu

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July 20, 2025

Osun Governor to Flag Off Dualisation Projects

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, will next week flag off the dualisation of Ila Orangun township road and the second phase of the Osogbo-Ikirun-Okuku-Ila Odo road, which borders Kwara State.

Governor Adeleke disclosed this on Saturday in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

Speaking while receiving Osun elders on a courtesy visit, Governor Adeleke said criticisms and misrepresentations by his opponents have only strengthened his resolve to prioritise infrastructure upgrade and good governance.

He stated that his administration has positively transformed Osun State, a development acknowledged by both local and international bodies. He cited reports from federal agencies and non-governmental organisations that rated Osun highly across key indices.

Governor Adeleke also highlighted awards in infrastructure, health, examination performance, digital economy innovation, agricultural mechanisation, sports reform, business enhancement, water sector upgrade, and artisanal cooperative empowerment as proof of his administration’s achievements.

He noted that “the latest national table on states’ fiscal transparency for 2025 first quarter places Osun in number five position out of 36 states. Our administration is transparent, accountable, and compliant with due process requirements.”

Governor Adeleke added that “our critics are worried by our extraordinary performance within less than three years, hence their resort to name-calling, blackmail, and libellous allegations. We will not get distracted by petty politicking and desperate attempts to stop our rigorous service to the people.”

He pledged to remain focused and undistracted, while commending Osun people for their support, which he said has enabled his administration to sustain the delivery of good governance.

PIAK

Katsina: First Lady Leads Delegation to Buhari’s Widow

Peace Piak Kanu

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July 20, 2025

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Katsina: First Lady Leads Delegation to Buhari’s Widow

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has visited the widow of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Hajia Aisha Buhari, as the nation continues to mourn the late Nigerian Leader.

The condolence visit took place on Saturday at the Buhari family residence in Daura, Katsina State.

Mrs Tinubu led wives of National Assembly leaders, state Governors, Ministers, and Service Chiefs to commiserate with the former First Lady.

The delegation offered prayers for the family and the repose of the former President’s soul. They also visited his grave for a short prayer before proceeding to the residence of elder statesman and nephew of the late President, Mamman Daura.

In her remarks, Mrs Tinubu described the late President Buhari as “An accomplished man who made his family, town, state, and nation very proud.”

Responding, Mamman Daura thanked the First Lady for the support and honour accorded to the late Nigerian Leader.

At the palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, the First Lady also condoled with the people of the Emirate over the loss of “a worthy son.”

The Emir declared that “President Bola Tinubu remains our choice for the 2027 Presidential Elections.”

PIAK

Nigerian Rapper Set to Serve Melodic Mix in Project

Entertainment/Tourism

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July 20, 2025

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Nigerian Rapper Set to Serve Melodic Mix in Project

Nigerian rapper Folarin Falana, best known as Falz, is set to deliver a fresh musical experience with his latest project, The Feast.

This latest album is a melody, showcasing his ability to incorporate new voices without losing the essence of his trusted methods over the years.

Read more: Olamide Features American Rapper, Wizkid In Self-Titled Album

Falz’s compact but intentional Extended Play (EP), Before The Feast, paved the way for the new album last year, setting the stage for what many considered his most well-rounded work. This is not because it is flawless but because it successfully transforms a record into a feast where every listener finds something satisfying.

Over the past decade, the rapper has cultivated a captivating public persona that mirrors the vibrant essence of his music. As one of Nigeria’s most endearing celebrities, he actively advocates for socio-political causes while navigating a delicate balance between activism and political power.

In a recent interview, Falz revealed that he has been crafting the album for three years, fine-tuning its unique vision. “It was just about putting the strings together. I knew this was a special project, and it needed its own time. The Feast is more wholesome, it’s broader. It’s more of a combination of several different elements of me,” he said.

At its core, The Feast is more than just a musical spread for fans; it’s a thoughtfully curated showcase of Falz’s diverse artistic personas. The 14-track album embraces the beauty of imperfection, focusing on raw presence instead of polished perfection.

Dantata’s Death: Kano Governor appreciates President Tinubu Condolence Visit

Nigeria

Peace Piak Kanu

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July 20, 2025

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Dantata’s Death: Kano Governor appreciates President Tinubu Condolence Visit

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has extended appreciation to President Tinubu for visiting Kano to condole with the family of late elder statesman and business icon, Aminu Alhassan Dantata.

The Governor expressed his gratitude in a statement on Friday by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Governor Yusuf described the President’s visit as a profound show of empathy and statesmanship that brought comfort to the people of Kano and the grieving Dantata family.

He recalled the President’s swift response to Dantata’s passing, including the deployment of a high-level federal delegation to the burial in Madina, Saudi Arabia, and his diplomatic efforts that ensured a smooth and honourable funeral process.

“The entire process was handled with remarkable dignity and efficiency, thanks to Your Excellency’s support,” Governor Yusuf stated.

“Your personal presence here, despite your demanding schedule, is a powerful demonstration of leadership, compassion, and respect.”

Speaking during the visit, the eldest son of the deceased, Alhaji Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, also thanked President Tinubu for standing by the family in life and death.

He praised the President’s longstanding relationship with the late patriarch and pledged the family’s commitment to uphold the values of humility, service, and generosity that defined their father’s legacy.

In his tribute, President Tinubu described the late Dantata as “a symbol of integrity, humility, and service to humanity.”

“We have lost a conscience of the nation. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant him Aljannah Firdausi,” the President said.

PIAK

Africa Multi-Sports Summer Camp Returns To Lagos

Sports

Mosunmola Ore

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July 19, 2025

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Africa Multi-Sports Summer Camp Returns To Lagos

CitySports Africa, a leading youth-focused sports development institution, has announced the return of its annual Multi-Sports Summer Camp, an immersive program designed to help young people grow both on and off the field.

Running from July 22nd to August 23rd, 2025, the camp will be hosted at Victoria Island and Surulere centres, between 10am and 12pm, Monday-Friday, across athletics, basketball, football, and swimming sports, combining world-class sports coaching with leadership training and life skills development for children and teenagers aged 0–20 years.

READ ALSO: EXPECTATIONS AT 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES

For over five years, CitySports Africa has impacted more than 250,000 young people across Africa, championing a bold vision to transform 10 million lives through structured sports and personal development programs, and the Summer Camp is one of its flagship initiatives.

“We started the CitySports Summer Camp to give kids a safe, structured place to build their talents during the holidays instead of staying idle at home,” said Emmanuella Igomu, PR Manager, CitySports Africa.

“What makes our camp unique is that we blend top-level sports coaching with character-building. Kids don’t just play, they learn teamwork, discipline, and leadership that stays with them for life. The CitySports Summer Camp isn’t just a fun way to spend the holidays; it’s a pathway for kids to become full-fledged CitySports students and benefit from our year-round development programs.” Igomu added.

A typical day at the camp includes Leadership & Life Skills Session, Sports Training, Team Games & Skill Challenges: Reflection & Social Activities. The camp is open to all children, no prior sports club or team membership is required. Whether a child is new to sports or already showing talent, they’ll find a place to belong and thrive.

CitySports Africa’s track record speaks for itself, alumni have gone on to represent elite school teams, earn scholarships, sign with international football academies, and compete at national and global tournaments. This year alone, CitySports teams brought home two gold trophies from the Schwabenland Cup in Germany as part of their annual Global Sports Program.

Parents are encouraged to visit CitySports Africa’s social media pages, @citysportsafrica, to register early.

UK Police Arrest 55 at Parliament Rally

World

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma

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July 19, 2025

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Fifty-five people were arrested at a rally for the banned Palestine Action group outside Britain’s parliament on Saturday, London’s Metropolitan Police said.

The crowd in Parliament Square had been waving placards supporting the group that was banned this month under anti-terrorism legislation, the force said in a post on X.

People from the rally, some wearing black and white Palestinian scarves, were taken away in police vans.

British lawmakers proscribed the group earlier this month after some of its members broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged planes in protest against Britain’s support for Israel.

Membership of Palestine Action now carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

The group has called the decision “authoritarian”, and a challenge to the ban will be heard at London’s High Court on Monday.

Palestine Action is among groups that have regularly targeted defence firms and other companies in Britain linked to Israel since the start of the conflict in Gaza.

Police have arrested scores of the group’s supporters at rallies across Britain since the ban came in

Source: Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma

President Tinubu To Attend Late Awujale’s Solemn Prayers

Bilkisu Halilu Pai

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July 19, 2025

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President Tinubu To Attend Late Awujale’s Solemn Prayers

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is scheduled to depart Abuja on Sunday to attend the eighth-day prayer in honour of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (GCON).

The solemn event will take place at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, where President Tinubu will lead Governor Dapo Abiodun alongside other dignitaries, traditional leaders, and community members to pay tribute to the late monarch’s enduring legacy.

In a personally written tribute, President Tinubu described Oba Adetona as a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.

The Nigerian Leader said the death of the reverred traditional ruler left an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The reign of Oba Adetona was marked by significant contributions to the cultural preservation and socio-economic development of Ijebuland and Ogun State as a whole.

The departed Awujale of Ijebuland was known for his wisdom and commitment to community development. He was a revered figure both locally and nationally.

Oba Adetona, who passed away on July 13 at the age of 91, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers, having ascended the throne in 1960.

Oba Adetona was laid to rest the day after his passing, with the traditional funeral rites reflecting the deep respect and honour accorded to him by his people and the Nigerian society.

ITTF West Africa Championship: Kuti, Ojomu Claim Gold

Sports

Mosunmola Ore

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July 19, 2025

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ITTF West Africa Championship: Kuti, Ojomu Claim Gold

Ajoke Ojomu defeated Shukurat Aiyelabegan on Saturday to win gold in the women’s singles final of the ITTF Africa West Regional Championship in Lagos.

The tournament will take place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Ojomu beat her compatriot Aiyelabegan in a thrilling 4-0 victory (11-7, 11-8, 11-5, 14-12) to secure the title.

The U.S.-based Ojomu said: “I’m excited but in a lot of pain. It’s really a mixed feeling for me.

“I’m the top-ranked female player here. Playing teammates is always hard because we often face each other on the national team.

“I’m grateful for this win. It’s been a long journey. Reaching the final three times without winning can be very disheartening.

“At the last tournament in Togo, I reached the final but had to retire due to injury. It was heartbreaking.

“Today, I almost suffered the same fate. I felt the pain again, but I pushed through and I’m grateful.

“I thank God, the fans, and the African federation president for giving us a platform to show our talent.

“I also thank Lagos State and Nigeria. I’m proud of myself. My family knows the effort I put in. I’m happy to take this trophy back to the U.S.”

In the men’s final, Mathew Kuti overcame unseeded Abdulfatai Abdubasit 4-2 (7-11, 12-10, 6-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-6).

Kuti had earlier won the championship in Lome, becoming the first player to defend a West Africa regional title.

Wahid Oshodi, President of the Africa Table Tennis Federation, said fans will be thrilled, and that’s what matters most.

He praised the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and said the focus is on developing new talent for future success.

“It took us 15 years to get Quadri Aruna into the world top 10.

“These new player are even more talented. We haven’t seen this level of giftedness in a long time,” he said.

NAN

India’s Financial Crime Fighting Agency Summons Tech Giants

Tech World

Christopher Ojilere

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July 19, 2025

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India’s Financial Crime Fighting Agency Summons Tech Giants

India’s financial crime fighting agency has summoned executives of tech giants Google and Meta to its headquarters on Monday as it investigates accusations of money laundering on online betting apps, two government sources said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating whether the platforms eased the way for promotion and wider reach of betting apps through advertisements, the first source said.

A date of July 21 has been set for the appearances at the agency’s headquarters in the capital, New Delhi, the source added.

A second government source accused Google and Meta of using their platforms to promote illegal activities, despite a government advisory against the advertisement of any form of betting.

The agency will investigate Google and Meta over the funds they received from betting apps, the second source added, as well as checking if they were advertising or promoting any other betting platforms.

Both sources sought anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

Google and Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Betting and gambling pose “significant financial and socio-economic risks for consumers, especially youth and children,” India’s information and broadcasting ministry told television channels and digital media in an advisory in 2022.

Promotion of offline or online betting and gambling through advertisements was not advised in the larger public interest, the ministry added.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere

Security: ECOWAS Adopts Training Policy Document for Standby Force

Bilkisu Halilu Pai

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July 19, 2025

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Security: ECOWAS Adopts Training Policy Document for Standby Force

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Security Experts have adopted a training policy document for the region’s standby force.

The document is to strengthen institutional and individual capacities to address complex challenges militating against peace and security in West Africa.

The Training Policy represents a significant milestone in the quest to design a strategic blueprint to harmonize and institutionalize ECOWAS Stand Force (ESF) training across all phases and personnel categories.

The policy specifies the kind and nature of training the Standby force will undergo to be able to fight against terrorism.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two day government experts’ validation meeting on the ECOWAS standby force training policy for peace support operations, the Acting Director, ECOWAS Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Dr. Sani Adamu, stressed that training has played critical roles in ECOWAS Peace Support Operations (PSO).

This explains the rationale behind the organisation’s considerable attention to both individual and collective training.

“This Training Policy was therefore developed as a strategic framework to institutionalize and harmonize standardised training of the ESF’s military, police, and civilian components. It is a manifestation of ECOWAS’ commitment to ensuring an interoperable standby force that operates in accordance with regional protocols, African Union doctrines, and international norms, including respect for human rights, international humanitarian law, gender inclusivity, and accountability,” he said.

According to Dr. Adamu, the ECOWAS region now has a working training policy document for its Standby force to effectively address security issues.

“The ECOWAS Commission, as you know, is systematically putting in place processes and procedures to be able to accompany our member states and to also have peace and security in our region to continue to thrive. It’s within this context that the ECOWAS Standby force training Policy for Peace Support Operations was elaborated, and the document now before the governmental experts were reviewed. The document was fully reviewed, evaluated, and eventually adopted by all of you,” he said.

Noting that: “What that symbolises is that from today’s henceforth, we have a standing document, a standard document for training of officers that are going for peace support operations,” he noted.

The Acting Director of ECOWAS Peacekeeping and Regional Security disclosed that Ministers of finance are meeting in Abuja, to discuss on the modalities of mobilising resources for the Standby Force.

“I want to also disclose to you that the Commission is putting in place processes so as to have the Ministers of Finance as well as Ministers of Peace and Security of the region to converge in Abuja to be able to discuss the modalities, the ways and means of mobilising the technical and financial resources that will allow for the activation of this Standby Force to actually be in place,” he disclosed

He also added that the Commission is working tirelessly to ensure that peace support operations across West Africa is strengthened.

“It’s also important to say that other processes are in place to see that a robust Standby Force that is capable and also able to confront the menace in the region is the vision of the authority.”

Hr also noted that all the contributing countries have made pledges.

The ECOWAS standby force was activated to address the rising insecurity in the West African Region.

Already, the regional body has activated its depot for deployment of soldiers for peace support operations.

The regional force, which is expected to comprise 5,000 troops, is part of a broader regional security strategy to curb terrorism and cross-border crimes.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), established the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in 2004. The ESF is central to ECOWAS’ Peace and Security Architecture and its broader vision for a secure and integrated West Africa by 2050.

The adopted document challenges all stakeholders and partners to unify efforts in building the region’s capacity for peace.

With this Policy, ECOWAS sets a course for excellence, resilience and regional leadership in Peace and Security Operations (PSO).

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