Fitilar Zamani

09/06/2025

“Nigerians Are Fools”: Maryam Abacha Denies Stashed Loot, Defends Late Husband

Maryam Abacha, widow of the late Nigerian military ruler General Sani Abacha, has strongly criticized the ongoing narrative surrounding the recovery of funds allegedly looted by her husband and stashed abroad.

In a recent interview with TVC, Maryam described Nigerians as “fools” for believing reports that large sums of money have been recovered from foreign accounts linked to her late husband. She questioned the authenticity of such claims, demanding concrete evidence of any illicit funds.

“Who is the witness of the monies that were being stashed? Did you see the signature or the evidence of any monies stashed abroad?” she asked.

05/06/2025

Gombe visits Kano, Commisurate with Govt, Sports Commission, Families of Auto Crash Victims

The Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green Sports Centre Limited, and Sports entrepreneur Hon. Ahmed Shuibu Gara-Gombe, led a delegation to Kano State to pay a condolence visit to the people and government of the state.

The team was received by the Director of the Kano State Sports Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Umar Fagge.

The visit was prompted by the tragic loss of life of 22 talented athletes from Kano State that participated in the National Sports Festival Gateway Games in Ogun State.

The team, which included Dr. Alex Mana, Col. Abbas Mohammed (RTD), and other officials, expressed deep concern over the unforeseen event.

Hon. Gara-Gombe, who served as a Special Adviser to former Governor Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, described himself as part of the Kano community and emphasized his emotional connection to the state.
During the visit, he called on the Kano State Government to build a mausoleum in memory of the deceased athletes and to immortalize them in a special place in the metropolis.

He also pledged to contribute N2 million towards the project.

The team was later received by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, at the Government House.

The Deputy Governor appreciated the gesture and promised to consider the proposal to immortalize the deceased athletes.

He thanked Hon. Gara-Gombe and his team for their condolences and wished them a safe journey back to their various destinations.

03/06/2025

Divisional General BABA SOULEY, Chief of Staff of the Army

Born on December 31, 1945 in Yaoundé to El Hadj Souley Garba and Yeria Salakou, Baba Souley studied secondary and university in Cameroon and France.

After the Bachelor's degree in Letters and Philosophy, he obtained a Bachelor in Public Law at the University of Yaoundé in 1982.

Engaged in the army as a special reserve officer student, General Baba Souley attended training at the Montpellier Reserve Officer School in 1966, in 1971 he graduated as commando officers in Montlouis France.

On September 1, 1972, he was transferred to the command of the headquarters as a student at the Emiac, he takes turn by turn the courses of captain (Emia) and receives the diploma of staff and the certificate of higher military studies at the Joint Defense College in Paris (30 June 1994).

Made colonel in 1994, Baba Souley entered the closed circle of general officers on September 25, 2001, when he became a brigade general. Approximately 10 years later, that is on March 11, 2011 he was promoted to the rank of Divisional General.

Commander of the Firefighters Corps from March 24, 1997 to March 11, 2011, he is the Chief of Staff of the Army.

The Cameroon Post

23/05/2025

Super Eagles’ Invitation List And The Exclusion Of Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf

By Jeremiah Ovey, Abuja
***
Before I proceed, let me state that this is solely my opinion, and I take full responsibility for everything I say on this matter.

Two days ago, The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) unveiled two separate lists of invitees for upcoming matches in Europe. The first is a friendly against the Russian national team, while the second involves a four-nation invitational tournament featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. As expected, both lists featured the usual regulars in the Super Eagles setup. The list for the Russia game is dominated by Europe-based players, while the second list includes a fair number of domestic league stars, including Kano Pillars and Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa.

However, a closer look at the list reveals some fundamental issues that must be addressed. The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is nearing its conclusion, with Remo Stars already crowned champions. The remaining matches are mere formalities to determine final positions. Nasarawa United, a team that once floated in the relegation zone, is now safe to remain in the top flight thanks to their new coach and former Super Eagles coach, Salisu Yusuf, and the outstanding performance of local hero Anas Yusuf.

Anas Yusuf, the NPFL’s current leading scorer with 18 goals, with 14 from open play and 4 from penalties, has been nothing short of phenomenal. His efforts have not only saved his club from relegation but also brought him into the national spotlight. One would naturally expect a player of his form and impact to earn a national team call-up, if not to play, then at least for exposure and development.

Yet, Anas has been completely overlooked with no invitation, no recognition, and no explanation.

While I understand that the coach has the prerogative to select players he believes fit his tactical plans, this snub sends the wrong signal. In an era where European football dominates the global discourse, all thanks largely to social media, Nigeria must use this opportunity to showcase its domestic talent. The Super Eagles’ platform should also serve as a stepping stone for the NPFL’s best players.

Our league struggles to gain traction, even falling behind those in countries like Rwanda, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Sudan. Not to mention established leagues like South Africa’s PSL, and North Africa’s Egyptian, Moroccan, Tunisian, and Algerian leagues. Since Enyimba’s CAF Champions League triumph in 2004, Nigerian clubs have largely been spectators in continental football. This international window is an ideal moment to spotlight Anas and market the NPFL, but the opportunity is about to be missed.

Worse still, no official reason has been offered for his exclusion. It appears the NFF has little confidence in its league or its stars, a damning indictment of our football system. Anas Yusuf is a grassroots discovery, a true homegrown talent. Excluding him from the list despite such stellar form only serves to diminish the league’s credibility.

Let’s be clear: a goal is a goal, whether from open play or the penalty spot. Anas leads the NPFL charts because he delivers when it counts. He deserves a chance to rub shoulders with the “big boys”, and the upcoming London invitational would have been the perfect stage.

As a form of damage control, the NFF should urgently consult with Coach Eric Chelle to consider including Anas in the squad. The world deserves to know who leads the scoring charts in Nigeria’s top division. As the most populous Black nation with an unmatched passion for football, we must begin to treat our league and its stars with the respect they deserve.

Let’s not forget that many Super Eagles legends began their journeys in the NPFL. Ahmed Musa, for instance, was the league’s top scorer in the 2009/10 season before being called up to the national team, a move that transformed his career. If Musa could get that chance, why not Anas?

Unless there’s a compelling and justifiable reason for his exclusion, the NFF and Coach Eric Chelle owe fans an explanation. If we don’t value our own, how do we expect foreign investors, scouts, or sponsors to take us seriously? Beyond betting companies, we need more robust partnerships and that starts by showcasing the best of what we have.

I sincerely hope Anas Yusuf is added to the squad travelling to London. It’s not just about one player, it’s about the future of Nigerian football.

07/05/2025

Religion: A total of 133 cardinals will start voting for the next pope starting Thursday midnight, May 8, Manila time.

Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, has prayed for a pope that will lead the Roman Catholic Church in the modern times.

02/05/2025

Sanwo-Olu urges Lagos youths to join Nigerian Army

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on youths across the State to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing recruitment into the Nigerian Army.

The Governor’s appeal was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Olumuyiwa Ojelabi from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. He announced that registration for the 89 Regular Recruits Intake for both Trades and Non-Tradesmen/Women will conclude on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, during a stakeholder engagement held at the palace of the Olofin of Isheri Olofin, Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged eligible young men and women to actively participate in the recruitment exercise.

“It is time for all stakeholders to rethink their perceptions of military careers. Today’s Army offers vast opportunities beyond the battlefield, with technology, education, and career development now forming integral parts of service life,” Salu-Hundeyin said on behalf of the Governor.

The engagement convened parents, youths, traditional and religious leaders, as well as artisans, to promote awareness about the personal and professional advantages of pursuing a career in the Nigerian Army.

“Enlisting in the military not only allows one to serve the nation with pride but also opens doors to professional training in fields such as law, medicine, and aeronautics,” Sanwo-Olu noted.

01/05/2025

Vice President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is focused on unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and positioning it as a continental leader. He made this known while hosting a delegation from Berlin’s Hertie School of Governance, led by Dr. Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Shettima stressed the importance of global partnerships to boost policy development, especially in human capital. He described the Hertie School as a valuable ally and emphasised the government’s HCD 2.0 programme as key to economic and social progress.

Dr. Alter commended the administration’s ambitious HCD strategy and praised the commitment of Nigerian stakeholders. He reaffirmed the Hertie School’s support and urged Nigerian officials to stay adaptive in a rapidly changing world.

25/04/2025

We are honored to announce the official Nomination Process of the Inauguration of 100 Most influential Award.

The Progressives Magazine will pledge to work tirelessly to bridge divides, promote understanding, and create a culture of peace in our communities and commit themselves to Humanitarian works.

Together, we believe that we can make a difference and build a brighter future for all Nigerians.

The Progressives Magazine

22/04/2025

15 Things You Should Know About the New Army Spokesperson – Lt Col (Mrs) Appolonia Anele

The Nigerian Army has appointed a new spokesperson — and she’s a woman of strength, wisdom, and service.

Here are 15 simple but powerful facts about Lieutenant Colonel (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele, the new Acting Director, Army Public Relations (Ag DAPR):

1. She comes from a military background
Her late father was a Warrant Officer, so military life has always been part of her story.

2. She's from Imo State
She hails from Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area in the South East.

3. She grew up in Jos
Her early education was in Plateau — Army Children’s School and Command Day Secondary School.

4. She studied Mass Communication
She got her Diploma and Degree from the University of Jos.

5. She joined the Army in 2007
After NYSC, she was commissioned as an officer through Direct Regular Course 15.

6. She served with the UN in Darfur
In 2008, she was part of the peacekeeping mission in Sudan — representing Nigeria with pride.

7. She has two Master’s Degrees
One in Gender, Peace & Security and another in Leadership & Strategic Studies.

8. She's trained in five different countries
Nigeria, Ghana, Sweden, Mali, and the UK — constantly growing and learning.

9. She once worked directly with the Chief of Army Staff
From 2018 to 2021, she served as his Public Relations Officer — a big role, handled with class.

10. She has trained many soldiers
As Chief Instructor at NASPRI, she mentored and built upcoming military communicators.

11. She pushes for gender equality
She’s delivered powerful talks about women in the military and peace operations.

12. She’s worked in many departments
From Defence Space Administration to Human Rights at Defence HQ — her experience is wide and solid.

13. She’s highly respected in her field
She’s a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and holds the Forces Service Star award.

21/04/2025

21/04/2025

The Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, has encouraged diaspora investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s capital market, calling it a robust and attractive platform for global investment.

He made the appeal at a forum held at NASDAQ, New York, themed “The Nigeria Investment Agenda: Pathways for Growth & Global Partnerships,” which gathered investors and financial leaders to discuss Nigeria’s economic outlook and reforms.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso outlined key reforms over the last 18 months, including monetary tightening, FX transparency and stronger financial governance, aimed at boosting investor confidence and long-term stability.

14/04/2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of over 40 lives in Plateau State, condemning the recurring violence and calling for urgent action to end the bloodshed.

He extended heartfelt condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of the state, urging the political leadership to summon the will needed to resolve the crisis and bring lasting peace.

President Tinubu stressed the need for unity beyond religious and ethnic lines, urging leaders across all sectors to work together to break the cycle of reprisals.

He directed security agencies to investigate the attacks thoroughly and ensure justice.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to support Plateau State in promoting dialogue, accountability and long-term peace.