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NUJ President, IGP,Transcorp Hilton Hail Inspiring FCT Correspondents Chapel Tournament
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Encomiums have continued to pour in for the FCT Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ ) after the successful conclusion of the second edition of a 3-day football tournament that brought private and public organizations together.
The Correspondents Chapel Football Tournament which had twelve participating teams, came to an end at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja on Saturday, as the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC) emerged champions after beating the Federal High Court 1-0.
Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel Comrade. Jide Oyekunle said the tournament was aimed at strengthening synergy amongst the participating organisations.
“This tournament is not just a competition; it is a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the unifying power of football.Football, as we all know, is more than just a game. It is a language that transcends borders, a passion that brings together people from all walks of life.”
“Going by the theme of the tournament “ Football for Friendship and Peace “ The 3- Day tournament is aimed at strengthening the relationships between the media and participating organizations particularly the security agencies. It is also aimed at shaping and promoting synergy and collaboration,” he revealed.
NUJ President Chris Isiguzo described the tournament as highly ‘inspiring’.
“The success of the inaugural edition last year and the enthusiasm that has carried over to this year is a clear indication of the Chapel’s leadership and organizational prowess. I hope I’m not going to burst your head when I declare you as the numero uno Chapel in the country. You’re clearly living to that expectation, setting a high standard for others to follow.”
“Engaging in activities such as this football tournament remains very crucial for our general wellbeing. As Journalist, we often find ourselves engrossed in a demanding task of gathering, reporting and analyzing news.
“ It is essential to create opportunities for relaxation and recreation. To rejuvenate our minds and bodies. Sports, particularly football, offers a perfect avenue for this.
Because it helps to promote physical fitness mental alertness and team spirit. This tournament is more than just a games, it is a celebration of our unity and strength as professional.
“ It is also a platform for us to bond and build lasting relationships that transcend our professional interaction. Such initiatives indeed offer a sense belonging and solidarity which clearly are essential in the high pressure environment of journalism,” Isiguzo stated.
“Moreover as we indugle in this exciting tournament, we must not lose sight of the essence of our profession. Your efforts in organising this tournaments are highly commendable and truly inspiring,” NUJ President affirms.
One of the main partners of the tournament, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, through marketing manager Ifeanyi Nnadi urged the sponsors to make the event a bigger one next year.
“I want to first of all thank the organisers of this event for a very well turned out event, congratulations to the participant’s and to everyone who won today. And of course we’re very happy to be a part of it. All the sponsors, all the planning committee, what I’ll just say is let’s make the next edition bigger and better. Thank you very much, all the best.” Nnadi declared.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police represented by Patrick Attahiru while appreciating the organisers for giving security operatives the opportunity to compete with others, pleaded for more collaboration with journalists to help strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“I want to assure our brothers and sisters that the IGP is very keen to foster a very healthy and friendly relationship with the fourth estate of the realm. We understand the critical role journalists play in sustaining a vibrant democracy such as we’re trying to establish for our country. Together with the police we’re both key stakeholders in nurturing our democracy to fruition.”
“And I want to assure you that in any case or any instance a journalist feels any police man has stepped out of line or overuse his authority in any way or prevented you from doing your job, I’m sure you all have access to the highest echelon of the force. And I can assure you, the IGP has made it clear, if such a complaint is received, it’ll be dealt with and dealt with appropriately. So we’ll continue to support you and we hope you’ll continue to support us. Because we rely on you as a force multiplier to achieve the strategic objective of the IGP in policing our great country. We seek your understanding, it’s a difficult job for us as well as for you, but with mutual understanding we’ll continue to collaborate and to cooperate,” IGP assured.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation Ibrahim Gusau also pledged a continued collaboration with the media, as he called on the organisers to make subsequent event a 20-team competition.
The representative of AIBEN, Elder Timothy Elerewe said the company would continue to support the media in their quest for positive change and development of the society. He thanked all participating organizations for the spirit of sportsmanship, resilience and determination.
Those participating in the second edition are as follows Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPCL ), Nigerian Police Force , Nigerian Customs Service ( NCS ), Nigerian Immigration Services ( NIS ), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Federal High Court, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC ), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), AIBEN Group, Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Following the 1-0 victory over Federal High Court, the FRSC retained the title it won last year
News
UNN Dismisses Report Of Mass Abduction Of Students
The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has dismissed a social media report alleging an impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students on its Nsukka campus, describing the claim as false and unverified.
The university said there is no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the online post currently circulating among students and members of the public.
In a statement issued by the acting public relations officer of the institution, Inya Agha Egwu, the management said the report is unsubstantiated and should be disregarded.
Egwu, however, said the university has taken precautionary measures to further strengthen security across the campus in line with its commitment to the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
According to him, the measures include the deployment of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army to key entry points, working alongside the university’s internal security unit.
He added that some access gates to the Nsukka campus would be temporarily closed to improve monitoring and control of movement in and out of the institution.
The statement also announced the suspension of motorcycle operations within the campus, adding that only authorised security personnel would be allowed to use motorcycles inside the university premises.
Staff who commute using motorcycles were advised to park them at designated areas outside the campus before proceeding to their workplaces.
Egwu urged members of the university community to remain calm and continue their normal academic and administrative activities without fear.
He also warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that such reports could create unnecessary panic and disrupt the peace of the institution.
“Members of the University community are urged not to spread unverified information capable of creating unnecessary anxiety,” he said.
The university further encouraged students and staff to report any suspicious activity to security authorities, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
News
Sowore Faults MTN CEO’s Claim On Unlimited Data, Threatens Nationwide Protest
Activist and African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has challenged claims by the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, that unlimited mobile data plans are virtually non-existent globally unless subscribers pay extremely high fees.
Sowore, in a post on his X handle on Sunday, described the MTN boss’s assertion as false, insisting that millions of consumers across the world have access to unlimited or effectively unlimited mobile and broadband data plans at prices he said are more affordable relative to local incomes than what Nigerians currently pay.
The activist’s reaction came after Toriola made the remarks during a press conference titled: “Data on Trial” held in Lagos where the MTN chief argued that unlimited data plans are not sustainable on mobile networks without compromising service quality.
“The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever. There are high bundles and fair usage policies,” Toriola said.
He added that network capacity constraints make unrestricted data offerings impractical at low prices.
“On mobile networks, it does not really exist. There is a limit, because you can never build enough capacity for everyone to be on an unlimited bundle and you think you will provide quality service that will be decent,” he said.
Responding, Sowore dismissed the claim, insisting it does not reflect global market realities.
“Liars,” Sowore wrote.
He argued that many countries still provide consumers with unlimited or near-unlimited data plans at relatively affordable rates compared to income levels.
“Millions of consumers around the world enjoy truly unlimited or effectively unlimited broadband and mobile data plans at prices that are often cheaper, relative to income, than what Nigerians pay for far less service,” he said.
Sowore also criticised the quality and cost of telecommunications services in Nigeria, calling for improved consumer outcomes.
“Nigerians deserve affordable, reliable, and genuinely consumer-friendly telecommunications services, not endless tariff hikes, poor network quality, and excuses,” he wrote.
He further escalated his position, hinting at possible mass action against the telecom operator.
“The time to #OCCUPYMTN nationwide is fast approaching!” he added.
The exchange comes amid renewed public debate over telecommunications pricing in Nigeria following tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Earlier in 2025, the regulator approved increases of up to 50 per cent in voice, SMS, and data tariffs, citing inflationary pressures, naira depreciation, and the need to sustain investment in the sector.
MTN Nigeria has defended the adjustments, maintaining that Nigeria remains among the cheapest markets globally for mobile data services despite the increases.
However, critics, including Sowore, argue that consumers in several countries continue to enjoy better service quality and more affordable unlimited data offerings, intensifying the debate across social media platforms.
News
Only authorised agencies can enforce laws, Ramaphosa condemns Xenophobia
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his government’s commitment to lawful migration management, stressing that violence, intimidation, xenophobia and the spread of misinformation have no place in the country.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, Ramaphosa outlined actions and behaviours that he said are unacceptable, including unauthorised individuals demanding documentation or proof of nationality, blocking access to public services, and acts of violence against foreign nationals.
The President also condemned racism, sexism, xenophobia, Afrophobia and other forms of intolerance, as well as the spread of misinformation, incitement and fake news on social media.
According to Ramaphosa, employers who exploit undocumented workers are equally engaging in conduct that cannot be accepted.
“Only authorised law enforcement agencies may act against violations of the law,” the President said, adding that “all people must be treated with dignity and respect,” regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
Ramaphosa also announced the adoption of a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management aimed at strengthening border security, enforcing immigration laws, tackling corruption and closing policy loopholes as part of efforts to address illegal immigration in South Africa.
The President said the plan was approved by Cabinet last week and endorsed by the President’s Coordinating Council, which comprises premiers, local government representatives and traditional leaders.
“As government our objective is clear. We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully; a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced; a South Africa where businesses compete fairly; a South Africa where communities feel safe and secure, and a South Africa that remains true to its constitutional values and its commitment to human dignity,” he said.
According to Ramaphosa, the strategy is built on five pillars: cracking down on violations of immigration and labour laws, preventing illegal entry into the country, rooting out corruption in the immigration system, strengthening immigration laws and policies, and enhancing cooperation with other countries to address migration challenges across the region and continent.
On enforcement, the President said government agencies would intensify efforts to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in the country.
“The Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies have been and will intensify the process of identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa,” he said.
Highlighting progress already made, Ramaphosa disclosed that “in the past year alone, the BMA managed to intercept and stop over 450,000 people who were attempting to enter South Africa illegally.”
He also announced plans to establish dedicated immigration courts to accelerate deportation processes involving undocumented migrants.
The President said the second pillar of the strategy focuses on strengthening border management and ensuring authorities know who enters the country, why they are entering and how long they are permitted to stay.
“Secure borders are not a sign of hostility towards other countries. They are a fundamental requirement of a sovereign and well-governed State,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that government would continue investing in modern technology, infrastructure and personnel to secure borders while facilitating legitimate trade, travel and economic activity.
As part of the measures, the government will begin a phased relocation of refugee reception centres to border posts, starting with the Tshwane centre later this year.
Ramaphosa said the third pillar centres on eliminating corruption and improving the efficiency of the immigration system through technology-driven reforms.
“We are continuing the crackdown on corruption and inefficiencies in the Department of Home Affairs.
“We must recognise that illegal immigration is often enabled by corruption. Officials who sell documents, facilitate unlawful entry or abuse public office for personal gain betray the trust of the South African people. We will pursue these cases relentlessly.”
According to the President, officials implicated in such offences are already facing disciplinary and criminal action.
“Those responsible are facing dismissal, criminal prosecution and the full consequences of the law,” he said.
Ramaphosa also cited the establishment of an Intelligent Population Register containing biometric data for every person in the country, describing it as a key step towards the introduction of a Digital ID system.
He said efforts to phase out the green ID book would continue, noting that the document remains vulnerable to identity theft and abuse.
The Department of Home Affairs, he said, would soon announce a deadline after which the green ID book would no longer be recognised.
The President further revealed that the move would help curb abuse of the Traffic Registration Number, which foreign nationals require to register or purchase vehicles.
“The Department of Transport will issue new regulations to align with the identification laws of our country within the next three months,” he said.
Addressing legislative reforms, Ramaphosa acknowledged weaknesses in South Africa’s immigration framework.
“The laws that regulate immigration in South Africa are fragmented and often contradictory. They allow legal loopholes that are exploited by undocumented migrants. We are addressing these loopholes,” he said.
On regional cooperation, the President stressed the need for African countries to work together to tackle the root causes of migration.
“We need to address the factors that drive migration on our continent and elsewhere,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that South Africa would continue collaborating with neighbouring countries and other African nations to create conditions where migration is driven by choice rather than necessity.
“As part of this effort, I will be sending envoys to a number of sister African countries to outline the measures that we are announcing this evening,” he said.
Ramaphosa assured citizens that Cabinet would continue monitoring implementation of the migration strategy and regularly review progress on the measures announced.
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