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Abdul Samad Rabiu, the founder and chairman of BUA Group has said he will go ahead with his promised $500,000 gift to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, despite their 4-2 loss to Morocco on penalties.

The billionaire philanthropist made the promise on Wednesday night after the cracker that saw the Moroccans move to the final, trying for their first AFCON trophy in 50 years.

“To our brave Super Eagles,” Rabiu posted on X almost immediately after the match.

“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.

“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.”

The industrialist said he was going ahead with the gift despite the loss to reward the Eagles’ hard work and dedication.

“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000 USD. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation,” he said. “Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories.”

Nigeria will now face Egypt on Saturday for a third place play off while Morocco will face Senegal on Sunday for the final.

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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says the scheme is ready to adopt and implement a standardised protocol for inclusive handling of corps members with disabilities throughout the orientation course and service year.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. – Gen. Olakunle Nafiu said this on Wednesday in Jos, at the opening ceremony of the NYSC 2026 pre-orientation workshop.

Nafiu said the initiative focused not only on compliance but also on dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

“It emphasises our commitment to leaving no one behind and positioning the NYSC as a humane, progressive, and nationally responsive institution,” he said.

The D-G, who delivered the keynote address, described the pre-orientation workshop as a strategic platform rather than a routine administrative exercise.

According to him, the workshop provided an opportunity for critical planning and reflection ahead of one of the most important phases of the NYSC service year, which is the orientation course.

“The orientation course constitutes the bedrock of the entire NYSC service year.

“It is where service begins, character is forged, and citizenship is affirmed,” he said.

He emphasised the need for the continuous reimagining of the orientation programme in line with national realities, global best practices, and the evolving behaviour of youths.

The D-G noted that the theme of the workshop, “Revamping the NYSC Orientation Course Experience as a Foundation for Impactful Service by Corps Members”, aligned with the scheme’s goal of producing disciplined, patriotic, and socially responsible citizens.

The NYSC boss commended the dedication and professionalism of management and camp officials.

He specifically applauded the seamless conduct of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise, which he said demonstrated the power of teamwork and institutional discipline.

He said the 2026 workshop would feature innovative sessions, an open-mic discussion to address emerging challenges, improved camp management strategies, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and the introduction of practical training modules to equip corps members with post-camp skills.

Nafiu urged participants to engage actively in the sessions to produce practical and actionable outcomes that would strengthen the orientation course nationwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop commenced on Jan 13 and would end on January 16.

(NAN)

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The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has commended the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for signing the 2009 FGN-ASUU renegotiation agreement with the Federal Government.

The agreement was presented to the public on Wednesday by Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa at an event attended by former ASUU presidents, ministers, academics, senators, Rep members among others.

The committee urged the government to expedite action on the pending renegotiation with NASU, SSANU.

A statement signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary, NASU and Mohammed Ibrahim, President, SSANU and Chairman of JAC, said, “JAC of NASU and SSANU remains committed to the entrenchment of industrial harmony and sustainable communities in our Universities, and calls on the Federal Government to ensure expedited action in the ongoing renegotiation with NASU and SSANU, as any further delay after the signing of today’s agreement with our sister Union would be tantamount to a clear invitation to chaos, and the distortion of industrial peace which we have continued to maintain despite Government’s continued insensitivity to the University system and the gruesome conditions under which our members are made to work.

“JAC notes that timely conclusion of the ongoing renegotiation with NASU and SSANU would avert the breakdown of industrial peace and harmony in the system, and hereby advises the Federal Government not to stir the hornet’s nest through any form of delay tactics.”