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“Real Yahoo Boys Are Nigeria’s Leaders” — Peter Obi Blasts NFF Over FIFA Fund Scandal

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has taken a swipe at Nigeria’s political and sports leadership, describing them as the “real Yahoo Boys” for their role in the alleged diversion of FIFA funds meant for football development in the country.

Obi, in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, condemned what he called the “shameful and sickening” mismanagement of funds released by FIFA to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for stadium construction and youth talent development.

He said the latest FIFA revelation was another sad reflection of the deep-rooted corruption that has crippled the nation, especially in key sectors that should empower the youth and drive national progress.

ALSO READS: Labour Party: Peter Obi Won’t Get 2027 Ticket, Says Arabambi

“FIFA’s recent revelation about the mismanagement of funds released to Nigeria’s Football Federation for stadium development and youth talent growth is both sickening and shameful. It perfectly mirrors the broader decay in how our scarce national resources are handled,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor recalled that during his tenure, FIFA officials had chosen Awka as one of six locations for a FIFA-standard stadium project to be executed through the Federal Ministry of Sports. According to him, land was immediately allocated for the project, but it was never executed.

“We were told that the project would be handled by the Federal Ministry of Sports. That was the last we heard of it. Believing the project was underway, we instead built mini-stadiums across the state to promote grassroots sports,” Obi recounted.

He lamented that despite reports that Nigeria’s football body had received about $25 million from FIFA and CAF since 2013, there is “little or nothing to show for it,” describing the alleged $1.2 million stadium project in Kebbi State as “a national embarrassment.”

“The structure in no way reflects the funds claimed to have been spent on it,” he said.

Obi also took a swipe at those who criticize him and others for “demarketing Nigeria” whenever they speak against corruption.

“Those who accuse us of demarketing Nigeria for speaking the truth are the ones who thrive on corruption and deceit. The real demarketers of Nigeria are the incompetent leaders who have looted public funds meant for schools, healthcare, and youth development,” he stated.

The former governor expressed disappointment that while leaders continue to loot funds meant for development, Nigerian youths — the victims of systemic corruption — are often branded as fraudsters.

“Our youths are our most prized assets, yet we have destroyed their future and turned around to label them ‘Yahoo Boys,’ when in truth, the leaders who have robbed them of their future are the real ‘Yahoo’ of our nation,” Obi declared.

He urged the government to ensure accountability in sports administration and other critical sectors if the country truly hopes to rise from its current state.

“We cannot continue to watch our sports decline while corruption flourishes. If we truly desire to rebuild our country, we must begin with integrity and accountability in every aspect and sector. A New Nigeria is POssible,” he concluded.

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‘Becoming Nigeria’s President Is a Divine Blessing’ – Tinubu

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as a special favour from Almighty Allah, saying his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is a privilege that must be matched with dedicated service to the country.

Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), during which he was granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.

The President expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his Nigerian delegation the rare privilege.

SEE MORE: APC Defends Tinubu Over Electricity Promise, Says President Is Tackling Sector’s Challenges

Speaking after the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing, considering the millions of people in the country.

“I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.

The President also disclosed that he used the opportunity to pray for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.

“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” Tinubu said.

Recalling his previous Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, he said he had asked Allah to bless the journey and promised to return to express gratitude.

Tinubu also reflected on the message in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which establishes Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty and authority, with the power to give and take leadership.

He said the message reinforces the need for those entrusted with positions of authority to exercise power responsibly, with humility and in the interest of the people.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, investing in the future of young Nigerians and pursuing development in line with the aspirations of the people.

Tinubu described the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual experience, adding that it reflected the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

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Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador

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The Ogun State Police Command has received three major honours at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council’s Golden Jubilee Press Week, with Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni named a Golden Jubilee Ambassador.

The Command received the Shield of Public Safety Award, while its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, was presented with the Vanguard of Public Safety Award.

The recognition formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the NUJ in Ogun State, which coincides with the state’s 50th anniversary.

SEE ALSO: Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Serial Burglar, Recover Stolen Items Worth ₦16.2m

According to a statement released on Monday, November 2, 2026, by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi, the awards recognised the Command’s commitment to public safety, proactive policing and effective engagement with the media.

The Golden Jubilee Press Week, held from October 26 to November 1, 2026, was themed, “Truth, Trust and the Press: Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism.”

Ojajuni also participated in a panel session during the celebration, where he urged journalists to uphold truth, professional ethics and patriotism, stressing the importance of responsible journalism to national development and public confidence in public institutions.

While receiving the Shield of Public Safety Award, the police commissioner attributed the Command’s achievements, particularly the impact of Operation KOSAYE, to the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, under the Handshake Patrol initiative.

He explained that the operation was carried out on the directive of the IGP through collaboration between the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, with support from the governors of both states.

According to him, the initiative strengthened security cooperation between the two states and improved coordinated efforts to prevent and combat criminal activities.

Ojajuni was also named among 50 distinguished personalities recognised as Golden Jubilee Ambassadors.

The honour reflects his leadership and previous contributions to policing in Ogun State, where he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department and Squadron Commander of the 16 Police Mobile Force, Abeokuta, before becoming commissioner.

Similarly, Babaseyi received the Vanguard of Public Safety Award in recognition of his contributions to police-public communication, media engagement and public safety advocacy.

The commissioner dedicated the honours to the Inspector-General of Police and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, acknowledging their commitment and sacrifices in protecting lives and property.

The Command also commended the NUJ Ogun State Council, led by its chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, for the recognition and its role in promoting constructive engagement between journalists and security institutions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media, noting that effective policing depends not only on operational deployment but also on public trust, timely information and stakeholder engagement.

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Insecurity: Radda Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Partnership to Protect Farmers, Communities

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on traditional rulers to strengthen their collaboration with the government and security agencies to tackle insecurity and protect farmers, traders and other residents across the state.

Radda made the appeal during a meeting with the District Head of Bakori, Alhaji Garba Tukur Idris, Makaman Katsina, and other traditional leaders in Bakori Local Government Area.

The engagement, which formed part of activities of the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 Campaign Council, was disclosed in a statement issued on November 1, 2026, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.

SEE ALSO: NSC Chair Dikko Vows to End Salary Delays for Nigerian Coaches, Players

The governor said traditional institutions remained essential to efforts to achieve lasting security and development, particularly because of their influence and close relationship with local communities.

“Government cannot achieve sustainable security and grassroots development without the active cooperation of traditional rulers, community elders and other local stakeholders,” Radda said.

He urged traditional leaders to work more closely with security agencies and other community stakeholders to address security threats and strengthen peace across their respective communities.

“Your role in maintaining peace and order in our communities is very important. We need your cooperation to address security challenges and advance development at the grassroots,” he added.

Radda also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening security operations and ensuring farmers could access their farmlands while traders conducted their businesses without fear.

He called for a coordinated approach involving traditional rulers, security agencies, political leaders, youths and women, stressing the importance of collective action in tackling insecurity and creating economic opportunities.

In his response, the District Head of Bakori, Garba Tukur Idris, welcomed the governor and his delegation, commending the engagement and the relationship between the government and traditional institutions.

Idris identified agriculture, trading and commerce as the major economic activities in Bakori, while highlighting the area’s skilled and unskilled labour force, dams and boreholes as resources that could support increased agricultural productivity and attract investment.

He also commended the cooperation among traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies and residents in maintaining peace, urging stakeholders to sustain the collaboration to protect their communities.

The Chairman of Bakori Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Barde, said the delegation was also in the area to seek the blessings and support of traditional rulers and community stakeholders for the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 campaign.

The delegation included Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal; Campaign Director-General, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Campaign Council Co-Chairman, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; Deputy Director-General, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; and Secretary-General, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, among others.

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