Author: News Room

Some football fans have berated the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over poor officiating in Nigeria’s 2-4 loss on penalties to hosts Morocco in the semifinals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The fans took to social media to criticise Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea, who took charge of proceedings on the day, alleging that his decisions were biased. At the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium on Wednesday, Morocco put a dent to Nigeria’s unscathed run in the tournament as both teams could not find the back of the net in 120 minutes. After the game, Super Eagles right-back,…

The Adamawa State Government has commenced the validation and updating of the database of participating civil servants in its contributory health insurance scheme. A notice to this effect stated that the exercise is aimed at ensuring accurate records for effective management of health insurance for the state workforce. In the notice, signed by the Permanent Secretary in charge of Administration in the Office of the State Head of Service, Oliver Gani, the government said the validation will require the use of the National Identification System. “This is to inform all ministries, departments and agencies that the Adamawa State Contributory Health…

Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr Peter Odey has noted that the ongoing e-registration will significantly sanitise membership of the national ruling party. He stated this Thursday, in his office when he revalidated his membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the party and its progressive ideals. He said the initiative would deepen internal democracy and ensure that only genuine and committed members drive the party’s affairs. Commending President Bola Tinubu for approving the e-registration, he noted that the integration of National Identification Numbers (NIN), Voter Cards, and APC membership cards into the…

Six persons have been confirmed dead following a road crash involving an articulated trailer and a canter truck along Potiskum-Damaturu highway in Yobe state. According to eyewitnesses, the two vehicles had a head-on-collision with the truck driver blamed for driving against the traffic. The trailer was on its way to Maiduguri, Borno State, conveying soya beans with five occupants including the driver. Only one of them survived with injuries, as the remaining occupants lost their lives. The canter truck which was at fault was carrying earth mould bricks with two persons losing their lives in that vehicle. The scene of…

Nigerian fullback, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has slammed the Confederation of African Football, CAF, for appointing Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Ayi to officiate the Super Eagles semifinal clash with Morocco. Osayi-Samuel wondered why a game of such calibre would have been assigned to Ayi, who he described as appalling, to handle. According to the Birmingham defender, the Ghanaian made wrong decisions during the match. He was unhappy with some calls Ayi made which contributed to Nigeria’s loss. Nigeria was eliminated from the competition after losing 4-2 in the penalty shootout, as the semifinal match ended without any goals scored during regular time.…

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has denied a report claiming that the Federal Government has paused the issuance of implementation guidelines for the new tax laws due to uncertainty. A media report (not The PUNCH) had stated that the Nigerian government halted the issuance of guidelines for the implementation of the new tax laws, quoting Oyedele as having instructed the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Joint Revenue Board to wait because the final version of the laws was unclear. According to the report, Oyedele had made the comments in Lagos on…

No fewer than six people have been confirmed dead following a fatal head-on collision involving a trailer and a truck along the Potiskum–Damaturu highway on Thursday. Eyewitnesses said the crash occurred after the truck allegedly drove against the flow of traffic and collided with an oncoming trailer. “The Canter truck was on the wrong lane when it crashed into the trailer,” an eyewitness said. Four occupants were trapped inside the trailer and were later pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two fatalities were occupants of the Canter truck. Two additional persons survived the crash and were taken to…

  Veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, has become the latest addition to the African Democratic Congress train by officially declaring his membership in the party months after dumping the opposition Peoples Democratic Party. The former presidential aspirant declared his ADC membership in Benin City on Thursday, Momodu while putting to bed possible questions on where his political ambitions lie by stating that he doesnt have interest in becoming a senator or governor in his hometown, Edo State. “People have asked me, ‘What do you want? Do you want to be governor or senator?’ No,” he said. “I just want to promote…

Digital bank PalmPay and Premier Cool have launched a nationwide consumer promotion offering N100m in cash rewards to Nigerians, as brands increasingly turn to incentive-led campaigns to boost household spending amid economic pressure. The campaign, tagged “10K for 10K”, will reward 10,000 Nigerians with N10,000 each, with winnings paid instantly into PalmPay wallets. It runs from 12 January to 11 April 2026, with 111 winners expected to emerge daily throughout the three-month period. Premier Cool, an antibacterial cooling bar soap under PZ Cussons Africa, said the initiative is aimed at easing financial strain for consumers while strengthening brand loyalty. Speaking…

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who emerged winners at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards. He described their performance as proof of the country’s growing influence in African and global music. According to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Thursday, the President said the success of the artistes reflected “the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry”.  He also added that their achievements had made the nation proud. “I warmly congratulate our outstanding Nigerian artistes for their remarkable achievements…