Author: News Room

Nigeria’s proposed $5bn total return swap financing arrangement could expose the country to additional debt-management and liquidity risks despite its potential benefits, global rating agency Fitch Ratings has warned. In a special report obtained by The PUNCH on Monday, Fitch said that while total return swaps can provide governments with hard-currency liquidity, diversify funding sources, and lower borrowing costs, the structure could create transparency concerns, increase exposure to market shocks, and weaken recovery prospects for conventional creditors if not carefully managed. The report comes weeks after reports emerged that Nigeria had secured approval for a $5bn financing arrangement with First…

Galatasaray have rejected a bid of €125 million for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, reaffirming their determination to hold onto the Nigerian forward despite mounting pressure from European clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The offer, reported by Forza Cimbom, was immediately turned down by the Turkish champions, who have also previously rebuffed a €120 million proposal from Atletico Madrid. Manchester United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all remain in pursuit of the 27-year-old, but Galatasaray have made clear that no offer below their asking price will be entertained. It is a valuation that the Istanbul…

The Federal Government has invested N220bn in medical education and training over the past two years to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and improve the quality of medical training, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has said. The minister also announced that the Federal Government would invest an additional N121bn in 2026 to further expand medical education infrastructure across the country. Alausa disclosed this on Saturday while speaking at the maiden convocation ceremony of Miva Open University held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, Lagos. According to him, the investments form part of the education sector reforms…

Former Ethereum Foundation contributors and Ether treasury firms Bitmine and Sharplink have backed a new research and development nonprofit that aims to make Ethereum ready for institutional use.Sharplink said on Monday that the organization, Ethlabs, was formed to “ready Ethereum for the next phase of institutional adoption,” with the company pitching in with Bitmine, Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin and other Ethereum contributors on its funding effort.“As stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets, funds and autonomous AI commerce move on-chain, they are converging on Ethereum as the neutral, credibly permissionless settlement layer for the global economy,” Sharplink said. “Ethlabs exists to ensure the…

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more! Rachel Lindsay knows how to make everyday basics look instantly cool, and her latest denim outfit is proof. The former Bachelorette star recently stepped out in a New York City-esque outfit that was complete with a pair of relaxed light-wash jeans. Her ensemble felt effortless and polished without trying too hard, and these $42 bottoms will help you nail the look. Lindsay was recently spotted out in Manhattan on June 11 wearing relaxed, light-wash jeans with a frayed raw hem,…

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi says he is ready to work with whoever becomes the club’s next manager following the departure of Marco Silva after five years at Craven Cottage, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The 30-year-old became a key figure for Fulham under Silva, becoming the Nigerian with the most Premier League appearances while also reaching a career-high mark for goal involvements in a top-flight season. However, the Cottagers stalled on renewing the contract of the former Watford coach, and many believe that decision played a key role in derailing Fulham’s European ambitions as they fell short by just one point.…

The Oyo State Government has warned individuals and groups against road obstruction, thuggery and any act capable of disrupting public peace during the 2026 Egungun Festival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, conveyed this in a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan, stressing that the government remains committed to maintaining law and order throughout the festival period. “Reports indicate that some persons have been taking advantage of the festival to block roads and hinder the free movement of residents and motorists,” the commissioner said, describing such actions as unlawful and unacceptable. Olatubosun…

The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has congratulated the people of Ekiti State over the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the just-concluded governorship election in the state. PUNCH Online reports that Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, was re-elected after polling 319,224 votes, defeating his closest rivals from the Peoples Democratic Party, Olumayokun Oluyede, and the African Democratic Congress, Dare Bejide, across the state’s 16 local government areas. Following the announcement of the results, APC supporters and residents took to the streets of Ado Ekiti to celebrate the outcome.…

The National Pension Commission has directed treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies to submit details of employees who retired or are due to retire between January 1 and December 31, 2026, as part of preparations for the implementation of the Federal Government’s newly approved Exit Benefit Scheme. In a circular dated June 16, 2026, PenCom said the information must reach the Commission on or before July 6, 2026, warning that submissions must be complete, accurate and strictly comply with the prescribed template. The circular, signed by the Acting Head of the Contribution and Bond Redemption Department, Murtala M. Modibbo, was addressed…

Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo has named Argentine superstar Lionel Messi as the toughest striker he faced during his international career with the Super Eagles, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Omeruo made the revelation while featuring as a pundit on Sporty TV’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he answered a series of quick-fire questions about his playing career. Asked to identify the most difficult opponent he had come up against, the 32-year-old responded without hesitation. “Lionel Messi,” Omeruo said. The experienced centre-back faced Messi twice on the biggest stage of international football, meeting the Argentina captain at the 2014…