During these simultaneous ground movements, United Nigeria Airlines reported that “the taxiing aircraft manoeuvred in a manner that generated significant jet blast within the ramp area”.
Month: March 2026
Police arrest additional 14 suspects over alleged attack on personnel in Osun
The Osun State Police Command has arrested 14 additional suspects in connection with the attack on its officers in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of […]
Ondo nurses threaten night duty withdrawal after armed raid in Akure
Following a violent raid on Oke Ijebu Health Centre in Akure, Ondo State, nurses in the state have issued a warning to suspend night duties unless urgent security measures are put in place.
Felix Orobode, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Ondo State, confirmed that armed men stormed the facility on Saturday night, assaulting staff, stealing valuables, and abducting several health workers.
According to Orobode, the assailants reportedly arrived in a bus, forcibly entered the health centre, and beat the on-duty staff. Conflicting reports initially suggested that some victims had been rescued, but further inquiries revealed that they were abandoned along Ondo Road.
“When we spoke with the affected staff, they confirmed being left near Olokuta Prison along Ondo Road. This account aligns with information from security operatives who indicated that the victims were not formally rescued but later found after being abandoned by the attackers,” Orobode said.
Describing the attack as a disturbing reflection of the state’s growing insecurity, Orobode stressed that the incident occurred in a central area of Akure, raising concerns about the vulnerability of public facilities.
“For such a brazen attack to take place in Oke Ijebu, the heart of Akure, highlights serious security challenges we are facing,” he said.
The union leader warned that if immediate interventions are not implemented, nurses across the state may boycott night shifts, potentially crippling healthcare delivery during critical overnight hours.
“We will not wait until more of our members are kidnapped or ransoms are demanded. If government fails to secure our health facilities, nurses will withdraw from night duty across Ondo State,” Orobode declared.
He further lamented the inadequate security arrangements at most health centres, noting that many rely on elderly, unarmed guards without proper training or equipment.
“You can see the security man here, elderly, unarmed, and without proper security training. This is the reality in most facilities,” he said.
Orobode emphasized that fear among healthcare workers could severely affect service delivery.
“If health workers are afraid for their lives, how can they perform effectively? Morale is already impacted,” he added.
Efforts are reportedly underway to address the situation. Orobode said discussions had been initiated with the state Commissioner for Health and the Akure South Local Government chairman, while the union’s executive council is expected to take a final decision on the proposed industrial action.
“The government must act now. The primary responsibility of any administration is to ensure the security of lives and property,” he added.
Ondo nurses threaten night duty withdrawal after armed raid in Akure
Anambra govt demolishes brothel harbouring large cache of hard drugs
The Anambra State Government on Sunday evening demolished Airtight Guest House and Bar, an apartment that serves as a brothel, where a large cache of […]
Police arrest suspected phone snatcher who stabbed victim to death in Kaduna
The Kaduna Police Command said it has arrested the alleged phone snatcher, Aminu Lawal, popularly known as “Aminu Yayyafi”, who stabbed a passerby to death […]
I was right to let Lionel Messi leave Barcelona – Laporta
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has discussed Lionel Messi’s exit from the club in 2021.
He said he was right to let the legendary player leave due to the financial difficulties the club faced at the time.
Messi is often considered the greatest player in the history of the Blaugrana.
Nevertheless, he had to depart from the club in 2021 because of its financial constraints and LaLiga’s salary regulations.
He subsequently signed with Paris Saint-Germain before transferring to Inter Miami two years later.
Laporta justified his decision to part ways with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, telling Marca:
“I had to make a decision, and I believe it was the correct one; the outcomes are evident.
“We managed to restore the club’s financial health, assembled a competitive team, and it was time for a generational shift.
“Leo was nearing the end of his career, and we needed to build a new team. Would I have preferred to create a new team with Leo’s assistance? Yes. We attempted that, but it was not feasible.”
In 2023, Lionel Messi was also rumored to be making a return to Barcelona, but he ultimately chose to join Inter Miami instead.
Javier Saviola backs Leandro Paredes as successor to Lionel Messi
Former Argentina international, Javier Saviola, has expressed his support for 31-year-old Leandro Paredes to assume the role of captain for Argentina following Lionel Messi’s tenure.
As Messi approaches the end of his illustrious career, there is ongoing speculation regarding who will take the reins of La Albiceleste after his retirement.
In a conversation with Marca, Javier Saviola identified Leandro Paredes as the ideal candidate to succeed Messi as captain upon his potential exit. He remarked:
“Paredes possesses a strong personality. He has demonstrated his capabilities over the past few years and has the potential to become an exceptional captain. Julian, Tagliafico, Dibu, I believe that is where the focus should be,” he stated.
Lionel Messi has been at the forefront as the captain of the Argentina national team since 2011. His inaugural match leading the team as captain was a 1–0 victory against Venezuela in a friendly held in Kolkata, India.
Under Messi’s leadership, La Albiceleste achieved remarkable success, clinching the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
At the age of 38, Lionel Messi continues to serve as Argentina’s captain, yet his time in this role is limited. The iconic forward has not yet made a decision regarding his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although there is significant anticipation for him to lead his country once more.
Following his departure, the future captain remains uncertain, although Leandro Paredes is a prominent contender. He made his national team debut in 2017 and has since accumulated 76 appearances for La Albiceleste. He was part of the squad that triumphed in the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa Americas.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has pledged to do his utmost to ensure Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup.
Javier Saviola backs Leandro Paredes as successor to Lionel Messi
Women raise alarm, allege illegal loggers, armed men take over of Ekuri forests
Women from Ekuri community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State have raised alarm over the devastating impact of illegal logging, warning that […]
NNL: Heartland will keep pushing for NPFL promotion — Amuneke
Heartland technical adviser, Emmanuel Amuneke is targeting a strong finish to the 2025/26 season
The Naze Millionaires are pushing for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
Amuneke’s side boosted their chances of top-flight return with a 3-0 bashing of Gateway FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Saturday.
The Owerri club currently occupy third position on the NNL Conference A table with 23 points from 13 games
Heartland are two points adrift leaders Inter Lagos FC.
With an outstanding game against Smart City still on the card, Amuneke said they will fight to achieve their objective.
“Like I’ve always said, we’re not here to make noise. We just want to play our games and approach each one as it comes,” the coach said after the game against Gateway.
“Every game comes with different challenges. We know all three games will be very difficult, but what matters is our readiness to play them and achieve our objectives.”
NNL: Heartland will keep pushing for NPFL promotion — Amuneke
World Cup 2026: Saviola names two countries to play in final, best player currently
Barcelona icon Javier Saviola has named his favourite countries to play in the 2026 World Cup final.
He believes the Lionel Messi-led Argentina would compete against Spain in the final of the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Both nations have topped their respective qualifying groups and will not face each other until the final of the quadrennial tournament, commencing on June 11, with co-hosts Mexico set to play against South Africa.
After reaching the pinnacle of the competition four years ago in Qatar, Messi and his teammates aim to become the first team in 64 years (following Brazil in 1958 and 1962) to successfully defend their title.
Saviola regards Lionel Scaloni’s squad as one of the frontrunners due to the presence of Messi, who is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport (according to Marca):
“Indeed, we are contenders. We have already secured the World Cup; and we possess the best player in the world, as well as one of the greatest in history, Messi,” he said.
“Once you reach the summit, you must continue to prove yourself and earn the respect of the reigning world champion. I hope we can face Spain in the final stages of the World Cup.
“He has alleviated the pressure of not winning the World Cup. Now, he will undoubtedly relish the experience. He always aspires for the best for Argentina, and such players consistently compete and strive for victory.”
Messi clinched the World Cup in his fifth attempt in 2022, thereby ‘completing football’ and securing all major titles with both club and country.
World Cup 2026: Saviola names two countries to play in final, best player currently
