Phenomenal – Phenomenal

Oba of Benin orders spiritual warfare against banditry in Edo

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:36:25 +0000

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II has directed traditionalists across Edo South Senatorial District to deploy “spiritual warfare” and lay curses on perpetrators of banditry and other violent crimes.

Oba Ewuare gave the directive on Tuesday, during a meeting with native doctors, priests and priestesses at his palace in Benin.

The Edo government also announced plans to establish special courts to handle armed robbery, kidnapping, rituals among others to fast track judgment and punishment for criminals to serve as deterrent to others.

He said the instruction came from God Almighty and his royal ancestors, following rising insecurity in Nigeria.

The oba said the traditional institution must complement government’s efforts to curb the menace.

He ordered the traditionalists to begin a week-long spiritual exercise to intercede for the land.

The exercise would climax at 6.00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at the Oba’s Palace, where curses would be pronounced on evildoers and their collaborators.

“The message is from the ancestors. Edo people at home and in the diaspora should hear this.

“The criminals know that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil to prevail in Edo ,” Oba Ewuare said.

He said that past Obas of Benin would not permit the wishes of criminals to stand, stressing that it was time they abandoned their activities.

Addressing the groups, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, who reiterated the position of Oba Ewuare, urged them not to let down their guard in their various traditional rites.

Osamwonyi said that the Benin Palace had intensified spiritual consultations and coordination behind the scenes on the issue.

World Cup: No show for all-star England as Ghana hold them in goalless duel

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:34:40 +0000

Neither Harry Kane nor Bukayo Saka or any of the other giant stars in the English team could taste the net on Tuesday night as Ghana pinned them down to a 0-0 draw.

The tightly fought Group L encounter only left memories of less inspiration and missed chances especially in the second half.

England dominated possession from the opening stages, circulating the ball patiently but struggling to find penetration against Ghana’s compact defensive structure and disciplined midfield screening.

Ghana remained organised and compact, inviting pressure before breaking quickly, with their shape forcing England into wide areas and limiting central attacking combinations.

The first major moment came in the 18th minute when Harry Kane was denied from close range after a crowded box situation broke down inside the six-yard area.

England came closer in the 34th minute when Nico O’Reilly struck the crossbar from 20 yards, with the rebound cleared before Kane could react.

Ghana’s best opening arrived in the 61st minute when Prince Kwabena Adu burst through midfield, forcing a sharp save and a scrambled England recovery inside the box.

Momentum briefly stalled in the 30th and 75th minutes due to hydration breaks, disrupting rhythm as both sides struggled to regain attacking fluency after stoppages.

England introduced attacking reinforcements around the 70th minute, including Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, but Ghana’s defensive line held firm under sustained pressure.

The decisive late chance came in the 82nd minute when Kane failed to convert from close range after a rebound inside a congested penalty area.

England pushed until the 90th minute, pinning Ghana deep, but the African side resisted bravely to secure a valuable point in a pulsating but goalless draw.

England will face Panama in their final group match on June 27.

Ghana will take on Croatia on the same day in a crucial encounter that could determine qualification from the group.

Alex Ekubo’s mum to late son: This is very hard for me

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:21:14 +0000

Mother of late actor Alex Ekubo, Evangelist Mrs. Jane Mmerechi Ekubo-Okwaraeke, has professed how tough his passage is for her.

In a tribute to him, she conceded the death is too very hard for her.

Mrs Ekubo-Okwaraeke, however, expressed the consolation that Alex was an adorable son whose memories she will always cherish.

In her tribute titled “A Tribute to My Exceptional Son – I Love You Till Tomorrow”, published in his funeral pamphlet, Ekubo-Okwaraeke described Ekubo as her joy and pride, stating that she still longs for his calls, chats, care, encouragement and prayers.

She wrote, “Chief Ikuku Oma, thank you for being my joy and my pride. I am still longing for your calls, chats, care, unconditional love, your gist, your encouragement, your advice, our corporate prayers, and our praise and worship sessions.”

She called him exceptional and said his life brought joy and pride to those who knew him.

“My beloved son, you were EXCEPTIONAL. Yes, you were different in all that you did. I never doubted your judgment or your views. You were a priceless gift, an amazing son whose life brought joy, laughter, and pride to everyone who knew you.”

She said his death was a pain beyond human understanding, but she takes solace in the impact he made.

“Losing such a precious son is a pain beyond human understanding, and my heart aches deeply. I will forever cherish the beautiful memories we shared. You remain forever treasured in my heart,” she wrote.

She recalled raising him in the Christian faith and said he remained committed until the end.

According to her, “Thank God your life on earth was dedicated to serving God, impacting lives, loving others, and spreading the Gospel. You were never ashamed of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The mother remembered how he encouraged her during tough moments, always urging her to be strong.

“You were always lifting my hands whenever I was weak. You would say, ‘Sweetheart, jide obi gi aka. Remember, God is beautiful in all situations. Be strong and courageous, great woman of God. JEHOVAH BU EZE.’”

Mrs. Ekubo-Okwaraeke described him as resilient, humble, kind and generous.

She said tributes from the public have shown he lived a purposeful life and left a lasting footprint.

She wrote, “You were such a good and humble man. Ikuku Oma, man of God, you lived a life of purpose and love. I am proud of your resilience, kindness, humour, generosity, and humility.”

She thanked his wife, Anwuli, for her support. She closed by expressing hope that they will meet again and praying for his soul to rest in peace.

“This is very hard for me, Ikuku Oma. But my consolation is that we shall meet again on the resurrection morning, when we shall part no more. May your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace.”

Oyo Govt. declares curfew in LGAs around National Park

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:06:11 +0000

Gov. Seyi Makinde has declared a 16-hour curfew in 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State.

According to a memo issued in Ibadan on Tuesday evening by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday.

The curfew, between 4.00 p.m. and 8.00 a.m., is expected to last for two days in the first instance.

The affected LGAs border the Old Oyo National Park.

They are: Oriire LGA headquarters, Ikoyi-Ile; Orelope LGA headquarters, Igboho; Irepo LGA headquarters, Kisi; Saki West LGA headquarters, Saki, and Saki East LGA headquarters, Ago-Amodu.

Others are Atisbo LGA headquarters, Tede /Ago-Are; Itesiwaju LGA headquarters, Otu; Iseyin LGA headquarters, Iseyin; Olorunsogo LGA headquarters, Igbeti, and Atiba LGA headquarters, Offa-Meta, in Oyo town.

World Cup 2026: I can rival Messi, Mbappe, Haaland for Golden Boot Award – Folarin Balogun

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:27:16 +0000

United States striker Folarin Balogun has disclosed that he takes inspiration from elite players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, whose consistent scoring ability he describes as inevitable.

Speaking to reporters during a training session, Balogun admitted that he finds the prolific goal-scoring rate of the game’s top players both annoying and deeply motivating.

The striker stated that he is eager to continue climbing the tournament scoring charts and establish himself among the top goal scorers at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“I think it’s annoying!” Balogun joked. “Seeing players like Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, they’re so inevitable. I think they’re scoring a goal a game, sometimes more. For me, it’s just about trying to get to that level, to be inevitable as well, to be consistent. And I’m sure I’ve got the potential in me to do that.”

While looking to chase down top scorers like Messi, who recently broke the all-time tournament scoring record, Balogun also faces tactical decisions, as he is currently sitting on a yellow card ahead of the knockout rounds.

“That is the sort of player I am,” he said. “I think the most important thing for a professional athlete in any sport is to be available. I’m no different, so, of course, I want to play. But it’s also important to be smart. I wouldn’t want to pick up a yellow card and miss the round of 32.”

Balogun concluded by expressing his long-term ambitions for the remainder of the competition, noting that the further the team advances, the more opportunities he will have to find the back of the net. He added that any goal scored on the World Cup stage is an achievement that will be cherished forever.

State police: Senate defers debate, promises live broadcast

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:13:54 +0000

The Senate has deferred the alteration of the Constitution for the decentralisation of policing in Nigeria, which will facilitate the establishment of State Police, with a promise to televise it live.

The Senate said the alteration of the Constitution will be televised live to enable members of the public to be a part of it.

The consideration of the report was fixed for Tuesday, but was deferred due to the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo, the representative of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State.

The Senate had formally notified lawmakers of the sitting through a memo issued on June 15, 2026 by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo.

The notice indicated that the session was convened at the instance of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to deliberate on matters considered critical to the nation’s stability and security.

According to the notice, the emergency session would focus on issues of urgent national importance, particularly national security and other pressing concerns requiring immediate legislative intervention.

Rufai Oseni faults Onanuga over ‘childish’ label on Obi’s resignation call

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:51:38 +0000

Media personality and Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni, has criticised the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, for describing Peter Obi’s call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resignation as “childish.”

Oseni made the remarks while reacting to the Presidency’s response to Obi’s demand that Tinubu step down over what the former Labour Party presidential candidate described as worsening economic hardship, insecurity and governance failures.

The controversy began after Obi urged the President to resign, arguing that the administration had failed to deliver on key promises made to Nigerians. He also drew parallels with calls made by opposition figures against former President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2015 general election.

Responding on behalf of the Presidency, Onanuga dismissed Obi’s position as “childish” and “hollow,” insisting that the former Anambra governor had wrongly compared Nigeria’s presidential system with the United Kingdom’s parliamentary model.

However, Oseni questioned the basis for the Presidency’s criticism, asking whether members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should also be regarded as “childish” for demanding Jonathan’s resignation while they were in opposition.

According to him, opposition politicians, including Tinubu and other APC leaders, strongly criticised Jonathan’s administration over insecurity and economic challenges and made similar calls for accountability at the time.

Oseni argued that political actors should be judged by the same standards regardless of whether they are in government or opposition, maintaining that democratic discourse allows citizens and opposition figures to question elected leaders and demand accountability.

His comments have added a fresh dimension to the debate sparked by Obi’s resignation call, with supporters and critics of the administration continuing to clash over the state of governance and economic conditions in the country.

Tinubu transmits state police amendment bill to Senate

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:32:02 +0000

President Tinubu today, June 23, forwarded a constitution alteration bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, contained in a communication dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, today, June 23.

According to the president, the bill is designed to provide a legal framework for a dual policing structure in Nigeria, allowing states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police.

He said the proposed amendment is a critical component of ongoing efforts to reorganise the country’s policing system to enhance security and better protect citizens. He noted that communities, municipalities, and local government areas would play more active roles in policing responsibilities under the new arrangement.

Following the presentation, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate committee on constitutional review with a directive to report back on Wednesday.

He underscored the importance of community-based security, arguing that local authorities would be better positioned to identify suspicious activities and alert security agencies promptly.

“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies so they can react proactively rather than reactively,” Akpabio said

Speaking further on the proposed legislation, Akpabio explained that the implementation process would be carried out in phases through constitutional alteration and subsequent Acts of Parliament.

“We will do it in two phases through alteration and an Act of Parliament. There will be a lot of safeguards; let us come and do this important task. It is extremely important that we come tomorrow,” Akpabio said.

The latest development comes barely two weeks after the Senate passed an executive bill on state police for second reading. Akpabio noted that the fresh Constitution Alteration Bill transmitted by the President on Tuesday builds on the earlier proposal and is intended to provide the constitutional foundation required for the establishment of state police.

Lafarge unveils new corporate identity, changes name

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:08:25 +0000

A new chapter has begun for Lafarge Africa Plc as the company officially unveiled its new corporate identity and name: HBM Nigeria Plc.

The transition marks a significant milestone in its transformation journey and strategic alignment with its new shareholder structure.

The change to HBM Nigeria Plc reflects the company’s continued evolution as one of Nigeria’s leading building solutions providers, combining strong local roots with enhanced global industrial collaboration.

The company reaffirmed that the name change will not affect its operations, workforce, customers, shareholders, or its unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and infrastructure development.

Speaking on the transition, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the new identity signals a forward-looking phase for the company, driven by operational excellence, innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation.

Alade-Akinyemi said: “HBM Nigeria Plc represents an exciting new chapter in our journey as a leading building solutions company.

“We remain focused on delivering quality cement, concrete, aggregates, and innovative building solutions that support infrastructure development, housing growth, and industrialisation.

“This transition positions us for the future while reinforcing the values of excellence, sustainability, customer satisfaction, and responsible business practices that have defined our legacy for decades.”

The Chairman of HBM Nigeria Plc, Gbenga Oyebode, in his remark, said the transition is designed to position the company for enduring success while remaining true to the values and principles that have shaped its legacy over the decades.

Expressing the Board’s confidence in the new corporate identity, Oyebode said: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our shareholders for their continued trust, to the Board and Management for their leadership, and to our employees whose dedication and commitment continue to drive the company forward.

“We are confident that HBM Nigeria Plc will continue to create sustainable value for shareholders, strengthen stakeholder trust, and deliver on its long-term ambitions”.

NDLEA arrests 589 drug suspects, secures 103 convictions in Nasarawa

Phenomenal — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:24:43 +0000

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nasarawa State Command, says it arrested 589 suspected drug offenders and seized 6,327.575 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs and controlled substances between June 2025 and June 2026.

Mr David Dechi, Nasarawa State Commander of the agency, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lafia during a news conference to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The theme of this year’s commemoration is: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

Dechi said that the 589 suspects comprised 568 males and 21 females arrested for various drug-related offences across the state.

He explained that the confiscated illicit drugs and other substances included 6,042.077kg of cannabis sativa, 276.501kg of psychotropic substances, 0.676kg of methamphetamine, and 0.0237kg of crack cocaine.

Others are 8.055kg of pentazocine injection, 0.004kg of pethidine injection, 0.229kg of ketamine injection and 0.009kg of fentanyl injection.

According to him, the seizures significantly disrupted drug trafficking networks and prevented large quantities of dangerous substances from reaching communities across the state.

The commander stated that the agency also intensified its legal enforcement efforts during the period, resulting in the conviction of 103 offenders who were subsequently sentenced to various jail terms by competent courts.

He added that 94 drug-related cases were filed in court, while 12 others were still pending.

Dechi said the command remained committed to reducing both the supply of illicit drugs and the demand for narcotic substances through sustained enforcement and public enlightenment.

He explained that under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, the command conducted 429 sensitisation and advocacy programmes, reaching 123,493 persons in schools, markets, places of worship, workplaces and communities.

According to him, the command also provided brief intervention and counselling services to 1,154 drug users, conducted drug integrity tests on 177 persons and rehabilitated 20 clients within the review period.

He appreciated the Chairman of the NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, for his support and strategic reforms that had enhanced the operation of the agency, as well as Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for his continued support to NDLEA in the state.

Dechi also commended the professionalism, dedication and sacrifice of the officers of the state command for the feat in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The commander, however, identified inadequate logistics and poor cooperation from some communities as major challenges affecting the command’s operations.

He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, teachers, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the agency’s campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“The fight against drugs is a collective responsibility, and with sustained collaboration, innovation and determination, victory is achievable,” he said.