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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

Nwota, whose residential address was not stated, is facing a five-count charge bordering on threats to kill, intimidation, malicious damage, attempted arson and the transmission of threatening electronic messages.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendant allegedly posted threatening messages on an ONICHI WhatsApp group on Oct. 8, 2025, causing one Jude Nwanchukwu to receive messages threatening his life.

He was also accused of knowingly sending messages threatening to damage properties located in the Victoria Island, Ojo, Idumota, Ijora and Agwagboriga areas of Lagos.

According to the charge, the defendant allegedly disconnected and removed electrical wiring at No. 5, Saka Tinubu Plaza, Lagos Island Market, on April 17, 2025.

The prosecution further alleged that Nwota attempted to set shops at the plaza ablaze by perforating jerrycans containing fuel, causing the fuel to leak within the premises.

The offences, according to the police, contravene Sections 232, 340, 342 and 344 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, as well as provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Lateef A. Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1.5 million with responsible sureties.

The magistrate adjourned the case until July 1, 2026, for further hearing.

The respondents, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abakaliki described the drop as a welcome relief but called for further cuts to ease economic hardship.

NAN correspondent who monitored the situation in selected filling stations reports that major filling stations in the state capital reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from about N1,350 per litre to between N1,270 and N1,280 per litre.

The adjustment followed recent developments in the international oil market amid the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Some of the filling stations visited by NAN, including AA Rano, Sharfa, Tycoon and Echemas Rainoil along the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway and Ogoja Road sold petrol at N1,270 per litre, while others pegged the price at N1,280.

Mr Chinedu Nwankwo, a commercial bus driver, described the reduction as encouraging but said more needed to be done.

“Every reduction in petrol price brings some relief to transport operators and consumers. However, government should ensure that fuel becomes more affordable for ordinary Nigerians,” Nwankwo said.

Another transporter, Mr Emeka Ogbu, said the current price remained too high.

“We appreciate the reduction, but petrol is still expensive; government should intervene to bring the price down significantly because fuel affects every sector of the economy,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Ngozi Eze, a private car owner, linked the high cost of living to the increase in fuel prices following subsidy removal.

“The prices of transportation, food and other essentials rose after subsidy removal; if fuel becomes cheaper, many goods and services will also become more affordable,” Eze said.

A taxi operator, Mr Samuel Nnachi, noted that PMS remained a major driver of economic activities.

“When petrol prices rise, everything rises; the hardship many Nigerians face today is largely connected to high energy and transportation costs,” he noted.

Also speaking, Mr Kingsley Uche, a truck driver, urged government to encourage more local refining.

“Nigeria should support modular refineries and grant licences to capable investors to complement the Dangote Refinery. Increased local production will help stabilise prices,” Uche said.

The motorists maintained that expanding domestic refining capacity would reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and help make fuel more affordable.

Meanwhile, commuters at the Abakaliki Central Motor Park in separate interviews expressed happiness over the price reduction and urged transport operators to reduce fares accordingly.

Miss Esther Nworie, a trader, who said she was travelling to Aba in Abia State said transport costs continued to consume a large portion of traders’ earnings.

“If fuel prices have dropped, transport fares should also come down to reflect the new reality,” Nworie said.

Mr John Nwali, another commuter, described the reduction as a positive development.

“We are happy about the drop and hope prices will continue to fall; transport costs and commodity prices should also decrease,” he said.

Mrs Grace Okafor, a civil servant, appealed to transport unions to ensure that the public enjoyed the benefits of price drop.

“Workers are struggling with the high cost of living; any reduction in fuel prices should bring relief through lower transport fares,” Okafor said.

The respondents said that expanding local refining capacity, including support for modular refineries alongside the Dangote Refinery, could help stabilise prices and reduce the burden on Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that petrol prices have remained a major concern since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, which triggered sharp increases in transportation costs and inflation.

NAN further reports that the pump price of PMS per a litre had remained at N1350 for several weeks in filling stations across Abakaliki until the recent price reduction.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the incident was reported by Odofin, who stated that at about 08:40 a.m. she discovered the victim, identified as Michael Bliss, lying unconscious inside a room where he had lived under her care since the age of seven.

Preliminary findings suggested that the young man may have consumed a quantity of insecticide after being confronted over an alleged theft.

Following the report, detectives from the Lagos State Police Command visited the scene, documented evidence, and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The victim was immediately evacuated to Spark View Hospital in Magodo, where he received emergency treatment.

Police sources confirmed that the 23-year-old is responding to treatment and remains under protective custody while investigations continue.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident and whether any external factors contributed to his condition.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, issued the response after Obi urged Tinubu to step down over worsening economic hardship and governance challenges in the country.

He said Obi’s comparison between Nigeria’s presidential system and the United Kingdom’s parliamentary system was flawed and “simplistic,” insisting that both countries operate under entirely different governance structures.

Onanuga also rejected Obi’s position, saying it was misleading and did not reflect the realities of governance under Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu remains focused on delivering reforms aimed at improving the economy, strengthening security, and stabilising key sectors of national life.

He further urged opposition figures to channel criticism into constructive engagement rather than political attacks, adding that the administration will continue to pursue its reform agenda despite opposition commentary.