By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria’s Flamingos have won their first-ever FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Morocco on Saturday.

The Nigerian side secured the historic victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex through goals from Awau Bashiru and Olubebe Umejiaku, while Fuki Ito scored Japan’s only goal.

Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a long-range effort from the edge of the penalty area that slipped through the goalkeeper’s gloves and into the net.

Umejiaku extended Nigeria’s advantage just 2 minutes into the second half, calmly finishing to make it 2-0.

Japan reduced the deficit through Ito, who scored following a corner kick, but the Flamingos held on to secure the win and lift the trophy.

The victory came after Nigeria overcame Korea DPR and Brazil in the knockout stages before defeating Japan, who have now lost 3 finals in the competition.

Akeem Busari’s team also made history as the first side to win the tournament after losing their opening match.

The triumph marks a major improvement on Nigeria’s previous best performance, a bronze medal finish at the 2022 edition of the competition.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian youths to take an active part in the 2027 general elections, saying the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for their future.

The President made the appeal on Saturday while addressing supporters at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Rivers State.

Tinubu told young Nigerians that they had an important role to play in determining the country’s direction through their participation in the electoral process.

“To the youth of Nigeria, I’m looking at you. This election is about you. It’s not about me. Your future depends on this election,” he said.

He also urged registered voters who had yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to visit designated collection centres and obtain them ahead of the election.

The President described the PVC as a vital tool through which citizens could influence the choice of their leaders and appealed to young people not to waste the opportunity to vote.

“It is left for you to use the weapon you have. And that weapon is the PVC. If you have not collected yours, please go ahead and collect it. Please. I beg you. I take God beg you,” Tinubu said.

The President also defended his administration’s economic policies, arguing that economic growth and the equitable distribution of prosperity were necessary to improve Nigerians’ living conditions, especially those of young people.

He said his government was working to settle financial obligations inherited from previous administrations, including outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retirees.

According to Tinubu, the unpaid liabilities had accumulated to billions and trillions of naira before his administration took office, but efforts were underway to clear them.

“The people that governed before, they left unpaid pensions and gratuity in billions and trillions of naira. That is being cleared. So that every family is included. We are sharing prosperity already,” he said.

Tinubu said the payments formed part of his administration’s wider efforts to ensure that Nigerian families benefited from government policies and economic opportunities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has nominated opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the country’s next government, dealing a major blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid to remain in office after an inconclusive election.

Herzog announced the decision on Saturday after consulting political parties elected to the 120-member Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

Eisenkot, a former military chief and leader of the Yashar party, received the backing of 67 lawmakers during the consultations, while 46 supported Netanyahu.

The nomination gives Eisenkot the first opportunity to negotiate with other political parties and build a coalition capable of securing a parliamentary majority. However, his selection does not guarantee that he will succeed, as the election has left political groups deeply divided.

Under Israel’s political system, the president appoints a candidate to negotiate with other parties and gather enough support to form a government.

Eisenkot has 28 days to complete the negotiations, although he may request an additional 14 days.

Among his possible options are forming a minority government with support from Arab parties, negotiating an agreement with ultra-Orthodox groups or reaching a national unity arrangement with Netanyahu. However, each option faces significant political obstacles.

Eisenkot’s four-party, Jewish-led opposition alliance won 48 seats, while the 2 Arab-led parties secured 19. Although their combined seats would provide a parliamentary majority, Eisenkot has been reluctant to include the Arab parties in his government.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist bloc secured 53 seats, short of the 61 needed to control the 120-member parliament.

Netanyahu’s Likud party emerged as the largest single party with 27 seats, followed by Eisenkot’s Yashar party, which won 21.

Who Is Gadi Eisenkot?

Eisenkot, 66, served as Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) from 2015 to 2019 before entering politics in 2022.

He briefly served in Netanyahu’s wartime cabinet following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. He later joined the opposition and became increasingly critical of the prime minister, particularly over his handling of the military campaign in Gaza.

Eisenkot has ruled out serving in a government led by Netanyahu. He has also condemned violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Born to Moroccan immigrant parents, Eisenkot could become Israel’s first prime minister from the country’s Mizrahi Jewish community if he succeeds in forming a government.

The Gaza war has also taken a personal toll on his family, with his son and 2 nephews killed while fighting in the territory.

What Happens If Eisenkot Fails?

If Eisenkot cannot secure sufficient parliamentary support within the stipulated period, another candidate may be given the opportunity to form a government.

The process could continue for several weeks. If no candidate succeeds within the constitutional timeframe, Israel may have to conduct another election.

Herzog’s decision marks a significant setback for Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. However, the outcome of the forthcoming coalition negotiations will determine whether Eisenkot can turn the support he received during the presidential consultations into a functioning government.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will determine its next course of action on the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after obtaining and reviewing the certified true copy of a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led caretaker committee.

The commission’s position follows Thursday’s ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which invalidated the Mark-led leadership structure and decisions taken under it, including the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, told Sunday Punch that the commission would not rely on media reports of the judgment to make a decision.

“We can’t take a position until we see tthe judgement ourselves. We have to get the certified true copy because we don’t take decisions or reports of what the court said based on reports because the reports could be wrong,” he said.

Haruna disclosed that the commission would discuss the matter at its meeting next week.

“Well, this one is very straightforward even then, we are all here till next week when the commission meets. We will have to meet over it,” he said.

He also said INEC would comply with any subsequent court order if the Mark-led faction appealed the judgment and obtained an injunction suspending its enforcement.

“Obviously, if the David Mark faction should appeal, which I am sure they will, and they get an injunction for stay of execution, obviously, we’ll have to obey that judgement,” he added.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Thursday, nullified the leadership of the Mark-led caretaker committee, ruling that the process through which it emerged violated the ADC constitution, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

The judgment followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, filed by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.

Gombe argued that he was constitutionally entitled to take over the party’s leadership following the resignation of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

He asked the court to invalidate decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership and prevent Mark and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, from presenting themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

In granting the suit, Justice Lifu nullified the process that produced the caretaker committee and the party’s presidential primary, which selected Atiku as its flag bearer for the 2027 elections.

The court also invalidated Aregbesola’s emergence as National Secretary, the appointment of other national officers and the nomination of candidates presented by the party for the forthcoming general elections.

Additionally, it directed INEC not to recognise or act on decisions reached at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.

The ADC, INEC, Mark, Aregbesola and Nwosu were listed as defendants in the suit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A woman, Mariya Abdullahi, has been arrested for allegedly poisoning her co-wife’s 2 children in Takuti community, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving one dead and the other hospitalised.

The victims, aged 4 and 9, reportedly became unconscious after drinking a substance suspected to be poison, which Abdullahi allegedly gave them in a cup.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 6. One of the children died shortly after being taken to a nearby clinic, while the other was referred to a general hospital, where she was receiving treatment.

Abdullahi reportedly told police investigators that she committed the act because she had been unable to bear a child for her husband. She also claimed that a friend influenced her decision.

The spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Saturday, saying the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation.

He said, “On 6th November, 2026 at about 6am, a report was received in Lapai Div that one Mariya Abdullahi of Takuti via Lapai administered some substance suspected to be poison to the children of her co-wife.

“The Police operatives moved to the scene, discovered the two children, who were 9 & 4yrs, were given the substance to drink, and as a result, they became unconscious.

“They were immediately rushed to a nearby clinic, but on arrival at the clinic, one of the victims gave up the ghost and the other was referred to the general hospital responding to the treatment.

“The suspect was arrested and she is undergoing further interrogation. She claimed that she was influenced by a friend to commit the act because she couldn’t bear a child for her husband.

“She will soon be transferred to SCID Minna for diligent prosecution.”

By Aliyu Umar Aliyu

‎As global climate diplomacy shifts from promises to practical implementation, Niger State can position its emerging carbon market initiative as a vehicle for investment, job creation, and sustainable development. For Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, popularly known as the Farmer Governor, the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled for November 9–20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, offers a strategic platform to advance the state’s green economy vision.

‎The conference will bring together governments, investors, climate finance institutions, development partners and environmental experts to discuss practical responses to climate change. For Niger State, however, participation should go beyond showcasing its environmental ambitions. The priority should be to secure credible partnerships, develop investment-ready projects and establish a clear pathway for converting its natural resources into measurable climate and economic benefits.

‎Governor Bago’s vision presents an opportunity to connect climate action with Niger State’s agricultural strength, forest resources, renewable energy potential and waste-management needs. If properly developed, these assets could support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating employment, improving energy access and strengthening rural livelihoods.

‎Niger State’s participation at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024 offered an early opportunity to promote its green economy agenda, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and forest conservation. COP31 should build on that engagement by moving from international advocacy towards practical project development and investment mobilisation.

‎From Green Economy Vision to Carbon Market Investment

‎Carbon markets provide a potential mechanism for financing projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. Under recognised crediting systems, a carbon credit generally represents one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent reduced or removed, subject to the applicable methodology and verification requirements.

‎For Niger State, opportunities could include methane capture at landfills, climate-smart rice cultivation, solar mini-grids and forest restoration. These initiatives could attract investors while supporting the state’s wider development objectives.

‎However, natural resources alone do not guarantee carbon revenue. Projects must demonstrate credible emissions reductions, additionality, appropriate monitoring and independent verification. They must also comply with relevant national regulations and international carbon market requirements.

‎This is particularly important as Niger State seeks to position itself as a pioneer in subnational carbon market development in Nigeria. The ambition to become the country’s first subnational government to open its carbon market to investment and to advance towards international carbon-credit sales could be significant.

‎The proposed Niger State Carbon Market Office could play a central role by coordinating project identification, technical assessments, investor engagement, regulatory compliance and stakeholder participation. Its effectiveness will depend on a clear mandate, adequate expertise, transparent procedures and coordination with the relevant federal authorities.

‎International cooperation could accelerate this process. In correspondence with the Niger State team on a post-feasibility mission action plan, myclimate’s Article 6 Bilateral Cooperation Team said a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on project development and carbon market activities was undergoing internal legal review, with the intention of finalising it before COP31.

‎The correspondence, signed on behalf of the team by Nsikan-George Emana, Senior Project Manager for Bilateral Cooperation at myclimate, proposed November 12, 2026, for a strategic meeting with the Niger State Government, during which the parties hope to sign the agreement.

‎The proposed engagement offers an opportunity to establish a framework for technical cooperation, project development and potential international market participation. Nevertheless, the MoU remains prospective until formally concluded, and its existence should not be mistaken for evidence that investment has already been secured or carbon credits sold.

‎Niger State should approach the meeting with clearly defined priorities, including project timelines, financing arrangements, responsibilities, community safeguards and measurable implementation targets.

‎Article 6 and the International Opportunity

‎The proposed partnership is particularly relevant to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which provides frameworks for international cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At COP29 in November 2024, countries made significant progress on the rules governing international carbon trading and the UN-supervised carbon crediting mechanism.

‎Under Article 6.2, countries can cooperate through internationally transferred mitigation outcomes, subject to applicable accounting and authorisation requirements. Article 6.4 provides a UN-supervised crediting mechanism, while Article 6.8 addresses non-market approaches.

‎For Niger State, these frameworks could create opportunities to develop projects that attract international finance and contribute to Nigeria’s climate commitments. However, the state must work within Nigeria’s national climate governance arrangements. International transfers under Article 6 cannot be treated as an exclusively state-level transaction where national authorisation and accounting are required.

‎Potential projects should therefore be developed with appropriate technical, legal and financial support.

‎Landfill methane management, for instance, could reduce emissions from decomposing organic waste while improving sanitation. Rice farmers in suitable production areas, including Loguma in Agaie, could be assessed for alternative wetting and drying practices that may reduce methane emissions. Solar mini-grids could expand electricity access, while carefully designed forest restoration projects could support carbon removal and protect ecosystems.

‎Each initiative requires a feasibility assessment to establish its emissions-reduction potential, costs, commercial viability and social and environmental implications. Farmers and host communities must also understand their rights, obligations and expected benefits before participating.

‎The central objective should be to develop a credible pipeline of bankable projects rather than announce projected carbon-credit volumes without adequate technical evidence.

‎Making Climate Finance Work for the People

‎International experience offers Niger State useful lessons. Germany’s energy transition demonstrates the importance of sustained investment and policy support for renewable energy. Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate solar complex illustrates the potential of large-scale clean energy infrastructure, while China’s solar and electric vehicle industries demonstrate how investment in green technologies can support industrial development. Rwanda’s landscape restoration initiatives also offer lessons on linking environmental protection with community livelihoods.

‎Niger State should adapt these experiences to its own circumstances, particularly its agricultural economy, rural energy needs and environmental challenges.

‎Ultimately, the value of Governor Bago’s carbon market vision will be measured by its impact on people’s lives. Carbon finance should support employment, improve energy access, strengthen agricultural productivity and generate transparent benefits for participating communities.

‎The state should establish clear benefit-sharing arrangements, disclose project revenues and legitimate costs, and provide independent oversight of project performance. It must also guard against exaggerated emissions claims, unclear land rights and agreements that leave communities without a fair share of the benefits.

‎As the proposed November 12 meeting approaches, Niger State’s delegation should arrive in Antalya with well-defined project proposals, feasibility findings, investment requirements and a clear negotiating position. The relevant state institutions, legal experts and technical personnel should work together, involving federal authorities wherever national approval is necessary.

‎The success of COP31 should not be measured by the number of meetings held or agreements announced, but by concrete progress towards financing, implementing and verifying climate projects.

‎Governor Bago’s green economy vision can create new opportunities for Niger State, but credibility will be essential. An MoU is a starting point, not an investment guarantee; a proposed project is not a verified carbon credit, and a credit is not automatically authorised for international transfer.

‎COP31 should therefore bridge Niger State’s carbon market ambition and measurable development at home. By combining credible partnerships, transparent governance and commercially viable projects, the state can strengthen its position in Nigeria’s emerging carbon market landscape while ensuring that climate action delivers tangible benefits for its people.

Aliyu Umar is a Public Affairs analyst and can be reached via aliyuumar721@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has pledged to resign if Nigerians fail to experience noticeable improvements within one year of an Atiku Abubakar-led administration.

Amaechi made the commitment during an interview with NewsCentral TV on Friday, while outlining the party’s proposed economic policies ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said his decision to leave government would depend on his performance and whether the administration delivered meaningful changes to the country.

“I’m sure the president knows my character, the presidential candidate (Atiku Abubakar) knows my character, that if I’m not performing, I may likely leave government,” he said.

When asked whether he would step down as vice-president if he failed to deliver, the former Rivers State governor responded, “Of course. I’m not joking.”

Amaechi expressed confidence that an ADC government would gain widespread public approval within its first year, predicting that Nigerians would appreciate Atiku’s leadership.

“But the way the situation is and the way I know Atiku, our first year in office, he will be hailed as a hero,” he said.

“Atiku will be hailed as a hero. Nigerians will regret not voting for him earlier,” he added.

On the economy, Amaechi said the party planned to introduce a production subsidy to reduce petrol prices by making crude oil available to local refiners below international market rates.

He explained that participating refiners would have to pass the benefits of the arrangement to consumers through lower pump prices or purchase crude oil at the prevailing international rate.

“What we’re introducing is what we’ll call a production subsidy.

“If you don’t bring down the price, because the subsidy is aimed at bringing down the price, if you don’t do that, then you don’t get the subsidy.

“You either get the subsidy and bring down the price, or you buy at the international market rate,” he said.

On agriculture, Amaechi promised a review of existing policies, greater support for local farmers and measures to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported food.

“We must review the agricultural policy,” he said.

“We must encourage Nigerian farmers. We will not be importing food.”

He argued that expanding agricultural production would generate employment and wealth while helping to tackle insecurity.

“Agriculture will create wealth, will create employment. Employment will reduce insecurity,” he added.

Amaechi also maintained that the party would continue its political activities despite a recent court judgment affecting its leadership structure.

“We are not stopping,” he said, insisting that the ADC would pursue its legal options while continuing its plans for the 2027 elections.

The party’s leadership crisis followed the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as head of its caretaker leadership after the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu. However, Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former deputy national chairman of the party, challenged the transition, arguing that he was constitutionally entitled to succeed Nwosu.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in Gombe’s favour, declaring the Mark-led caretaker committee illegal and nullifying its decisions, including the process that produced Atiku as the ADC’s presidential candidate for 2027.

The ruling also affected the party’s other nominations for the elections.

The ADC rejected the judgment and announced on Friday that it had filed an appeal alongside an application for a stay of execution. It also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to refrain from taking further action pending the determination of the appeal.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kebbi State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Abubakar Malami, has called for an investigation into alleged attacks and intimidation of members of his campaign team during the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Birnin Kebbi.

Malami made the call in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, in which he accused political thugs of attacking the campaign convoy, destroying media equipment and using tear gas around areas occupied by members of the visiting delegation.

He urged authorities to investigate the incidents, including any alleged involvement of government institutions or security agencies.

The ADC candidate also demanded an impartial inquiry into the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group headquarters along Sani Abacha Bypass in Birnin Kebbi.

He argued that the state government’s denial of involvement and its explanation that the demolition arose from a private ownership dispute should not prevent a transparent investigation.

Malami maintained that political differences should not result in intimidation, property destruction or attempts to frustrate opposition activities.

He called on the Kebbi State Government, security agencies and political stakeholders to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, stressing the need for an environment where people can participate in political activities without fear.

The governorship candidate also drew attention to the security and economic challenges facing Kebbi, including banditry, displacement, poverty, food insecurity and disruptions to farming activities.

He urged the government to prioritise the protection of farmers, investment in education and healthcare, efforts to ease economic hardship and the creation of opportunities for young people.

Malami further appealed to ADC supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, insisting that political participation must be conducted within the confines of the law.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed an appeal against the November 5, 2026 ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja in the party’s leadership dispute involving Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.

The party also filed an application for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal by the Court of Appeal.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Media and Strategic Communications of the ADC National Presidential Campaign Council, the party said it had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of both the appeal and the stay application.

ADC urged INEC to exercise caution and avoid any action that could affect the case now before the Court of Appeal, noting that the court has not yet ruled on the stay application.

The party stressed that INEC should respect the judicial process and allow the court to hear and determine the matter without interference.

ADC said it would use all lawful means to protect its rights and called on members and supporters to remain calm and resolute.

It added that the court ruling does not mark the end of its political journey and that it will continue its political preparations and 2027 campaign despite the legal challenge.

The party also said it will continue to communicate its message to Nigerians, particularly its plans to reduce the cost of living and improve public welfare, while legally challenging the judgment.

ADC expressed hope for justice and reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and to protecting the rights of Nigerians to elect leaders of their choice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists in connection with the alleged murder of a military officer, Corporal Benjamin Jige, who was reportedly stabbed to death.

The arrests followed a joint operation involving police operatives and military personnel on November 1, 2026, according to a statement published on the Nigeria Police Force’s official X account on Friday.

The statement said the operation was conducted on credible intelligence and led by Captain Useini Ariyo.

During the operation, the team raided New Legit Hotel and arrested four principal suspects identified as Godwin Tanko, 42; Abuchi Simon, 27; Divine Omegle, 32; and Samuel Alonge, 21.

The police disclosed that further investigations identified other suspects allegedly connected to the incident, including a Vikings Confraternity leader known as ‘Bigi Rasta’ and Simon Joshua Junior.

Both suspects reportedly fled the scene and remain at large, while security operatives have intensified efforts to track them down.

The statement added that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia for further investigation.

The police said tracking and bush-combing operations were ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.