A medical examiner reportedly said she died from multiple blunt force injuries. She was also said to have suffered several injuries, including hematomas, bone fractures and stab wounds.
The event, held at Gamzo Primary School in Mashi LGA, brought together stakeholders who advocated increased use of play as a tool for learning and child development.
The fire also affected the upper floor of the Kanawa Building, destroying two offices, two parlours, two toilets and a kitchen.
President Trump said he had called off new attacks on Iran and that a peace agreement could be signed this weekend. A spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry said, “Nothing has been finalized.”
As digital financial services continue to grow globally, cyber threats are becoming more advanced, more automated, and more financially damaging. In Nigeria, where digital payments are becoming a part of everyday life, these threats pose significant risks to both consumers and financial institutions. Industry reports continue to show that account takeover remains one of the […]
The post The Case for a Holistic AI-Led Approach to Cybersecurity in the Fintech Ecosystem appeared first on Nairametrics.
The United Kingdom has unveiled a new £15 million Growth Programme for Nigeria aimed at accelerating economic transformation, attracting private investment, and supporting reform-driven growth across the country.
The post UK launches £15 million Nigeria growth programme appeared first on Nairametrics.
By Rita Okoye
A Nigerian professional group, the Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID), has commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his proactive efforts toward securing the release of abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The group praised Governor Makinde for his swift intervention amid rising security challenges in the state.
It noted that by prioritising public safety above politics, the Governor demonstrated decisive leadership by signing Executive Order 001 of 2026, which aims to strengthen the regulation and coordination of local security services and enhance the protection of lives and property.
In a statement issued to the press and signed by OID spokesperson, Barrister Ayotomiwa Adebayo, the group said it is closely monitoring the situation and assessing developments as they unfold.
While acknowledging the ongoing rescue efforts by the Oyo State Government, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders, OID described the abduction as a deeply troubling incident that has generated widespread concern among Nigerians both at home and abroad.
The group stated: “At a time when the nation is grappling with complex security challenges, Governor Makinde’s swift response reflects the firm and decisive leadership required in moments like this.”
OID expressed solidarity with the Governor and extended its sympathies to the people of Oyo State, the management of the affected schools, and the families of the abducted students and teachers.
The group further commended Governor Makinde for the seriousness with which he has handled the situation and the measures being taken to secure the safe release of the victims, stressing that every Nigerian life matters. It described the incident as a difficult moment for the state and pledged its support for all those affected.
OID also applauded the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the rescue operations, urging them to ensure that all perpetrators, sponsors, and accomplices are brought to justice, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or regional affiliations.
Expressing concern over rising insecurity across the country, the group warned that persistent cases of kidnapping, attacks on schools, and other violent crimes continue to threaten Nigeria’s democracy, undermine national development, and erode public confidence.
The group therefore called on the Federal Government to prioritise citizens’ safety through measures such as establishing state police, improving intelligence gathering, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, adequately funding security operations, deploying modern technology to combat crime, and strengthening national border security.
“The protection of lives and property must remain a top priority of the government to ensure that the country is safe for all. Nigerians deserve to live and go about their daily activities without fear of terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality. The recurring cases of abductions and violent attacks across the country demand urgent and decisive action from the Federal Government,” the statement added.
OID emphasised that addressing the nation’s security challenges requires a united approach involving all tiers of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, and citizens.
“It is evident that these acts of banditry are placing immense pressure on the nation’s unity, peace, and security. We urge all Nigerians to unite against banditry, which has become a common enemy and a grave threat to national stability,” the release stated.
The diaspora group expressed optimism that ongoing rescue efforts in Oyo State would lead to the safe return of the abducted students and teachers. It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity, security, and sustainable development in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
The post Diaspora group commends Governor Makinde’s swift response to Oyo school abduction appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
President Tinubu highlights how the collapse of grassroots governance contributes to Nigeria’s insecurity, stressing effective local administration is key
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Q: Let’s play devil’s advocate for a moment and assume the Celtics do it to the Heat again with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Tyler Herro would be less than enthused to return. – Eddie.
A: OK, I’ll bite. First, Tyler Herro has 33 million reasons to be enthused, as in his salary for the coming season, in the final year of what was a generous contract extension offered four years ago against the Heat. So there’s that. But this also is what is to be expected, of other offers and suitors coming into view the closer it gets to closing time for the Bucks, which now appears to fall in the time frame between the end of the NBA Finals and the NBA draft. The Finals could be over as soon as Saturday night, with the first round of the draft on June 23. Just because the Heat were a frontrunner never made them a given. The NBA trade landscape has long been defined by twists and turns. It’s just that it all too often has turned in a twisted direction for the Heat.
Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!
Q: If the Heat offer to trade of a lottery pick, two more No. 1s, Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. was enticing enough to the Bucks, would they not have already pulled the trigger? – Brian, Fort Lauderdale.
A: Why not? Because there is no rush, with no games to be played for four months and no draft picks to be made for more than a week. Which is why you wait, then suddenly find Boston re-engaged, and perhaps come out with more than the Heat even have available to offer.
Q: Ira, I think you’re missing the point about the Heat not using No. 13. If they don’t get Giannis Antetokounmpo, how many young players do you want Erik Spoelstra to have to manage? – Franklin.
A: Which is where we stood before all this Giannis Antetokounmpo conjecture changed the conversation. If there is no deal for Giannis, then you’re talking about a roster that already would have the youth of Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic and the two-way guys.
Barcelona face growing obstacle in bid to keep veteran defensive star
Barcelona signed Joao Cancelo on loan from Al Hilal back in January on a six-month deal, and the Portuguese international gave a very good account of himself under Hansi Flick.
Fans were initially sceptical about the arrival of a player in his 30s who had spent close to two seasons in Saudi Arabia.
However, Cancelo put all doubts to bed with his performances at left-back. By the time the season ended, he had displaced Alejandro Balde from the starting berth.
Barcelona understandably want to keep the Portuguese defender on a permanent basis. However, as per Mundo Deportivo, negotiations between Barcelona and Al Hilal have seen no meaningful progress in recent weeks.
The lack of advancement is significant because Barcelona would ideally like greater clarity on several squad situations before the start of pre-season.
Barcelona are facing difficulties. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
For much of the past year, there has been an expectation that Barcelona would eventually attempt to keep Cancelo beyond his temporary spell.
The defender has become an important tactical option under Flick. Whether operating at right-back, left-back or stepping into midfield zones during possession, his value is visible.
That said, Barcelona’s interest has always needed to align with financial reality. Any agreement with Al Hilal would have to come on terms that are suitable for the Catalan club.
As of now, there seems to be a gap between the two parties and work needs to be done in negotiations.
Cancelo wants to play for Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The concern for Barcelona here is that this situation is looking increasingly uncertain. The Catalan club have several priorities to look at this summer.
While Cancelo remains highly valued by Flick, sporting admiration alone will not be enough to complete the operation.
The longer this drags on, the further Barcelona will be pushed into looking at alternatives. For now, Cancelo’s future is as open as it can possibly be.
Unless there is movement from one side in the coming weeks, this is a transfer saga that could drag on for a while and come to a close towards the end of the summer window.
Nov 7, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope fives guard Kam Williams (3) as he returns to the bench during the first half against the Valparaiso Beacons at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
As Mark Pope prepares for his third season as Kentucky’s head coach, he is having an interesting approach to team building. He is having all 14 scholarship players live together in the Wildcat Coal Lodge throughout the summer. Practice and summer workouts are set to begin on Monday, June 15, and will last for an eight-week period.
While many upperclassmen typically live in their own apartments during the NIL era, Pope wants every player under one roof during the offseason.
“The guys are all living in the lodge full-time during the course of the summer,” Pope said in an interview with UK Sports Network. “That’s a little bit of a new experience for some of these guys. They’re going to get to know each other in all the ways they want to know each other and all the ways they don’t want to know each other, so that’s really important.”
Pope knows that building team chemistry requires more than just practicing together, which is why he also plans for the team to remain active in the community throughout the summer.
“Our first meeting is always a service meeting, so that’s the first thing we do when we get together as a full team in any concentrated fashion,” Pope said. “Then the team plans out something to do each week.”
During the eight-week period, NCAA rules allow Kentucky eight hours per week for weight training, conditioning, and skill instruction, with no more than four hours dedicated to on-court work. The Wildcats will also have two days off each week while continuing to organize pickup games and individual workouts.
Rodri admits to Man City uncertainty as Bernardo Silva reunion possibility emerges at Real MadrdRodri says he doesn’t know where Enrique Riquelme agreement claims originated fromThe 2024 Ballon d’Or winner insists he hasn’t even thought about his club futureMan City midfielder is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has dismissed claims of an agreement with Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, insisting he has no idea where the suggestion came from.
Riquelme claimed during his election campaign that a player like Rodri would play for Real Madrid under his presidency, with the candidate repeating the assertion on multiple occasions in the build-up to the June 7 vote.
Rodri had already responded to the claims, insisting his future would wait until after the FIFA World Cup, though it has since been reported that Real Madrid president and recent election victor Florentino Perez does not want to sign the Spaniard and that direct communication between the clubs confirmed as much.
Truth revealed on Rodri’s Man City contract impasse ahead of Real Madrid presidential election
In a recent interview on international duty in North America ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Rodri addressed the claims of an agreement with Riquelme.
“Honestly I don’t know where this came from,” the 29-year-old said, as quoted by El Larguero. “I understand that it’s part of the game. I haven’t even thought about my future.
“My focus is on the World Cup. I still have a contract with City, where I think we have had a good season. That’s my situation right now.”
The reference to his Manchester City contract and the season just gone is consistent with everything Rodri has said publicly since the campaign ended, with the 29-year-old repeatedly batting away speculation while on international duty with Spain.
City have tabled a contract offer for Rodri amid a strong belief the two parties are not far away from an agreement and the midfielder taking his time to consider the proposal.
The Real Madrid route has effectively closed in recent weeks, with Perez understood to have no intention of pursuing the Ballon d’Or winner this summer as he focuses on other targets, having recently engineered a deal to bring former Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Rodri takes emotional trip down Spain memory lane amid Man City contract impasse
Rodri’s repeated insistence that his focus is solely on the FIFA World Cup has been entirely consistent, with Spain among the favourites in North America and the midfielder central to Luis de la Fuente‘s plans.
A resolution on his Etihad Stadium future is expected once the tournament concludes, with director of football Hugo Viana hopeful of securing a renewal that would close the most important contract question of City’s summer.
The Georgia Bulldogs have lost out on a major defensive line recruit. Four-star defensive lineman Kasi Currie has committed to the Texas Longhorns, according to Hayes Fawcett. Currie chose Texas over Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State.
Currie is a four-star prospect from the class of 2027. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive lineman plays high school football for Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California. He is the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 37 overall recruit in the nation.
It’s another big recruit for the Texas Longhorns to add. They have the No. 19 recruiting class in the nation, with one five-star and five four-stars. Wide receiver Easton Royal is the No. 15 prospect in the nation, while Currie, edge Cameron Hall, cornerback Karnell James, and tight end Brock Williams are all top 10 in each of their positions.
Meanwhile, Georgia has the No. 25 class in the nation. They’ve earned two five-star commitments from running back Kemon Spell and tight end Jaxon Dollar. Four-star offensive lineman Kelsey Adams, four-star linebacker Joakim Gouda, and four-star quarterback Colton Nussmeier are also committed to Georgia.
The Bulldogs earned a lot of recruiting momentum recently, but they lost out on a big recruiting battle for their defensive lineman. They’ve earned one commitment on their defensive line from three-star Waylon Wooten, but their history of earning blue-chip recruits at that position suggests they should get another one this season. Marcus Fakatou, who’s the No. 3 DL in the country, listed Georgia in his top five schools, and with Texas landing Currie, Georgia could spend more resources recruiting him.
BREAKING: Four-Star DL Kasi Currie has Committed to Texas, source told @Rivals
The 6’5 310 DL chose the Longhorns over Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State
He’s ranked as a Top 5 DL in the 2027 Rivals Industry Rankings 🤘https://t.co/DrXteNtAF5pic.twitter.com/Vutfpn46eX
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 11, 2026
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Nation’s No. 2 DL Kasi Currie announces commitment
Skyy Boxing will present the 10th annual Hall of Fame Boxing Show on Saturday, June 20, at the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa. The event will begin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m.
The Alabama Boxing Hall of Fame will induct its Class of 2026 during the event.
The inductees are:
Pro boxer: Larry Marks of SelmaAmateur boxers: Napolean Cleveland of Selma and Lem Franklin of MobileOld timer: Bob Scanlon of MobileManager/trainer/promoters: Charlie Hutchinson of Tuscaloosa, Roy Jones Sr. of Georgiana and Pensacola, Florida, and Oliver Miller of Columbus, MississippiSupport personnel: Gerald Allen of Tuscaloosa and Jeff Dodson of West Blocton and Woodstock
The evening will also feature a six-bout professional fight card, with local boxers Deon Nicholson and Ke’Eric Hinton scheduled to compete.
In addition to the professional bouts, yearly amateur awards will be presented to Alabama’s top Golden Glove athletes.
Tickets are $50 for general admission and $100 for ringside seats. For purchases and more information, contact Jay Deas at 205-799-1696.
This story was created by Dan Spears, dspears@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama Boxing Hall of Fame induction set for June 20
