Archive May 22, 2025

FG Plans Investment in 70,000 Telecom Towers

Bosun Tijani, the country’s minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, revealed on Wednesday that the Federal Government is preparing to invest in 70 000 telecommunications towers, with over 80% of those installations located in the country’s northern regions.

According to him, the goal is to close the current connectivity gap and make Nigeria the continent’s most inclusive digital economy without any marginalization.

The Minister further stated that the 90, 000 kilometers of fiber optic network, which the state government plans to build across all of Nigeria, is still one of the biggest investments made by the Federal Government in the digital space. He was speaking in Katsina State during the state government’s hosted Arewa Tech Fest 2.0.

We have a focus on fundamental initiatives that can increase national productivity under President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, Tijani said.

The 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic network, which aims to connect every region of the nation, is one of our biggest investments in the digital space.

To close the connectivity gap that exists, the government is also working on investments in 70 000 telecommunications towers, of which over 80% will be based in Nigeria’s northern region. No community will be forgotten in Nigeria, making our goal the most inclusive digital economy in Africa.

His Ministry has focused on fundamental initiatives that can increase the national productivity, according to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

“This tech festival today is more than just an event; it also has strong signals from Katsina, the Arewa states, and that Arewa is prepared.”

Therefore, I tell participants, especially the room’s innovators, that all you need is self-expression and formation; all you need is that you don’t have to move to Lagos or Abuja to succeed.

Being born in Katsina or Kano gives the country a “smart advantage” rather than a disadvantage.

He said, “The future of Nigeria and that of Africa is being written right here in Katsina right now than the silicon valley of Lagos or Abuja.”

Read more about Adelabu’s request for funding for TCN to boost infrastructure expansion.

Tijani advised young people to show their innovations to potential investors and philanthropists so they can help them.

Jafar Alabi, a participant, advised coworkers to embrace artificial intelligence in their projects to advance and avoid falling behind.

Dr. Muttaka Rabe Darma, the head of the local organising committee, stated earlier in an interview that he anticipates a lot of positive developments at the festival’s conclusion, where participants are expected to come up with solutions to lingering socioeconomic and security issues facing Katsina State.

He thinks that Katsina State will ultimately be the most prosperous and will switch from an analog to a digital economy.

The second-ever edition of Arewa Tech Fest 2.0, which was attended by about 10,000 technology investors and initiators, was held in association with it.

The inaugural edition of the festival, titled “Innovating for Impact: Technology as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation,” was held in Kano State last year, and stakeholders are working together to ensure that they triple the success of Kano in Katsina State.

The main goals of this festival are to transform Katsina from an analog state to a digital one, and to enable a technology-driven economy.

Entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, government organizations, academia, development partners, media, and the general public were previously invited to participate in this historic festival.

Smoke cannons and ‘ginga’ – the World Sevens kicks off

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This was not the typical experience for Europe’s top female footballers, with smoke cannons blaring off behind the goal, live music coming out of a DJ set during corners, and free shirts being thrown to fans at half-time.

“Carnage . Fresh off of his side’s 3-2 victory over Roma in Portugal, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner declared that there was simply chaos.

Manchester United and Manchester City were among the eight teams competing in the Women’s World Sevens, which started in Estoril on Wednesday.

The new seven-a-side competition offers $5 million ($3.76 million), more than the women’s champion league winners will receive in Lisbon three days later.

It’s a format that both brings out flair and creativity as well as attacking intent, with rolling substitutes, no offsides, and 15-minute halves.

In Manchester City’s opening 4-0 win over Rosengard, England international Jess Park started giggling when she nutmegged a player for a corner, prompting the DJ as she prepared the set-piece.

After England midfielder Clinton’s clever chip drew cheers from the 200-odd fans watching on in the stands, United duo Celin Bizet and Grace Clinton took the fun to a whole new level by chest bumping in celebration shortly after.

By the time Bayern Munich had defeated Ajax 4-2, players were buzzing and up, with Norwegian defender Tuva Hansen even pulling off her shirt to celebrate in Chloe Kelly fashion.

“I really liked it,” I said. The Roma players, in my opinion, took it a little bit more seriously than we did. We had a lot of fun, Clinton said of United.

We have all arrived together, he said. We were completely unaware of what to expect. We strive to accomplish this every day during training. We fully embraced it.

We like these vibes because “I like the ginga.”

Jess Park in action Images courtesy of Getty

The 5, 000-capacity ground known as the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota in Estoril was renovated for the World Sevens, where games are being played.

After Estoril men defeated Estrela 4-0, stands were built, TV cameras installed, and large screens installed starting at 20:30 BST on Saturday.

After United’s men reached the Europa League final, which they lost 1-0 to Tottenham on Wednesday, Skinner’s side played earlier at the World Sevens to prevent a clash.

After City’s 2-1 win over Benfica, the crowd initially poured in slowly, with only about 100 people tuning in, but more were coming throughout the night, filling a stand on the other end.

It’s intriguing, I think. It has a unique quality. Leanne Woodall, a City fan who traveled to Estoril, said the stadium “looks nice.”

Fan Charlotte Wilkins continued, “I play seven-a-side football, so I was very interested to see how the professional players handled it and what strategies they employed.”

When we first arrived, we couldn’t find where we needed to go, but now that we’re there, things are really good and there’s good vibes. It’s exciting.

The semi-finals and final will be staged on Friday, with organizers hoping to fill the arena with fans who flew to Portugal on Saturday in anticipation of Barcelona and Arsenal’s Champions League final (17:00 BST).

However, the players had a positive impression of the first impression.

Roma’s Hawa Cissoko, who spoke on the subject, said, “I was really sad it was only one game today. I could play this all day.”

“I think we took the game a little more seriously than Manchester United, who were really [relaxed] at the beginning.

They acting in this way made me believe that we are here to enjoy ourselves. When we were children, we were doing this. It reminds me a little of what I did ten years ago. That is wonderful.

Nick Cushing, interim manager for Manchester City, stated that the game should be played in their “believers’ manner.”

I enjoyed the music a lot, said Brazil forward Kerolin. Everyone in Portugal says, “OK, we like these vibes,” given how pleasant the weather is.

“Yes, we want to win and win some money!” However, I believe it to be a little bit Brazilian. I enjoy the informal Brazilian expression “gada” for creativity and trickery.

Manchester City fans in Estoril

“A good opportunity to showcase Swedish football.”

With Euro 2025 starting on July 2 and clubs participating in the tournament, some have questioned the timing and risk of injury.

Rosengard traveled to Estoril on Saturday (14:00 BST), where they will face BK Hacken in the Swedish league.

Rosengard midfielder Emelia Larsson said, “We had some reactions in Sweden, that we came here, because we have a game.

It’s like taking a break from everything, in our opinion. You missed a training week, but I believe it to be really enjoyable to be here.

“It’s a good time to show off our skills and football to other people.”

It was good practice, according to manager Joel Kjetselberg, to train for Champions League football, which they would play between weekend games in the middle of the week.

City and United had one training session in addition to the five that City had scheduled for the World Sevens.

According to Clinton, “We would only be doing this in training all week.”

“We would have just been playing small-sided games anyway,” said one England representative before the next England camp.

Tuva HansenImages courtesy of Getty
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French Open – schedule, seedings and how to follow

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French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

On Sunday, players will travel to Paris to compete in the second Grand Slam of the year.

After retiring in 2024, Rafael Nadal will no longer be there.

However, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Alcaraz are just a few stars who are looking to add another significant title to their collection.

When is the French Open 2025?

The Roland Garros clay-court Grand Slam begins on May 25 and ends on June 8 at Roland Garros.

On Saturday, June 7, the women’s singles final and the men’s final will mark the tournament’s climax.

How can I follow the BBC French Open?

On the BBC Sport website and app, daily live text commentary of the main French Open matches will be available.

Court Philippe-Chatrier provides live coverage and commentary for 5 Live Sport on BBC Sounds, BBC Sport, and the BBC Sport website.

Katie Smith, Abigail Johnson, and David Law will join tennis correspondent Russell Fuller for analysis, along with analysis from Naomi Broady, Ryan Harrison, Daniela Hantuchova, and others.

Who won the 2024 French Open?

Last year, Carlos Alcaraz defended his first French Open title by coming back from set one down to defeat Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles.

Alcaraz, who won four major titles, then won the Wimbledon championship just five weeks later.

Jasmine Paolini defeated Iga Swiatek in the final of the previous year’s women’s singles competition to become the three-time defending champion.

What is the prize money?

The French Open’s total prize money is 56.35 million euros (£47.50 million), an increase from the previous year’s $5.21 million).

Who are the current champions?

On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner, the world’s number one, and Alcaraz, the second-ranked pair, are favorites.

Due to their seedings, the two competitors did not meet until the final of the Italian Open final, with Alcaraz winning.

Novak Djokovic, a three-time champion in Paris, will increase his bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, despite his inconsistent form this year.

Swiatek has been a strong favorite in the women’s draw, but this year’s draw features a mixed clay-court swing.

Both Coco Gauff and top-seed Aryna Sabalenka enjoyed successful clay seasons. Gauff made the Italian Open final two weeks after Sabalenka defeated Gauff to win the Madrid Open.

Which Britons are eligible for the main draw?

After putting together an impressive clay-court swing, Jack Draper is now the highest British singles player in either draw.

Ruud defeated Draper in three close sets to reach the Madrid Open final, and Alcaraz defeated him in the Rome quarter-finals.

Katie Boulter, who won a WTA 125 title in Paris prior to the major, is the highest-ranked British woman in the singles draw.

What time are the games played?

schedule for French Open 2025

First round of the 25-27-May men’s and women’s singles competition

May 27: Men’s doubles season begins.

Second round of the 28-29-page men’s and women’s singles competition

28 May: Mixed and women’s doubles season begins.

Third round of men’s and women’s singles, May 30-31

1-2 June: Fourth round of men’s and women’s singles

3-4 June: Quarter-finals for men’s and women’s singles

3 June: Wheelchair competition begins

Semi-finals of women’s singles on June 5th.

Semi-finals of men’s singles on June 6th.

Women’s singles final on June 7th.

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2027: I Won’t Step Down For Atiku, Says Ex-SDP Presidential Candidate Adebayo

Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) presidential candidate for 2023, has stated that he will not run for Atiku Abubakar in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Adebayo made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday in response to growing rumors about a potential opposition coalition ahead of the election.

Adebayo asserted with all the force that neither he nor Atiku have the authority to “use” the SDP despite claims that it could be co-opted into a larger alliance to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

He has not said anyone should step down, and he has not said that. “I will not]step down. The SDP can’t be used by me or Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The Nigerian people own the SDP. It is not permitted by anyone.

People who now accept the SDP as correct and have aligned ideologies can join the party, they might say. They will want to join because they have the best chance of winning in a system that hasn’t been bought over by anyone because they know the party is open and democratic.

However, it cannot be used if you believe the SDP is something you can use. You can support the SDP, respect its ideology, and support the efforts of those already in place. That’s fine if you want to contribute and join. However, we are not available to be used if someone is sitting around and wants to use something,” according to the candidate for president of the 2023 SDP.

No formal interaction

Adebayo continued, citing Atiku’s political standing and standing, but added that the former Vice President has not been in touch with the coalition directly.

“I must respect Atiku, but it’s obvious that people are speaking out in his name.” He has access to us and is aware of what he wants to do. A third party is not required to provide information to us.

He will come to us when he wants to join the party. We don’t discuss him until then because he appears to be aware of his plans because he has been running for president for more than 32 years, he said.

Read more about Akpabio’s claim that lawmakers are not elected to serve as leaders.

When asked if he knew the coalition being allegedly led by Atiku and Nasir El-Rufai to ouster President Tinubu in 2027, Adebayo responded, “All of us want to unseat President Tinubu in 2027. I want him to win over him more than anyone else.

The SDP flagbearer responded to rumors that the coalition might be looking for a stronger candidate because of his electability, saying, “I don’t know about that. Let the voters of Nigeria decide that President Tinubu is invincible against the people of the country. “Adding that,” I can say.

Not 2027, but “Worry About Nigerians”

Adebayo responded when asked whether President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should be concerned about the escalating political discussions and coalition initiatives in 2027.

There are serious discussions taking place that aren’t reported in newspapers. However, they should first be concerned about putting pressure on Nigerians. They ought to not be so concerned about electing the electorate, but rather concerned about deceiving the electorate.

He criticized the performance of the government, citing unrest and rising poverty.

The President’s office is not a monarchy, they say. His political fervor should be reflected in the Nigerian people’s welfare.

People are dying from hunger, according to the director, “This is not a movie.” There is uncertainty. You feel depressed after reading the news because you want good news. Use your sagacity to control the lives of Nigerians, Adebayo remarked.

Defections and Coalition Talks

In Nigeria, significant political maneuvering has been taking place over the past few weeks as various political parties and figures have begun to plan ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for president in 2023, Atiku has publicly backed the formation of a large opposition coalition.

The former vice president confirmed that he was speaking with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi, the party’s leader, in order to form a coalition against the ruling APC.

However, not everyone in the PDP is supportive of this initiative. The party’s governors’ forum has vehemently opposed the coalition talks, expressing concern that such a move might undermine the party’s standing and electoral cohesion.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate for president in 2023, has also made his position clear. Any coalitions established solely with the intention of securing political power have been rejected by him. Any alliance must be based on a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues, according to Obi.

El-Rufai recently left the APC and joined the SDP, outraged by the direction of the ruling party, in a surprising move. The SDP leadership has stated that at this time there is no formal alliance with El-Rufai or Atiku despite his defection.

In the interim, party reversals keep making headlines. Delta State’s six House of Representatives members recently left the PDP to join the APC.

Ifeanyi Okowa, the former governor of Delta State and Atiku’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, officially defected to the APC in April, which shocked many in the opposition.

Tottenham trio forced to wait for winner’s medal

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Three players were waiting for their winning medal in the midst of the cheers that followed Tottenham’s victory in the Europa League.

Following their 1-0 win over Manchester United, manager Ange Postecoglou received a medal for the first time from Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.

The injured trio of James Maddison, Timo Werner, Lucas Bergvall, Lucas Bergvall, and Will Lankshear, who were both on loan at West Brom during the second half of the season, were also in the line and had a medal emblazon their necks.

Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero, and Rodrigo Bentancur, the club’s captain, were able to wait until they entered the dressing room to get theirs, though.

Due to an unexpected discrepancy in the player count, as more team members, including injured players, than we had anticipated, we were unable to display any medals on stage during the trophy ceremony presentation, to our great dismay, according to Uefa.

The winning team received the missing medals right away in the dressing room, with our sincere apologies for the error.

The winning and losing teams are each awarded 50 medals in accordance with Uefa’s rules.

How are those medals distributed among players and staff is up to the club’s discretion.

Before Spurs won their first silverware award in 17 years, Uefa had prepared 30 medals to distribute on the pitch.

However, the ceremony included members of the 23-man matchday squad at Tottenham as well as the manager and the manager.

Son, who served as skipper, was patiently waiting at the back of the line to collect the trophy and present it to his teammates before lowering it into the air.

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