Don’t Allow Marte Fall To Boko Haram, Zulum Begs FG

Babagana Zulum, the governor of Boro State, has urged the federal government to use decisive measures to prevent Marte town from becoming a target for Boko Haram/ISWAP rebels.

Zuluum, who was active in coordinating security logistics up until late on Saturday, took a tour to assess the difficulties faced in Marte and look for sustainable solutions to promote stability.

Following a Boko Haram attack last Friday, thousands of people took refuge in Dikwa town, leaving Marte completely deserted before Zulum arrived.

The governor made a point of speaking to journalists on Sunday by stating that his goal with his visit to Marte was to promote community cohesion, resilience, and ongoing support for security forces.

He claimed that Marte was resettled about four years ago, but it has since been racked up and displaced once more. ”

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“About 20,000 people departed Marte for Dikwa,” he said. This large number poses a threat because, according to the governor, keeping them in the camp could make the majority of the younger people more vulnerable to insurgent recruitment.

Alhamdulillah, we went back to Marte yesterday and spent the night there with our volunteers and the Nigerian Army. The community has now completed its second resettlement. To keep this town on the ground, my prayers are with the Nigerian Federal Government and the Nigerian Army.

There are over 300 towns and villages in Marte Local Government, but there is only one standing. If we can’t maintain this, we will lose the entire Local Government to the insurgents, which will be very annoying, and I think we will not allow this to happen. I’m therefore calling on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to unite and fight back against the demise of this one small town in this LGA. ”

China To Build Electric Vehicles Factories In Nigeria, Boost Mining Ties

Yu Dunhai, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, has reiterated China’s commitment to intensifying bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in the solid minerals sector, through the establishment of EV factories and increased industrial collaboration.

Ambassador Dunhai emphasized the strategic significance of Nigeria in China’s foreign policy while speaking as a courtesy to Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

“Nigeria is a wonderful nation with abundant natural resources. Chinese companies are already heavily involved in the mining industry of Nigeria, from exploration to completion.

We want to expand this collaboration, especially in accordance with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, including solid minerals economic diversification, he said.

During the Nigerian leader’s state visit to China, Ambassador Dunhai brought up President Xi Jinping’s recent high-level conversation with him.

Read more about Zulum’s orders to impose sanitation and end unlawful tree flogging.

He noted that both presidents agreed to open up new avenues for cooperation by boosting bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The ambassador cited the Chinese government’s commitment to responsible investment and the ambassador’s assertion that the embassy consistently advises Chinese companies operating in Nigeria to follow local laws, follow corporate social responsibility (CSR), and uphold environmental and safety standards.

We “tolerate” illegal mining to a halt. He emphasized that the Chinese government is prepared to assist Nigerian authorities in prosecuting any criminals.

Alake reacted by acknowledging that most Chinese companies adhere to legal and regulatory frameworks, acknowledging that China has long supported Nigeria’s economic growth.

He cited a recent viral video involving a Chinese national allegedly bribing local security officials as one of his concerns over the conduct of a select few operators, which are tarnishing China’s reputation.

We have taken legal action against illegal businesses, including some Chinese citizens. Even in isolation, such events undermine the work of many trustworthy Chinese businesses. The minister reaffirmed that we require your assistance in bringing these criminals to justice.

Alake also praised the government’s recent efforts to stop illegal mining by deploying Mining Marshals, noting that the initiative has significantly improved compliance and sent a strong message to both local and foreign operators.

The minister reiterated the country’s willingness to talk to serious investors, stressing that local value addition is the main topic at the moment rather than raw materials exports.

Our minerals have been exported raw for industrial purposes for years. That needs to change. To promote Nigeria’s development, we now give local processing a priority.

We want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries, he said, “for instance, given the abundance of lithium.”

Alake urged Ambassador Dunhai to support Chinese investors in Nigeria by pursuing a full-cycle investment strategy, including those involving mineral extraction and processing. He emphasized that a change in the market would help to harness Nigeria’s significant market and lessen its dependence on fossil fuels.

PHOTOS: Tinubu Meets With Obi, Fayemi At Pope Leo’s Inauguration

At Pope Leo XIV’s installation ceremony in Rome, President Bola Tinubu and former governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi and Labour Party candidate for president in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, met on Sunday. &nbsp,

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Obi had spotted him and asked him to follow him in a statement on Sunday, which the former Anambra governor consented to.

According to Onanuga, “Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu” upon reaching the President. He remarked, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honoring the Pope with your presence.”

[/url ]VIDEO:] Tinubu Meets Pope Leo XIV After The Commencement Mass In Rome

He said, “President Tinubu, who is frequently quick-witted, said, “I should be the one greeting you and Peter.” The delegation’s head is me.

Obi responded, saying, “Yes, indeed. We belong to your delegation.

See the following images:

During the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, Obi was one of the dignitaries present. X@PeterObi

Before his inauguration mass, Pope Leo XIV, the first US pontiff, led his first tour of St. Peter’s Square by riding a popemobile and greeting tens of thousands of pilgrims and well-wishers.

Robert Francis Prevost, who was born in Chicago and became one of the 1.4 billion Catholics in the world on May 8, stood in the white car as it waving, smiling, and waving the sign of the cross through the cheering crowds.

Hundreds of dignitaries gathered for the inauguration mass, which started at 10:00 am (0800 GMT), to celebrate the occasion.

U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Beat Egypt To Win Bronze Medal

After beating hosts Egypt on penalties, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles won the bronze medal at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). &nbsp,

After normal time, the game ended 1-1. However, following the spot kicks, the Flying Eagles prevailed 4-1.

In U-20 AFCON history, Nigeria won its fifth bronze medal and placed 14th overall.

De Bruyne won’t play for Man City in the World Cup, according to De Bruyne.

Osama Omar’s strike early in the third minute sparked an upset for Nigeria when they lost out on the title race.

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However, shortly after the restart, Bidemi Amole restored parity for Nigeria thanks to Divine Oliseh’s precise through ball.

Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi, the Flying Eagles’ replacement, gave the team more energy in the attack. In a frantic finale, Egypt nearly won thanks to Mohamed El Sayed hitting the post and Mohamed Haitham hitting the bar in stoppage time.

With the score at 1-1 after 90 minutes, penalties were imposed, and Nigeria converted all four of its attempts on penalties with the help of Emmanuel Chukwu, Ayuma, Arierhi, and Maigana.

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PHOTOS: Obi, Fayemi Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Inaugural Mass

At the Vatican in Rome’s inauguration mass, former governors Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi were among the guests.

Leo XIV’s papacy officially began at a special mass in St. Peter’s Square, which marked the beginning of his reign.

Pope Leo XIV received his office symbols at the ceremony, which attracted a crowd of tens of thousands. World leaders who were present included President Bola Tinubu.

At the ceremony, Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for the 2023 election, shared images of Fayemi and himself.

Video: Tinubu and Pope Leo XIV attend the ceremony in Rome.

The trio was photographed in Rome for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV:

Chelsea Win Women’s FA Cup To Complete Domestic Treble

In Sonia Bompastor’s first season in charge, Chelsea defeated Manchester United 3-3 in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday to complete an English domestic treble.

Catarina Macario scored the west London side’s second goal with the help of Sandy Baltimore, who had already scored twice.

In the 84th minute, France international Baltimore opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Macario headed in her free-kick to make sure nothing was lost.

In the opening minute of extra time, Baltimore turned Lisa Naalsund and fired a close-range ball home. The result was Baltimore’s top goal.

As Chelsea won their sixth consecutive domestic league title after lifting the League Cup, they had already been declared the English champions, becoming the first team to remain unbeaten in a 22-game Women’s Super League campaign.

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Chelsea’s English defender #04 Millie Bright lifts the trophy as the club’s players clap on the field following the English Women’s FA Cup final football game between Chelsea and Manchester United on May 18, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in north-west London. The game was 3-0 Chelsea. (Photo by AFP photographer JUSTIN TALLIS)

The player of the match, Erin Cuthbert of Chelsea, told the BBC, “This kicks off a fantastic season.”

“The group is fantastic, I’m so proud of them. This has involved a lot of work. With a goal and a second goal, we were holding on a little bit to win the game, which is how we did.

There is a lot of change, but you just have to embrace it, she said, referring to how the side had changed since Bompastor’s methods.

You have to respect her because she is a manager and a winner both in terms of management and playing. Since she arrived, she has done a fantastic job. What a way to start it off with a treble!

After Emma Hayes, a long-time and successful manager, left to take over as the manager of the nation’s women’s soccer team for the United States, Bompastor assumed control of Chelsea.

But their hopes of reaching the quadruple were thwarted when they lost to Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League semifinals, which they have yet to win despite their domestic successes, 8-2 on aggregate.

The Blues dominated the first half at Wembley, but they were kept waiting for an opening goal in a crowd of over 74, 000, which included Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, the new Chelsea women’s team investor, and his tennis champion wife Serena Williams.

On May 18, 2025, the English Women’s FA Cup final football match between Chelsea and Manchester United took place at Wembley Stadium in north-west London. (Photo by AFP photographer JUSTIN TALLIS)

With the game still goalless, it appeared as though United would break up, but Celin Bizet’s poor defending forced her to step in Cuthbert and send the Scotland midfielder down, with Stacey Fullicks wasting no time awarding a penalty.

Baltimore coolly sent the United goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot despite the colossal ranks of United supporters behind the goal and some mind-bending Phallon Tullis-Joyce mental tricks.

Early in the second half, better United had chances to equalize, but Ella Toone’s absence from the starting lineup by England star failed to score.

And Macario and Baltimore’s late goals thwarted any hopes of a United victory.