NEWS
Niger State Badminton chair promises better Packages For players

From Dan Amasingha, Minna
The Special Adviser political and Strategy and Chairman of the Niger State Badminton association, Hon Muhammad Nma Kolo impressed with the Gold winning feat of the State Badminton players at the ongoing National Sports festival at Ogun State has disclosed that a surprise package awaits the players on their return for doing the State proud.
An elated Nma Kolo who recently celebrated his 59th Birthday said in an interview during a Sports programme on Monday night said they” present me a befitting birthday present “He express satisfaction with the Badminton players performance who won a gold medal in the Men’s double event and a silver and bronze at the festival as an outstanding performance. According to him, the huge investment by the State Badminton association which resulted in the construction of one of the most ultramodern indoor Badminton courts in the country, has not gone unnoticed.” Today am an happy man because our catch them young programme from the grassroot has started yielding result and everyone can now attest to it“Trust me I have a surprise package for our sporting heroes as soon as they return from Ogun State, I and the board will host them to a special reception in our own way to appreciate their gallant efforts “According to the Sports loving top politician, Government alone can not sponsor sporting events hence the need for well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to compliment the effors of the State Government. He decried the poor level preparedness of the State Government contigent to sporting events over the years adding that, all that is about to change as soon as the Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago assets to the recently passed Niger State Spots Commission bill.” When private individuals and corporate groups partners with Government to run Sports most of the challenges confronting the sector will be a thing of the past”Speaking on the narrow relegation escape of the State owned premier league football club, Niger Tornadoes, he assured that modalities are being put in place for the club to return home to prosecute their 2025/ 26 NPFL games at the Bako kontagora memorial stadium.Foreign News
Trump Tells Iran to Make Nuclear Deal ‘Before it is too Late’

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)