The 2026 FIFA World Cup has witnessed a wave of historic achievements, with football icons and national teams rewriting the record books through remarkable performances.
During the group stage and Round of 32, stars including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Harry Kane further cemented their legendary status by setting new milestones, with several feats earning recognition in the record books.
According to a report released by FIFA after the group stage, the tournament had already become the biggest in World Cup history, drawing a record 4.64 million fans across 72 matches and averaging three goals per game.Below are some of the major records set during the group stage:
Individual records
Lionel Messi (Argentina) became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Messi also became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 19 goals.
At 38 years, 357 days, Messi became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record.
Cristiano Ronaldo became Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 10 goals, overtaking Eusébio.
Ronaldo also became the only player to score in the most World Cup editions (6).
Kylian Mbappe became France and Europe’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 18 goals, one below Messi as of June 3, 2026.
Harry Kane became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals, surpassing Gary Lineker.
Ismael Saibari (Morocco) became the first African player to score in three consecutive World Cup matches.
Kevin Pina scored Cabo Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Team records
A record nine African teams progressed to the knockout stage, surpassing the previous best of two achieved in 2014 and 2022.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, Canada, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and South Africa reached the knockout stage for the first time.
Cabo Verde became the only tournament debutant to remain unbeaten in the group stage.
Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar marked the first time a CONCACAF nation scored more than four goals in a World Cup match.
Japan’s 4-0 win over Tunisia became the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history and the biggest victory by an Asian team at the tournament.
Mexico won four consecutive World Cup matches for the first time, extending its record among CONCACAF nations.
Senegal became the first African team to score five goals in a World Cup match.
The United States’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay was its first-ever four-goal haul in a World Cup game.
Coaching records
Dick Advocaat (Curaçao) became the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78 years, 271 days.
Hugo Broos (South Africa) became the oldest coach to win a World Cup match at 74 years, 75 days, breaking the record set earlier in the tournament by Carlos Queiroz.
Goalkeeping record
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón set a new Guinness World Record for the longest World Cup clean-sheet streak, going 519 minutes without conceding a goal, eclipsing Walter Zenga’s 518-minute mark set in 1990.
Appeal Court Reverses Ruling Allowing Hijab at UI International School The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has set aside the judgment of the Oyo State High Court that permitted Muslim students of the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI), to wear hijab as part of the school’s approved uniform.
In a split judgment delivered on Friday, the three-member appellate panel held, by a majority decision of two to one, that the Supreme Court’s decision permitting the use of hijab applies only to public schools and not private institutions such as the International School, University of Ibadan.
The appellate court set aside the earlier judgment delivered by Justice Moshood Ishola of the Oyo State High Court, which had held that the school’s ban on hijab violated the affected students’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination.
The suit was instituted by 11 students with the support of the Muslim Rights Concern.
Delivering the lead majority judgment, Justice Biobele Georgewill, with Justice K.I. Amadi concurring, held that “ISI is a private school, not a public institution, thereby overturned the earlier judgment on the matter.”
He submitted that the right to religion is a personal right that can be waived.
He added, “The students had waived that right by signing an undertaking to obey ISI’s rules and regulations, including its dress code.
“In public schools, you can wear hijab on school uniforms based on the judgment of the Supreme Court, but the Supreme Court is yet to make any decision on the use of hijab in private schools.”
However, Justice Fadawu Umar dissented, holding that the appeal lacked merit and ought to be dismissed.
The dispute over the use of hijab at the International School, University of Ibadan, began in 2018 after some Muslim students challenged the school’s prohibition of hijab as part of its uniform policy.
In 2022, the Oyo State High Court ruled in favour of the students, holding that the restriction violated their constitutional rights.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, the school authorities appealed the decision, leading to Friday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal.
The Federal Government on Tuesday announced plans to abolish the long-standing policy separating junior secondary schools from senior secondary schools after revealing that more than 20 million pupils are dropping out before reaching senior secondary education.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the policy, introduced to separate junior and senior secondary education into distinct administrative structures, had failed to achieve its objective and had instead worsened access to education across the country.
Alausa disclosed this in Abuja during the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee.
He said the decision followed evidence showing a huge gap between the number of primary schools and junior secondary schools nationwide, leaving millions of children unable to progress in their education.
We have 20 million dropouts from primary school to junior secondary school. Where are those students? We also found we have 80,000 public primary schools and only about 15,000 junior secondary schools. That’s a one-to-eight ratio,” he said.
According to him, the shortage of junior secondary schools resulted in severe overcrowding while many senior secondary schools remained underutilised.
The JSS-SSS structure was introduced in 1982 as part of the National Policy on Education (often referred to as the 6-3-3-4 system), which was initially formulated in 1977.
The minister said, “This disarticulation policy has failed. We will phase it out. We can’t create positions because we want to create a director-level position for people while we harm our education system. It’s about doing what is best for every Nigerian child,” he added.Alausa said the proposal to scrap the policy would be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education for approval.
The minister said the reform forms part of broader efforts to improve access to education and raise learning outcomes.“This government will not fail. We are fixing it,” he said.
The announcement came as the minister raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s deepening learning crisis, revealing that about three out of every four children at the basic education level are unable to read and understand an age-appropriate text by the age of 10.
Speaking later at the Federal Ministry of Education and Universal Basic Education Commission Roundtable Convening Meeting on Digital Resources Available to Achieve Learning Outcomes, Alausa described the country’s learning poverty rate as alarming.“Learning poverty means that by the age of 10, a child cannot read and understand an age-appropriate text.
In Nigeria today, three out of every four children are learning poor. That is simply unacceptable,” Alausa added.
He said the statistics underscored the need to urgently transform teaching and learning through digital technology.
“We don’t have a choice. We have to use technology. It is no longer feasible to continue to do things manually. Digital learning is the future, and we must deploy it to every part of the country, including the most rural communities,” he said.
The minister urged state governments to maximise the use of digital learning platforms already developed by the Federal Government, including the Nigeria Learning Passport, Inspire, Ignite, EduRevamp, E-Learn, the Greenfield Learning Management System and virtual classroom solutions.
According to him, the platforms provide curriculum-aligned lessons taught by some of the country’s best teachers and can help address shortages of qualified teachers in subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics and Chemistry.
He explained that schools without subject teachers could connect learners to live or recorded virtual classes while allowing students to interact with teachers online.
Despite the investments, Alausa lamented that adoption of the platforms remained very low.
He disclosed that although the Nigeria Learning Passport currently has about 2.3 million users, the figure represents only a fraction of Nigeria’s estimated 67 million learners in primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools.
“This is still extremely low. We have invested significant resources in these platforms. If they are not used, then it becomes a wasted investment. We cannot continue to suffer in the midst of plenty,” the minister added.
He commended the United Nations Children’s Fund for supporting the development of the Nigeria Learning Passport, noting that it sustained learning during the coronavirus pandemic and later supported children affected by insecurity and school closures.
The minister also inaugurated a ministerial implementation and monitoring committee chaired by Prof Rashid Aderinoye to oversee Universal Basic Education Commission-funded smart schools, bilingual schools and alternative schools across the country.
The committee is expected to ensure that the projects are completed, handed over to state governments and opened for learning.
Alausa lamented that despite huge public investment, many of the schools remain uncompleted or have yet to admit learners, describing the situation as an unacceptable waste of public resources.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr Aisha Garba, said technology had become indispensable for building an inclusive, resilient and future-ready education system.
She said the commission had established digital learning centres in primary and junior secondary schools, deployed smart interactive boards, strengthened education data systems and introduced digital monitoring and evaluation platforms.
Garba added that the commission had inaugurated Digital Champions to drive digital transformation and support state governments in implementing education technology initiatives.
According to her, technology alone cannot transform education without effective coordination, strong partnerships, sustained capacity building and the willingness of stakeholders to embrace innovation.
She expressed confidence that the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission, state governments and development partners would accelerate the adoption of digital learning resources and improve learning outcomes nationwide.
Nigeria has one of the largest populations of out-of-school children in the world, with millions of school-age children—particularly in rural, poor and conflict-affected communities still unable to access or complete basic education.
Education experts have long argued that weak transition rates from primary to junior secondary school, inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages and insecurity continue to fuel the crisis.
However, education stakeholders have repeatedly criticised the policy for creating administrative bottlenecks and limiting the progression of pupils, especially in areas where junior secondary schools are insufficient.
World record holder Tobi Amusan says she is not under pressure to maintain her top form this season after claiming victory of the year at the Paris Diamond League on Sunday.
Amusan equalled her season’s best of 12.28s to win the women’s 100m hurdles ahead of American duo Grace Stark, who finished second in 12.38s, and Alaysha Johnson, who placed third in 12.39s.
It was the third time the 29-year-old had clocked 12.28s this season, having posted the same time at the Xiamen Diamond League and the Rabat Diamond League in May.
The victory was her second on the Diamond League circuit this season, following her triumph in Rabat. She had earlier won the New Taipei City Athletics Open this month and also claimed gold at the African Championships in Botswana.
Poised to challenge for another Diamond League title after winning three consecutive crowns between 2021 and 2023, and having recorded the second-fastest time in the world this season behind Masai Russell’s 12.14s, the Nigerian insisted she was not feeling any pressure to finish the campaign strongly.
“I do not like the warm weather at all, but whatever the weather, I was going to come out here and kill it. My execution was alright. I am just happy to be injury free,” she told the Diamond League website.“The pressure does not get to me. I have grace, a very strong support system around me, and that finish line. So I am never worried about pressure on the night.
“My approach to the hurdles varies. Sometimes you are thinking about what has just happened. Other days, it is really sloppy and I still come out and run a fast time. I try to take a shot at every race.
“I’ll be competing at the Prefontaine Classic next, but I am yet to decide where to race after that.”
Amusan, who won three straight Diamond League titles from 2021 to 2023, will be aiming to reclaim the trophy this season.
While the philosophical tenet of journalism implies illumination of the dark sides of the society, through information, education and entertainment, firmly rooted in objectivity and fairness, hallucination on the other hand indicates a false sensory perception that occurs in the absence of any real external stimulus.
This psychological condition makes an individual to hear, see, smell, taste or feel things that only exist in his mind but completely non-existent in reality. The psychological concept was introduced into psychiatry by the late French physician, Jean-Etienne Esquirol, in the 19th century.
Meanwhile, in any unfortunate situation where journalism is being ‘mixed’ with hallucination, the end point is always yellow journalism, a very dangerous and disastrous practice for every society, and that is what exactly played out in the case of one blog known as ‘Naijamixed’ by maliciously claimed that cabinet members in Ogun State do prostrate for the Governor ”when he is displeased with them”.
What a demented and cynical reportage to say the least; it metaphorically explains the name of the blog as a medium that has totally ‘mixed’ journalism with hallucination in the most unimaginable and disgusting manner.
The handler of the medium is either a rookie with high docility to the extent of allowing himself and his medium to be used for this hatchet job or an extreme hustler without conscience.
He could even be both, considering the inherent emptiness and lack of logic in the said report, where professionalism and sanity conspicuously missing in favour of deeply jaded, corrupted and pre-conditioned narrative.It becomes more laughable when the medium trying to create a nexus between it’s propaganda and event of some years back when a former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Wale Adedayo, deliberately maligned the Governor and falsely accused him of diverting local government funds.
Adedayo’s colleagues, out of courtesy and in line with the Omoluabi ethos willingly appealed to the Governor for forgiveness on behalf of the erring Chairman after thorough investigation by the Ogun State House of Assembly and report of the Joint Account and Allocation Committee(JAAC) absolutely absolved Prince Dapo Abiodun of any infraction in relation to local government funds and asserted that every disbursement follows statutory process.
The action of the chairmen simply reflected their conviction about the magnitude of offence their colleague had committed and the cultural approach of seeking forgiveness as proper Yoruba people, linking that to tissue of lies in the report, therefore, is completely senseless.
Perhaps, the most foolishly concocted part of the absolute hogwash is that of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, claiming she prostrates before the Governor too for favour and forgiveness.
It is a known fact across the state and beyond that Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Deputy have maintained a symbiotic relationship predicates on mutual respect and trust without blemish since the inception of their administration, unlike in some sub-national governments.
There is no doubt that Governor Dapo Abiodun is a decent, sophisticated and urbane personality, who can never be intoxicated by power no matter the temptation or provocation.
The Governor, by his nature has a satisfactory knowledge about the human complexity and dynamics, and possesses the requisite capacity to manage people with dignity and utmost respect, irrespective of backgrounds and status.
Therefore, it is unthinkable that any individuals could accuse Governor Dapo Abiodun of such primitive tendency and arrogance in power. It is indeed too low for any publication no matter the level of sanity of it’s handler.
Naijamixed has without doubt missed it’s path as far as journalism is concerned, for brazenly peddling total falsehood against the Governor for selfish and parochial considerations and against the ethics and guiding principles of the noble profession.
Obviously, ”This life is dangerous not because of those who perpetrate evils but because of those who witness evils and keep mute”, so, as matter of importance and exigency, security agencies must swing into action and fish out individuals behind this cancerous story.
However, beyond these shenanigans, the personality of Prince Dapo Abiodun remains in the consciousness of the people of the state and Nigeria at large, as a man and political leader whose humility, decorum, calmness and sagacity fundamentally remain top-notch.
By Olaniyi Ajibola
Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos states for what it described as their decisive response to banditry and kidnapping along the Sagamu-Ore Road corridor.
We commend the Inspector-General of Police, the Governors of Ogun and Lagos States, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as the Commissioners of Police in both states, for their decisive response to banditry and kidnapping along the notorious Sagamu-Ore Road corridor,” the statement read.
Afenifere described the joint operation as “a demonstration of purposeful leadership, professional policing and effective inter-state collaboration,” adding that the commitment shown by the Ogun and Lagos State governments had created an enabling environment for security agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
The group also praised the Inspector-General of Police for providing strategic operational direction and advancing intelligence-led policing, saying the approach had strengthened the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity to combat organised crime.
It singled out the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Olubode Ojajuni, for special commendation, saying his knowledge of the operational terrain underscored the importance of local intelligence in tackling criminality.
The organisation equally applauded the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for deploying operational resources, specialised equipment and logistics that contributed significantly to the success of the joint operation.
Reaffirming its support for sustained security operations, Afenifere declared that there would be no safe haven for kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals in Yorubaland.
“The message is unequivocal: ‘KOSAYE’—there is no place for evil in Yorubaland. Those who seek to threaten the peace, security and prosperity of our people will continue to face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.Afenifere also expressed appreciation to the security agencies and political leaders for their efforts in tackling violent crime.
“The Yoruba people remain grateful to the security agencies and political leaders for this exemplary display of courage, dedication and public service in the ongoing fight against violent crime,” it said.
The commendation followed the launch of Operation Kosaye, a joint security offensive by the Lagos and Ogun State police commands targeting criminal networks operating along the border corridor between the two states.
The operation, whose name translates to “there is no hiding place” in Yoruba, was launched to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs and other violent criminal groups exploiting forests and border communities in both states as hideouts.
The coordinated operation has so far led to the arrest of 88 suspects, the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the killing of four suspected kidnappers during encounters with security operatives.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday declared that he had withdrawn from partisan politics, saying his focus is now on promoting the welfare and well-being of Nigerians rather than pursuing political interests.
Obasanjo stated this while receiving key leaders and candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, including the party’s governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and the Ogun East and Central Senatorial candidates, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and Alhaji Femi Omotayo Omoowo, among others, at his penthouse within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
The meeting, attended by prominent PDP leaders in the state, centred on the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections and the quest for good governance.
“I Have Set Party Politics Aside” — Obasanjo
Speaking on the country’s economic situation, the former President lamented that Nigeria had failed to maximise its abundant human and natural resources.“At this stage of my life, I have set party politics aside. The goals of party politics are not always the same as the goals of promoting the welfare and well-being of the people. I can no longer engage in partisan politics. However, I will always remain deeply interested in the welfare, well-being and progress of our people. That commitment will never change,” he said.
Advises Adebutu to Align With “God’s Purpose”
Obasanjo advised Adebutu to pursue his political ambition with humility and ensure that his plans for Ogun State aligned with divine purpose.“As for your desire and ambition, I encourage you to pursue them with wisdom and humility. Let your plans align with God’s purpose for your life because it is ultimately God who directs our paths,” he said.
Calls for Responsible Stewardship of Resources
The elder statesman also urged leaders to focus on harnessing Nigeria’s vast resources for the benefit of the people, noting that the country’s development depends on responsible leadership and prudent management of its endowments.
We are blessed with large African countries, rich in land and abundant natural resources. Yet, despite these blessings, we have not managed them as well as we should. Our elders have a responsibility to provide guidance, preserve our traditions and take meaningful action that will benefit future generations,” he added.
Adebutu Describes Obasanjo as “Father of Modern Nigeria”
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Adebutu described Obasanjo as a father figure and mentor whose counsel remained invaluable, saying the visit was to seek the former President’s blessings and inform him of the party’s commitment to better governance in Ogun State.
“We came to spend quality time with our father, our mentor, and indeed the father of modern Nigeria. We also came to appreciate him for his immense contributions and to inform him of our resolve to pursue better governance for Ogun State. We have received his blessings and wise counsel, and with that encouragement, we are determined to move forward in the interest of our people,” Adebutu said.
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has expressed confidence that Ogun State would witness unprecedented and transformative development under the leadership of Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
The revered monarch, who spoke through the Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, Chief Yinka Kufile, made the declaration during a grand reception organized in honour of Senator Adeola by the people of Kemta-Odutolu Kingdom in Egbaland.Offering prayers and royal blessings for the senator, the Alake noted that while it is impossible for any leader to satisfy every individual’s expectations, a leader committed to the provision of social amenities and critical infrastructure would ultimately impact the lives of all citizens positively.
“We pray for you, and we believe that Ogun State will witness development during your reign. No leader can satisfy everyone individually, but when social amenities and infrastructure are provided, the benefits are enjoyed by all,” the monarch said.
The endorsement came as Senator Adeola reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating infrastructural development across Ogun State and consolidating on the achievements of the current administration.
Addressing the gathering, the senator disclosed that the Saraki-Adigbe and Magbon-INEC roads would be asphalted within the next one to two weeks, describing the projects as part of his sustained effort to improve infrastructure in the state.
“I have set a standard for myself, whether consciously or unconsciously, and the only option available to me is to improve on that standard to ensure that the people of Ogun State are happy with me,” Senator Adeola stated.
The lawmaker, who traced his maternal ancestry to Kemta-Odutolu in Egbaland, described the reception accorded him by the people of Kemta Kingdom as historic and symbolic.
“Abibat Olasumbo Akinola from Kemta Odutolu is my mother. Kabiyesi, I am your son. My mother is from Egbaland. What happened here today is remarkable because the entire Kemta Kingdom gave me a heroic welcome back home, and that is highly symbolic,” he said.
Declaring that he had not come to campaign but to reconnect with his roots, Adeola emphasized his deep ties to Egbaland.
“I have not come to Kabiyesi to campaign; I have come to say that I am back home. I am a full-blooded Egba man. I have lived in Egbaland for over 20 years and have continued to execute meaningful projects across Egbaland,” he added.
The senator highlighted numerous projects facilitated under his leadership, including the rehabilitation of the Kobape-Ojere Oba Road, the construction and asphalting of Ikorita Road, Ogun Radio Road, Ori-Yanrin and Agbeloba roads, Unity Road in Ibafo, Ashi Village Road, Oteyi Road in Papalanto, and Obada Central Community Road.
He also listed educational interventions, including the construction of classrooms at Premier Grammar School, Lafenwa; Baptist Boys High School; Lisabi Grammar School; Ibafo Community Grammar School; as well as the establishment of an ultra-modern market in Ibafo.
According to him, more than 16 roads and over 15 schools are currently under construction across the state.
He further assured residents that the massive reception by the people of Kemta represented the beginning of greater things for Egbaland.
“This is the beginning of good things in Egbaland, and I will continue to do good things in Egbaland. I am coming back to this palace as the Governor of Ogun State,” he declared. he said.
Promising accelerated development for Kemta Kingdom and Egbaland, Senator Adeola pledged to transform the community into what he described as a “Small London.”
We are going to join hands to transform Kemta. I will turn Kemta into ‘Small London.’ We will ensure that all the necessary and meaningful development that has been promised and initiated will return to Kemta and benefit the people of Kemta. This is only the beginning,” he said.
The senator described the overwhelming support demonstrated by the people of Kemta-Odutolu as a call to greater service and pledged to take development to every part of Ogun State.
“Today, the people of Kemta-Odutolu have publicly declared the direction they are going. I do not take this support for granted. I am taking it as a call to service. I stand for development, and development will spread across Ogun State as we consolidate on the gains of the current administration under Governor Dapo Abiodun and take Ogun State to the next level under my leadership,” he said.
Earlier, the Oluwo of Kemta, High Chief Rotimi Abayomi, described the reception organized by the people of Kemta Kingdom as a demonstration of their appreciation for Senator Adeola’s contributions to the development of Egbaland and Ogun State.
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has advised Nigerians to make it a habit to read food labels before purchasing packaged products, warning that poor dietary choices are contributing to the rising cases of non-communicable diseases in the country.
Adeyeye gave the advice in Abuja during the launch of the “Read the Food Label Campaign,” an initiative organised by NAFDAC in partnership with the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the University of Abuja, and other development partners.
According to her, the campaign is designed to equip consumers with the knowledge to understand food labels and make healthier choices, ultimately helping to reduce the burden of diet-related illnesses in Nigeria.
“Today marks another significant milestone in our collective efforts to protect and promote the health of Nigerians by empowering consumers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed food choices,” she said.
According to the NAFDAC boss, food labels are not merely regulatory requirements but important public health tools that provide consumers with critical information about the nutritional content and safety of food products.
“Reading food labels should become a shared responsibility. Everyone who purchases food should make it a habit to read food labels before making a purchase,” Adeyeye said.
She recounted how a childhood reaction by her son to a food additive inspired her to develop the habit of checking food labels whenever she shops.
My son reacted to a food additive when he was very young. That experience made me develop the habit of reading food labels because I wanted to ensure my family stayed healthy. Whenever I go shopping, I immediately check the sugar content, sodium level and other nutritional information,” she said.
Adeyeye warned that excessive consumption of foods high in salt, sugar, saturated fats and trans fats has contributed significantly to the increasing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, she said non-communicable diseases account for about 29 per cent of all deaths in Nigeria, with cardiovascular diseases responsible for the largest share.
The ability of consumers to understand, interpret and apply information on food labels has never been more important,” she added.
She explained that the Read the Food Label Campaign is a long-term public health intervention designed to institutionalise a culture of reading food labels and using nutritional information to make healthier dietary choices.
Speaking at the event, the Lead Investigator on Cardiovascular Health at the University of Abuja, Prof. Dike Ojji, said unhealthy diets have become a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases and other chronic illnesses in Nigeria.
He noted that the university has played a leading role in generating research evidence that informed national policies on nutrient profiling and front-of-pack food labelling.
Also speaking, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Maiwada, pledged the society’s support for the initiative, saying nutrition professionals across the country would drive awareness campaigns in schools, communities and local government areas.
“We have members in every local government area of Nigeria. We are present in schools and communities, and we will take this campaign to every part of the country. We will also dedicate part of our annual conference in September to promoting the campaign,” Maiwada said.
The representative of CAPPA, Abayomi Sarumi, described the campaign as a timely intervention that would improve nutrition literacy and encourage consumers to make healthier dietary decisions.
Nigeria is facing a growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases as changing lifestyles and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods continue to fuel cases of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Public health experts have consistently advocated stronger food labelling regulations and consumer education to enable Nigerians understand the nutritional content of packaged foods before purchase.
The Read the Food Label Campaign is part of NAFDAC’s broader strategy to improve nutrition literacy, encourage healthier eating habits and support national efforts to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases through informed consumer choices.
President Daniel Noboa has declared Friday a nationwide public holiday after Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The declaration came shortly after Ecuador secured a historic victory over the four-time world champions at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, advancing beyond the group stage for only the second time in the country’s history.
In a post on X on Friday, Noboa praised the players and coaching crew for overcoming criticism to deliver the result.
“Thanks to the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, the insults, and the tough times they went through, managed to bounce back and bring this immense joy to the entire country. Tomorrow, holiday! Long live Ecuador,” he wrote.
Ecuador entered the Group E clash needing a victory after losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast and drawing 0-0 with Curaçao in their opening two matches.
Germany took the lead in the second minute through Leroy Sané, but Nilson Angulo equalised in the ninth minute to restore parity.
Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute, helping Ecuador seal a famous victory and book a place in the last 16.
The result marks only the second time Ecuador have progressed beyond the World Cup group stage, equalling their achievement at the 2006 tournament.
The tragic murder of veteran broadcaster, Madam Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo (38), has left many across Ogun State in shock and mourning.
What makes the incident even more heartbreaking is the allegation that the crime was masterminded by someone who was once trusted — a former security guard who had worked for the late broadcaster.
On Thursday, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, paraded the principal suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip (22), alongside two alleged accomplices, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola (27) and Sobu Obafunsho (36), at the Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
According to police investigations, the incident came to light on June 21 after concerned individuals noticed suspicious circumstances around Madam Oyesiku’s residence. Detectives who responded to the scene discovered the lifeless body of Pelumi Adetayo inside the security house, while Madam Oyesiku was found in a pool of blood in her living room.
Police also discovered that her Lexus RX 330 SUV had been stolen, prompting a full-scale investigation involving intelligence gathering, technical tracking, and forensic analysis.
One of the major breakthroughs reportedly came from a handwritten note allegedly left behind at the crime scene. Following forensic examination and further investigation, police traced and arrested the suspects.
Investigators said the principal suspect allegedly confessed to recruiting the other two suspects and claimed he harboured grievances against the deceased from his period of employment in her service. He reportedly told investigators that the attack was intended to “teach her a lesson.”
Police further alleged that the suspects overpowered the security guard, used him to gain access to the residence, attacked Madam Oyesiku, killed both victims, and fled with the deceased’s vehicle, which was later recovered in the Onikolobo area of Abeokuta.
Further searches reportedly led to the recovery of a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen, and other exhibits linked to the crime.
Reacting to the development, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, commended the Ogun State Police Command for its swift and professional investigation that led to the arrest of the suspects. He also called for diligent prosecution to ensure justice for both victims.
Beyond the investigation and arrests, this tragedy reminds us of the devastating consequences of unresolved grievances, violence, and betrayal of trust.
As the suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, many are hoping that the judicial process will provide answers, accountability, and some measure of comfort to the grieving families, colleagues, and admirers of the late broadcaster and her security guard.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 29, 2026, to deliver judgment in a suit seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen investigations into the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Thursday after hearing arguments in the case filed by the non-governmental organisation, Break the Silence Foundation. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2026, lists the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, as respondents. Notably, none of the respondents was represented in court when the matter came up for hearing. The court is expected to determine whether law enforcement authorities should be directed to reopen investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.
Counsel for the foundation, Tunde Falola, adopted all processes filed on behalf of the plaintiff and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.
The court also heard an application by Samson Obaboye, who sought to be joined in the suit as an interested party.
Obaboye told the court that he supported calls for truth, transparency, accountability and justice over the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and wished to place relevant facts before the court.
Justice Omotosho, however, dismissed the application, holding that the applicant failed to establish sufficient legal interest in the case to warrant his joinder.
The court had earlier granted leave to the foundation to commence the action through an ex parte application seeking judicial review and an order of mandamus compelling the police authorities to conduct a fresh investigation into the singer’s death.
Addressing journalists after the proceedings, Falola said the foundation approached the court because it was dissatisfied with the outcome of the earlier police investigation, arguing that several critical aspects and possible leads were not adequately explored.
He said the organisation was particularly concerned about individuals reportedly among the last people seen with the deceased, insisting that their roles required further scrutiny.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and deserve public attention.“As a human rights organisation seeking justice, we believe the police should reopen the investigation,” Falola said.He described the suit as a mandamus proceeding aimed at compelling the police to revisit the investigation into the cause of Mohbad’s death.
On the failed joinder application, Falola said the applicant failed to demonstrate any direct interest in the matter.
“You must show the court your interest in the matter. The applicant did not establish that he is a police officer, a party to the suit, or someone directly connected with the proceedings.
“If every Nigerian were allowed to join the matter without demonstrating a legal interest, it would amount to an abuse of court process,” he said.
His body was exhumed nine days later for an autopsy, but controversy over the circumstances of his death has persisted.
The delay in obtaining conclusive answers has also stalled his final burial, with his remains still in the custody of authorities.
In February 2025, a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Sabo, Yaba, discharged and acquitted singer Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry and others of any involvement in Mohbad’s death after legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions found no evidence linking them to the incident.
