The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly challenged his critics, declaring his willingness to resign if they can disprove his claims regarding road construction projects in the territory.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wike’s Challenge to Critics

• During the commissioning of the reconstructed Arab/Gbazango road in Kubwa, Wike dared his detractors to appear on national television within 48 hours to present evidence that his administration has not awarded 317 kilometers of roads in FCT satellite towns.

• The Minister asserted that his administration has already completed 221 kilometers of these road projects.

• Wike emphasized that he would vacate his office if anyone could provide evidence contradicting these specific project figures.

Progress and Commitments

• Minister Wike highlighted that the road projects from Apo to Karishi and Bwari to Kubwa are both scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

• He maintained that satellite town residents have experienced the impact of his administration’s governance in a way that is unprecedented in the history of the country’s past administrations.

UNICEF has officially authenticated the viral images of Lionel Messi bathing an infant Lamine Yamal, confirming they are not digitally altered.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Origin: The images were captured over 18 years ago by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort during a UNICEF charity calendar photoshoot intended to raise funds.

• Participants: The shoot featured a young Lionel Messi, the infant Lamine Yamal, and Yamal’s mother, Sheila.

• Clarification: UNICEF addressed public skepticism and rumors of image manipulation by explicitly confirming the authenticity of the photos on their platform.

• Current Roles: Both Messi and Yamal now serve as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, utilizing their respective platforms to advocate for children’s rights globally.

• Symbolism: Many fans view the resurfaced images as a symbolic “passing of the torch” between two football generations, a sentiment highlighted as Messi’s Argentina prepares to face Yamal’s Spain in an upcoming FIFA World Cup match.

Human rights lawyer Frank Tietie has criticized the nomination and subsequent confirmation of Professor Abayomi Fasina, the former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, as a non-career ambassador designate.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Prior to his confirmation, a coalition of civil society organizations protested at the National Assembly on July 7, 2026, opposing Fasina’s nomination due to pending court cases involving allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations, and victimization.

• Despite these protests, the Nigerian Senate officially confirmed Fasina’s appointment as a non-career ambassador on Thursday.

Frank Tietie’s Position

• During an interview on ARISE Television, Tietie argued that nominating an individual with such “baggage” was a mistake, emphasizing that ambassadors represent Nigeria in the same capacity as the President.

• Tietie stated that the government should have sent the “right signals” by avoiding such controversial appointments, especially given the current state of governance.

• He argued that even in the absence of a final court judgment, the allegations themselves have “tainted” Fasina’s reputation, and the Senate should have delayed the confirmation until the legal matters were resolved.

• Tietie also suggested that the National Assembly’s decision overlooks significant social changes regarding how such allegations are now viewed by society.