The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed ₦2.55 trillion in revenue for June 2026 to the three tiers of government. Approved at the committee’s July meeting in Abuja, the total distributable amount was drawn from ₦1.8 trillion in statutory revenue and ₦740.72 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The allocation breakdown is as follows:

• Federal Government: Received a total of ₦923.43 billion.

• State Governments: Received a combined ₦838.2 billion.

• Local Government Councils: Received ₦591.39 billion.

• Oil-Producing States: Received ₦197.61 billion as 13% derivation revenue.

The committee reported a significant rise in gross statutory revenue, which increased from ₦2.65 trillion in May to ₦3.7 trillion in June. Additionally, gross VAT revenue saw a 7.5% increase, rising by ₦56.07 billion to reach ₦799.74 billion in June. FAAC attributed this improved performance to higher collections from sources such as Company Income Tax, petroleum royalties, and Import Duties, despite declines in receipts from Petroleum Profit Tax and other related fees.

Following his decisive performance in Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England, Lionel Messi has become the frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The 39-year-old’s two assists in the match have significantly bolstered his bid for a ninth title, with the upcoming World Cup final against Spain serving as a pivotal moment in the race for the award.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Current projections from the prediction market Polymarket indicate the following standings for the 2026 Ballon d’Or:

• Lionel Messi: Leading the field with a 31.7% probability of winning.

• Lamine Yamal: A strong contender for the award following an outstanding campaign for club and country, currently holding a 30.9% probability.

• Harry Kane: Positioned third with a 13.5% probability despite England’s semi-final exit.

• Ousmane Dembele: The reigning holder of the award now has a 3.1% probability following France’s elimination.

While these market projections reflect current expectations rather than official results, the World Cup has clearly shifted the landscape for the award. The final outcome may be heavily influenced by Sunday’s match between Argentina and Spain, as a victory could solidify Messi’s position, though Yamal remains a formidable challenger. The winner will be announced on October 26 at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony, which will be held in London for the first time.

Buba Galadima, a prominent figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for an end to the “ethnic blame game” by insisting that Peter Obi should not be held responsible for the 1966 military coup. Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Galadima emphasized several key points regarding reconciliation and national unity:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Absence of Personal Responsibility: Galadima pointedly questioned the logic of blaming Peter Obi for the 1966 events, noting that Obi was not of age during that period and should not be made to “carry the cross of those who did it”.

  • Historical Precedents for Forgiveness: Referencing the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Galadima noted that even after the Nigerian Civil War, Ojukwu was pardoned and returned to participate in the democratic process, proving that reconciliation is possible.

  • Encouraging Constructive Dialogue: While acknowledging that building support for the Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket has faced resistance, Galadima maintained that these challenges are not insurmountable. He drew a comparison to international diplomacy, suggesting that even rivals—such as the United States and Iran—can remain at the negotiation table despite ongoing conflict.

  • Focus on Reconciliation: Galadima urged Nigerians to prioritize constructive engagement over dwelling on historical ethnic grievances, arguing that such divisions hinder the country’s progress.