The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to provide evidence supporting claims that the group plans to resume enforcing Monday sit-at-home orders across the South-East.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The separatist group insisted that it had not instructed its members or the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to enforce any sit-at-home directive from October 12, 2026.

IPOB’s response followed reports of a police intelligence document dated October 9, 2026, which allegedly raised concerns about a possible return of sit-at-home enforcement in the region.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, dismissed the allegation, maintaining that its position on the matter remained unchanged.

“There is no voice note. There is no order from IPOB or ESN to resume any sit-at-home. There is no plan by this movement to enforce anything on the people of the South-East or Imo State,” the statement read.

The group called on the police to present verifiable evidence to substantiate the claims contained in the reported intelligence document, including proof that the alleged message originated from IPOB or ESN.

IPOB also maintained that its activities remained focused on its stated objective of achieving Biafran self-determination through peaceful means.

The organisation further reiterated its position that it intended to boycott the forthcoming elections.

Beyond the sit-at-home controversy, IPOB urged the Federal Government to address the economic challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly hunger and unemployment.

It called on the authorities to prioritise policies and measures aimed at easing the hardship faced by citizens and responding to their concerns.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to respond to IPOB’s statement or the allegations surrounding the reported intelligence document.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dissolved the State Executive Council following a valedictory session with members of his cabinet in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

However, the governor retained three key officials: the Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro; the Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo; and the Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, who will continue in their respective positions.

The valedictory session, held at the Executive Council Chamber in the Governor’s Office, marked the end of the outgoing cabinet’s tenure as the Oyebanji administration prepares for a new term.

Speaking at the gathering, Oyebanji described the outgoing cabinet members as a formidable team whose contributions had helped his administration fulfil its commitments to the people of Ekiti State.

The governor expressed gratitude to God for the wisdom, grace and opportunity to serve the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of residents.

He also praised the cabinet members for their support and dedication to implementing government policies and programmes throughout their time in office.

Despite the dissolution of the council, Oyebanji assured the outgoing officials that he would maintain contact with them.

The latest development comes about two weeks after the governor approved the termination of appointments of political appointees across the state, including those serving on boards, commissions and parastatals.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the affected officials included Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants and Technical Assistants.

The statement clarified, however, that the dissolution did not affect chairmen and members of statutory boards.

Those exempted include the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), Civil Service Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission.

Similarly, the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions will remain in place, in accordance with the governor’s earlier directives.

Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger believes an African country has the potential to win the FIFA World Cup, pointing to the continent’s improved performances and increasing competitiveness on the international stage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wenger, who serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, made the remarks at the CAF Strategy Conference in Santa Maria, Sal Island, Cape Verde.

He spoke about the progress made by African teams at the expanded World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, where nine of the continent’s 10 representatives reportedly advanced beyond the group stage to the Round of 32.

“Africa has made a fantastic step forward. There is still another step to make. We want to see an African team win the World Cup, and the numbers show that it is feasible,” Wenger said.

The French football administrator cited Morocco’s remarkable campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as evidence of the continent’s ability to compete with the world’s best teams.

Under coach Walid Regragui, Morocco made history by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

The Atlas Lions finished top of Group F with seven points before eliminating Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds. They also kept clean sheets against Belgium, Spain and Portugal before their campaign ended with a 2-0 semi-final defeat to France.

Wenger attributed the progress of African football partly to improvements in tactical discipline and team organisation, noting that these developments had helped address some of the weaknesses that previously undermined African teams at major competitions.

“In the past, African teams sometimes lost because of a lack of compactness, too much distance between the lines, and inconsistent concentration,” he explained.

Despite the encouraging statistics and tactical progress, Wenger cautioned that winning the World Cup would require more than improved performances on the pitch.

He emphasised that mentality, unity and a strong set of shared values would be equally important in helping an African nation achieve the ultimate prize in international football.

“The numbers don’t lie, but football is not only numbers. It is also attitude, mental qualities, unity, and your value system. Those are things you have to continue working on,” Wenger stated.

His comments underline the progress African football has made in recent years while highlighting the need for continued development if a team from the continent is to become world champion.