Author: Promise Odejide

  • Bernardo Silva Mocks Guardiola’s Viral Empty-Bench Rant During Emotional Man City Farewell

    Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva left fans laughing after playfully mocking Pep Guardiola’s famous “empty-bench” rant during the club’s emotional end-of-season farewell celebration.

    The event, held at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, celebrated City’s domestic cup successes while also serving as a goodbye ceremony for Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, and defender John Stones ahead of their departures from the club.

    Bernardo Recreates Viral Guardiola Moment

    During the celebrations, Silva replayed one of Guardiola’s most talked-about sideline moments, where the Spanish manager passionately delivered instructions toward what appeared to be an empty bench.

    The clip immediately drew loud laughter from fans and players inside the arena, while Guardiola himself smiled and embraced the joke.

    The Manchester City squad appeared relaxed throughout the event, with the humorous moment becoming one of the highlights of the night.

    Emotional Farewell for Guardiola

    The farewell ceremony also carried emotional weight as it marked the end of Guardiola’s hugely successful era at Manchester City.

    Despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this season, City surrendered the Premier League title to Arsenal, bringing Guardiola’s dominant spell at the Etihad Stadium to a close.

    During his time at the club, Guardiola transformed Manchester City into one of Europe’s most successful teams, winning 17 major trophies and redefining the club’s modern history.

    Special Bond Between Pep and Bernardo

    Bernardo Silva has long been regarded as one of Guardiola’s most trusted players, with the Portuguese midfielder playing a major role in several title-winning campaigns.

    The playful exchange during the farewell reflected the strong relationship between both men and the close atmosphere within the Manchester City dressing room.

    Fans at the arena gave standing ovations to Guardiola, Silva, and Stones as the club celebrated an era many supporters consider the greatest period in Manchester City’s history.

  • King Mitchy Begs Tinubu to Tackle Insecurity, Fires Back at VeryDarkMan

    Popular Nigerian TikTok influencer and philanthropist, Michelle Mukoro, widely known as King Mitchy, has generated reactions online after publicly appealing to President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the growing insecurity across Nigeria.

    In a viral video shared online, King Mitchy emotionally called on the President to take stronger action against killings, kidnappings, and attacks affecting different parts of the country.

    King Mitchy Speaks on Insecurity

    Addressing President Tinubu directly, the influencer said she believed the President meant well for Nigerians but urged him to intensify efforts toward restoring security nationwide.

    “Even though I am afraid to say this, I need to speak honestly, sir. I truly believe you do not want bad for Nigerians,” she said.

    “You are an elderly man. I do not believe you look at this country and want to destroy it. But please, do something about the insecurity.”

    She referenced recent attacks and abductions reported in states including Oyo, Borno, and Kwara, stressing that ordinary Nigerians were living in fear.

    The video quickly circulated across social media platforms, with many users praising her for speaking openly on national issues.

    VeryDarkMan Reacts

    The situation later escalated after social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, reacted to the video with a mocking comment.

    VeryDarkMan reportedly wrote “Crack” under posts linked to the video, a comment many interpreted as dismissive.

    King Mitchy responded angrily during a TikTok live session, accusing the activist of trying to silence her voice and undermine her efforts.

    “Do you want to spoil my life? Do you want to be the only person speaking for Nigerians?” she reportedly said during the livestream.

    She also described VeryDarkMan as “mad” while defending her right to express concerns about the country.

    Longstanding Online Rivalry

    The latest confrontation adds to the ongoing feud between both influencers, which has continued for months over issues involving philanthropy, public donations, and alleged political affiliations.

    VeryDarkMan had previously criticised some of King Mitchy’s charity activities and questioned reported links between the influencer and Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

    Supporters of King Mitchy praised her calm but bold message to the government, while critics argued that her comments toward the President were too mild considering the country’s security situation.

    The exchange has continued trending online as Nigerians debate insecurity, activism, and the role of influencers in holding leaders accountable.

  • Adeleke Endorses Tinubu for 2027, Says ‘He Is Our Father, Leader’

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has openly endorsed President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the president as “our father and leader” while praising ongoing federal projects in the state.

    Adeleke made the declaration after inspecting ongoing construction work on the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa expressway, where he commended the Federal Government for the pace and quality of work on the road project.

    Adeleke Backs Tinubu

    Speaking during the inspection, the governor said his support for Tinubu was both a moral and development-driven decision that would benefit Osun State and the Yoruba people.

    “As governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President, how can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him?” Adeleke said.

    He described Tinubu as “our own son, father, and leader,” adding that he and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were privileged to witness a Yoruba leader occupying Nigeria’s highest office.

    Praise for Federal Projects

    Adeleke stated that the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa road would improve connectivity across major Osun communities and support economic activities in the region.

    The governor also praised Tinubu for approving other road projects, including the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo and Gbongan-Akoda highways.

    According to him, his administration has equally invested heavily in infrastructure since assuming office in 2022, including the renovation of several federal roads and reconstruction of more than 300 kilometres of state roads.

    He expressed optimism that the Federal Government would compensate Osun State for roads rehabilitated by the state government.

    Comments on Democracy

    Adeleke further stated that his administration remained committed to free and fair elections in Osun State, while commending Tinubu for supporting democratic values.

    “On August 15, democracy will win alongside God and the people,” he said.

    “The President has consistently advocated for free and fair elections.”

    The governor added that all lawful means would be deployed to guarantee credible elections in the state.

    His endorsement comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections and is expected to generate fresh reactions across Nigeria’s political space.

  • Israel DMW Fires Back After Phyna Questions His Fertility During Livestream

    Davido’s logistics manager, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, has reacted after former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna made controversial remarks about his fertility during a livestream linked to her ongoing online drama with social media critic VeryDarkMan.

    The exchange began after Phyna addressed allegations surrounding her fallout with VeryDarkMan, claiming their disagreement allegedly started because she refused to have a sexual relationship with him.

    Drama Escalates Online

    Following the controversy, Israel DMW reportedly made remarks about Phyna online, which further intensified tensions between both personalities.

    During a Sunday livestream, Phyna responded angrily to comments involving Israel DMW and allegedly questioned his ability to father children.

    According to the reality star, she accused Israel of being impotent while reacting to criticism directed at her.

    The comments quickly circulated across social media platforms, generating heavy reactions from fans and followers.

    Israel DMW Responds

    Reacting through a series of posts shared on Instagram, Israel DMW dismissed the allegations and insisted that his current childless status was a personal decision rather than a medical issue.

    He explained that he intentionally chose not to have children outside marriage, stressing that he preferred having kids within a legally recognised union instead of through baby mama arrangements.

    “You automatically become impotent in Nigeria as a public figure who has chosen to be legally married with one wife with kids from one woman and not baby mama. Wahala. Mumu,” he wrote while sharing Phyna’s photo.

    Social Media Reactions Continue

    The exchange has continued to dominate conversations online, with many Nigerians divided over the heated comments from both celebrities.

    While some users defended Phyna’s emotional reaction, others criticised the level of personal attacks exchanged publicly between both entertainers.

    The controversy also adds to the wider online discussions surrounding Phyna’s public fallout with VeryDarkMan, which has remained one of the trending entertainment stories in Nigeria in recent days.

  • JAMB Fixes June 13 for 2026 UTME Mop-Up Exam for Affected Candidates

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the date for the conduct of the mop-up Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates who were unable to sit for the 2026 examination despite being successfully biometrically verified.

    The examination body disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

    According to JAMB, the mop-up exercise is specifically for candidates who presented themselves for the 2026 UTME but could not take the examination due to technical glitches and related challenges recorded during the nationwide exercise conducted between April 23 and April 29, 2026.

    JAMB Explains Reason for Mop-Up Exam

    The board said several centres experienced technical difficulties during the examination period, preventing some candidates from writing the UTME despite completing the required verification process.

    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has fixed Saturday, 13th June, 2026, for the conduct of the UTME mop-up examination for all candidates who presented themselves and were biometrically verified for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination but were unable to sit the examination for one reason or another,” the statement read.

    JAMB added that all affected candidates already identified by the board would be accommodated during the mop-up exercise.

    Candidates With Verification Issues Included

    The board also disclosed that some candidates who appeared for the examination but could not be successfully biometrically verified had equally been captured among those to be considered in the final mop-up arrangement.

    It further revealed that some examination results had earlier been withdrawn due to examination malpractice and infractions recorded during the UTME process.

    JAMB described the mop-up examination as the concluding phase of the annual UTME process aimed at resolving every pending issue involving candidates affected during the examination exercise.

    Candidates Asked to Print Notification Slips

    The board advised affected candidates to begin printing their examination notification slips from Saturday, June 6, 2026.

    Candidates were also urged to familiarise themselves with their examination centres and make adequate preparations ahead of the examination date.

    “Affected candidates are hereby urged to print their Examination Notification Slips, familiarise themselves with their examination centres, and make all necessary arrangements ahead of the examination date, as there will be no further opportunity for any candidate to sit the 2026 UTME after this mop-up exercise,” JAMB stated.

    2026 UTME Admission Process Continues

    Over two million candidates participated in the 2026 UTME conducted nationwide in April.

    JAMB has since released the results and retained the minimum admission cut-off marks at 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics.

    The board has also opened its portal for candidates seeking change of course or institution for the 2026 admission cycle.

  • INEC Appeals Court Judgment Nullifying 2027 Election Guidelines

    The Independent National Electoral Commission has approached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to challenge a Federal High Court judgment that nullified part of its guidelines for the 2027 general election.

    INEC is specifically seeking to overturn the ruling which voided its directive requiring political parties to submit membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026.

    Court Ruled Against INEC Guidelines

    Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja had last week ruled that INEC lacked the legal authority to impose deadlines outside what is already provided under the Electoral Act 2026.

    The judgment followed a suit filed by the Youth Party challenging the legality of the commission’s directive.

    According to the court, Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act gives political parties up to 120 days before an election to submit candidate particulars, adding that INEC could not shorten the timeline through administrative guidelines.

    INEC Heads To Appeal Court

    In a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, INEC, through its lawyer, Alex Izinyon, asked the appellate court to set aside the judgment.

    The electoral commission also requested an order staying the execution of the Federal High Court ruling pending the determination of the appeal.

    The legal dispute is expected to shape preparations and timelines ahead of the 2027 general election as political parties and electoral stakeholders monitor the outcome closely.

  • Wike Accuses Fubara of Breaching Impeachment Deal Over Second-Term Move

    Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of violating a political agreement by pursuing a second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

    Wike made the remarks on Monday while inspecting ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, including the Renewed Hope City project in Kassara and the City Gate development being handled by Julius Berger.

    Wike Speaks On Impeachment Agreement

    According to the former Rivers governor, an understanding had earlier been reached that impeachment proceedings against Fubara would be halted on the condition that the governor would not pursue another term in office.

    Wike claimed Fubara breached the agreement by obtaining governorship nomination forms.

    “In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not talk about a second tenure,” Wike said.

    “With collecting form first, he didn’t show sign of gentlemanship.”

    He further stated that repeated interventions by Bola Ahmed Tinubu had helped calm the political crisis in Rivers State.

    Backs Kingsley Chinda

    Wike also endorsed Kingsley Chinda as a strong candidate, praising his political experience and legislative record.

    “A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material,” he stated.

    The minister added that Chinda’s profile and influence made him a respected political figure across party lines.

    Projects Ready For Commissioning

    During the inspection tour, Wike commended contractors handling several FCT projects and said many of the developments were nearing completion and ready for inauguration.

    He specifically praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for conceptualising the City Gate project, describing it as one of her signature initiatives.

    According to him, Julius Berger assured the administration that the project would be delivered by the end of May or early June.

  • Femi Otedola Cycles Lagos Coast in Defiant Response to Critics

    Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola has taken to the Lagos coastline in a high-profile cycling outing, responding indirectly to critics who previously questioned his preference for cycling in safer international locations.

    The 63-year-old businessman, originally from Ibadan, Oyo State, shared a video of himself riding along the Eko Atlantic corridor, a privately developed waterfront area known for its smooth roads and controlled access.

    Backlash Over Foreign Cycling Clips

    The move comes after Otedola faced criticism online for posting cycling videos from cities such as Singapore and Paris, where infrastructure and safety standards are significantly different from those in Nigeria.

    Critics had argued that his earlier choice of locations highlighted the country’s persistent challenges with road safety, traffic congestion, and insecurity.

    Mixed Reactions On Social Media

    The latest video triggered divided reactions across social media platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Some users praised him for promoting fitness and embracing cycling in Nigeria, while others said the location still reflects a privileged environment rather than everyday Nigerian realities.

    Commentators also pointed to wider national concerns, including insecurity and uneven infrastructure development, arguing that safe recreational spaces remain inaccessible to many citizens.

    Debate Over Inequality And Access

    The discussion has expanded beyond Otedola himself, touching on broader issues of inequality, lifestyle differences, and urban planning in Lagos.

    While some supporters see his ride as inspirational, others insist it highlights the gap between elite enclaves like Eko Atlantic and densely populated areas where safety and infrastructure remain major concerns.

    Otedola has not issued any further statement beyond sharing the cycling clip, but the conversation continues to trend online, reflecting ongoing debates about privilege, lifestyle, and national development.

  • Tinubu Hails Rangers After Clinching 9th NPFL Title, Commends Rivers United

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title for a record ninth time.

    The President also praised the club’s managers, players, and supporters for their consistency throughout the season, which saw them finish top of the table with 68 points in 38 matches.

    Tinubu Celebrates Historic Achievement

    In a statement issued by the State House, Tinubu described the victory as a continuation of the club’s rich football legacy, recalling Rangers’ dominance in the 1970s and 1980s.

    He referenced their historic performances in continental competitions, including their 1975 African Cup of Champions Clubs final appearance and the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

    The President also commended Peter Mbah for what he described as strategic investments in youth and sports development that contributed to the club’s success.

    Praise For Rivals Rivers United

    Tinubu further applauded Rivers United FC for their strong performance throughout the season, describing them as worthy competitors who showed good sportsmanship.

    He noted that both clubs will represent Nigeria in the next CAF Champions League season and urged them to fly the country’s flag high on the continental stage.

    “I am proud of their achievement,” the President said.

  • FG Declares May 27, 28 Public Holidays For Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

    The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Adha festival.

    The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Monday in Abuja.

    FG Felicitates Muslims

    According to the statement, the declaration reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of the spiritual significance of the Islamic celebration observed by millions of Muslims in Nigeria and around the world.

    Tunji-Ojo extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a period that symbolises sacrifice, obedience to God, compassion, and faith.

    Call For Prayers, Unity

    The Federal Government also urged Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the country and reflect on the need for peace, unity, and national progress.

    “It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal Government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration,” the statement read.

    The government further expressed hope that the values associated with Eid-ul-Adha would strengthen harmony and peaceful coexistence across the country.