Gianluca Prestianni will miss SL Benfica’s second-leg showdown against Real Madrid after being provisionally suspended by UEFA over an alleged racist remark aimed at Vinícius Júnior.
Benfica received formal notification of the temporary suspension on Friday, with the disciplinary action taking immediate effect as UEFA continues its investigation into the incident.
The controversy stems from the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie at the Estádio da Luz on February 17, where Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory.
Video footage showed an exchange between Prestianni and Vinícius shortly after the Brazilian forward scored. During the interaction, Prestianni appeared to cover his mouth while speaking.
Vinícius subsequently reported to referee François Letexier that he had been subjected to a racist comment. The match was briefly halted as officials assessed the situation before allowing play to continue.
UEFA promptly launched a formal probe, appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to gather evidence, review match footage, and interview players, match officials, and potential witnesses.
Prestianni has strongly denied the allegation, insisting he did not make any racist remark. He also expressed regret over the intense scrutiny and threats he says he has faced since the incident became public.
Real Madrid, however, has reportedly submitted evidence supporting Vinícius’ account and reiterated calls for firm action against discriminatory conduct in football.
Should UEFA find Prestianni guilty under Article 14 of its Disciplinary Regulations, he could face a minimum 10-match suspension or a defined period of ineligibility. Such a sanction would likely sideline him for the remainder of the current European campaign and potentially beyond.
The case has once again thrust the issue of racism in football into the spotlight. Vinícius has previously endured racist abuse in domestic and European competitions, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed demands for stronger enforcement measures.
UEFA’s handling of the matter — including the provisional suspension and the speed of its investigation — is expected to be closely monitored as European football authorities confront ongoing concerns over discrimination and player protection.
Veteran Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun has opened up on how President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu stepped in to support him after a life-threatening accident years ago.
Speaking during an interview on OYINMOMO TV, Balogun revealed that the President and his wife were prepared to fly him abroad for urgent medical treatment when his condition became critical.
According to the actor, the accident left him in a dire state, prompting swift intervention from the nation’s first family. Though he eventually received quality medical care within Nigeria, he said their immediate readiness to facilitate treatment overseas left a lasting impression on him.
Balogun recalled questioning the First Lady about her extraordinary gesture. Her response, he said, profoundly changed his perspective on life.
“She told me, ‘You are a star of God, and they must not let your light dim,’” he recounted.
The actor said those words reshaped his outlook and strengthened his belief in compassion and selflessness. He noted that he has since embraced the principle that caring for others invites divine protection for one’s own loved ones.
When I had the accident, President Tinubu and his wife stepped in and asked that I be taken abroad for treatment. I was well treated in Nigeria. I asked aunty why she did it,” Balogun said.
She said, ‘You are a star of God, and they must not let your light dim.’ It was from her I learnt that if you take care of someone else’s child, God will take care of yours.’”
Ado-Odo/Ota APC Leadership Moves to Restore Unity, Appeals to Hon. Tunji Akinosi After Congress Dispute
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 23rd February 2026
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency today convened an emergency meeting to deliberate on concerns arising from the recently concluded Local Government Party Congress and subsequent developments.
Following careful and extensive deliberations, the leaders unanimously expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with Hon. Tunji Akinosi over the unfortunate incident that occurred at the Council Secretariat. The leadership unequivocally condemns the act in its entirety and describes it as regrettable and inconsistent with the principles of our great party.
In the spirit of unity and brotherhood that defines the APC family, the leadership collectively extends a sincere appeal to Hon. Tunji Akinosi for understanding and continued cooperation as elders and stakeholders work toward a peaceful resolution of all issues arising from the congress.
We acknowledge that intra-party differences are natural in a vibrant democracy; however, such differences must be resolved through dialogue, internal mechanisms, and mutual respect — never through confrontation or actions capable of dividing our ranks.
To this end, a structured reconciliation process has commenced, with apex leaders engaging all concerned stakeholders to promote healing, rebuild trust, and strengthen cohesion across the Ado-Odo/Ota APC. Our collective objective remains clear: to preserve party unity and position the APC for continued electoral success and service to our people.
The leadership also appreciates Hon. Akinosi’s willingness to allow the intervention of apex members to address the matter internally as a party affair, thereby avoiding unnecessary escalation or external interference.
We call on all party members, leaders, and supporters across Ado-Odo/Ota to remain calm, peaceful, and committed to the ideals of harmony and collective progress.
The APC in Ado-Odo/Ota is one family. Through dialogue, maturity, and unity of purpose, we shall overcome our differences and emerge stronger.
E-Signed: Sen. Akin Odunsi Chief Samuel Ayedogbon Alhaji Soji Olesesi Chief Jide Ojuko Hon. Layiwola Taiwo Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele Hon. Muse Lamidi Hon. Kunle Salako Hon. Sheriff Yusuf
The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, has dismissed claims that Executive Order 9 (EO9) grants the President lawmaking powers, describing such interpretations as a misunderstanding of constitutional and public finance provisions.
Yakubu, who also serves as Secretary of the Implementation Committee on EO9, said the order does not create new legislation but rather enforces existing constitutional requirements governing the management of government revenues.
In a statement issued Monday, Yakubu cited Section 80(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandates that all revenues collected by the Federation be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund. He stressed that it is unlawful for public funds to be retained or spent outside constitutionally recognised accounts.
He further referenced Section 162 of the Constitution, which requires revenues due to the Federation to be paid into the Federation Account before being distributed among the three tiers of government according to approved allocation principles.
The order of legality is clear revenue must first enter constitutionally recognised accounts before it can be appropriated, shared or spent,” he stated.
According to Yakubu, EO9 operationalises these constitutional provisions within the oil and gas sector by directing that petroleum-related revenues including royalties, taxes, profit oil and penalties be paid directly into authorised government accounts.
He added that the directive enhances reconciliation processes and strengthens transparency in the collection, custody and reporting of petroleum revenues.
Addressing concerns about separation of powers, Yakubu maintained that EO9 does not interfere with the authority of the National Assembly of Nigeria.
He cited Section 60(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the legislature in determining its procedures, noting that the executive order neither amends the Petroleum Industry Act nor nullifies any existing law.
Rather, he explained, the directive was issued under Section 5 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to ensure that laws and constitutional provisions are faithfully executed.
Yakubu acknowledged that individuals or groups questioning the legality of EO9 have the right to seek judicial interpretation, stressing that the courts remain the appropriate authority to resolve constitutional disputes.
Until any contrary ruling is delivered, he said, the Executive arm is duty-bound to safeguard public revenues, uphold constitutional supremacy and strengthen fiscal discipline particularly regarding allocations from the Federation Account, the credibility of the national budget and broader economic stability.
He maintained that EO9 is aimed at reinforcing accountability in public finance management rather than expanding presidential powers.
Nigeria has stepped up efforts to secure major foreign capital inflows, with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, hosting a high-level delegation from GCL Group over proposed investments valued at up to $5.7 billion.
The meeting, held in Abuja, signals what officials describe as growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform-driven economic direction.
According to a statement issued Monday by the Finance Ministry via its X handle, the delegation was led by former Abia State governor Orji Uzor Kalu.
The proposed multi-billion-dollar investments are expected to target large-scale power generation projects, domestic processing of mineral resources, and the establishment of new manufacturing facilities.
Government officials say the projects are designed to generate employment, increase export earnings, and promote value addition by prioritising local processing over the export of raw materials.
The talks form part of Nigeria’s broader push to reposition its economy from commodity dependence to industrial productivity, aligning with the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Finance Ministry noted that ongoing economic reforms under the current administration are helping to restore investor confidence and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
Officials emphasised that strengthening electricity supply, expanding industrial capacity, and improving domestic production remain central pillars of the government’s strategy. Investments in these sectors, they said, are expected to boost productivity, stabilise growth, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on raw commodity exports.
The engagement with GCL Group underscores Nigeria’s renewed drive to attract strategic foreign investors capable of supporting large-scale infrastructure and industrial transformation.
Dangote Refinery, NNPC Forge Strategic Alliance to Secure Nigeria’s Energy Future
L-R, President/ CE, Dangote Industries limited, Aliko Dangote; Present Gift to Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Engr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari; During the Group Chief Executive Officer Members of the Board and Executive Management Team of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Visit to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser in Lekki Lagos on Saturday February 2026.
In a landmark move signaling a new era of collaboration, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) have committed to a strategic partnership aimed at transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and driving industrial self-sufficiency.
During a high-level visit to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Ibeju-Lekki, the leadership of both organizations pledged to move beyond historical challenges and focus on delivering operational excellence and energy security for the nation.
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, described the renewed collaboration as central to the refinery’s founding vision and a critical step toward continental industrialization. He commended the new leadership of NNPC Ltd. for its proactive approach, stating that the partnership could “revolutionise the African market.”
“This was our dream before it became a reality. The partnership between ourselves and NNPC will not only strengthen Nigeria but can anchor the next phase of Africa’s industrial transformation,” Dangote said. “With the new leadership, I think the sky is the limit. We will cooperate, work together, and make Nigerians proud.”
Dangote noted that NNPC Ltd. currently holds a 7.25 percent equity stake in the refinery on behalf of Nigerians. He suggested that deepening collaboration within the existing industrial complex, rather than duplicating assets would unlock greater value for the nation.
He outlined ambitious expansion plans, revealing that the refinery is evolving into a fully integrated industrial hub. This includes the development of a 400,000 metric tonne Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) facility, a scale expected to surpass current African production capacity. Dangote emphasized that the future of refining lies in high-margin petrochemicals, which offer significantly higher value creation than fuel production alone.
“The refinery is an industrial hub, not just a refinery,” he added. “By prioritizing domestic processing over exporting raw materials, we can unlock greater economic value, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, and deepen Nigeria’s industrial base.”
Speaking on behalf of NNPC Ltd., the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, affirmed the company’s commitment to a new era of transparency and partnership, explicitly distancing the organisation from its “unproductive past.”
L-R, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) General Counsel/Secretary to the Board, Adesua Dozie; NNPC Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mumuni Dagazau; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Engr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari; President/ CE, Dangote Industries limited, Aliko Dangote; NNPC, Chief Financial Officer, Adedapo A. Segun; During the Group Chief Executive Officer Members of the Board and Executive Management Team of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Visit to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser in Lekki Lagos on Saturday February 2026.
“The whole idea is to examine where we are, identify additional opportunities, and agree on practical next steps,” Ojulari stated. “We have exciting proposals on the table, and we will consolidate them into a joint working framework for review.”
Ojulari lauded the operational performance of the Dangote Refinery, noting that the facility has surpassed its design capacity. During the tour, the plant was observed operating at 661,000 barrels per day, exceeding its 650,000 barrels-per-day nameplate capacity.
“None of us ever thought it would even touch 550,000. What we saw live today was 661,000. These are live parameters, not reports or photographs. This plant is a source of national pride and an example of how global technology can help us leapfrog legacy industrial limitations,” he said.
Ojulari described Dangote Group and NNPC Ltd. as “strategically significant national champions” with the collective potential to redefine Nigeria’s energy security and deepen industrialization.
“I want to make a commitment that we mean what we are saying. We are moving away from the unproductive past,” Ojulari reiterated. “Collaboration does not mean mediocrity. It means honest discussions about what will work, with one common purpose—to grow value.”
Both parties agreed to identify priority areas of collaboration in the coming weeks and move toward a structured implementation framework, solidifying a partnership poised to reshape the economic future of Nigeria and the broader African continent.Read More
Zenith Bank is reinforcing its global positioning as a leading agribusiness financier and cross-border banking powerhouse
Zenith Bank Headquarters, Lagos
Zenith Bank Leads Nigeria’s High-Level Agribusiness Engagement in Paris
Zenith Bank is reinforcing its global positioning as a leading agribusiness financier and cross-border banking powerhouse as it anchors Nigeria’s participation at the 62nd edition of the Salon International de l’Agriculture Pavilion, coordinated by the France-Nigeria Business Council, is expected to serve as a focal point for diplomatic engagement, investment promotion and strategic networking, reflecting the expanding commercial relationship between Nigeria and France.
More than 600,000 visitors — including heads of state, ministers and senior business executives — are projected to attend, with peak attention focused on the official inauguration and VIP reception on February 23, 2026.
Zenith Bank’s role as principal sponsor of the Pavilion underscores the increasingly pivotal function of financial institutions in shaping agricultural transformation, trade financing and international economic partnerships.
The bank will host a dedicated VIP engagement space alongside major Nigerian corporates including Access Bank, Flour Mills of Nigeria, BUA Foods and Dangote Fertilizer, presenting what organisers describe as a coordinated showcase of Nigeria’s integrated agribusiness value chain.
The bank’s prominence at the international forum comes amid an expanding European presence, highlighted by the launch of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited Paris Branch, a Third-Country Branch commissioned on November 27, 2024 by Wale Edun at 21 Rue de la Paix.
The opening marked a significant step in the group’s global growth strategy, strengthening its ability to serve clients across Europe while deepening financial connectivity between African and European markets.
Analysts say the alignment between Zenith Bank’s expanding international banking infrastructure and its high-visibility participation in global agribusiness diplomacy reflects a deliberate strategy to position the institution at the centre of cross-border capital flows, trade facilitation and sector financing.
Institutional representation within the bilateral business framework is further reinforced by the involvement of founder and chairman Jim Ovia, whose membership of the council underscores the strategic linkage between corporate leadership and economic diplomacy.
The council itself operates under the patronage of Emmanuel Macron, reflecting the importance attached to deepening commercial engagement between both countries.
Organisers describe the Pavilion and its inauguration cocktail bringing together French and Nigerian dignitaries as “a platform for direct engagement with global investors and policymakers,” noting that leadership visibility at such forums strengthens credibility, partnership pipelines and long-term investment prospects.
With its European expansion gaining momentum and its sponsorship anchoring Nigeria’s presence from February 21 to March 1, 2026 at a major international platform, Zenith Bank’s role signals not only financial leadership but also a broader strategic ambition — to shape the architecture of trade, investment and agribusiness development linking Africa and Europe. Read More
APC and PDP spar over 2026 FCT Area Council elections, where APC won 5 of 6 seats. Spokesmen debate voter turnout, delays, and Wike’s role
APC, PDP Lock Horns Over FCT Election Outcomes: Tinubu Praises, Atiku Warns of ‘Democracy Under Siege’
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are at loggerheads over the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, with the APC hailing a resounding victory and the PDP crying foul over alleged irregularities.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC winners in five of six chairmanship seats—AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji—while PDP clinched Gwagwalada. The polls, held February 21, 2026, also elected 62 councillors amid reports of low turnout and peaceful voting under the amended Electoral Act.
On Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka framed the results as a clear voter mandate: “The fact is that an election was called and Nigerians who were eligible to vote went out to cast their ballots, and the authority empowered to regulate, conduct and monitor the election did so and declared the results in favour of the APC. The votes were collated and counted, and every requirement was met. The APC won the majority of the councils in the FCT.”
He credited President Bola Tinubu’s leadership: “The APC is the ruling party, and President Bola Tinubu is doing a fantastic job. The economic indicators are strengthening and moving at a pace many did not expect.”
PDP spokesman Ini Ememobong countered sharply, hinting at legal challenges and a unified opposition stance: “This is the first election testing the new Electoral Act, and it reinforces our concerns about voter apathy. In many polling units, you saw only a handful of voters, while in others, no one voted because people believed their votes would not count.”
He flagged collation delays in Kuje: “How could an election that ended in the afternoon only have results available the following day? That clearly shows why real-time electronic transmission is important.”
Ememobong stressed integrity over sour grapes: “We are not sore losers. The contests were largely between the PDP and APC, but many things went wrong, including the movement restriction before the election, which stakeholders said was unnecessary.”
The debate heated up over FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s presence at polling sites, despite his PDP affiliation. Morka defended it: “Mr Wike is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who enjoys the constitutional freedom to participate in democracy, hold opinions and express them. It is about his personal views and actions within the law. We should not overthink it.”
On anti-party allegations: “That question should be directed to the PDP. How they handle their members is within their domain.”
Ememobong fired back: “The minister is not a voter in the FCT, yet he was on parade with a crowd. That alone could compromise the integrity of the election. There are many issues we need to fix.”
President Tinubu congratulated FCT winners alongside those in Rivers and Kano by-elections, praising voter participation.
In stark contrast, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar blasted the polls: warning that democracy is “under siege” and accusing the Tinubu administration of stifling democratic norms. Read More
Senator Gbenga Daniel applauds Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu for the ongoing Lekki-Epe Expressway repairs, calls Lagos a model of visionary leadership
Lekki-Epe Expressway Repair
“Lagos Is a Model for Nigeria” — Gbenga Daniel Commends Sanwo-Olu Over Lekki-Epe Expressway Repairs
Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Gbenga Daniel, has commended the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the ongoing repairs on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
Daniel gave the commendation while addressing journalists during a media retreat in Lagos on Saturday, describing the intervention as a reflection of visionary and creative leadership.
The former governor noted that during his tenure in Ogun State, his administration borrowed several development initiatives from Lagos, particularly under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who governed the state from 1999.
“As someone who had lived the most part of my life in Lagos, I could recognize a working government when I see one,” Daniel said.
“Lagos is the flagship of development and a model for our national psyche, especially because it has benefitted from continuous visionary leadership and deliberate careful planning since 1999.”
According to him, the repair of the Lekki-Epe Expressway — one of the most critical arterial roads in Nigeria’s commercial capital — underscores a commitment to continuity in governance.
“The Lekki-Epe Expressway road repair is a continuation of conscious leadership with a focus on good governance on established principles in continuity,” he added.
Beyond road infrastructure, Daniel also praised the reintroduction of environmental sanitation day in Lagos State, describing it as a strong testament to the administration’s environmental reforms.
He characterized the initiative as “another loud initiative” demonstrating Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to public health, urban order and sustainable environmental management.
Daniel’s remarks highlight the enduring influence of Lagos’ development blueprint across Southwest states and reinforce the narrative of governance continuity that has shaped the state’s infrastructure growth over the past two decades.
The ongoing rehabilitation of the Lekki-Epe corridor — a vital link to key residential, commercial and industrial hubs — is expected to ease traffic congestion and boost economic activity along the axis. Read More
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stepped up efforts to resolve persistent flooding and traffic congestion in Abuja’s prime business district, inspecting ongoing drainage, sewer and access road projects around the World Trade Center Abuja and the Metro Rail corridor.
The high-level inspection focused on infrastructure serving one of Abuja’s most strategic zones — home to federal ministries, corporate headquarters and diplomatic missions where heavy daily traffic has often been worsened by seasonal flooding.
For years, torrential rains have submerged key access routes, disrupting business operations, delaying commuters and increasing transport costs in the nation’s capital.
The projects, executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration through the Federal Capital Development Authority, aim to improve stormwater management, rehabilitate critical sewer systems and ease vehicular movement within the district.
Officials say the upgraded drainage network will significantly reduce the impact of heavy rainfall, protect roads from damage and minimise delays caused by waterlogged streets.
Urban development experts note that while drainage and access road upgrades rarely attract the spotlight given to new skyscrapers, their economic impact is substantial.
Poor supporting infrastructure in high-value districts often translates into lost productivity, increased operational costs and inefficiencies for both public and private institutions.
At the heart of the corridor is the World Trade Center Abuja, one of Nigeria’s largest mixed use developments.
The complex features a 22-storey Grade A office tower offering over 33,000 square metres of lettable space and a 24 storey residential tower comprising 120 apartments.
It serves multinational corporations, financial institutions, embassies and professionals — making reliable surrounding infrastructure essential.
During the inspection, Wike described the World Trade Center Abuja as an impressive addition to the capital’s skyline, stressing that public infrastructure must match the scale of major private investments.
Jerome Das, Chief Executive of the Churchgate Group, welcomed the intervention, expressing appreciation to the FCT Administration for addressing long-standing drainage and access challenges around the complex and Metro Rail axis.
Similarly, Ibukun Adeogun, General Manager for Operations and Corporate Communications at Churchgate World Trade Center Abuja, said the upgrades would significantly improve access, safety and overall functionality of the district.
According to Adeogun, the minister’s visit sends a strong signal to investors nationwide that the FCT administration is prioritising critical infrastructure needed to keep Abuja functioning effectively as Nigeria’s seat of government and a leading business hub.
With the intervention underway, stakeholders express confidence that improved drainage and road access will not only reduce flooding risks but also strengthen Abuja’s position as a dependable centre for governance, commerce and diplomacy.
