Bayelsa Igbo man

Trained engineer, businessman. Former football and #Arsenal fan, now everything UFC and MMA.

[Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki @bukolasaraki]

When people ask me why I still believe in sports as a pathway for youth development, stories like this are part of my answer.

Somebody sent me the Zadok Yohanna story this morning and honestly, I had to read it twice.

Born in Bauchi. Moved to Kaduna on his own as a young boy to chase a football dream. Flew to Sweden less than a year ago. And today, at just 18 years old, Brighton have reportedly signed him for £21.5 million, beating some of the biggest clubs in world football to secure his signature.

Think about that for a moment.

A teenager from northern Nigeria, armed with little more than talent, discipline and determination, has forced his way into one of the most competitive talent markets on earth.

This is why I will always believe in investing in young people. Not because every child will become a professional footballer, but because talent exists everywhere in this country. What is often missing is opportunity, structure, support and belief.

My vision in establishing the Kwara Football Academy and @ABSIlorinFC was rooted in this same belief, and it has given opportunities to players like Dennis Emmanuel Bonaventure, Olusegun Oakunle, Benjamin Frederick, Mubarak Gata, David Okoromi and a host of others now plying their trade in both local and international clubs.

Nigerians are an extraordinarily talented people. That has never been in question. What stories like Zadok’s remind us is what can happen when talent meets opportunity.

I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation @thenff, the National Sports Commission @NatSportsComm, and the National Institute for Sports, to look into creating the enabling environment for more football academies aimed at discovering more talents like Zadok Yohanna, as the global searchlight beams on Nigeria as the football destination for Africa.

To every young person chasing a dream that seems impossible today: keep going. Your current circumstances do not have to define your future.

And to Zadok: Congratulations! The whole world can now see your talent, but this is only the beginning. Keep working, stay grounded, and never forget the journey that brought you here. As you said yourself, ���I know where I came from.” Hold on to that mindset.

[Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano]

🚨 Official: Zadok Yohanna joins Brighton from AIK Stockholm on a contract until June 2031, winning the race against 4 clubs. 🇳🇬

£21.5m fee invested on talented winger by #BHAFC. 🔵⚪️

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Dear Young Nigerians,

One lesson from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, should never be forgotten.

In the period following the presidential election and leading up to the governorship election, we witnessed a troubling shift in public discourse. Conversations that should have focused on competence, governance, development, and the future of our nation were gradually diverted towards tribal sentiments, ethnic divisions, and unnecessary suspicion among citizens.

Many sincere and well-meaning Nigerians participated in these conversations without realising that they were being drawn into narratives carefully designed by others.

Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people.

Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognizing the broader agenda behind such campaigns.

Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace.

At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them. The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. It is their duty to lead the conversations, champion the reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires.

We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity. In most cases, their target is not the individual being attacked; instead, it is the person who is attacking. Their real objective is to weaken the bonds that hold us together as one people and one nation.

I therefore urge all young Nigerians: do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred. Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders.

Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation.

The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

Threepeat.

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity

I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land.

I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.

It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone.

To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children - sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.

No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence. Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart.

I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families. -PO

[Peter Obi @PeterObi]

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY MR. PETER OBI FOLLOWING HIS NOMINATION AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE NIGERIAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS(NDC) – MAY 30, 2026

Protocols,

Esteemed citizens of Nigeria,

It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party.
I express my profound gratitude to the leaders of our party. His Excellency Seriake Dickson, the National Chairman, National Secretary and the National Working Committee, NWC members and members of our relentless supporters, and the Nigerian populace who have steadfastly kept the spirit of hope alive. I commend those who have made the journey from every region of our nation to convene here in Abuja.

I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible. This conviction has united us; it must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead and sustain us through all trials we may face. This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria.

Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children's futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.

Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance. Yet, I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible.

UNITY
To realise this New Nigeria, we must first mend the foundational elements essential for the success of any nation.

Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag. Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.

We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose. A united Nigeria is indispensable. As Will Durant wisely pointed out, "A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within." We must never self-destruct. We must heal, unify, and progress together.

INSECURITY
In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.
Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution. Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts. Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forthe ces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.

Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait. At one pointin a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (rtd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.

We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.

[Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso @KwankwasoRM]

It was a profound honour to join fellow party members at the special affirmation ceremony of His Excellency, Peter Obi, as the Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections.

I am particularly humbled and deeply honoured by my ratification as the party’s Vice Presidential Candidate.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, and all other leaders for this bold and visionary decision. It clearly reflects the NDC’s unwavering commitment to national unity, democratic consolidation, and purposeful leadership as we prepare for the 2027 elections. - RMK

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

Yesterday, preparations started leading to the conduct and conclusion of the primary elections today, and the presidential affirmation later today and tomorrow. I call for understanding and cooperation from all aspirants and stakeholders.

We have done our best in creating opportunities for stakeholders and aspirants to meet in various states to iron out issues. We are aware that periods of primary elections are often filled with tensions and clashes of interest, and we therefore call for understanding and mutual respect. Aspirants and stakeholders should put the overall interest of the party above personal interests.

All aspirants have equal protection, and that is why I have not endorsed anyone, even in my home state. The same principle applies across the country. I know that in some states the contest is fiercer than in others, but even in those circumstances, I urge everyone to put the interest of our party first.

Everyone should realise that we are a young party, barely three to four months old, but with great ambitions. Some of us, especially members of the leadership, have hardly had proper sleep since January. We have worked tirelessly every day, from morning till night, and under very difficult circumstances, to give life to our party and to meet the tight INEC deadlines. But God has been merciful, and Nigerians have been supportive.

Therefore, all those aspiring on our platform should understand the sacrifices that have been made, and we call on them also to make sacrifices in the interest of the party and the democracy of Nigeria.

There are no endorsed candidates anywhere. We enjoin everyone to go out and participate freely in the primaries. I call for free and fair elections. There should be respect for, and protection of, women, youths and the disabled during the primaries.

Where decisions are taken, even if they do not go down well with some aspirants, they should accept it in good faith or follow the party’s appelate process. As I have repeatedly stated, this will be the first and last primaries in the NDC to be conducted manually. Going forward, we shall have far fewer complaints of irregularities because of the deployment of electronic voting and the clear rules that will be formulated.

For now, this party is a miracle baby. It is a miracle that within such a short period we have achieved this milestone because of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice of all of us. People should therefore protect and respect the party, even if the outcome does not favour them, because there is always another day.

Meanwhile, the party leadership will set up an Appeal Committee to listen to grievances and complaints that may arise from this exercise. We call on everyone to bear with the party regarding any inconveniences and shortcomings that may occur.

I wish all aspirants the very best of luck.

~HSD

[The Athletic | Football @TheAthleticFC]

“My relationship with my club began the same way it does for most football fans: before I was old enough to understand what I was getting myself into. When I was nine, my uncle introduced me to a team with a cannon on its shirt, a grizzled captain named Tony Adams, and players like Nwankwo Kanu who had been born in Africa but now lived somewhere else, just like me. Arsenal felt familiar before I even understood why.

“And then there was the manager, a man who I initially thought had been named after the club and then believed that somehow the club must have been named after him. Arsene Wenger may have struggled with his raincoat, but rarely with his orchestra. The football his teams played sang.

“But what was once the nostalgia of the past has become the beauty of the present.

“We won. We are champions of England. And we are just one game away from being crowned champions of Europe too.”

@ZohranKMamdani, mayor of New York City, writes for The Athletic on what Arsenal means to him.

FREE READ 🔗 https://t.co/ge64qWmVuz

[OptaJoe @OptaJoe]

1 - Arsenal have become the first side in @premierleague history to neither concede a penalty or receive a red card in a single campaign. Focused.

[Premier League @premierleague]

Engraved into history 🖋 @Arsenal

[Sir Jenkinson @theEpicGooner]

Nah this is TOO cold 😭❤️

This video is pure Arsenal heritage

[Morris Monye @Morris_Monye]

Open Apology Letter to the Obidient Movement

My Dear Obidient Family, I come before you today with a heavy heart, deep humility, and no excuses. Some time ago, in a moment of frustration and immaturity, I wrote and released a resignation letter as Director of Mobilization. In that letter, I allowed deep frustration & personal emotions to cloud my judgment. I made statements that subtly and unnecessarily dragged Peter Obi, a man I still respect for his vision, integrity, and sacrifice for this nation. That was wrong. It was childish, and beneath the standard I should have upheld, especially as someone who once held a leadership position in this movement.

I take full responsibility. No one forced me to write it. No one edited it. It came from me, and it was a mistake. I deleted the letter afterwards, but I know deletion does not erase the damage, the disappointment, or the loss of trust many of you felt. I understand why some of you no longer respect me the way you once did. You had every right to feel let down.

To Peter Obi himself (fondly called PO): Sir, I am sincerely sorry. My words were not a true reflection of the values of sacrifice, accountability, and constructive criticism that you preach. I failed in that moment. To every single Obidient, the ones who stayed grinding, the ones who defended the vision even when it was tough, the ones who felt betrayed by my actions, I am deeply sorry. You are the real heroes of this movement. Many of you are young people full of hope and fire for a better Nigeria. You didn’t deserve to see internal cracks turned into public drama. I let you down.

I am not writing this because I want something or a position in the movement as I’m enjoying private life. I am writing it because it is the right thing to do. Leadership is not only about when the road is sweet and smooth; it is also about owning up when you mess up. I own this fully. I am committed to rebuilding trust through consistent actions, not just words. But I also know trust is not demanded, it is earned back slowly, if at all. Thank you for reading this.

Whether you accept my apology or not, I respect your feelings and your right to hold me accountable. The love I have for a better Nigeria has not changed. You all know me. My respect for the Obidient spirit remains. I am sorry truly.

With humility and hope for forgiveness,
Your brother in this struggle,
Morris Monye.

Oya come let’s hug. 😊

[Ebere @EbereEze10]

I swear imma make It and when I do, they're gunna show this tweet lol

[Rio Ferdinand @rioferdy5]

Shout out Arsenal fans…
Years of mockery… nearly men!
Tonight, sealed it.
@Evra where’s your apology 😂😂😂

[Guinness World Records @GWR]

Congratulations to Max Dowman, who has become the youngest person to win the Premier League 🏆

[Sky Sports Premier League @SkySportsPL]

"They called us bottlers, and now we're holding the bottles!" 👀🍾

Bukayo Saka via his Instagram story! 😅

[Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano]

🏆 Bukayo Saka: “Light that up! 22 years, they was laughing & joking, they’re not laughing anymore. It’s going to be shining bright!” ❤️‍🔥

[DON “Tobechukwu” Ade 👑 @Row_Haastrup]

The most emotional video you would see on the internet right now 😭 ❤️

It made me teary 🥹

I love Arsenal FC @Arsenal so much

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

Good morning from your Premier League champions 👋