July Top Scoops In Nigeria

BY- EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN

Nigeria Mourns The Loss Of Football Legend, Former President, and Awujale.

The month of July is a blend of tragic events, Verbal Jabs and some positive events. On Thursday, 3rd July, 2025, at about 6:00 AM, we lost former Nigeria football legend, Peter Rufai, at the age of 61, after a prolonged illness. 

Subsequently, days after that, another tragedy struck the nation as it was announced on Sunday, 13th July, 2025, that former President, Muhammadu Buhari, passed away in a London clinic at the age of 82, and was laid to rest in his hometown, Dura in Katsina State, on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025. 

On the same day (13th July), just minutes after the announcement of the death of the late former President, we got another devastating news about the passing away of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of IJebu Kingdom, at the age of 91, and he was inhumed at his private residence in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, on Monday, 14th July, following the normal Islamic procedure/rites.

 

As we mourn the loss of the Football Legend, Former President, and Awujale, along with all the other souls we have lost before now, both known and unknown. We pray that God Almighty forgives them of their shortcomings and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

Governor Okpebholo's Security Clearance Request Stirs Public Discuss

Mid-July, the social media was buzzing over the viral video that emerged online, showing Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, urging the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to get security clearance before visiting Edo state. The Governor made the statement on 18th July, 2025, during a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, while receiving a defector into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In some of his words: “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance. His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state, and this will not be tolerated.” 

He furthermore said, “I am not supposed to talk much due to the rain. Even when they said I could talk, but just one sentence, everyone was crying.”

 “What I said was simply advice, don’t come to Edo without telling me. When I was saying it, was I chewing hot yam? Do I need one plus three to make my sentence? Do I need to read an encyclopedia before people can understand what I am saying?” 

“My job is not only to work for Edo people, but my job is to save the lives of Edo citizens and visitors coming into Edo. If telling him (Peter Obi) to notify me of his coming as the chief security officer of the state is a crime, so be it.” 

“I went through this same process. I was advised when I came to the airport before the election by the then Commissioner of Police to remain at the airport. I have no regrets about what I have said, and I repeat it: before you come into Edo State, notify me. It is not a threat.” 

“I ignored the advice and went out. My police escort was shot dead before my eyes. I have advised the former Governor of Anambra State, if he likes, let him take it; if he likes, let him dwell on social media; it does not concern me.” 

“I had a security report and advised the former governor of Anambra state to inform me whenever he is coming to Edo State. If he likes, let him take my advice,” he said.

However, the supporters of Peter Obi took to the social media to throw their support for Peter Obi, tagging the statement by Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to be a threat. 

On 19th July, it was reported by the dailies that some Labour Party senators— Ireti Kinigbe, Okey Ezea, Victor Umeh, and Tony Nwoye—condemned the comment by Monday Okpebholo, demanding him to retract the statement as it is being perceived as a threat. 

On Tuesday, 22nd July, while commissioning the New Edo Line Transport Company in Benin, Monday okpebholo reaffirmed his stand, noting that the statement was not a threat but an advice. The Governor said that Peter Obi's visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Science on 7th July, 2025, in Edo State, where he made a donation of N15 million for the completion of projects in the school, triggered violence and led to the killing of three persons. 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who was present in Edo State for the commissioning of the New Edo Line Transport Company, defended the State Governor and buttressed his points by revealing that Peter Obi do inform him of his visit to Rivers State when he was the State Governor, and he do assist with logistics and security. He further revealed that the statement was not a threat or a ban from visiting the state, rather a means of seeking cooperation to ensure his safety. 

We all know the truth that everyone has the right and freedom of movement. Just the way every other citizen can visit Edo state and leave anytime, Mr. Peter Obi has a similar right, only if he chooses to inform the governor of the state about his visit, just for courtesy. It might also be a sign of respect to the office. That's if he wants, NOT COMPULSORY, especially when both parties aren't from the same political party or share the same ties politically. When you peruse the above statement by the governor, his phraseology, like saying, “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from?”, sounds very petty and portrays hate.

Then for the viral share of one WAEC result alleged to be the governor's own and shaming him online isn't the best way to resolve issues. Being educated or having good grades doesn't automatically make someone the best candidate for leadership. What matters is possessing leadership skills/experience and character; education is a plus. Haven't you seen an educated leader who embezzles public funds and doesn't listen or care about his people? 

 I guess what actually triggered the whole online buzz was the manner Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, conveyed his message initially, but it is not something that should divide the nation. Instead, we should focus on more important issues that will move the nation ahead.

WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons Soar High

On Saturday, 10th July, the Super Falcons of Nigeria lifted their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), after defeating the host nation Morocco 3-2 in a mind-blowing final at the Stade Olympique de Rabat in Morocco. 

Following this amazing feat achieved, on Monday, 28th July, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. While addressing the team, the President noted that their victory was a testament of resilience and determination, which depicts the Nigerian spirit. As a reward for their outstanding achievement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu showered the team with amazing gifts: $100,000 cash reward for the 24 players, and $50,000 to each of the 11-man technical crew. They were conferred a national honour as "The Office of the Order Of Niger (OON)", and a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Estate in Abuja.

Additionally, the Governor's Forum also donated ₦10 million reward for each player and crew member. Super Eagles players—Captain William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Leon Balogun, Olaoluwa Aina, and Joseph Aribo—donated ₦24 million to the Super Falcons, which was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday, 28th July, by the NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, who appreciated the love and gifts showered on the team and referred to it as an inspiration to any girl child in Nigeria. 

The following day, on Tuesday, 29th July, it was reported in the dailies that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, hosted some of the Super Falcons stars of Imo origin in Abuja. 

On Wednesday, 31st July, the Super Falcons lit up the city of Lagos as they paraded the streets of Lagos Island with the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy, celebrating with some happy fans. The parade started from Costain, went through Eko Bridge, Apogbon, Obalende, Ikoyi Road, Victoria Island, and ended around Eko Hotel.

On 31st July, MTN, the official phone company partner of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), hosted the Super Falcons in Lagos, with a celebrity breakfast held at Eko Hotel and Suites, where they gifted the team N150 million (N115 million to the players and N35 million to the team officials). MTN's boss, Karl Toriola, explained why they gave so much money to the team. According to him, they are super impressed with how well the team has played over the years. He also said the team's big win on Saturday in Rabat will make many Nigerians believe in themselves, even when things seem tough.

Indeed the Super Falcons' victory is a testament of resilience and determination. The amazing rewards are well-deserved. Congratulations to them.

Egungwu Chukwuka Benjamin is a freelance journalist, who writes in from Lagos.