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FIFA Names Drogba, Akide, Others to Global Anti-Racism Panel

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By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

 

FIFA has appointed Ivorian legend Didier Drogba and former Super Falcons striker Mercy Akide to a newly constituted 16-member players’ voice panel tasked with combating racism and discrimination in global football.

The world football governing body announced the appointments on Friday, noting that Akide, who represented Nigeria at three Women’s World Cups joins former internationals drawn from 14 member associations across all six FIFA confederations.

Other African icons on the panel include Liberia’s George Weah, a Ballon d’Or winner and current president, Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, and Senegal’s Khalilou Fadiga. Global members include Iván Córdoba (Colombia), Formiga (Brazil), Jessica Houara (France), Maia Jackman (New Zealand), Sun Jihai (China PR), Blaise Matuidi (France), Aya Miyama (Japan), Lotta Schelin (Sweden), Briana Scurry (USA), Mikaël Silvestre (France), and Juan Pablo Sorín (Argentina).

FIFA said the panel will drive awareness through education, highlight the impact of abuse on players and the sport, and recommend practical strategies to tackle racism.

“These 16 panel members will support education at all levels of the game and promote new ideas for lasting change,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated. “Let’s be clear on this: Racism and discrimination are not simply wrong, they are crimes.”

The initiative forms part of pillar five of FIFA’s global anti-racism strategy, unanimously adopted at the 74th FIFA Congress last year.

Racism has continued to mar world football, with recent incidents in top leagues reigniting calls for stronger action from players, fans, and governing bodies.

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NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Stronghold in Zamfara

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By Sarah Sam Adda

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has destroyed a major terrorist stronghold in Sauri camp, Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State, during precision airstrikes on November 14, 2025.

The operation neutralised several terrorists and destroyed key structures, crippling their operations in the area.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF’s Director of Public Relations, said the strikes followed intelligence reports of heavy terrorist activity and rustled livestock used as defensive positions.

Coordinated airstrikes targeted elevated terrain, dislodging terrorists attempting to flee, who were further engaged during the mission.

Ejodame added that the operation degraded terrorist capabilities, with Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke reaffirming the Force’s resolve to pursue criminals and protect citizens.

The NAF noted that this success supports Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s mission to deny terrorists safe havens and strengthen security across the North West.

Earlier airstrikes targeted ISWAP and bandit camps in Borno, Kwara, and Katsina.

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NDA President Urges Better Dental Care, Warns Against Harmful Habits

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By Onilede Titi Faith

The President of the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Dr. Emedom Elias, has advised Nigerians to stop harmful oral habits, warning that the mouth is too delicate for practices such as using the teeth to open bottles.

Speaking at the association’s 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Abuja, Elias said such habits can cause tooth fractures, gum injuries, and other serious complications.

He stressed that quality dental care depends on access to modern equipment, sustained public awareness, and regular patient visits, noting that inadequate funding remains a major challenge in the sector.

Elias also lamented the scarcity of dental facilities in rural areas, where most communities lack access to basic oral healthcare.

He urged the government to integrate dental services into primary healthcare centres to improve nationwide access.

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FG Intensifies Efforts to End Grid Collapse -Power Minister

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By Onilede Titi Faith

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says the Federal Government is stepping up efforts to end frequent grid collapses and restore stability to the national power supply.

Speaking in Uyo at the maiden 2025 retreat of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Adelabu, represented by Permanent Secretary Muhammadu Mamman said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritised key reforms, including the creation of NISO, to strengthen grid reliability.

He noted that years of ageing infrastructure, poor funding, and vandalism have fuelled persistent outages, forcing many Nigerians to rely on generators.

The retreat, he said, offers NISO an opportunity to refine strategies and enhance system management.

NISO Board Chairman, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, praised staff for achieving the landmark synchronisation of Nigeria’s grid with the West African Power Pool for four uninterrupted hours.

NISO Managing Director, Abdul Mohammed, stressed that the sector requires massive investment to guarantee stability, adding that NISO was established to help attract private capital and optimise existing assets.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, represented by Commissioner Iniobong Robson, commended NISO’s progress and disciplined approach since its creation.

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