News

Muslim-Muslim ticket: He shouldn’t be blamed for extreme view — Gumi defends Jingir

Published

1 month ago

August 10, 2026

Preport

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended Sheikh Yahya Jingir over his controversial support for the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gumi said Jingir should be “excused” for his position, arguing that the Plateau-based cleric operates in an environment where Muslims face what he described as excessive religious bigotry.

He made the remarks in a Facebook post on Monday while reacting to the controversy generated by Jingir’s recent call for Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets.

“Sheik Jingir should be excused for his extreme view in politics, he dwells in the eye of the storm of excessive bigotry against Islam,” Gumi wrote.

Jingir had recently praised President Bola Tinubu for adopting the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2023 election and urged Muslims to continue supporting the arrangement ahead of 2027.

The cleric declared himself a staunch advocate of the ticket and called on his audience to support a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

Reacting, however, Gumi said religious sentiments were not exclusive to one side of the political divide, noting that opposition politicians also exploit religion to secure votes.

“Just recently a mere Muslim VC in Plateau State is stirring controversy. On the other hand, the opposition is not also free from using religion to garner votes,” he said.

Gumi urged politicians and religious leaders to keep religion out of what he described as Nigeria’s “dirty politics.”

“In a multi-religious entity, religion should not be dragged into the quagmire of dirty politics,” he added.

News

BREAKING: Super Eagles Camp Grows to 23 as Ndidi, Chukwueze Land in Uyo Ahead of Madagascar Clash

Published

2 hours ago

September 23, 2026

Preport

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The Super Eagles camp in Uyo has grown to 23 players following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi and winger Samuel Chukwueze as Nigeria intensifies preparations for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.

Ndidi and Chukwueze landed at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at exactly 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, arriving from Lagos aboard an Ibom Air flight before linking up with the rest of Éric Chelle’s squad.

Their arrival followed that of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had earlier increased the number of players in camp from 20 to 21 before the team headed out for its first training session.

The initial 20 arrivals were Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.

With Nwabali, Ndidi and Chukwueze subsequently reporting, Chelle now has 23 players available, giving the coach an almost complete group as preparations gather momentum in Uyo.

Nigeria’s squad underwent a late alteration after Victor Osimhen was ruled out through injury, prompting the recall of Taiwo Awoniyi as his replacement.

The Coventry City striker is already in camp and will compete with Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena among the centre-forward options.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau for their second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

After the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria are under pressure to begin their AFCON campaign positively.

With 23 players now assembled in Uyo and training underway, Chelle can turn his attention to shaping the team he believes can deliver the opening three points against Madagascar.

Business

General Business to Drive 72% of Mutual Benefits Assurance’s Projected ₦96.82bn GWP

Published

2 hours ago

September 23, 2026

Preport

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Nigeria’s lead underwriter, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has protected a Gross Written Premium of ₦96.82 billion for the twelve months ending 31 December 2026.

According to notice released on the exchange, for dealing members and investors, the company’s insurance revenue, is projected to stand at ₦89.42 billion.

The company’s general business is expected to generate 72% of the projected GWP, while the Life arm of the group will account for j28%.

Investment income would largely be driven by returns on its financial assets, with non-cash items such as depreciation of non-current assets, amortisation of intangible assets, and net fair value gains or losses on financial assets factored into its profit or loss and other comprehensive income statement.

On the profitability side, Mutual Benefits projects gross premium written of ₦96.82 billion and insurance revenue of ₦89.42 billion, against an insurance service expense of ₦81.56 billion. Net income from reinsurance contracts held is estimated at ₦802.64 million, bringing the insurance service result to ₦8.66 billion.

Net investment income is expected to stand at ₦13.16 billion, while net insurance finance expenses are projected at ₦1.99 billion, resulting in net insurance and investment results of ₦19.84 billion. With other income of ₦237.03 million and total non-attributable expenses of ₦2.76 billion, the company expects a profit before income tax of ₦17.31 billion.

After an income tax expense of ₦1.90 billion, Mutual Benefits projects a full-year profit of ₦15.41 billion for the period under review.

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