Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honoring the people of Plateau with his presence at the funeral service of the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, held in Jos on Monday.
In a statement issued after the event, Governor Mutfwang described the President’s visit as a profound gesture of respect and solidarity with the people of Plateau State. He said the gesture, despite the President’s busy schedule, reflected his commitment to unity, love, and the values that the late Mama Lydia represented.
“The President’s presence on the Plateau speaks volumes about his respect for our people and his dedication to promoting unity across Nigeria,” Mutfwang stated.
He lauded President Tinubu’s message of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that his personal account of interfaith harmony within his family offered a compelling lesson on the strength of Nigeria’s diversity.
“As Governor, I share the President’s belief that our progress as a nation depends on how well we live together in understanding and mutual respect,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang extended gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Plateau State to President Tinubu and the First Lady for standing with the Yilwatda family in their moment of grief. He noted that the visit reinforced Plateau’s image as a beacon of peace and hospitality.
The Governor also disclosed that he briefed the President on ongoing development efforts in the state, including interventions in agriculture, infrastructure, and urban renewal projects such as the Tin City Metro Buses. He said these initiatives align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aim to reposition Plateau for inclusive growth.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peace and progress, Governor Mutfwang stated:
“As a people, we remain steadfast in our resolve to promote peace, unity, and national development. Together, we shall continue to build a Plateau and a Nigeria where every citizen can live, worship, and thrive without fear or division.”
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.
The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.
One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.
The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.
For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.
Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.
The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.
Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.
For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.
Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.
Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.
Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.
Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.
However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.
The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.
Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.
The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.
Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.
For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.