News

Women sue for Peace in Nigeria as WOPPI, WOPEN and WMC hold Peace Rally

Published

4 years ago

June 27, 2022

Preport

Women in Plateau state have sued for peace within their communities and called for the Government to be more proactive in addressing insecurity in Nigeria.

The women who came together under the umbrella of Women for positive peacebuilding initiative (WOPPI), Women Peace Builders Network in Nigeria (WOPEN) in collaboration with Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth (WMC) on Saturday 25th June 2022 held a peace rally and summit against violent conflicts in Nigeria held at the forgiveness garden, Jos plateau state.

Elder Ambassador Justina Ngwobia, A Co-Chair of the women’s organization, while addressing the women, said that the gathering was necessitated due to the pains and hardship faced by women as a result of the incessant insecurity and violent conflicts within their various communities.

She stated that ordinary Nigerians are no longer able to make ends meet as a result of these challenges, with children also being out of school either because of strikes or as a result of security issues, and things have fallen apart at all quarters.

“Over the years now, the issues of Farmer- Herder conflict, communal clashes, Banditry, insurgency and kidnapping have rocked the Nigerian state with devastating effects on the daily lives of the women and children. The security challenges have further displaced women who were supposed to be on their farms and thus “HUNGER” is killing lots of poor vulnerable groups of Nigerian women and children”.

“On Thursday, we celebrated the international day of the widows. Research has shown that there are over 258 million widows all over the world, and it has also been discovered that as of today, the increase in armed conflict, displacement, migration and covid-19 has further brought about more widows in the society. These women are left unseen, unreported, unsupported, and unmeasured in our societies. We are pained at this. This violence must STOP!!!!”

“Let us all sue for peace even in the upcoming elections, we should all go to the dialogue table to solve our problems together, we hereby call on all Nigerians to be a Nigerian first, before being an Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Angas, Berom, Jarawa, Anaguta, among others”. Elder Justina further stated.

Another Co-Chair of the women’s organization, Hajiya Lantana Abdulahi, said that the rally was a wake-up call, to Government authorities and leaders to address the incessant insecurity challenges and violent conflicts that’s has continued to grow in the country and in Plateau state particularly.

Hajiya Lantana further stated that with the great and heavy pain faced by the women it was time to cry and call on all Nigerians especially leaders to step up actions on issues of good governance, peace, and security, ensure there is orderliness in the society.

“With the 2023 elections around the corner, it is time for the women to be proactive in calling for issues to be addressed as women are more on the receiving end of violent conflict despite not being the perpetrators of the violence.”

“Women should be encouraged to participate in the political process, women should register as political party members and should see themselves and potential decision-makers as such should position themselves to seek leadership positions. With that, women must begin to support other women in politics”.She said

Other speakers from various organizations including, FOMWAN, WOWICAN, Face of Peace, Tattaaunawa Roundtable Initiative, Plateau Peace Practitioners Network, and other notable CSOs and women leaders were also on hand to admonished the women, and encourage them to begin to speak with one voice and set religion or ethnicity aside if they must address the lingering issues within their communities

The women went on to pray for peace in their communities and peace in the upcoming 2023 elections in Plateau state and Nigeria as a whole.

News

From €750K to €30 Million: Rapid Transformation of Nigerian Wonderkid Zadok Yohanna,

Published

3 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Preport

At just 18 years old, Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna has become one of the hottest young properties in European football after a meteoric rise at Swedish giants AIK Fotboll.

Only 10 months ago, the teenage sensation completed a modest €750,000 move from Kaduna-based Ikon Allah Football Academy to Sweden.

Today, some of Europe’s biggest clubs are reportedly preparing offers worth around €30 million for the explosive forward — a staggering increase in value that underlines his remarkable transformation.

Yohanna’s rapid emergence has turned him into arguably the most sought-after Nigerian teenage attacker in world football.

The Nigerian Neymar Taking Sweden by Storm

Born in Bauchi State and developed in Kaduna, Yohanna arrived in Sweden largely unknown outside Nigerian grassroots football circles.

But it took only a few months for the left-footed winger to explode onto the European scene.

Operating mainly from the right wing, Yohanna has dazzled fans with blistering pace, fearless dribbling, direct attacking play, and an eye for goal.

His electrifying style has already earned comparisons to Brazilian superstar Neymar, with many Swedish observers dubbing him the “Nigerian Neymar.”

During the 2026 season, the teenager quickly established himself as a first-team regular for AIK, producing goals, assists, and match-winning moments that have attracted elite-level attention across Europe.

One of his biggest breakout moments came when he scored a dramatic late winner on his league debut against Halmstads BK — instantly announcing himself to Swedish football.

Europe’s Biggest Clubs Circle

Yohanna’s rise has triggered a fierce transfer race among top European clubs.

Reports in Sweden and England suggest that Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. are currently leading the chase after holding advanced talks over a possible deal.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United F.C. are believed to have tabled one of the biggest financial proposals, with figures reportedly reaching €24 million.

European heavyweights including Newscastle FC, Chelsea F.C., Real Madrid CF, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have also been strongly linked with the teenager.

AIK officials have already acknowledged growing interest in the Nigerian starlet and hinted that any transfer could shatter the club’s existing transfer record.

Should a deal close near the reported valuation, Yohanna would become one of the most expensive Nigerian teenagers ever sold directly from Scandinavia.

Why Clubs Want Him

Scouts across Europe are reportedly fascinated by Yohanna’s rare combination of athleticism and flair.

Strengths

Explosive acceleration and elite recovery speed

Exceptional 1v1 dribbling ability

Dangerous inverted winger profile cutting in from the right

Confident finishing under pressure

Creativity in transition attacks

Fearless mentality despite his age

His ability to attack defenders directly and produce moments of magic in tight spaces has made him one of the most exciting young wingers currently playing outside Europe’s top five leagues.

Areas Still Developing

Like most teenage attackers, Yohanna is still refining aspects of his game.

Observers believe he can still improve:

Defensive tracking and off-ball discipline

Tactical adaptation against compact defensive systems

Physical consistency over full 90-minute performances

Decision-making in high-pressure situations

However, scouts believe his ceiling is extremely high due to his raw talent and confidence.

Super Eagles Recognition Arrives

Yohanna’s sensational performances earned him a maiden call-up to the Nigerian national team under coach Eric Chelle for the Unity Cup tournament in London.

However, AIK reportedly blocked his release in order to manage a physical knock and continue his rehabilitation process in Sweden.

Despite missing out on a possible debut, many already see him as part of the next generation of attacking stars for the Nigeria national football team.

From Kaduna Academy to Global Spotlight

The rise of Zadok Yohanna is another powerful reminder of Nigeria’s endless football production line.

From academy football in Kaduna to becoming a €20 million target within less than a year, the teenager’s journey represents one of the most dramatic breakthroughs by a Nigerian youngster in recent times.

And at just 18, his story may only be beginning.

Business

Leadway Begins Fourth Edition of Pages to Places Literacy Outreach Across Six States

Published

4 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Preport

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—-Leadway, Nigeria’s leading non-banking financial and wellbeing conglomerate, has announced the commencement of the fourth edition of its flagship “Pages to Places” school outreach initiative. Scheduled to begin on June 3, 2026, the intervention will be rolled out across public primary schools in six key locations: Lagos, Warri, Ekiti, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Abuja, targeting underserved communities with critical educational resources.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the “Pages to Places” initiative has become a cornerstone of Leadway’s corporate responsibility strategy aimed at improving educational outcomes for young Nigerians. By donating carefully curated literature books and deploying mobile libraries to beneficiary schools, the programme seeks to address gaps in primary education, strengthen baseline literacy levels, and cultivate a sustainable reading culture among children.

Speaking on the launch of the 2026 edition, the MD/CEO of Leadway Pensure, Olusakin Labeodan, emphasized the company’s long-term vision for child development. He noted that to secure the future, corporate organizations must intentionally invest in the total wellbeing of children today. He added that the initiative reflects Leadway’s enduring commitment to community development, providing children with the essential tools, confidence, and opportunities required to thrive and contribute positively to society.

Leadway’s focus on youth development during this period extended beyond literacy to encompass health and physical wellbeing. In commemoration of Children’s Day, the conglomerate partnered with Holdbodi to execute a community health outreach that supported over 3,000 children across the Agege, Ebute Metta, and Abule Egba areas of Lagos State. Furthermore, the company engaged with educational ecosystem stakeholders at the Akada Children’s Book Festival and sponsored the “Get Fit with Jhay” initiative to promote healthy, active lifestyles among young people.

Through these combined educational, wellness, and recreational interventions, Leadway continues to drive a holistic approach to corporate social responsibility, positioning education and health as interconnected pillars necessary for building resilient communities and securing a brighter future for the next generation.

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