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NRC MD names assaulted journalist Ladi Bala Ambassador for Media Advocacy
…. Apologizes to her, media community
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has publicly apologized to the Nigerian media for verbally assaulting Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) journalist Comrade Ladi Bala while she was covering the aftermath of a train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja on Sunday, Dr. Opeifa explained that his remarks, made under intense pressure while managing the crisis, were misunderstood as hostility towards the press.
Comrade Bala, the immediate past president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), was reportedly subjected to unprovoked verbal attacks by Dr. Opeifa while performing her official duties at the derailment scene.
The NUJ FCT Council condemned Dr. Opeifa’s conduct, describing it as dehumanizing and a serious violation of press freedom.
During the apology, Dr. Opeifa said:
“I wish to sincerely apologize for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on both the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ.
“Acting under pressure and in the heat of the moment while trying to ensure safety, I uttered some unkind words for which I take full responsibility.”
In recognition of Comrade Bala’s resilience, professionalism, and dedication to factual reporting despite the unfortunate incident, Dr. Opeifa bestowed upon her the honorary title of “Ambassador for Media Advocacy.”
He explained that the derailment involved eight coaches and one locomotive, placing huge demands on his team to coordinate rescue efforts, inform the presidency and the public, and activate emergency procedures simultaneously.
On the day of the accident, the NRC’s newly revised emergency protocol was immediately put into action, engaging key agencies such as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Ministry of Health, Kaduna State Government, FCT Administration, and Nigerian military.
Dr. Opeifa said there were 618 passengers onboard at the time of the derailment. Seven coaches and the locomotive were damaged, with around 20 passengers sustaining injuries—seven critically.
The NRC quickly provided replacement coaches to evacuate stranded passengers and began contact tracing using passenger manifests within 45 minutes of the crash.
“Some passengers had already traveled to nearby towns, but we managed to trace them by phone,” he added. “I personally visited at least seven injured passengers, including one who had made his way to Zaria.”
He also praised the swift response from the Nigerian Army, Air Force, police, local vigilantes, and other emergency personnel, whose actions saved lives.
Ambulances and medical teams were deployed by NEMA, the Federal Ministry of Health, Kaduna State Government, and FCT Administration. Medical staff on the trains prioritized life-saving efforts at the scene.
Dr. Opeifa tendered a direct apology to Comrade Bala, acknowledging she bore the brunt of his earlier comments:
“To her, I offer my fullest apology. I also extend the same to the NTA, NAWOJ, and the wider journalism community.”
He described himself as a longtime advocate for human rights and trade unionism, recalling his history with the Campaign for Democracy, leadership in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at LASU, and involvement in the June 12 struggle.
“I have fought alongside journalists before; I am not their enemy,” he stressed.
Dr. Opeifa highlighted NRC’s gender-inclusive policies, noting that 50% of the corporation’s management directors are women promoted on merit.
He reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the media to advance railway development and provide accurate, timely information.
Regarding recovery efforts, he disclosed that by Saturday two coaches and one locomotive were cleared from the crash site, with two more coaches expected to be removed by Sunday’s end.
Engineers had laid about 50 meters of new track to facilitate this.
He praised the resilience of NRC’s rolling stock, noting that business-class passengers were unaware of the accident until disembarking, demonstrating the equipment’s quality and impact-absorbing capability.
On media relations during emergencies, Dr. Opeifa commended journalists for their coverage but urged accuracy to prevent panic.
He also detailed NRC achievements, including reactivation of the Jos–Bukuru line, expansion of the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, and plans to connect major ports like Tin Can, Warri, and Onne to the rail network, describing these as unprecedented in over 60 years of Nigerian railway history.
Dr. Opeifa announced the establishment of a Customer Service and Relations Department to engage passengers and the media, noting the unit had contacted over 400 passengers affected by the Kaduna accident.
He concluded that despite the accident, the incident strengthened NRC’s resolve to modernize railway services and expand rail access in partnership with state governments and the Renewed Infrastructure Fund.
“The media remain our partners, not adversaries. We will deepen collaboration with the NUJ, NAWOJ, and civil society to promote transparency and public trust,” he affirmed.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, representing journalists, said the council would continue defending press freedom and resisting intimidation. She welcomed the public apology as a step toward rebuilding trust while stressing that the NUJ FCT has zero tolerance for intimidation, harassment of journalists.
“We will persist in fighting for our members’ rights and freedom of speech, which is a right, not a privilege. I am pleased the MD has joined us in opposing harassment and intimidation of journalists and will champion this cause,” she said.
“With Comrade Ladi Bala as the NRC’s Ambassador for Media Advocacy, we anticipate increased media activities and campaigns promoting the welfare and development of Nigerian journalists, especially in the FCT.”
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, who accompanied Dr. Opeifa, praised the NRC boss’s humility in offering the apology and pledged ongoing collaboration between the presidency, NRC, and the media.
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Brazil Beat Haiti 3-0, Boost Knockout Hopes
Brazil strengthened their chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti today. The South Americans delivered a disciplined performance, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity to secure three crucial points.
From the opening whistle, Brazil imposed themselves on the match. Their midfield trio dictated tempo, recycling possession and stretching Haiti’s defensive lines. Within the first 15 minutes, Brazil’s pressure paid off when striker Gabriel Silva converted a low cross from the right flank, giving his side an early lead.
Despite conceding early, Haiti showed resilience. They tightened their defensive shape and attempted to hit Brazil on the counterattack. Winger Jean-Pierre Louis tested Brazil’s goalkeeper with a sharp effort from distance, but the shot was comfortably saved. Haiti’s determination kept the scoreline respectable through much of the first half.
Brazil doubled their advantage just before halftime. Midfielder Lucas Andrade unleashed a curling shot from outside the box, leaving Haiti’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The strike highlighted Brazil’s technical superiority and gave them a cushion heading into the break.
In the second half, Brazil maintained control. Their passing sequences frustrated Haiti, who struggled to regain possession. Brazil’s third goal came in the 70th minute when substitute forward Rafael Costa capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball calmly into the net. The goal sealed the contest and allowed Brazil to manage the closing stages with confidence.
Brazil’s coach emphasized balance, ensuring the team did not overcommit forward. The defensive line remained compact, neutralizing Haiti’s attempts to break through. This tactical discipline prevented Haiti from creating clear chances and underscored Brazil’s maturity in tournament play.
Although Haiti failed to score, their effort was commendable. The team fought hard, pressing when possible and showing flashes of creativity. However, the gulf in quality was evident, particularly in midfield battles where Brazil consistently regained control.
The victory places Brazil in a strong position in their group. With six points from two matches, they are now favorites to progress to the knockout stage. The team’s blend of youth and experience appears to be clicking at the right time, raising hopes among supporters for a deep run in the tournament.
Brazil will face a tougher test in their next fixture against a European opponent. The team must maintain focus and continue refining their attacking transitions. For Haiti, the defeat complicates their path forward, but they remain mathematically alive. Their next match will be decisive in determining whether they can keep their World Cup dream aliv
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Bosnia Crushed By A Merciless Switzerland Machine
Switzerland were in imperious form today as they blew Bosnia away in the group stage game of the World Cup in what was a dominant and uncompromising offensive masterclass from the Swiss. Switzerland played at a frightening speed, executed a crisp passing game and proved ruthlessly efficient in front of goal.
Switzerland began in the ascendancy and looked eager to press and control the game from the start, and after only two minutes had Bosnia backed into a corner of their own half.
They kept the ball well and at speed, and the Swiss looked eager to push the Bosnia defence wider as the game started. Within the first 15 minutes, Switzerland had already tested the Bosnian goalkeeper with two powerful shots.
The breakthrough came after halftime. With an attack moving quickly, the Bosnian back line is open, leaving the Swiss attacker in a clear scoring position.
The ball slides calmly to the net to give the Swiss a much-deserved lead. It was a game where Bosnia was struggling deep in their own territory as they were being pushed to the limit.
A counterattack was their goal, but it fell flat as they tried to do something but couldn’t get it right. They’ve isolated their forwards, and the midfield has failed to connect up the game. A long-range shot was their closest call, but the Swiss goalie wasn’t going to do it then and there.
Their inability to generate consistent pressure against Switzerland made them play from a defensive mindset. The double-goal advantage came just before the half as Switzerland was in top-notch form with another incisive approach that will make all opponents fear them.
With a pass from the left, their winger managed to score an ideal goal and also showing that any of their forwards are available to find the open space and punish you against defensive error.
The Swiss reached the break, well deserved of it, and mentally depleted from the opponent as Bosnia’s score reached 0 goals for their team. The Swiss were ready to continue this show.
They played like nothing was about to change and continued with their forward aggression. Switzerland’s offense began to work relentlessly, generating forced errors and, consequently, chances to create another goal for them.
Three goal came via another header, which smashed Bosnia’s defence to send the ball home. After Bosnia had their fourth goal scored against them, the game became so one sided as the Swiss were simply walking through the Bosnian team’s defence without issue. Bosnia seemed unable to match their opponents for any level of performance.
After the game reached its conclusion and Switzerland was victorious, the Swiss have many good performers to recognize. The team’s captain was influential as he seemed to control the whole pitch from his central midfield role. He was vocal, directed plays, and seemed to pump his teammates up with great performance throughout. For the Bosnia team, the keeper may be recognized. Although there may have been many goals scored against his team he seemed to be playing very well to be stopping every other chance by a Swiss attacking team.
They played from a back foot throughout the game as if all their play was being played as if it were defense but when a chance to attack came, they failed. The Swiss may well deserve the win as they showed a complete game.
The Swiss coach was at his best on the sidelines as he made the appropriate personnel changes and substitutions throughout the game that help Switzerland find success and continue their winning ways in the tournament. The group implications seem fairly obvious. Switzerland have improved their standings and appear to be in a strong position to qualify from their group.
Bosnia’s hopes look a lot less favorable and they really have to pick it up. Overall it seems Switzerland dominated Bosnia and a 4–0 defeat was entirely deserved from the Bosnian team.
Switzerland came ready for this game and put it on display through skillful passing, a powerful forward attack, and some incredible play on both ends of the pitch and as their Coach did in the press conference, this was a statement.
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Judicial Battle Reboots Kwara ADC’s 2027 Election Machinery
The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has converted a recent legal threat into a political launchpad. Following an appellate court victory that halted an attempt to deregister the party, the Kwara ADC has declared its full readiness to contest the 2027 general elections.
A Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu originally ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC along with four other opposition parties.
The decision was met with an outcry by opposition coalition who alleged the judicial action was another manipulative scheme to cripple opposition politics in the nation and give an unearned leap to ruling parties for the 2027 election cycle.
The “threat however, disappeared into thin air as the Court of Appeal in Abuja swung into action and delivered a strong rebuff on the lower court. A stay of execution of the deregistration order was issued by the Court of Appeal.
Experts and political leaders in opposition said the lower court’s ruling had contravened judicial hierarchy as courts above had already issued a stay of proceedings. It has returned to status quo, following the successful legal defence as the Kwara State chapter of the ADC has called an emergency State Executive Committee meeting at its State Secretariat, Ilorin.
Party stakeholders have already turned the page from the legal battle to an intensive grassroots mobilisation as party structures have been instructed to get set for the next election cycle.
“This issue, while appearing like a setback, has only united us more than before,” said the Kwara State Chairman of ADC, Babatunde Muhammed, who assured that “
The Court of Appeal intervention in our case has revived my confidence in the country’s judicial system, and that you cannot simply rubbish an existing political movement because you have access to some judges.
We remain unruffled” he added. Consequently, all ADC Candidates and ward executives in Kwara State have been tasked to commence voter outreach immediately with a unit-by-unit grassroots mobilisation plan that aims to put the current ruling party on the defensive by articulating how the ADC platform and agenda contrast with the performance of the incumbent administration.
The new approach of Kwara ADC will focus primarily on local security issues, fiscal and economic management and ensuring a free and fair electoral system in 2027 election.
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