Daily Economy

June 12: Celebrating a nation in development

By Mathew Ogelenya Ogwezhi, Managing Director / CEO, Capital Express Life Assurance Limited

Thirty-three years ago, millions of Nigerians woke early, crossed ethnic boundaries, ignored the noise, and voted because they believed in something greater than themselves. That belief, steadfast, sacrificial, and profoundly human, remains alive today.

We understand that the journey has been difficult. We feel the burden of insecurity, hardship, and promises that have taken longer than anticipated to materialise.

We see it in our communities, within our families, in the quiet anxieties many Nigerians bear daily. But democracy, at its best, is not merely a system of government; it is a covenant between citizens and their future.

At Capital Express Life Assurance Limited, we are part of that same covenant.

Every policy we issue is a statement that tomorrow is worth safeguarding; every claim we process is proof that trust among

June 12: Celebrating a nation in development A Democracy Day message reflecting on June 12, 1993, highlights Nigeria’s democratic journey, national resilience, and the role of trust, unity, and development in building a stronger future.

Bandits and treasury looters: Nigeria’s two frontline enemies

By Ivo Takor, mni Vice Chairman/Chairman, Human Rights Committee, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Epe Branch.

Nigeria’s present challenges cannot be understood only as a failure of economics, governance, or security. At their core, many of these challenges are human rights problems. They affect the right to life, the right to dignity, the right to security, the right to education, the right to health, the right to livelihood, and the right of citizens to benefit from public resources meant for their welfare.

Two groups bear significant responsibility for deepening these challenges: armed bandits who terrorize communities, and corrupt public officials or politically connected actors who loot, divert, or mismanage public funds. Although their methods are different, their impact on

Bandits and treasury looters: Nigeria’s two frontline enemies A legal analysis highlights how banditry and treasury looting both undermine human rights in Nigeria, stressing the need for stronger accountability, security, and anti-corruption measures to protect citizens and public resources.

LAWMA evacuates 418,500 tonnes of waste in May as Lagos intensifies sanitation drive Nike Popoola

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has released its operational performance report for May 2026, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve waste collection, environmental sanitation, and service delivery across Lagos State.

Speaking on the report, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin said that the Authority remained focused on improving operational efficiency, strengthening service delivery, and addressing pressure points within the waste management system.

A statement from the Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, Mukaila Sanusi, today said he disclosed that LAWMA and its network of licensed Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators evacuated a total of 418,500 tonnes of waste across the State in May, representing an average daily evacuation of 13,200 tonnes.

He stated that 442 PSP operators remained active across Lagos State,

LAWMA evacuates 418,500 tonnes of waste in May as Lagos intensifies sanitation drive The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) evacuated over 418,000 tonnes of waste in May 2026, cleared blackspots, and strengthened sanitation services across Lagos through improved operations and PSP coordination.

Cardoso formally receives Central Bank of the Year Award

Nike Popoola

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, formally received the Central Bank of the Year Award at the Central Banking Awards ceremony held in London on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. He dedicated the honour to the Board, management, and staff of the Bank for their steadfast commitment to institutional reform and economic stability.

In his acceptance speech, Cardoso expressed appreciation to Central Banking Publications and the award judges for the recognition. He also congratulated fellow institutions and individuals honoured during the event.

The CBN Governor stressed that the award was not a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of the entire Central Bank of Nigeria, particularly the professionals whose dedication, integrity, and expertise - often exercised away from public attention - have strengthened the Bank and reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s

Cardoso formally receives Central Bank of the Year Award Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso received the Central Bank of the Year Award in London, highlighting Nigeria’s financial reforms, inflation control efforts, and recent economic stability gains.

Real Madrid confirms José Mourinho as head coach, fans hail “The Special One”

Abdullateef Fowewe

Real Madrid has announced the return of José Mourinho as head coach of the first team, signing him to a three-year deal running until June 30, 2029.

In a statement on the club’s English-language account the club posted, “José Mourinho,” signalling the appointment.

The full release from the club’s board said, “The Board of Directors of Real Madrid C.F., meeting today, Thursday, June 11, and presided over by Florentino Pérez, has agreed to appoint José Mourinho as the first team’s head coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029. José Mourinho will join Real Madrid on July 13, the day preseason begins.”

The announcement has sparked a wave of excitement across social media, with supporters greeting the news by praising “the Special One” and predicting renewed on-field drama and a push for trophies next season.

Mourinho previously managed

Real Madrid confirms José Mourinho as head coach, fans hail “The Special One” Real Madrid has confirmed the return of José Mourinho as head coach on a three-year deal running until 2029, sparking excitement among fans worldwide.

Nigeria convicts Indian crew, fines vessel $5.3m in co***ne import case

Abdullateef Fowewe

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday convicted 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, after they were found to have imported 31.5 kilograms of co***ne into Nigeria through Apapa seaport earlier this year.

“Barely six months after their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for importing 31.5 kilograms of co***ne from Marshall Islands into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport in Lagos, 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel marked MV Aruna Hulya have been convicted and fined a total of Six Million US Dollars ($6million) by a Federal High Court in Lagos,” NDLEA Director of Media & Advocacy Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Thursday.

The NDLEA took the Indian crew and the vessel into custody after operatives discovered the co***ne concealed in hatch 3 of the ship at the GDNL terminal, Apapa port, on Friday, 2 January

Nigeria convicts Indian crew, fines vessel $5.3m in co***ne import case A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 11 Indian sailors and the vessel MV Aruna Hulya for importing 31.5kg of co***ne into Nigeria via Apapa port, imposing fines and restitution totaling $5.3 million.

UEFA appoints Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate Super Cup after US World Cup entry denial

Abdullateef Abdullateef

UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12, offering the match as a high-profile platform after Artan was denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Artan, named Africa’s Referee of the Year for 2025 and the first Somali selected to referee at a World Cup was reportedly turned back at Miami airport despite holding a valid visa.

U.S. authorities cited vetting concerns and alleged links to terrorism, a decision that prompted FIFA to remove him from the World Cup officiating roster and sparked criticism from Somali and international football circles.

UEFA’s decision to name Artan for the Super Cup is being widely read as both a recognition of his professional standing and a significant opportunity to restore his international profile

UEFA appoints Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate Super Cup after US World Cup entry denial UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa after he was denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

‘I want you at Real Madrid,’ Mourinho tells Bernardo Silva
Abdullateef Fowewe

José Mourinho has personally contacted Bernardo Silva to express strong interest in signing the Portuguese midfielder for Real Madrid, Spanish outlet Diario AS reports.

The development has put other talks on hold and heightened speculation over a high-profile summer transfer.

The report says Mourinho, newly appointed as Real Madrid manager phoned Bernardo with a direct message: “I want you at Real Madrid.”

Mourinho values Bernardo’s team-first mentality and willingness to prioritise collective success over individual accolades, and believes the midfielder could play a key role both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Bernardo, who has been linked with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid this window, has reportedly paused discussions with those clubs.

In a recent interview, he said, “I’ll go to a club where I’m truly wanted,” language that has been interpreted as leaving

‘I want you at Real Madrid,’ Mourinho tells Bernardo Silva José Mourinho has reportedly told Bernardo Silva he wants him at Real Madrid, with the Portuguese midfielder said to be close to a summer move after pausing talks with other clubs.

‘I want you at Real Madrid,’ Mourinho tells Bernardo Silva

Abdullateef Fowewe

José Mourinho has personally contacted Bernardo Silva to express strong interest in signing the Portuguese midfielder for Real Madrid, Spanish outlet Diario AS reports.

The development has put other talks on hold and heightened speculation over a high-profile summer transfer.

The report says Mourinho, newly appointed as Real Madrid manager phoned Bernardo with a direct message: “I want you at Real Madrid.”

Mourinho values Bernardo’s team-first mentality and willingness to prioritise collective success over individual accolades, and believes the midfielder could play a key role both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Bernardo, who has been linked with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid this window, has reportedly paused discussions with those clubs.

In a recent interview, he said, “I’ll go to a club where I’m truly wanted,” language that has been interpreted as leaving

‘I want you at Real Madrid,’ Mourinho tells Bernardo Silva José Mourinho has reportedly told Bernardo Silva he wants him at Real Madrid, with the Portuguese midfielder said to be close to a summer move after pausing talks with other clubs.

National Assembly passes State Police Bill

Abdullateef Fowewe

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the State Police Bill, moving Nigeria closer to a system of state-controlled police forces and a major overhaul of the country’s centrally managed security architecture.

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, 289 lawmakers voted in favour of the measure, which was presented as a response to mounting security threats including killings, kidnappings and banditry.

The bill’s passage in the lower chamber forms part of broader constitutional reform efforts intended to give states greater responsibility for maintaining law and order.

Lawmakers who supported the bill said decentralisation will enable faster, more locally informed responses to security crises and reduce the strain on the Federal Government’s security apparatus.

The House had scheduled Thursday’s sitting specifically to vote on the contentious proposal after weeks

National Assembly passes State Police Bill The House of Representatives has passed the State Police Bill, a major step toward establishing state-controlled police forces in Nigeria as part of efforts to tackle insecurity and reform the country's security architecture.