The Ogun State Government has graduated 1,000 members of the Ogun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, to strengthen security across communities and enhance grassroots policing.   The operatives completed their training and passed out during a ceremony held at the International Stadium in Sagamu on Monday. Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun, the state’s Head of Service, Sala Olanrewaju, described the graduation as a significant step in the government’s drive to keep Ogun among the safest states for residents, businesses and investors. He said security remains the foundation of sustainable development, noting that Amotekun has continued to complement conventional security agencies by protecting lives and property while boosting community policing and public confidence. Olanrewaju urged the newly graduated Batch F operatives to remain vigilant against emerging security threats, embrace intelligence gathering and work closely with other security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and youth groups to improve grassroots security. He also charged the officers to carry out their duties with discipline, integrity, fairness and respect for the rule of law, stressing that they must build trust within the communities they serve. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the agency through continuous training, improved welfare and the provision of modern equipment to enhance operational effectiveness. He also called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help prevent crime and maintain peace. Speaking at the event, Amotekun Corps Commander Alade Adedigba said the officers had undergone rigorous training designed to prepare them for effective service. He commended the Ogun State Government for its commitment to building a disciplined and service-oriented corps to improve security, particularly at the grassroots.

The Council of Europe has urged FIFA to strengthen the integrity of football following concerns raised during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the tournament exposed serious issues that must be addressed before the 2030 edition.   Speaking on Sunday, the Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset, said the competition, co-hosted by the United States, had raised major questions over political interference, racist abuse directed at players and the expansion of betting markets, according to AFP. “The FIFA World Cup 2026 has raised question after question,” Berset said. “The celebration will end tonight. The questions will not.” He called for immediate discussions between FIFA and relevant stakeholders to establish a stronger integrity framework ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Berset criticised what he described as political influence in football, referring to US President Donald Trump’s reported request to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun. “When the rules bend under pressure, every result is open to doubt,” he said. The Council of Europe also questioned FIFA’s decision to sign prediction market platform ADI Predictstreet as an official tournament partner, warning that expanding betting beyond match results to individual in-game events increases the risk of fraud. “It is an open door to fraud. And this World Cup has opened the door wider,” Berset said. The 46-member Council of Europe has long been involved in promoting integrity in sport, having developed treaties on spectator safety, anti-doping and match-fixing. Berset urged FIFA to treat the end of the tournament as the beginning of efforts to reinforce transparency and credibility in world football. The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on Sunday with Argentina facing Spain in the final.

London outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his two-year record in office, saying Britain is “stronger and fairer” as he formally stepped down on Monday and handed power to Labour successor Andy Burnham.   In a farewell speech outside 10 Downing Street before travelling to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to King Charles III, Starmer said he was leaving office with pride despite mounting political pressure that forced his resignation last month. “I am confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago,” Starmer said. “I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved.” King Charles is expected to formally invite Burnham to form a new government, making the former Greater Manchester mayor Britain’s sixth prime minister in a decade. Burnham inherits a difficult political and economic landscape, including sluggish economic growth, rising government borrowing costs, persistent cost of living pressures and growing support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. Ahead of taking office, Burnham pledged to restore confidence in government, boost economic growth and devolve more powers to regional communities. He also promised early measures to ease the cost of living crisis and signalled a shift in economic policy towards greater investment and early intervention. One of his first decisions was to scrap Starmer’s proposed nationwide digital ID scheme, estimated to cost £1.8 billion over three years, saying the resources would instead be redirected to priorities such as helping households cope with living costs. Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide election victory in July 2024 after 14 years of Conservative rule, announced his resignation in late June following a series of scandals, policy reversals and political setbacks. Burnham, who returned to Parliament only four weeks ago before securing the Labour leadership, described his appointment as the party’s “last chance” to regain public trust as Reform UK continues to gain ground in opinion polls ahead of the next general election expected in 2029. The new prime minister is expected to announce his cabinet appointments later on Monday, including a replacement for outgoing finance minister Rachel Reeves.

At least six people have been confirmed dead, while 15 others were rescued after a canoe carrying about 40 passengers capsized in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.   The incident occurred at about 4pm on Sunday in Malamawa village. Rescue teams are still searching for several passengers who remain missing. Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, confirmed the incident, saying six bodies had been recovered and 15 survivors rescued. > “We have so far recovered six bodies and rescued 15 persons alive. Search operations are still ongoing,” Sankara said. He added that the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency had deployed personnel to the scene and vowed that the rescue mission would continue until everyone involved in the accident was accounted for. “We will continue the rescue mission until every single person is found, dead or alive,” he stated. Eyewitnesses alleged that the canoe was overloaded before it capsized, raising fresh concerns over adherence to water transport safety regulations in the area. Authorities have yet to determine the exact number of passengers still missing as rescue efforts continue.