Tinubu’s Minister’s nine Children set to wed same day in Abuja

Plans are nearing completion for the wedding ceremony of nine children of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as details of the event continue to gain attention online.

An invitation card for the ceremony, featuring the minister’s photograph, circulated widely on social media on Saturday.

The card states that the weddings will be held at the Central Mosque, Abuja, by 1:30 pm on February 6.

The names of the children listed on the invitation are Ibrahim, Suraj, Safiya, Maryam, Aisha, Fahad, Muh’d, Nana Firdausi, and Farida.

Providing further clarification, the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris, confirmed to Sunday PUNCH that the group includes five sons and four daughters.

He said, “By the grace of God, the ceremony will be conducted at the Abuja Central Mosque on February 6. I also want to say that the minister’s children who are getting married are five sons and four daughters.

“I am among the committee members for this great occasion, and as I speak to you now, arrangements have reached an advanced stage to ensure a smooth ceremony in Abuja next month.”

Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed deep sorrow, over the brutal killing of a woman, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of the state.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless, and a grave assault on human dignity.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Gov. Yusuf extended his condolences to the bereaved’s family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed souls, eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would ensure that perpetrators of the tragic incident, are brought to justice.
He directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, Gov. Yusuf also ordered the Kano Neighborhood Corps, to intensify patrols and community surveillance across vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.( NAN)

‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.

“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.

Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.

He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.

“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.

“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.

Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.

Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.

“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said. (NAN)