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‘Money gifted to Super Falcons can pay 16,000 doctors, 66,000 teachers, others’

Published

1 year ago

July 31, 2025

‘Money gifted to Super Falcons can pay 16,000 doctors, 66,000 teachers, others’

The cash price splashed on Nigeria’s women national football team, the Super Falcons, is enough to take care of the monthly wage bill of about 16,000 doctors, 66,000 teachers and over 78,000 lowest ranked officers of the Police Force, Checks by Daily Trust has shown.

Daily Trust reports that following their triumph at the just-concluded 2024 WAFCON tournament in Morocco, the 24 players and 11 technical crew of the Super Falcons were rewarded with a cash prize of N4.602 billion ($100,000 and $50, 000) each as well as the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The players and officials were also given the sum of N350m by the Nigerian Governors Forum, which took their cash reward to N4.952bn

Nigeria won the WAFCON title for a record-extending 10th time on Saturday after coming back from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.

The team landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday before proceeding to a reception organised for them by the Presidency.

President Tinubu had promised the team a befitting reception on Sunday while speaking with them after their triumph.

“Nothing else could have represented it, crucial time, crucial victory. On behalf of the grateful nation, I hereby confer on the players and the 11-man technical team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger,” Tinubu had announced.

“Additionally, I hereby direct the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment for each of the players and the technical crew in our Renewed Hope Estate.

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“In addition, there is a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players and equivalent of $50,000 to the 11-man technical crew. Once again, I congratulate you, and I continue to pray for you. With this, the Nigerian spirit is unyielding and will never die. God bless you” the president had said.

Tinubu’s cash reward was calculated at the exchange rate of N1,562/1$.

The Super Falcons also dominated the tournament’s awards as captain Rasheedat Ajibade won the Player of the Tournament; Chiamaka Nnadozie was named the best keeper while coach Justine Madugu won the best coach award.

The thrilling dominance marked the 10th triumph of the Falcons on the continental stage after their previous triumphs in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.

However, Tinubu’s cash rewards have been criticized in many quarters considering the current economic situation in the country.

Many Nigerians argued that the money, when put to good use, is enough to help every Nigerian have a decent living.

A social commentator Fr. Kelvin Ugwu who spoke on the issue noted that “The worth of the cup in WAFCON is $1m, but the money spent on the footballers and crew, both as cash gifts and material gifts, including housing, totals beyond $4m.

“Twenty-four players were given $100,000 each, that is $2.4m. Eleven crew members at $50,000 each is $550,000. That is roughly $3m. I don’t know the cost of the fully finished three-bedroom apartment for each player and crew. But you can do the maths and see. I also don’t know the cost of the dinner party and how much was paid to all the artists who performed. But I am sure you already know it will be in millions. If you put everything together, you will see that about $5m has been spent to celebrate the winning of $1m,” he said.

However, Daily Trust calculated the said amount and what it can do for critical workers like doctors, teachers and policemen with regards to their wages and welfare.

Doctors

Over time, medical doctors in Nigeria have raised concerns over poor remuneration and unfavourable working conditions with some earning less than N250,000 per month in some states despite risking their lives to care for patients.

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Daily Trust findings show that the poor welfare for medical doctors is one of the key factors driving many medical professionals to seek better opportunities abroad, worsening the country’s brain drain crisis popularly known as ‘japa syndrome’.

Further findings by our correspondent revealed that private hospitals tend to pay higher salaries, while government-employed doctors are often left with inadequate incentives, earning between N200,000 and N250,000.

A medical doctor at a government-owned hospital in Abuja who did not mention his name for security concerns, lamented the financial burden he faces despite years of medical training and experience.

He explained, “It is heartbreaking to work so hard, especially in a public hospital, and still earn only N250,000 a month. The cost of living in Abuja is high with rent, transport and other things and that amount is not just sustainable.”

He explained that while Nigerian doctors are fully capable of meeting the country’s medical needs, their low pay largely explains the ongoing brain drain.

The government is indeed taking steps to increase medical school admissions and build pharmacies, laboratories, and nursing schools. However, these efforts have not stemmed the tide of doctors relocating to the US, UK and Europe. What we need are incentives and salaries commensurate with our skills and responsibilities.

The over N4bn if divided by the minimum salary of a medical doctor in a government-owned hospital can pay the wages of about 16,000 doctors.

Teachers

In Nigeria, teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future generation, yet they often find themselves undervalued and unappreciated. Despite their significant contributions to society, teachers face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to thrive and make a lasting impact on their students.

Many teachers struggle to make ends meet due to low salaries, delayed payments, and irregularities in pension schemes. This financial strain not only affects their motivation and morale but also detracts talented individuals from pursuing a career in education.

Some Nigerian teachers, particularly those in private schools, earn salaries as low as N45,000 per month. Some even earn below the national minimum wage of N30,000. This situation is compounded by the rising cost of living and inflation, making it difficult for teachers to make ends meet.

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Only recently, teachers in the FCT were on strike for over 100 days due to poor welfare.

During that time, primary school pupils in Abuja were left to their fate while government authorities and labour unions continued a protracted tug-of-war.

The industrial action, led by the FCT wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, was the fourth since late 2023.

The teachers were demanding the full implementation of a tripartite agreement signed on December 11, 2024, which promised a N70,000 minimum wage for teachers.

Due to the prolonged strike, children who should be in class were found roaming markets, chasing after vehicles, or hawking sachet water and groundnuts under the scorching sun.

For teachers earning just about N66,000 monthly, the over N4bn splashed on the Super Falcons by the president will be adequate to pay about 66,000 of them.

Police officers

The issue of poor packages for retired police officers has been on the front burner for a very long time in Nigeria.

Only recently, these retired officers stormed the streets nationwide protesting poor welfare, pension and other living conditions.

In Abuja, the retired police personnel who defied the downpour protested at the Force headquarters and National Assembly entrance gate, to ventilate their anger and frustration.

Also, a former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, slammed the government’s reward structure, calling it “brutally unfair” to officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Further checks by Daily Trust have shown that a constable in the Nigerian Police Force earns between N51,000 and N75 000 monthly.

Now, the amount showered on the Super Falcons can pay about 78,000 of the lowest ranked constables in the Nigeria Police Force.

‘Money gifted to Super Falcons can pay 16,000 doctors, 66,000 teachers, others’

Daily Trust

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Over 1,000 APM Members Defect to APC in Oyo

Published

46 minutes ago

October 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Over 1,000 APM Members Defect to APC in Oyo

More than 1,000 members of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing dissatisfaction with their political experience in the state.

The defectors formally joined the APC at the party’s state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Friday, October 2, 2026.

They were led by APM chieftain Mustapha Kazeem, popularly known as Oba Oluyole, and received by Oyo State APC Chairman, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo, alongside members of the party’s state executive committee. (The Times)

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Kazeem said their decision followed what he described as a series of experiences while supporting the administration and political structure associated with Governor Seyi Makinde.

He alleged that some supporters had not received adequate recognition for their loyalty and sacrifices, while accusing members of Makinde’s political structure in Oluyole of victimising members of his group.

Kazeem said the situation eventually convinced them to leave the APM and join the Oyo APC, declaring that they had reached a point where they could no longer pretend about their dissatisfaction.

He described the APC as a platform through which the defectors could pursue their political interests and said they were no longer willing to remain within what he described as “deceit and propaganda.”

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The allegations against Makinde’s political structure were made by the defectors and were not independently established in the report.

Receiving the new members, the Oyo APC chairman welcomed them into the party and presented brooms to them as a symbol of their formal admission.

Adeyemo urged the defectors to put their previous political differences behind them and participate actively in the activities of the APC in Oyo State.

The defection comes amid increasing political realignments in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties and their supporters seeking to strengthen their structures and mobilise members across the state.

The latest movement also comes against the backdrop of continuing discussions among opposition politicians over possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

An APM chieftain, Oluwaseun Adeloro, recently argued that opposition parties still had an opportunity to work towards a common presidential candidate.

Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Adeloro said opposition politicians could still reach an agreement despite the separate ambitions of major political figures.

He specifically mentioned former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi while discussing the challenges of reaching a consensus.

Adeloro also expressed support for Governor Seyi Makinde as a possible consensus candidate and defended Makinde’s proposal for a four-year “reset” of Nigeria.

The latest APM-to-APC defection in Oyo adds to the political activity already underway ahead of the 2027 general elections.

For the defectors, the move marks a shift from the APM to the APC, while the allegations they cited concerning their treatment within Makinde’s political structure remain their stated reasons for leaving.

Over 1,000 APM Members Defect to APC in Oyo

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Police Arrest Man Caught Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl in Car

Published

1 hour ago

October 3, 2026

Trends Admin

FCT Police Command Spokesperson, SP Adeh Josephine

Police Arrest Man Caught Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl in Car

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man identified as Zayyanu Halilu after he was allegedly caught sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl inside a car in Abuja.

Halilu was arrested on Friday, October 2, 2026, by operatives of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit during a routine patrol at the Airport Bridge Taxi Park in Abuja.

According to the police, officers became suspicious after noticing a fully tinted navy-blue Volkswagen parked at the location with its windows wound up. The vehicle was reportedly shaking, prompting the officers to approach and inspect it.

The officers allegedly opened the vehicle and found the suspect with the 12-year-old child, leading to his immediate arrest and the rescue of the girl.

The child was subsequently taken for medical attention, while the suspect was detained for investigation.

The police said preliminary findings indicated that the suspect had allegedly taken the girl to the same location on previous occasions and sexually abused her.

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The Command further alleged that the suspect had threatened the child with harm if she disclosed the abuse to anyone.

A medical examination, according to the police, subsequently showed that the child was about three months pregnant. She remains under medical care and is undergoing further assessment.

The police said the suspect would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.

The FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to the safety, welfare and whereabouts of children under their care.

The Command also urged residents to report suspicious activities involving children or other vulnerable persons to the police.

The latest incident has again highlighted concerns about child sexual abuse and the protection of minors in Abuja. Under Nigerian law, allegations involving sexual offences against children are subject to investigation and prosecution, and suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.

The identity of the child has not been disclosed in keeping with the need to protect the privacy and welfare of a minor allegedly involved in a sexual-abuse case.

Police Arrest Man Caught Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl in Car

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Electric Spark Suspected as Fire Destroys 21 Shops at Abuja’s Kugbo Market

Published

3 hours ago

October 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Electric Spark Suspected as Fire Destroys 21 Shops at Abuja’s Kugbo Market

An electrical spark has been blamed by an eyewitness for a fire that destroyed 21 shops and a vehicle at Kugbo Furniture Market along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory.

The fire, which occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, left traders counting losses after flames swept through a section of the market where furniture, foam, timber and other highly combustible materials were stored.

An eyewitness, Mary Aniekan, alleged that the fire started shortly after electricity was restored by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). She said traders noticed an electrical spark before the fire rapidly spread through the affected shops.

However, emergency authorities have not officially established the cause of the fire, making the electrical-spark account an eyewitness explanation rather than a confirmed finding.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said its Abuja Operations Office received a distress call at about 11:15am and immediately activated emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service.

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According to NEMA‘s preliminary assessment, 21 shops and one vehicle were affected by the fire. No death was recorded, while some valuable items were reportedly recovered from the affected area.

Firefighters and other emergency personnel worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the market. The affected area was subsequently dampened to reduce the possibility of a secondary outbreak.

Emergency operations were brought to an end at about 1:40pm after the situation was brought under control.

Traders said the fire spread quickly because of the nature of goods stored in the affected shops, including foam, timber, furniture materials and other combustible products.

The chairman of the Kugbo Wood Machinist Association, Godswill Ndukwe, estimated that goods worth about N500 million were destroyed in the incident. The figure is a preliminary estimate by traders and has not been independently verified.

Ndukwe appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration and Abuja Municipal Area Council to take measures to improve fire prevention and emergency response arrangements at the market.

The latest Kugbo Market fire has also renewed concerns about recurring fire incidents in the area. In February 2026, another fire reportedly destroyed more than 15 shops and adjoining residential structures at the market.

Traders and residents had, during the earlier incident, raised concerns about the concentration of workshops and combustible materials, as well as inadequate spacing and other conditions that could make it difficult for emergency responders to contain fires quickly.

The latest incident did not result in any reported fatalities or injuries, but the destruction of the shops has left affected traders facing significant financial losses.

Authorities are expected to establish the actual cause of the fire as investigations continue, while traders have called for improved fire safety measures, electrical checks and emergency preparedness at Kugbo Market.