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FG Urges Directors To Strike Balance Between Transparency

FG Urges Directors To Strike Balance Between Transparency, Classified Information

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FG Urges Directors To Strike Balance Between Transparency, Classified Information—-The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has advised directors in government offices to strike a balance between transparency and safeguarding classified information.
Akume gave the advice at a roundtable for Directors of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said that this was with a view to maintain effective government functioning and upholding public trust.
Akume represented by Mr Wasa Francis, a Director in SGF’s Office tasked the participants on honesty and integrity.
While acknowledging the importance of transparency in government operations, the SGF urged that the Freedom of Information Act should not override the Oath of Secrecy of the Public Service.
He said that directors were saddled with implementing reforms and managing stakeholder expectations.
Akume reminded the directors of the complex nature of their roles in achieving the desired reforms in the country.
He urged the participants to reflect on the impact they could make in steering the nation towards a brighter future, highlighting the role of mentorship, effective communication and decision-making.
Akume said this was necessary in instilling responsibility, accountability, and ethical behavior among Civil Servants.
“The need for a comprehensive report at the end of the meeting to guide policy coordination and service-wide improvements is critical,’’ he said.
He appealed to participants to shape their mindset and practice of civil servants by guiding them towards excellence, integrity, and adherence to established codes of conduct.
Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), in his goodwill message emphasised the importance of ethical conduct.
Olaopa represented be the Commissioner Osun/Oyo States of FCSC, Gboyega Oyebade, reminded the participants of the danger of leaking official secrets to the populace.
Highlighting the significance of the Official Secrets Act and the Freedom of Information Act, Oloopa advised the participants to follow standard operating procedures and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
“Discipline, integrity, and patriotism in fulfilling your duties are very important.
“You all need to adhere to the National Pledge and Constitution and leaking official secrets is unacceptable and undermines national security.
“I urge you all to be faithful, loyal, and honest in your service delivery. Remember that your actions will impact negatively or positively and the reputation and integrity of the entire civil service,” he said.
He called for enlightenment and education within the civil service to prevent such breaches and uphold the values of the nation.
Earlier, the Director-General, BPSR, Dasuki Arabi, explained that the roundtable would better address some specific needs and challenges faced by Directors of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement in MDAs.
This according to him will ultimately contribute to more effective governance and public service delivery.
“BPSR remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing effective governance structures and processes that meet the expectations of stakeholders and beneficiaries.
“Today’s roundtable should be a testament to our dedication to driving, embedding, and implementing reforms in the public sectors administration and overall service delivery in Nigeria
“This event is a collaborative effort that will empower and equip the Directors with the necessary tools, knowledge, and strategies to excel in their roles.
“We should also recognise that in an ever-evolving landscape of governance, the challenges faced by MDAs are multifaceted and dynamic,” he said.
Arabi further urged all Directors of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement to work together to ensure that Nigeria Civil Service attains the world class that all Nigerians will be proud of.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable is aims to explore effective operationalisation of pension administration, identify challenges, proffer strategies for reform.
It will also create opportunities for innovation, and ensure compliance and nationwide coverage.
NAN reports that participants included stakeholders from the National Pension Commission, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, Federal Ministry of Finance, National Judicial Council of Nigeria, among others.

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Tottenham Agree Club-Record £100m Deal for Sandro Tonali From Newcastle United

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Tottenham Agree Club-Record £100m Deal for Sandro Tonali From Newcastle United—-Spurs have reached an agreement with Newcastle United for the Italy international, with Roberto De Zerbi landing his top midfield target in a blockbuster deal worth up to £100 million.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a club-record £100 million deal with Newcastle United to sign Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, in what is set to become one of the biggest transfers of the summer window. The agreement is understood to be worth an initial £92.5 million, with a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons.

The 26-year-old is expected to sign a long-term contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after agreeing personal terms. Tonali is reportedly set to become one of the club’s highest-paid players, with manager Roberto De Zerbi playing a pivotal role in convincing his fellow Italian to make the move to North London.

De Zerbi identified Tonali as the cornerstone of his midfield rebuild, believing the Italy international possesses the technical quality, leadership and tactical intelligence needed to transform Spurs into Premier League and UEFA Champions League contenders. The pair share a close footballing philosophy, with sources indicating Tonali was persuaded by De Zerbi’s long-term vision for the club.

Tonali joined Newcastle United from AC Milan in 2023 for around £55 million and quickly became one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders. Although his first season in England was interrupted by a 10-month suspension for breaches of betting regulations, he returned strongly and helped Newcastle end their long wait for major silverware by winning the Carabao Cup before re-establishing himself as one of the league’s elite central midfielders.

For Newcastle, the sale represents a substantial profit and provides significant financial flexibility as the club continues to reshape its squad. Reports suggest Eddie Howe’s side are already targeting replacements, including Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Touré and Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi, while also exploring further additions before the new season begins.

The acquisition of Tonali signals Tottenham’s intent under De Zerbi. The Italian midfielder is expected to become the centerpiece of a revamped Spurs side aiming to challenge for domestic honours and compete strongly in Europe. Once the medical and final paperwork are completed, Tonali will officially become Tottenham’s most expensive signing in the club’s history, eclipsing all previous transfer records.

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JUST IN: Folarin Balogun Scores but Sees Red as USA Beat Bosnia to Reach World Cup Round of 16

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JUST IN: Folarin Balogun Scores but Sees Red as USA Beat Bosnia to Reach World Cup Round of 16—-The USMNT defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in Santa Clara to book a last-16 clash with Belgium, but the victory was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card after the striker had opened the scoring.

The United States booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a determined 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, overcoming the dismissal of star striker Folarin Balogun to continue their impressive run on home soil.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side endured a nervy start at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium as Bosnia threatened through Ermedin Demirović, forcing goalkeeper Matt Freese into two excellent early saves. Despite Bosnia’s bright opening, the hosts gradually settled into the contest, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities.

The breakthrough came just before halftime in the 45th minute. A high press forced Bosnia into surrendering possession near midfield, and after Malik Tillman’s attempted pass deflected kindly into Balogun’s path, the Monaco striker calmly slotted a left-footed finish beyond the goalkeeper to score his third goal of the tournament. The strike made Balogun only the third American player to score three or more goals in a single FIFA World Cup.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card following a VAR review. Referee Raphael Claus upgraded the incident to serious foul play after reviewing Balogun’s challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović, leaving the United States to play the remainder of the match with ten men. The dismissal means Balogun will miss the Round of 16 clash against Belgium through suspension.

Despite the setback, the Americans showed tremendous resilience. With Bosnia pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Malik Tillman produced a moment of brilliance in the 82nd minute, curling a superb free-kick into the top corner to double the lead and effectively seal qualification. Matt Freese completed an outstanding evening by preserving his clean sheet with several key saves late in the contest.

The victory sends the United States into the Round of 16, where they will meet Belgium in Seattle in one of the standout ties of the knockout stage. However, Pochettino will be without his leading scorer after Balogun’s dismissal, a significant blow as the co-hosts aim to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

While Balogun’s evening ended in disappointment, his goal proved crucial in setting the United States on course for victory. Combined with Tillman’s spectacular free-kick and a disciplined defensive display, it was enough to keep the Americans’ World Cup dream alive as they prepare for their toughest test yet against Belgium.

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