Today’s Headlines: Lionel Messi Reveals Major Regret in his Career; FRSC Mourns Ex-corps Marshal Biu

Lionel Messi has expressed regret over not learning English when he was younger, admitting that the missed opportunity has sometimes made him feel unable to communicate with influential people. The Argentine football star said he had enough time to study the language but failed to take advantage of it.

Messi explained that his experience had taught him the importance of education and preparation, lessons he now shares with his children. The 39-year-old, who spent over two decades at Barcelona before playing for Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, said he encourages his children to make the most of their educational opportunities.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has mourned its former Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu, describing his death as a significant loss to the organisation, the road safety community and Nigeria. The current Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, praised Biu for his dedication, discipline and commitment to public service.

Biu served as the FRSC’s seventh substantive Corps Marshal from July 2022 to May 2024, contributing to road safety administration, operational efficiency and institutional development. Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the Corps’ management and workforce, extended condolences to Biu’s family, friends and associates, praying for strength for them and for the deceased to be granted eternal rest.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that President Bola Tinubu asked him to publicly claim responsibility for appointing Adebayo Adelabu as a minister after rejecting his recommendation of former Oyo State finance commissioner Bimbo Adekanmbi. Makinde said Tinubu had initially asked him to nominate a development economist for the budget and economic planning portfolio, but later chose Adelabu, whom Makinde contested against in the 2019 governorship election. He said he refused to present Adelabu as his nominee, insisting that the appointment was Tinubu’s decision.

Makinde also disclosed that other state governors were asked to adopt ministerial nominees selected by the President. He said most members of the G5 governors’ alliance, except Nyesom Wike, did not receive ministerial appointments under Tinubu’s administration. The group, comprising five Peoples Democratic Party governors, had opposed the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, amid disagreements over the party’s leadership. Makinde, whose tenure ends in May 2027, is now the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement and has promised to establish a four-year transitional Government of National Unity if elected.

Oyo State Police have arrested a man who allegedly travelled from Anambra State to avenge his brother’s death. The suspect was intercepted by Safer Highway Patrol operatives during a stop-and-search operation along Ife Road while travelling in a commercial bus. Police recovered a pistol and a cartridge from him.

The suspect told investigators that he learnt his brother had died after allegedly being killed at a school in Oka and later received information that the person he suspected was living in Oyo State. He said he bought the firearm from a friend for ₦20,000 and admitted belonging to the Vikings confraternity. Police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olushola Olayinka said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the suspect’s alleged revenge plot.

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