NAF Names 25 Crash Victims, INEC Boss Drops Salary Bombshell, JAMB Heads to Canada: Today's Big Stories

Today's evening recap hits different. We've got sorrow, we've got shock, and we've got a bold move that's got everyone talking. From the tragic NAF aircraft crash in Ondo State to INEC's chairman admitting his workers are the least paid in Nigeria, and JAMB taking the UTME to Canada, here's the full gist you need to know.

NAF Confirms All 25 On Board Dead in Ondo Crash

The Nigerian Air Force has officially confirmed that all 25 souls on board the NAF ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State have died. The aircraft, registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when tragedy struck.

The ill-fated flight carried five crew members and 20 passengers. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, released the statement on Tuesday confirming the heartbreaking news.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has sent his condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen heroes. This is a heavy blow for the nation, and tributes have poured in from President Bola Tinubu, opposition parties, and even the international community.

INEC Chairman Drops Bombshell: 'Our Staff Are the Least Paid in Nigeria'

In a statement that's got the whole country talking, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has declared that INEC staff are the least paid workers in the entire country.

Speaking at a World Press Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Amupitan didn't mince words. He was presenting the commission's preparations for the 2027 general elections when he dropped this truth bomb.

INEC staff are the least paid in Nigeria. So, we felt if we want to demand and hold our staff responsible, we should give them a living wage.

He made it clear that better pay is essential if the commission wants to hold its personnel accountable. It's a bold admission, and it raises serious questions about how we treat the people who run our elections.

Why JAMB Is Taking UTME to Canada

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Segun Aina, has finally explained why JAMB is setting up a UTME centre in Canada. And no, it's not about making money.

Aina took to X on Tuesday to clear the air, saying the proposed centre in Ottawa is all about expanding access to education. It's designed to serve Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America who want to sit for the exam to get into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The centre is expected to start operations for the 2027 UTME. Aina stressed that JAMB already runs exams in about 10 foreign countries as a service to candidates, and the number of applicants isn't the main factor in deciding where to set up shop.

FIFA Knew Congo Fielded Ineligible Player Against Nigeria, Report Claims

In a twist that's got football fans fuming, a new report from The New York Times claims FIFA knew the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded an ineligible player in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.

The match, held in November 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, was the CAF play-off final for a spot in the intercontinental tournament. DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

According to the report published on Tuesday, FIFA's own legal officials had privately ruled that Congo breached eligibility rules. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi allegedly failed to complete the paperwork needed to switch his international affiliation from France, where he played for youth teams. The question now is: what happens next?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people died in the NAF aircraft crash?

All 25 people on board the NAF ATR-42 aircraft died in the crash. This includes five crew members and 20 passengers.

Why is JAMB opening a centre in Canada?

JAMB is opening a centre in Ottawa, Canada, to serve Nigerians in North America who want to sit the UTME for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. It's about access, not revenue.

What did the INEC chairman say about staff salaries?

Prof. Joash Amupitan said INEC staff are the least paid workers in Nigeria and that a living wage is necessary to hold them accountable.