Buhari goes home in blaze of glory, honour (Vanguard)
At exactly 5:50 pm on Tuesday, the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari were lowered into mother earth, bringing to an end his 82-year sojourn on earth. Many top politicians, family members, friends and associates, led by Vice President, Kassim Shettima, were at the graveside to pay their last respects to the elder statesman, whose lifestyle symbolized austerity and identification with the common man, though he held high positions in life.
Before Buhari’s body, which was draped in National colours of green white and green, was interred, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, had read the biography of the late Nigerian president and poured encomiums on him and his leadership style. Read more
Final salute: Nigeria bids Buhari emotional farewell (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima led a galaxy of Nigeria’s elite, including former Presidents, to Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday to pay their final respects as the nation laid to rest the ex-military Head of State and two-term democratically elected President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu personally received Buhari’s flag-draped remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina shortly after 2 p.m., following its departure from London earlier that morning aboard the Presidential Aircraft on which Buhari rode during his eight-year tenure.
The burial ceremony, conducted according to Islamic rites by the Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, attracted international dignitaries, including President Umaru Sissoci Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, Ali Zeine, and former President of Niger, Issoufou Mahamadou. Read more
I paid ransom’, Edo Chief Imam punctures police rescue claim (Leadership)
The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has denied the claim that he was rescued by the police, disclosing that he paid N6.5 million ransom before regaining freedom.
Daily Trust had reported how the cleric was kidnapped at Uromi on July 9, and a ransom of N30 million was demanded by his abductors,
The police had in a statement signed by its spokesperson in Edo, CSP Moses Yamu, claimed that he was released following sustained pressure mounted by them. Read more
Why US reduced visa validity for Nigerians — Presidency (Channels)
The Presidency has revealed two reasons why the United States reduced visa validity for Nigerians.
Recently, the US government announced that it would give three-month single-entry visas to Nigerian applicants instead of the five-year multiple-entry visa that was the norm.
Although the US embassy in Nigeria initially said its decision was based on reciprocity, it later said the decision was part of a global decision to review its visa processes globally. Read more
Journalist petitions police over arrest of nephew, alleges unpaid settlement by ‘master’ (Guardian)
The Arts Editor and Deputy Editorial Board Chairman at Vanguard Newspapers Limited, Dr Mbonu-Amadi Chiedozie, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, over alleged harassment, illegal detention and refusal to settle his 22-year-old nephew, Chimobi Mbonu, by the man he served for four years.
The 61-year-old native of Umunakara, Imerienwe, Ngor-Okpala, Imo State, said he established a scholarship scheme within the Mbonu-Amadi family to ensure that every family member can pursue a university education. However, four years ago, his eldest brother’s second son, Chimobi Mbonu, chose to first learn a trade in solar equipment.
Consequently, he was placed under the apprenticeship of one Kingsley Akamere under the boy-boy apprenticeship scheme. Akamere runs a solar equipment business in Lagos. Read more
Why Tinubu should’nt underestimate Nigerians – Tonye Princewill (Sun)
Prince Tonye Princewill was once the Rivers State gubernatorial candidate of Action Congress and Labour Party but resigned from active party politics in order to focus on other interests. Last week, he was appointed Chairman, Board of Trustees for University of Port Harcourt alumni, and at the fringes of his inauguration, he spoke on national issues.
What is your assessment of President Tinubu’s administration?
My opinion doesn’t matter. When I was a lot younger, I used to think it was important to be heard. Now that I’m wiser, I’ve slowly come to realise it’s more important just to observe. Read more
People never forget how you made them feel — Davido (Nation)
Afrobeats superstar Davido has shared a thoughtful reflection on the power of emotions in human relationships, highlighting the lasting impact of how people make others feel.
In a post on his Instagram page, Davido noted that while actions and words may fade from memory, the emotional experience they create often endures.
“I’ve learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” he wrote. Read more
American Idol’ music supervisor and husband found shot dead in Los Angeles home, suspect arrested (ABC)
A suspect has been arrested in the murder of an “American Idol” music supervisor and her songwriter husband, police in Los Angeles said Tuesday, even as many questions about the slayings remain unanswered.
The victims — Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, both 70 — were found shot to death in their Los Angeles home during a welfare check on Monday, authorities said.
The suspect — 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian — was arrested at his home on Tuesday, LAPD Lt. Guy Golan told reporters on Tuesday. He said Boodarian had scaled a fence onto the property and was inside when the victims arrived home and then shot and killed them during a “violent struggle.” Read more
Fewer school-age children vaping in Australia since ban, study says (BBC)
School-age children in Australia are vaping less, research suggests, a year after a government ban on disposable vapes came into effect.
Vaping rates among 14 to 17 year olds fell from 17.5% at the start of 2023 to 14.6% in April this year, according to the latest update from Cancer Council Australia’s nationwide study Generation Vape.
The survey also found rates for people aged over 15 reduced by more than a third. Read more
Tech, energy giants pour billions to turn Pennsylvania into an AI hub as part of Trump’s tech push (CNN)
President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced an investment of more than $90 billion from private companies across tech, energy and finance to turn Pennsylvania into a hub for artificial intelligence — a technology that’s expected to upend everything from the economy to health care and education.
The announcement was made during the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, hosted by Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, and is part of a push by the Trump administration to ensure the United States stays ahead of China in the AI race. A key part of that will be to make sure the United States has the energy necessary to power it all, which was the central focus of Tuesday’s event and the billions in funding. Read more
Indonesia arrests 12 for trafficking babies to Singapore (AlJazeera)
Police in Indonesia have arrested 12 people after uncovering a human trafficking ring that has sent more than a dozen babies to Singapore for adoption.
The West Java police told reporters on Tuesday that the case was discovered after a parent reported an alleged baby kidnapping, which led them to a suspect who admitted to trading 24 infants.
Surawan, the police’s director of general criminal investigation, who goes by one name, said the perpetrators took most of the infants from their biological parents in West Java province. Read more
Erotic ancient mosaic stolen by Nazi German captain during WWII is returned to Pompeii (CBS)
A mosaic panel on travertine slabs, depicting an erotic theme from the Roman era, was returned to the archaeological park of Pompeii on Tuesday, after being stolen by a Nazi German captain during World War II.
The mosaic depicts a pair of lovers in a state of undress. A male figure is lounging on a bed or couch, while a female figure is standing, facing away from the viewer.
The artwork was repatriated from Germany through diplomatic channels, arranged by the Italian Consulate in Stuttgart, Germany, after having been returned from the heirs of the last owner, a deceased German citizen. Read more
Jennifer Love Hewitt felt ‘hesitant’ towards ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (Filmnews)
Jennifer Love Hewitt was initially “hesitant” to commit to I Know What You Did Last Summer.
The 46-year-old actress has reprised the role of Julie James for the long-awaited sequel, but Jennifer admits that she was initially sceptical about the project.
The film star – who played Julie in 1997’s I Know What You Did Last Summer and 1998’s I Still Know What You Did Last Summer – told The Hollywood Reporter: “I was hesitant at first. I wanted to make sure that she fit into the movie in the right way and that there was a reason for her to come back besides just the ‘90s nostalgia moment. Read more
Taiwo Awoniyi back to full training after serious abdominal injury (Vanguard)
Nottingham Forest and Nigeria international striker Taiwo Awoniyi is back in full training, marking a significant step in his recovery from a severe abdominal injury sustained in May.
The 27-year-old forward had been sidelined after suffering a ruptured intestine, which necessitated a complex two-stage surgical procedure.
The initial phase of Awoniyi’s operation was performed in May and was followed by an induced coma to facilitate close medical monitoring. The second stage of the surgery, which involved closing the wound, was completed on the third day after the first procedure. Read more
Juve line up Onyedika to replace Luiz (Punch)
Juventus have lined up Nigeria international Raphael Onyedika as a replacement for Douglas Luiz, as the Italian side prepare for major midfield changes ahead of the 2024/25 season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Luiz is close to an exit from Turin after just one season, and Juventus are working behind the scenes to secure a more cost-effective and long-term solution in the middle of the park per reports in Italy.
The Brazilian midfielder joined the Bianconeri in a $60n move from Aston Villa last summer but failed to live up to expectations, making only 19 appearances and starting just three matches. Under new manager Igor Tudor, he played only 37 minutes in the club’s final nine league fixtures. Read more
Nigeria, Zambia clash tops quarterfinals duels in Morocco (Guardian)
The eight teams for the quarterfinals of the ongoing Morocco 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations are set for the race to the semifinals, but none of the clashes comes tougher than Friday’s battle between Nigeria and Zambia.
The teams in the quarterfinals are hosts Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Mali. They made the last eight after intense and gripping group stage games.
CAF already rates the first quarterfinal game between the Super Falcons and the Copper Queens as an encounter worthy of a final, as both teams were seen as likely contenders for the ultimate prize going into the competition.
Nine-time champions Nigeria have once again proven their ability to rise to the occasion. Boasting a solid defence, the Super Falcons head into this clash with both confidence and caution, aware of the threat posed by a formidable Zambian side. Read more
Brown explains hopes for Norris and Piastri’s rivalry (Formula1)
Zak Brown has insisted that handling the relationship between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both on and off the track is an “enjoyable” task for McLaren rather than a “problem”, with the CEO hopeful that the pair’s rivalry will continue until the end of the season.
The Woking-based outfit have enjoyed an impressive first half of the campaign, having built a whopping 238-point lead in the Teams’ Championship, while Piastri and Norris are now some way ahead of their rivals in the Drivers’ standings.
This also saw the two papaya cars collide for the first time at the Canadian Grand Prix, before spending much of the following race in Austria locked in a fight for the win. Read more
Victor Wembanyama says he is ‘officially cleared to play again’ after blood clot (CNN)
San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama says he has been cleared to return to the court after recovering from a blood clot in his right shoulder.
The 21-year-old, who was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft and is widely considered one of basketball’s most exciting prospects in a generation, was forced to end his 2024-25 season early following the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.
Wembanyama underwent surgery on the issue in March, but his absence meant he missed out on being named Defensive Player of the Year, an award he was the overwhelming favorite to win. Read more