Dora Akunyili’s daughter elected Alumni board member of Harvard Kennedy School (ThisDay)
The late Professor Dora Akunyili’s daughter, Ijeoma, has been elected alongside eight others from different countries as an Alumni member of Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) in the United States.
According to the statement published on the institution’s official website, Ijeoma, a Chief Medical Officer of the Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJ Barnabas Health facility, in the United States and also an Alumni of the School, began her service July 1 as a new board member for four- year term.
While congratulating the new members of the HKS Alumni Board, the institution explained: “HKS the degree-program and professional and lifelong learning alumni are represented by a Board that comprises 22 volunteer members who work to strengthen connections among HKS alumni across the globe.The Alumni Board currently comprises 16 elected members and six appointed members. Read more
NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe Rail Service after train derailment (Leadership)
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the suspension of its Warri-Itakpe rail service following a derailment incident on the corridor on Thursday evening.
The train, travelling from Itakpe in Kogi State to Ujevwu in Delta State, derailed at approximately 7:15pm.
Ediri Oyibo, a digital strategist and frequent user of the service, described the harrowing experience, noting that the train wobbled precariously at several points during the journey before it eventually derailed. “As a frequent user of the train service, riding on the train from Ujevwu to Itakpe on Wednesday, 3rd of July 2024, I practically had my heart between my teeth when the train wobbled along its track at several locations; one, on top of a valley crossing,” Oyibo recounted. Read more
Lagos Taskforce raids Adeniji-Adele, Ikeja, impounds 84 vehicles (Tribune)
Lagos State Taskforce has carried out enforcement for compliance exercises at Adeniji-Adele and adjoining routes to rid the axis of traffic gridlock and criminal activities caused by illegal operators of bus parks and bus stops along that axis.
The rigorous and intense operation was led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele who stated that activities of commercial motor operators along that route had been going on for too long therefore it was time to put an end to it.
Akerele described the activities of commercial bus drivers (danfo) as worrisome due to long hours of traffic obstruction caused by their actions which has a devastating effect on motorists and Lagosians as a whole. Read more
Edo poll: INEC opens media accreditation portal Monday (Punch)
The Independent National Electoral Commission has said its portal would be open for online accreditation of journalists and media organisations interested in covering the Edo State governorship election.
The Edo governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024.
In April 2024, INEC published the final list of 17 candidates for the Edo Governorship Election. Read more
Anambra uncovers 427 ghost workers, Dep Directors with fake certificates (DailyTrust)
The Anambra State Local Government Service Commission has discovered over 427 ghost workers earning salaries from government.
Among the ghost workers include 59 staff members of the commission who had died long time ago, 40 others who had retired and were still on the payroll of the commission, while about 11 others were living abroad.
Chairman of the Commission, Vin Ezeaka, disclosed this on Friday in Awka, Anambra State capital. Read more
Develop agric sector, improve security now, masses crying for food — MSSN Lagos tells FG (Vanguard)
The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit has called on the Federal Government to address the hindering the development of the agricultural sector in order to enhance food availability to the masses.
The Amir (President) of MSSN Lagos, Kamoldeen Abiona made this call while addressing participants at the MSSN Lagos 1445 AH Annual Conference tagged: “The Next Big Thing,” in Lagos on Sunday.
Abiona noted that it is imperative for the President Bola Tinubu-led government to improve on country-wide road networks, transportation, and security to enhance food security. Read more
Shettima in Kaduna to flag-off resettlement scheme for drone attack victims (Channels)
Vice President Kashim Shettima is in Kaduna for the flag-off of the resettlement scheme for victims of a military drone attack at Tudun Biri Village in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Uba Sani and other senior government officials received him at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday. Others were the Vice President of the DG National Emergency Management Agency; and the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly among others.
While in Tudun Biri, the vice president will perform the groundbreaking for the construction of residential houses for victims of the December 3rd military error bombing that claimed the lives of over 100 people mostly children. Read more
Olubadan: Tajudeen Ajibola, Olakulehin settle differences, as Ibadan Obas pay homage (Independent)
The rancour between the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola and the Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has been finally settled as the duo embrace each other when Ibadan Obas (Royal Majesties and Royal Highnesses) paid homage to Olakulehin in his Alalubosa residence.
Ajibola has once said that Olakulehin should not be crowned because of his health status, he advised then that Olakulehin should be given enough time to fit before considering him for the tasks ahead.
Ajibola’s statement has caused chaos among Olubadan-in-council, Mogajis, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and some Chiefs in Ibadanland on who will be the next Olubadan of Ibadanland. Read more
Zendaya breaks down for us how ‘Challengers’ is so sexy (Indiewire)
Zendaya is causing quite a racket — with racquets! — in Luca Guadagnino‘s sexy tennis drama “Challengers.”
Chatter around the film’s steamy appeal started as soon as the first teaser dropped, which showed stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor engaging in what looked like the prelude to a threesome. We’ve since learned after seeing the movie that this ménage à trois isn’t exactly the fantasy some audiences have in mind.
At the Los Angeles premiere, the trio served their own takes to IndieWire on what kind of story this film wants to tell about sexuality and the fickle game of love. Zendaya, who plays tennis prodigy Tashi Donaldson, explained further: “What’s really special about this movie is that it is incredibly sexy, but there surprisingly [are] no sex scenes,” she said. “I’ve been asked a lot about sex scenes from people who have seen the movie, and I’m like, ‘What sex scenes?’” Read more
Vanessa Hudgens shares first update since welcoming baby with husband Cole Tucker (Hello!)
Vanessa Hudgens is basking in the joy of motherhood, confirming the arrival of her first baby with husband Cole Tucker, the MLB player.
The High School Musical alum, 35, shared her first heartfelt message since welcoming their bundle of joy, expressing happiness during such a precious time.
In an Instagram Story posted on Thursday, July 4th, Vanessa’s maternal instincts shone through.
Vanessa conveyed the family’s joy and well-being, adding, “Mom, dad, and baby are happy and healthy.” Read more
Andrew Tate allowed to leave Romania despite rape and human trafficking case (Metro)
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are free to leave Romania, despite several serious charges against them, a court has ruled.
Social media influencer Tate, known for his misogynistic views, posted a video announcing the news this afternoon, declaring: ‘I AM FREE…THE SHAM CASE IS FALLING APART.’
The brothers must however remain within the European Union as they await trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, the Bucharest tribunal has ruled. Read more
NATO leaders will vow to pour weapons into Ukraine for another year (ABC)
NATO leaders plan to pledge next week to keep pouring arms and ammunition into Ukraine at current levels for at least another year, hoping to reassure the war-ravaged country of their ongoing support and show Russian President Vladimir Putin that they will not walk away.
U.S. President Joe Biden and his counterparts meet in Washington for a three-day summit beginning Tuesday to mark the military alliance’s 75th anniversary as Russian troops press their advantage along Ukraine’s eastern front in the third year of the war.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO’s 32 member countries have been spending around 40 billion euros ($43 billion) each year on military equipment for Ukraine since the war began in February 2022, and that this should be “a minimum baseline” going forward. Read more
At least 5 killed in Israeli attack on Occupied West Bank city (AfricaNews)
Palestinian authorities said five people were killed in Israeli strikes in the West Bank city of Jenin as people and emergency services attended the aftermath on Friday.
The Israeli military said it was conducting counterterrorism activity that included an airstrike in Jenin.
The military said Israeli soldiers had “encircled a building where terrorists have barricaded themselves in” and the soldiers were exchanging fire, while an airstrike had “struck several armed terrorists” in the area. Read more
Several people injured by stray fireworks at Utah 4th of July celebration (NBC)
Several people were injured during a Fourth of July celebration in Utah when stray fireworks went into the crowd, local media outlets reported.
The incident happened at the Stadium of Fire show at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, about 44 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.
Video posted on X showed what appeared to be two stray fireworks flying into the stadium seats during a fireworks display. Read more
Shark attacks 4 Texas beachgoers on Fourth of July, with report of 1 suffering ‘severe’ bite (People)
A shark is believed to have attacked four people off the southern coast of Texas on the Fourth of July.
According to a press release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on July 4, authorities received reports of four people having been attacked by a shark at South Padre Island.
“Details at this time indicate that two people were bitten and two people encountered the shark but were not seriously injured,” the release read in part. Read more
AFCON 2025Q: Rwanda coach Spitller sad to be in same group with Nigeria (CompleteSports)
Rwanda head coach, Torsten Frank Spitller, is not happy with the outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations draw.
The Amavubi were pitched in Group D with three-time African champions Nigeria, Benin Republic and Rwanda at the draw ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday.
The South Africans are also in the same World Cup qualifying group with the Super Eagles and Squirrels. Read more
AFCON qualifiers: Nigerian fans worried as Eagles face Benin again (Punch)
The battle of optimism and pessimism is on between Nigeria and Benin Republic after both countries were drawn in the same group for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on Thursday in South Africa, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Fresh from beating Nigeria 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June, the Cheetahs and the Super Eagles are drawn in Group D of the series, which also has Libya and Rwanda, another team in Nigeria’s current 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group.
Next year’s AFCON will be held from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 following the decision of CAF to adjust the schedule of the tournament due to the congested FIFA calendar. Read more
Wimbledon 2024: Jessica Pegula, Hubert Hurkacz exit early; Novak Djokovic advances (UPI)
Jessica Pegula and Hubert Hurkacz were among the latest tennis stars to exit early at Wimbledon 2024. Pegula was bounced from through an upset loss, while Hurkacz retired during match point due to a knee injury.
No. 33 Wang Xinyu of China was responsible for Pegula’s early exit. She broke Pegula’s serve six times and fired 38 winners in a 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-1 second-round triumph over the world No. 5 Thursday in London.
“It was a tough match,” Wang said in her on-court interview. “Jessica was really tough to play on grass. Her ball was super low and I’m just really happy I won in the end.” Read more
Garcia ‘expelled’ by WBC after racist comments (BBC)
Ryan Garcia has been “expelled” by the WBC after using racial slurs and Islamophobic language on social media.
The American, who last month was banned for a year from boxing following an anti-doping violation, made the comments on X’s spaces platform, which allows people to have live audio conversations.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement: “Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organisation. Read more
West Ham have improved offer in region of £40m accepted by Wolves (SkySports)
Max Kilman has completed his West Ham medical ahead of his move from Wolves after a bid in the region of £40m was accepted for the defender.
The two clubs are finalising the details of the deal following West Ham’s improved offer for the Wolves captain.
The Hammers had an opening £25m bid rejected by Wolves last month, which fell considerably short of the Molineux club’s valuation. Read more
Man United, Man City cleared for European football next season (ESPN)
Manchester City and Manchester United have been cleared to take part in European competition next season by UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB).
Doubts had been raised after both Man City and LaLiga side Girona, who are both part of the City Football Group, both qualified for the UEFA Champions League. Manchester United, meanwhile, earned a place in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup along with Nice, the Ligue 1 club which is also under the control of Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group.
Two clubs under the same ownership being in one European competition creates a potential conflict with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, and changes had to be made at board level for all four clubs to be admitted. Read more