Olakulehin crowned 43rd Olubadan (Punch)
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on Friday was crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The event was held at the Labosinde compound in the ancient city of Ibadan – the family whose right is to crown any Olubadan of Ibadanland. Read more
Seun Kuti: I’m not close to my first child (DailyTrust)
Seun, one of the sons of Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has opened up on his private life with his first daughter.
In a recent interview with media personality Timi Agbaje, the Afrobeats musician spoke about the delight of parenting.
He discussed the strain with his first daughter, with whom he has no relationship due to a lack of communication with her mother. Read more
CBN Injects $122.67 million into FX market to boost liquidity (Nation)
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected a total of US$122.67 million into the foreign exchange (FX) market to enhance liquidity and stabilize the exchange rate.
The intervention, conducted over two days, saw the apex bank sell the funds to 46 authorized dealers.
According to a statement released by Dr. Omolara Duke, director of financial markets at the CBN, the apex bank sold US$67.5 million to 27 authorized dealers on July 10, 2024, at an exchange rate ranging from N1,480.00 to N1,500.00 per dollar. Additionally, on July 11, 2024, the CBN sold US$55.17 million to 19 authorized dealers at a fixed rate of N1,540.00 per dollar. Read more
Kaduna lauds Tinubu for interest in national school feeding program (Vanguard)
The Kaduna State Government has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its continued interest in the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme for primary schools (NHGSFP) and promised to support the ongoing value for money-( (VFM) research project.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe disclosed this during a Town Hall meeting on the Value for Money (VFM) research study held in Kaduna.
The Deputy Governor who was represented by the state Commissioner of Education, Prof. Muhammad Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau) said the administration of Governor Sani since coming on board has keyed into the program which provides free daily meals to pupils in primary 1-6 in the state’s 4,225 primary schools. Read more
Lagos recognises vital roles SMEs play in economic growth- Sanwo-Olu (Independent)
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state Governor has said that his government recognizes the vital role Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in driving economic growth and creating a vibrant economy in the state and the country.
He thereby reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering SMEs and Fintech companies to foster a robust and thriving local economy in the State.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, his Deputy gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Deputy Director-General to Nigeria, Ms. Fatou Haidara at the Official residence of the Deputy Governor, Ikoyi, Lagos. Read more
Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital introduces cutting-edge medical services (Leadership)
The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) in Benin City has introduced cutting-edge medical services that bridge the gap between mental health care and specialized treatments.
This significant expansion which encompasses surgery, obstetrics/gynaecology, cardiology, and neurological services no doubt represents a major milestone in the hospital’s ongoing efforts to provide holistic and integrated healthcare services to the general public.
It is noteworthy that the hospital also provides state-of-the-art molecular laboratory, radio-diagnostic, 4-D ultrasound services including immunization etc. Read more
Emergency workers battle to rescue trapped persons in Plateau building collapse (Channels)
Emergency workers and volunteers are scrambling to save trapped persons following the collapse of a school building in Plateau State.
The building housing Saints Academy in Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area of the state, caved in on students and their teachers on Friday morning.
At least 12 persons have been confirmed dead while several others were injured. Read more
Crisis brews in Ondo community over new yam festival (Tribune)
Crisis is brewing in Arigidi Akoko community in Akoko Northwest local government area of Ondo over the choice of a date for the new yam festival.
While the traditional ruler of the community, the Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Olanipekun had reportedly approved July 20 as previously celebrated in the past, an indigene of the town, Gani Ashiru, was said to have fixed the celebration for tomorrow, July 13.
Distancing from the announcement and radio jingles placed by Ashiru, the community heads have said the date for the new Yam festival remains July 20, saying Ashiru fixed the date for the festival without consulting with relevant stakeholders. Read more
“Devastating” new Eminem song addressed to his daughter Hailie has fans in tears (Tyla)
Eminem has never been one to shy away from the brutalities of his family life.
So much so, that the financial battles, relationship break-downs, heartbreaking losses, substance abuse and the estrangements from his children that he endured throughout the duration of his life often became the subjects of his mesmerising rap songs.
And this week, following the release of his latest masterpiece, The Death of Slim Shady, the best-selling artist has had praise heaped upon him for hashing out the passionate yet often heartbreaking, close-knit relationship with eldest daughter Hailie Mathers in one of the album’s most emotional tracks. Read more
Security guard Gavin Plumb jailed for life over ‘‘vile’’ Holly Willoughby kidnap and murder plot (OK!)
A security guard has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years after hatching “depraved and vile” plans to kidnap, rape and murder TV star Holly Willoughby.
Chelmsford Crown Court was told Gavin Plumb’s plot had a “catastrophic” and “life-changing” impact on the former This Morning presenter.
Plumb was unanimously convicted of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap following a trial at the same court. Read more
Kyle Clifford arrested in his hospital bed for murders of BBC presenter’s family (Metro)
Kyle Clifford has been arrested on suspicion of murdering BBC racing commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters in a horrific crossbow attack.
The 26-year-old was tracked to a cemetery in Enfield, north London, on Wednesday afternoon, and has remained in hospital in a serious condition since.
He is accused of killing Carol Hunt, 61, and sisters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, in what police called a targeted attack. Read more
Man sentenced to life over plot to kidnap, rape and murder UK TV personality Holly Willoughby (ABC)
A man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for plotting to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby, one of Britain’s most high-profile television personalities.
At the sentencing hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, around 40 miles (65 kilometers) east of London, Judge Edward Murray told Gavin Plumb, 37, that he would have to serve a minimum term of 16 years before he can be eligible for parole.
Plumb was found guilty by a jury last week following an eight-day trial. Read more
Prisoners to serve shorter sentences until 2026 to avert ‘total breakdown of law and order’ (Independent)
Emergency plans to cut prisoner sentence lengths to ease the overcrowding crisis and avert “a total breakdown in law and order” will last until 2026 at least, the justice secretary has announced.
In a furious speech at HMP Five Wells, Shabana Mahmood lambasted the decision by Rishi Sunak’s government to delay the new measures announced by Labour on Friday to release many prisoners 40 per cent of the way into their sentences – as opposed to halfway through – until after the election.
And it was also revealed the emergency early release scheme brought in by the previous government in October had seen 10,000 inmates freed early, but had barely put a dent in the prison population. Read more
Simon Cowell invites transgender men to audition for his next boyband as search widens (Mirror)
Simon Cowell seems to be broadening his search for the next big boyband and has reportedly invited transgender men to apply to his auditions, as he sets out to recruit new talent
Simon Cowell is expanding his search to find the next big boyband as he opens applications to transgender men, according to reports.
The 64-year-old music mogul and Britain’s Got Talent judge has been on the hunt for exceptional performers to form a band capable of achieving the success of One Direction. While Simon previously stated how there hasn’t been a boyband as successful as the group, he remains optimistic that his new venture will unearth fresh talent. Read more
Congo truce ends in a week: Aid groups warn of missed opportunity to help civilians (AfricaNews)
A two-week truce in eastern Congo has heavily reduced fighting, but with a week left aid workers and local civil society groups say not much help has reached millions of people who are trapped in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
The two-week humanitarian cease-fire was announced by the U.S. a week ago, bringing a pause to clashes between Congolese forces and rebels allegedly backed by neighbouring Rwanda in the mineral-rich region. Fighting has intensified this year, especially in the North Kivu province where hundreds of thousands have been displaced.
The two-week period is not enough, and even during the truce there have been reports of continuing violence in Masisi territory near Goma, the capital of North Kivu, said Abdoulaye Barry, head of the sub-office of the U.N. refugee agency in the region. Read more
My dream is to groom female fighters in Nigeria – Juliet Ukah (Leadership)
Nigeria’s female fighter sensation, Cpl Juliet Ukah, has said that her dream is to inspire and groom girls to take up the profession, expressing delight as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) is debuting to create Africa’s version of the competition.
Ukah, who lives and trains in Nigeria but competes outside Nigeria, stated this at the unveiling of PFL Africa in Lagos.
According to her, the coming of the PFL to Africa and Nigeria is a wonderful thing. “It has always been my dream to own a gym here in Nigeria and also to groom and inspire young girls to be confident in themselves no matter where they end up. So, I’m happy that the PFL is coming to Nigeria, and I think this is a very good dream to achieve together.” Read more
Ndidi reaches Leicester agreement (Punch)
After the report that Nigeria international, Wilfred Ndidi, turned down a contract offer from Spanish club Sevilla, expressing his preference to remain in the Premier League, Footmercato says the midfielder is on the verge of signing a new contract with Leicester City, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Ndidi left the King Power Stadium at the end of last season as a free agent following the expiration of his contract and emerged as one of the most sought-after players with several clubs showing interest in the Nigerian.
Barcelona, Sevilla, Juventus, Everton and a host of others have all been linked with the combative midfielder who last season showcased his talent with the Foxes, contributing significantly to their return to the EPL with four goals, five assists, and maintaining an 82% pass accuracy across 32 league appearances. Read more
James Anderson retires with victory as England thrash West Indies by an innings in first Test at Lord’s (SkySports)
James Anderson enjoyed a fitting farewell to Test cricket as England routed West Indies by an innings and 114 runs on the third morning of the series opener at Lord’s.
Anderson claimed three second-innings wickets in his 188th and final Test to end up with 704 in his career, third on the all-time list behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
The 41-year-old produced a peach of a delivery – angling in, then curling away – to nick off Joshua Da Silva (9) having walked out to a guard of honour from both sets of players before West Indies resumed on 79-6 and trailing by 171 runs. Read more
Serena Williams roasts Harrison Butker, promotes women’s sports at 2024 ESPYS (UPI)
Host Serena Williams took a moment to slight Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during the 2024 ESPY Awards, saying “we don’t need you” when discussing the promotion of women’s sports.
Williams made the comment while flanked by sister Venus and comedian Quinta Brunson on Thursday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner — who won one of those titles while pregnant — was referencing a commencement speech Butker made in May that many perceived as homophobic and misogynistic. Read more
Lukaku more suited to Conte’s plan than Osimhen – Giuliani (CompleteSports)
Popular sports lawyer Marco Giuliani believes Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku will be more suited to Napoli new manager, Antonio Conte’s game plan than Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the new Serie A season.
Giuliani stated this in an interview with Tuttomercatoweb, where he said that Lukaku has more technique and the ability to move the team up than Osimhen.
“All in all, Lukaku is more suited to Conte’s game than Osimhen. He has more technique and the ability to move the team up. Read more
Pimblett says UFC 304 fight is last on UFC contract (BBC)
Paddy Pimblett has revealed his fight at UFC 304 in Manchester is the final bout on his current UFC contract.
The Liverpudlian is one of the biggest British stars in the promotion and has become a big name in the US.
Pimblett, 29, fights Bobby Green on 27 July in Manchester and the lightweight says he intends to stay with the UFC. Read more