Senate mourns Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Nation)
The Senate has expressed deep regret over the sudden death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (APC – Anambra South) in London.
A statement by the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC – Ekiti South) reads in part: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the Nigeria Senate announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who until his passing represented the Anambra South Senatorial District.
“Senator Uba was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents. His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large. Read more
Ubah: President Tinubu mourns deceased lawmaker (Vanguard)
Following the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
Daily Sun reported that Ubah died in London, UK on Friday days ago after he started having a health crisis.
Reacting to his demise in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Chief Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday, the nation’s leader prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed. Read more
Akpabio, Barau, Kalu mourn Ifeanyi Ubah (Sun)
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has expressed shock over the sudden death of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Akpabio, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, expressed deep sadness over the death of the Senator, saying he has left a void in the National Assembly.
He described the late Ubah as one of the shining lights of our democracy and a young democrat with vibrant and resourceful ideas. Read more
Lagos mulls school curriculum upgrade with AI (Punch)
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Abolaji Abayomi has said the state intends to “ensure continuous upgrading of school curriculum” leveraging Artificial Intelligence.
He made this known on Friday at the Education Resource Center Ojodu Lagos, during the award ceremony organised for students-users of a technology-based platform, Darsel App, used for solving mathematics subjects in Lagos State public schools.
Abayomi explained that the essence of the event was to add more value to teaching and learning, specifically on subjects like mathematics. Read more
Uche Jumbo’s ‘Onye Egwu’ movie sparks reactions amid protests (Leadership)
Actress Uche Jumbo’s latest film, Onye Egwu, is creating buzz on the internet amidst planned protest in the country.
The movie, which is already captivating audiences across Nigeria with a debut on Prime Video, blends art and reality in a way that resonates deeply with viewers.
Nollywood has recently shown a marked evolution in the richness of its storytelling, and ‘Onye Egwu’ is a testament to this growth. Read more
Malnutrition: Over 2m Children Suffer Stunting In Kano –UNICEF (DailyTrust)
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), has revealed that out of over 3.4 million children of under-five years in Kano, 2 million, which represents 56.9%, are affected by stunting, due to malnutrition.
This was disclosed by UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed, during the launch of the 2024 First Round of Maternal Neonatal Child Health (MNCH) Week held at Ungwa Uku Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Tarauni Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, Kano State with a projected population of about 17 million, has over 3.4 million children that are under five years, of which more than half are affected by stunting. Read more
Landmine kills 7 troops in Kano (Channels)
A landmine exploded under a Nigerian military vehicle killing seven soldiers in a northeastern area where Islamic State-affiliated jihadists are active, anti-jihadist militia said Friday.
The soldiers were heading for Kukawa early Thursday when their vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device, two militia sources said.
“All the seven soldiers in the van died in the explosion at Bawarti village,” anti-jihadist militia leader Babakura Kolo said. The incident was confirmed by another militia official, Ibrahim Liman. Read more
Daniel Bwala can inly be a political liability to Tinubu, Ndume alleges (Independent)
Mohammed Ali Ndume, senator representing Southern Borno has alleged that Mr. Daniel Bwala, former critic of the All Progressives Congress, APC can only be a political liability to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that Mr. Bwala, a lawyer turned politician was a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, but unceremoniously left the party and pitch tent with President Tinubu.
Bwala had accused the Senator on different fora after he (Ndume) granted an interview with Arise TV, which the Lawmaker expressed worry over the increasing hunger and insecurity that characterized the present administration. Read more
Kelly Clarkson moved to tears after Céline Dion’s opening ceremony performance at Paris Olympics (People)
Céline Dion’s rousing comeback performance at the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris moved many, including Kelly Clarkson, to tears.
Clarkson, 42, was a member of the broadcast team covering the event on Friday, July 26, for NBC, alongside Mike Tirico and Peyton Manning.
As the hot-air balloon-inspired Olympic cauldron was lit and floated into the sky, Dion sang Edith Piaf’s classic “Hymne A L’Amour.” Read more
7 out of 10 French high-speed trains to run Saturday after sabotage (VOA)
Seven out of 10 French high-speed trains will run Saturday on three key routes, a day after saboteurs paralyzed much of the train network as the Olympic Games started in Paris.
No immediate claim of responsibility was made for the coordinated overnight arson attacks on cabling boxes at junctions strategically picked out north, southwest and east of the French capital where the Olympics opening ceremony was staged on Friday night.
Rail workers thwarted an attempt to destroy safety equipment on a fourth line in what the SNCF rail company called a “massive attack.” Read more
Niger: Mohamed Bazoum remains defiant despite detention (AfricaNews)
A year ago, Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a military coup led by General Tiani, who took control of Niger with the support of the army. Since then, the military has solidified its power by limiting freedoms, suspending political parties, and silencing critics.
No timeline for a return to civilian rule has been announced, and Niger has distanced itself from Western allies, drawing closer to Russia.
Bazoum and his wife, Hadiza, have been detained at the presidential residence since October, isolated from the outside world except for regular visits from his doctor. Read more
Warner Bros. Discovery to lay off nearly 1,000 employees, cuts to Max staffers in single digits (Variety)
A new round of layoffs has hit Warner Bros. Discovery, though the number of employees affected in this wave is fewer in comparison to the sweeping cuts made across the David Zaslav-led company last year.
Sources tell Variety that nearly 1,000 employees will be laid off across a few sectors in a new cost-cutting move at WBD, including finance, business affairs, production and at streamer Max. The insider says the vast majority of the eliminations were in the finance division, with less than 10 Max staffers affected in total.
Not all employees included in the layoffs have been informed of the decisions at the time of publication. Read more
Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld is at peace with that Deadpool & Wolverine joke (THR)
A few years ago, Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld ran into Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige at San Diego Comic-Con, where he got a tantalizing tidbit about the then-mysterious Deadpool 3.
Feige told Liefeld that his desk was currently covered with the writer-artist’s work, specifically the Deadpool Corps – a team of wacky alternate reality versions of Deadpool, including the canine Dogpool and the female Ladypool. That was Liefeld’s first inkling that such characters could pop up in what is now known as Deadpool & Wolverine, which features a breakout character played by Peggy, a Pug-Chinese Crested mix who previously won Britain’s Ugliest Dog Contest.
“You can’t resist the lure of Dogpool,” Liefeld recalls thinking after that chat with Feige. “I feel like Dogpool is the next level after Groot and Rocket Raccoon. And I even said, ‘The merchandising on this alone is worth doing it for.’” Read more
‘The Fall Guy’ confirms streaming release date (DigitalSpy)
The Fall Guy has confirmed its streaming release date in the US, with fans getting two versions of the film.
The action-comedy, which stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, will drop on Peacock (not one of the streaming services in the UK in 2024, we’re afraid) on August 30. That’s both the theatrical cut and a 20-minute longer extended cut.
The extended version runs at 146 minutes, and NBCUniversal has described it as featuring “more action, stunts, romance and more sexy bacon!” Read more
76 workers evacuated after fire breaks out in factory at Kian Teck Road (StraitsTimes)
The solar panels on a factory in Kian Teck Road caught fire on the afternoon of July 27, causing 76 workers to be evacuated.
The fire was fully extinguished within 20 minutes, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in a Facebook post.
The workers had been evacuated from the factory before the SCDF arrived, and no injuries were reported. Read more
Paris Olympics: We’re Ready For Spain – Ajibade (NewTelegraph)
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade on Saturday declared that the Super Falcons are battle-ready for the clash against world champions, Spain.
The nine-time African champions will look to bounce back from Thursday’s defeat to Brazil when they take on Spain.
Saturday Telegraph reports that the encounter is slated for the Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes on Sunday. Read more
Arsenal make Osimhen contact (Punch)
Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Napoli star Victor Osimhen, as the Premier League giants intensify their search for a prolific frontman this summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigeria international has been in scintillating form since joining the Italian side from Lille in 2020, netting 76 times in all competitions.
His goal-scoring prowess has not gone unnoticed, with several Premier League heavyweights keeping tabs on the 25-year-old striker who has also garnered attention from Real Madrid and French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Read more
Brazil teenager Endrick joins Real Madrid (StraitsTimes)
Brazilian forward Endrick shed tears of pride after signing a six-year contract with Real Madrid, days after celebrating his 18th birthday.
The LaLiga club had agreed to sign Endrick from Sao Paulo-based Palmeiras in 2022, with a view to him joining Madrid in July 2024 after turning 18.
Spanish media reported that Endrick, who will wear Real’s number 16 jersey, was signed for an initial fee of 35 million euros ($38 million) with a further 25 million euros in possible add-ons. Read more
Atletico Madrid to sign Spain defender Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad (WashingtonTimes)
Spain defender Robin Le Normand will join Atletico Madrid on a transfer from Real Sociedad, the two clubs said Saturday.
The 27-year-old Le Normand helped Spain win the European Championship earlier this month.
Both clubs said the deal would be finalized “in the coming days.” Neither revealed the financial details of the transfer, nor did Atletico say how many seasons Le Normand would sign for. Read more
China wins first gold medals of 2024 Olympics in diving, air rifle (ABC)
China won the first two gold medals of the Paris Olympics on Saturday, continuing the county’s dominance in diving while defending its victory in the 10-meter air rifle mixed team event.
China has ruled diving for decades, and three years ago in Tokyo it won seven of eight gold medals. But it’s never pulled off the elusive gold sweep. That’s the goal this time.
It was a perfect start for the team of Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen, as they won the women’s synchronized 3-meter springboard with 337.68 points on five dives. They were followed by Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook of the United States with 314.64 points and the British team of Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen with bronze and 302.28 points. Read more
McLaren to soon discuss prioritizing Norris title push (F1i)
McLaren will evaluate during F1’s summer break whether to prioritise Lando Norris’ championship bid in the second half of the season following a controversial team order in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Last weekend at the Hungaroring, the team opted to swap Norris and Oscar Piastri after their final pit stop, handing the race win to the deserving rookie and denying Norris crucial points in his battle with Max Verstappen.
The decision to swap positions, made in the interest of securing a one-two finish, left Norris visibly frustrated. The Briton’s second-place finish meant Verstappen’s championship lead increased to 69 points. Read more