Tinubu, Sultan, Ado Bayero, others listed among 500 World Influential Muslims (DailyTrust)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; and 12 other Nigerian Muslims have been listed among the 500 most influential Muslims in the world.
This is the first time Tinubu, who became Nigeria’s President this year, would be listed in the annual publication of the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, Amman, Jordan.
However, his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who has consistently featured in the list, is out of it even as the Sultan of Sokoto made the list of the top 50 in the publication. Read more
Disregard Bayelsa REC on manual results collation, INEC Chairman tells Nigerians (Tribune)
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu has formally reacted to the claim by the Resident Electoral Commissioner Bayelsa State, Mr. Obo Effanga, that results of the off-season Bayelsa state governorship elections would be collated manually.
Effanga was reported to have stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission plans to transmit the results of the governorship polls manually, during a meeting with religious leaders and faith-based organisations in Yenagoa.
But addressing journalists at the weekend in Lokoja, Kogi state capital, while inspecting designated centers for mock accreditation of voters using Bimodal Voters Accreditation System ( BVAS) and the INEC Voters Viewing Portal (IReV) ahead of the November 11 governorship elections, expected to hold in Kogi, simultaneously in Bayelsa and Imo states, Professor Yakubu urged prospective voters for the off-season elections in the three states to disregard the position on manual collation of results attributed to the Bayelsa REC. Read more
Rival cult gang hacks three to death in Ogun (Nation)
Suspected members of a rival cult gang have butchered three persons in Ijoko community in Ota area of Ogun State to death and left their remains in an abandoned building.
The attack, it was learnt, occurred on Saturday in what some of the residents reckoned as aftermath of a renewed rival cult gang violence.
The attackers chopped off the left hands of the slain persons while two of the dead were identified as suspected members of an Eiye Confraternity. Read more
Jandor files 34 grounds of appeal against tribunal judgment on Sanwo-Olu (Channels)
The Lagos State Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 governorship election, AbdulAzeez Olajide Adediran popularly known as Jandor, has filed his notice of appeal challenging the September 25 judgment of the state election petition tribunal.
The 38 paged document dated October 13, with 34 grounds of appeal was filed by his team of lawyers led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Clement Onwuenwunor.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Labour Party and its Candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour were all listed as respondents in the notice of appeal. Read more
Lagos: Return of Evans’ men suspected, as kidnappers terrorise Ago Palace Way (Vanguard)
Fear has gripped some residents and business operators at the popular Ago Palace Way, Lagos, following the rising spate of recent kidnappings in the area.
Worst hit are owners of top business outfits, popular eateries and restaurants who are targets of the kidnappers. So far, Crime Guard learned that so much money, both in local and foreign currencies, has been paid as ransom by the helpless victims of kidnappings in the ever-busy business district and residential enclave.
The latest victim of these heartless abductors who are always armed to the teeth is the Chief Executive Officer and owner of a popular bar (names withheld for security reasons) at Last Bus Stop, Ago Palace Way. Read more
I’ve never felt this much pain, Wizkid cries at mum’s funeral (Punch)
Pop star, Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid, stated that he has never experienced the type of pain he is feeling, as his mother, Juliana, was laid to rest. She passed away on August 18, 2023.
Speaking at the wake and tribute service in honour of the deceased on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Victoria Island, Lagos, Wizkid said, “I have no words to describe the pain that I feel, and I know every one of my family members shares this pain with me. I know that it is impossible for the pain to go away, so I’m not going to say, ‘take away the pain’, but I know God in his infinite mercy is going to comfort us, to be able to go on with life. The pain is profound; it hurts deeply. It is the deepest pain I have ever felt in my life. I am lost, but I pray and I know God will comfort every one of us.” Read more
Nigeria’s finance minister bags historic World Bank appointment (Leadership)
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has been appointed to chair the African Governors’ Forum of the World Bank.
The appointment marks the first time Nigeria has assumed the role of chairman in 60 years.
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance on Saturday, “the appointment presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria and the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.” Read more
Thieves raid Ogun palace, steal crown, staff of office (DailyTrust)
Suspected thieves have reportedly raided the palace of the Olu of Ogunmakin town in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba James Sodiya, carting away his crown and staff of office.
It was learnt that the hoodlums broke into the palace of the late monarch, who passed away about two months ago, on Thursday.
Police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to journalists in Abeokuta on Saturday. Read more
Brittany Howard announces new album ‘‘What Now’’ and shares title track (NME)
Brittany Howard has shared her new single ‘‘What Now’’ – the title track of an upcoming album.
The Alabama Shakes singer released her debut solo album ‘Jaime’ in 2019, earning her multiple Grammy nominations, including Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Song.
“‘What Now’ is maybe the truest and bluest of all the songs,” Howard said. “It’s never my design to hurt anyone’s feelings, but I needed to say what was on my mind without editing myself. I like how it’s a song that makes you want to dance, but at the same time the lyrics are brutal.” Read more
Kenya, China and a railway to nowhere (BBC)
The first section of Kenya’s Chinese-built railway was opened with much fanfare in 2017 – but two years later work on the tracks stopped in the middle of the country and the master plan of linking it to other landlocked countries in East Africa seems to have derailed.
This means the project is not bringing as much money as was hoped at this stage, while Kenya is left servicing loans totalling around $4.7bn (£3.9bn), mainly borrowed from Chinese banks.
Yet it is hard to believe that Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is not a success when passengers disgorge from a packed train of around 12 carriages at the Syokimau railway terminus in the capital, Nairobi – the last service of the day. Read more
US universities help Malawi establish first AI centre (VOA)
Malawi launched its first-ever Centre for Artificial Intelligence and STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics — Friday at the Malawi University of Science and Technology. Established with support from various U.S.-based universities, the center aims to provide solutions to the country’s innovation and technology needs.
The project’s leader, Zipangani Vokhiwa, a science professor at Mercer University in the U.S. and a Fulbright scholar, says the center will help promote the study and use of artificial intelligence, or AI, and STEAM for the socioeconomic development of Malawi and beyond.
“Economic development that we know cannot go without the modern scientific knowledge and aspect so the center will complement vision 2063 for Malawi as a country that needs to be moving together with the country developments in science,” Vokhiwa said. “Not to be left behind.” Read more
Jim Jordan, longtime critic of top US House Republicans, grasps at gavel (RNZ)
Republican Jim Jordan, founder of a hardline US House caucus that a former Republican speaker derided as “legislative terrorists,” on Friday was nominated by his party to take the top spot, testing whether a longtime critic can lead the restive caucus.
Jordan, 59, was nominated for the role – second in line to the US presidency after the vice president – after eight House Republicans, with the support of Democrats, voted his predecessor Kevin McCarthy out of leadership in a historic first and heir-apparent Steve Scalise dropped his bid.
It became clear on Thursday that Scalise would not win the support of 217 of the 221 House Republicans, and it was not clear if Jordan would do better. Read more
North Korea provided arms for Russia to use in Ukraine, says US (National)
The US claimed on Friday that North Korea has provided arms for Moscow to use in Ukraine, releasing images the White House says shows containers moving into Russia by ship.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on a press call said that Pyongyang had provided Moscow with “more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions”.
“We condemn [North Korea] for providing Russia with this military equipment, which was used to attack Ukrainian cities, kill Ukrainian civilians and further Russia’s illegitimate war,” Mr Kirby said. Read more
Sir Michael Caine announces retirement from acting life in upsetting update (DailyRecord)
British acting icon Sir Michael Caine has left fans devastated after he confirmed he would be retiring from acting following the release of his newest film.
The Mirror reports that Sir Michael told the BBC : “You don’t have leading men at 90. I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well I am now. I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and had incredible reviews… What am I going to do that will beat this?”
The star, who has won Oscars, Baftas and Golden Globes, has a huge filmography, including classics like The Italian Job and Zulu, to more recent movies like The Dark Knight franchise and Interstellar. Read more
New Zealand abandons Labour and shifts to the right as country votes for wholesale change (Guardian)
New Zealand voters have delivered a forceful rejection of the Labour government as a surge in support for the National party delivered what analysts described as a “bloodbath” for the government and a new right-leaning era for politics in the country.
The result marked a dramatic change in fortunes for the Labour party, which three years earlier – led by Jacinda Ardern – secured a historic mandate, but saw its support dwindle in the face of rising living costs and the Covid pandemic.
Speaking to a large crowd of party-faithful at his election night event in Auckland, National party leader Christopher Luxon said his party was on course to form the next government with libertarian party Act. “All over this country you have reached for hope and you have voted for change,” Luxon said. Read more
Red hot Boniface picks successive Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award (Punch)
Bayer Leverkusen forward, Victor Boniface, has picked the Bundesliga Rookie gong for September.
This is the second time the Nigerian will be winning the award after picking his first in August.
The 22-year-old’s four goals and one assist were enough to edge out RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simmon and Maximilian Beier of Hoffenheim. Read more
Napoli striker Osimhen to undergo injury scan (Guardian)
Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen will undergo an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury he suffered in his country’s 2-2 draw in a friendly with Saudi Arabia, his national team said.
Osimhen left the game in the 55th minute at the Portimao stadium in Portugal.
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro said Osimhen will undergo a scan and is likely to miss Monday’s friendly against Mozambique also in Portugal. Read more
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner blamed for Stefanos Tsitsipas’ dip in form (Express)
Retired tennis star Pam Shriver has questioned whether the emergence of new young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner could be the reason for Stefanos Tsitsipas’ recent struggles. The world No 6 is 3-5 in tour-level matches since winning the Los Cabos Open in August.
Tsitsipas has experienced a turbulent season, struggling to put together wins of late after an impressive start to the season which saw him make the final of the Australian Open where he was one win away from a maiden Grand Slam title and the world No 1 ranking. The Greek star also had a solid clay swing, reaching at least the quarter-final of every event he played. Read more
England 1-0 Australia: Fans booing Jordan Henderson “defies logic” says Gareth Southgate (BBC)
England manager Gareth Southgate says “it defies logic” that some England fans booed Jordan Henderson during the 1-0 win over Australia.
England captain Henderson, 33, was jeered by a section of fans when he was substituted in the 62nd minute.
“He is a role model in the squad,” said Southgate. “I don’t understand it.”
The ex-Liverpool captain joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq this summer in a move which sparked significant controversy. Read more
Kylian Mbappé shines as France qualify for Euros along with Portugal and Belgium (IrishTimes)
France’s Kylian Mbappé rediscovered his touch in spectacular fashion as he grabbed a double to lead his side to a 2-1 away win against an injury-ravaged Netherlands and early qualification for Euro 2024 on Friday.
The World Cup runners-up, who will be joined in the tournament in Germany by Portugal and Belgium, kept a perfect record in Group B with six wins.
Portugal have also won all their matches in Group J after Goncalo Ramos’s goal and a double by Cristiano Ronaldo earned them a 3-2 home victory against Slovakia in Group J. Read more
NBA All-Star James Harden breaks silence on Sixers fallout (Fox)
James Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, has been at odds with Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey for a while.
Harden rejoined the Sixers last week and spoke to reporters following Friday’s practice, saying his relationship with Morey has reached a point where it cannot be repaired.
“No,” Harden responded when asked whether he thought things could be worked out between him and Morey. “This is not even about this situation. This is in life.” Read more