Tributes flow as Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others mourn legendary Mike Ejeagha (Channels)
President Bola Tinubu headlined the dignitaries and governments who have paid tribute to the legendary folklorist and highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha.
Ejeagha died on Friday at the age of 95.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his deep condolences to Ejeagha’s family, fans, and the entire nation, hailing the late artist as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.”
“Mike Ejeagha used his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, inspiring generations. Read more
Mokwa Tragedy: Survivors recount harrowing experiences (DailyTrust)
Survivors of the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, have continued to recount their experiences. Most of them who spoke with Weekend Trust said many of their loved ones believed to have been swept away by the flood were yet to be found.
Mariya Usman said her family lost 18 people and only 9 bodies had been recovered and buried, while the remaining 9 were yet to be accounted for.
“We are still looking for nine members of our family, including three children between the ages of three and ten, as well as my sister,” she said. Read more
Eid-Adha:Tinubu, govs, others felicitate Muslims (Leadership)
President Bola Tinubu, state governors and other prominent personalities and organisations in the country yesterday sent messages of goodwill to the Muslim community in the country on the occasion of this year’s Eid-al-Kabir.
The president called for more prayers for the military and security agencies currently making sacrifices to keep the nation safe, particularly those confronting terrorists and bandits.
The president, who observed the Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos, told newsmen that the security agencies and vulnerable citizens should top the prayer list. Read more
Kaduna governor urges retired soldiers to join fight against terrorism (Guardian)
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has called on all retired military generals from Southern Kaduna to leverage their wealth of experience in combating banditry and terrorism in the state.
Governor Sani emphasized that this is the time for their military expertise to be brought to bear in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across Kaduna State.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to peace, progress, and inclusive governance throughout all regions of Kaduna State, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Read more
Eid-el-Kabir: NAF foils terror attacks in Borno (Nation)
Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have destroyed key Boko Haram hideouts meant to be used for coordinated attacks on civilians in Borno State.
The hideouts, located in Tumbumma Baba and Chiralia in the Southern Tumbuns, were destroyed shortly before the Eid-el-Kabir celebration by Muslims.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, announced this in a statement on Saturday. Read more
Ireland deports 35 Nigerians (Punch)
The Republic of Ireland has deported no fewer than 35 Nigerians, including five children, to Nigeria in a chartered flight that departed from Dublin Airport on Wednesday night.
According to the Irish Mirror, the returnees, comprising 21 men, nine women, and five children, landed in Nigeria on Thursday.
Irish Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, said he was “happy to say” that all of them returned to Nigeria despite an unscheduled stopover due to a medical incident on board. Read more
Nigeria gradually sliding into dictatorship – Ozekhome (Sun)
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Mike Ozekhome has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s gradual slide into a one-party state, saying the nation risked descent into a dictatorship if the current political trends remain unchecked.
The renowned constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate spoke as a guest on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme on Saturday, a day after Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ozekhome decried “bootlicking at its highest level” among the nation’s political elite, maintaining that the political landscape has become marked by ideological decay, opportunism, and blind loyalty to those in power. Read more
Bear busts through nursing home window before being lured out with Rice Krispie Treats (People)
A nursing home in Pennsylvania had to evict an unwanted guest after a wild bear burst through their window looking for food.
Staff and residents at Presbyterian Senior Living had a busy night on Tuesday, June 3 when a juvenile black bear broke through a window just after 11pm. One photo shared by CBS News Pittsburgh showed a shattered window, another showed claw marks by a different window sill.
“I grabbed a walker and was hitting him, trying to get him away from the residents,” Charlene Elliot told the news station exclusively during an on-camera interview. Read more
Jennifer Garner warns ‘proceed with caution’ in candid plastic surgery confession (Hello!)
There’s no denying that Jennifer Garner looks incredible at 53, but she admits her youthful appearance isn’t all natural.
While the 13 Going on 30 actress maintains a healthy lifestyle to help combat signs of aging, she confessed that she has dabbled with Botox injections in the past. However, despite utilising the cosmetic procedure, Jennifer admitted that she is not a fan of Botox. Read more
Iran condemns ‘racist mentality’ behind US travel ban (AlJazeera)
Iran has sharply criticised United States President Donald Trump’s travel ban on its nationals and those of several countries, calling it “racist” and a sign of deep-rooted hostility towards Iranians and Muslims.
Trump earlier this week signed an executive order that bars and restricts travellers from 19 countries, including several African and Middle Eastern nations.
The policy, set to take effect on Monday, echoes measures introduced during Trump’s previous term in office from 2017-2021. In the executive order, Trump said he “must act to protect the national security” of the US. Read more
Body of Thai hostage recovered from Gaza, Israel says (BBC)
Israel has retrieved the body of a Thai national taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack in October 2023, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says.
He said the body of Nattapong Pinta was retrieved during a special operation in the Rafah area of southern Gaza on Friday. The 35-year-old was working as an agricultural labourer in southern Israel when he was kidnapped.
Mr Nattapong is likely to have been killed during his first months of captivity, an Israeli military official said. Before the operation, it was not known whether he was dead or alive. Read more
Pope Leo XIV to leaders of ecclesial movements: ‘Christian life is not lived in isolation’ (CNA)
Christians must not attempt to live out the promises of Christ alone, Pope Leo XIV told a delegation of 250 people in Rome for the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities.
Organised by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, the annual meeting of moderators of associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements, and new communities comes as more than 70,000 pilgrims are expected to arrive in Rome for the jubilee this weekend, June 7–8.
“The Christian life is not lived in isolation,” the Holy Father said in his Friday address to the delegation, representatives of several lay associations and ecclesial movements. “It is lived with others, in a group and in community, because the risen Christ is present wherever disciples gather in his name.” Read more
Heart surgeon explains why he doesn’t use common bathroom product due to serious cardiac risk (Ladbible)
A heart surgeon has revealed why he doesn’t use a common bathroom product due to the associated health risks.
Most of us use a selection of different products in the bathroom, from toothpaste to shower gel, deodorant and dental floss.
However, according to one doctor, there is a specific product that carries a significant risk – and for this reason, he never uses it. Read more
Gutsy Gauff overpowers Sabalenka to win French Open title (Channels)
Coco Gauff battled back from a set down to beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a Grand Slam final for the second time with a dramatic victory in the French Open showpiece on Saturday.
The second-ranked American dug deep to claim a 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-4 victory and her second major title after also defeating Sabalenka at the 2023 US Open.
The 21-year-old more than made amends for her emotional 2022 final loss to Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros, outlasting Sabalenka over two hours and 38 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier. Read more
Osimhen accepts Al Hilal offer, agrees personal terms with Saudi club (Leadership)
Victor Osimhen has moved one step closer to finally sealing his permanent exit from Napoli.
According to goal.com, an agreement between Osimhen and Al-Hilal over personal terms is in place, with the striker set to be paid the equivalent of $35 million (£29m/$40m) as a base rate over the course of his contract.
But, despite the breakthrough with the player, Al-Hilal are still behind in reaching an agreement with Napoli.
The Saudi giants’ best offer is €70m (£59m/$80m) and Napoli want €75m (£63m/$86m). Read more
Ronaldo declines offers to play at FIFA Club World Cup (AlJazeera)
Cristiano Ronaldo says he’s almost certain he will not be playing at the Club World Cup, dealing a blow to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s hopes of having one of football’s biggest attractions at the tournament.
The Portugal star confirmed on Saturday that he received “quite a few” offers from participating clubs to play for them at the tournament starting June 14, but had decided against accepting any of them.
“Some things make sense to talk about, other things don’t, and, as a person says, you can’t take part in everything,” Ronaldo said. Read more
Biles calls Gaines ‘sick’ in trans rights row (BBC)
Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles has called former US swimmer and activist Riley Gaines “sick” over online comments about a transgender woman softball player.
Gaines, who has regularly spoken out about transgender women athletes competing in women’s sport, mocked Minnesota State High School League for removing comments on their post about the Chaplin Park girls’ team celebrating the State Championship.
Chaplin Park’s team includes a transgender woman player.
“You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser,” Biles wrote on X. Read more
F1 World Champion ‘became a hermit’ as heartbreaking health update issued (PlanetF1)
1982 F1 World Champion Keke Rosberg opened up on his recent health struggles and disappearance from the Formula 1 paddock.
As well as declining eyesight, Rosberg admitted that he has “hardly energy left” due to the impacts of long Covid, having left the F1 world behind and become “a hermit”.Rosberg reached the Formula 1 summit in 1982, winning his sole World Championship with Williams in a season which produced only one of Rosberg’s five grands prix wins. Read more