Zamfara First Lady donates Sallah packages to 5000 women (Sun)
The First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has donated Sallah packages to more than five thousand women across the state in celebration of Eid-el-Kabir festival.
The items were presented to the targeted PDP women politicians, councillors, local government women leaders, female elders, and beneficiaries of the Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal Trust Fund Foundation, among others at Government House in Gusau the state capital.
Represented by Lady Larai Musa Lawal and Hajiya Hussana Sani Muhammad, the first Lady explained that the gesture is intended to ease the burden on women during the festive period and enable them to celebrate Sallah with joy and dignity. Read more
Eid-el-Kabir: Atiku, Oyebanji, Sanwo-Olu, Makinde, Abiodun, Abass, others congratulate Muslim faithful (Tribune)
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has extended his congratulations to Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-al-Adha, emphasising the importance of embodying the festival’s core values of sacrifice and devotion to God.
In a press statement released by his media office on Thursday, Atiku encouraged Muslims to seek God’s mercy through prayers for the nation during the sacred period.
He said: “The essence of Eid-al-Adha, rooted in the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammad, calls us to reflect kindness and peace in our lives.” Read more
Pastor Tobi Adegboyega opens up on cancer diagnosis, healing process (Nation)
Controversial pastor Tobi Adegboyega has opened up on his cancer diagnosis and recent surgery with his congregation.
In a video message, he said: “I was diagnosed with cancer. Yes, you heard me right. I’ve been dealing with cancer for the past few months or even more. I just had a major surgery, that’s why I am not there today.
“I have just fought the battle and I feel the verdict to continue to live was given to me by God for a new level, for a new stage,” the pastor said. Read more
UNIZIK student jumps from 3-storey building, dies after allegedly consuming hard drugs (Vanguard)
A male student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has jumped from a three-storey building and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The incident occurred at a Lodge close to the university’s gate. Residents of the area said the student apparently consumed hard drugs before jumping from the building.
According to the neighbours, there was a loud noise, adding that when they rushed to the scene, they found the victim’s body lying in a pool of blood. Read more
Uwais: Nigeria lost phenomenal jurist, statesman – Tinubu (NewTelegraph)
Presudent Bola Tinubu’s has said that the country lost a phenomenal jurist and statesman with the death of Justice Mohammed Uwaus on Friday.
He said this in a tribute which reads:
“Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, who died on Friday at 89, was a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour, courage and exceptional integrity.
“I join family members, friends, proteges and well-meaning Nigerians in mourning this respected patriot and statesman, who passed away today as we mark Eid-Al-Adha. Read more
Concern over continued killings in Benue, other states (ThisDay)
The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has expressed deep concern over the persistent violence and killings in Benue and other states across the country.
Ochogwu, in a statement yesterday, highlighted the devastating impact of these attacks on innocent lives and the nation’s overall security, noting that the recent killings have become a source of concern for the Nigerian government and other stakeholders.
He lamented that the continued bloodshed has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges, including displacement, trauma, and loss of livelihoods, and emphasizing that the government must take immediate action to address the root causes of these conflicts and ensure the safety of citizens. He recommended that the government engage with local communities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to develop effective strategies for promoting peace and stability, calling on Nigerians to support the government’s efforts to remedy issues around livestock production, livestock transformation, and enhancement. Read more
Makinde seeks 6-year single term for president, govs (Punch)
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, advocated a single term of five or six years for elected political office holders across all levels of government in Nigeria, against the current double term of four years each.
He made this known while playing host to Muslim faithful, alongside traditional rulers and political office holders in his Ikolaba private residence in Ibadan, the state capital, shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers.
The delegation was led by the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal. Read more
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Judge threatens to remove rapper for “absolutely unacceptable” behaviour (Farout)
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs received a warning from the judge during his sex trafficking trial this week. On June 5th, Judge Arun Subramanian threatened to remove Combs from the courtroom for nodding and making faces at the jurors.
Subramanian claimed Combs was “vigorously nodding” while Cassie Ventura’s friend, fashion designer Bryana Bongolan, who accused him of dangling her over a balcony, was being cross-examined. He described his actions in court as “absolutely unacceptable.”
The judge told Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, “Mr Agnifilo, your client was looking at jurors and nodding vigorously. This can’t continue, or I will give a limiting instruction you won’t like, or other measures, including barring your client from the courtroom. Do you understand?” Read more
Madonna Unearths Ray of Light Remix album Veronica Electronica (Pitchfork)
After years of rumours, Madonna has formally announced Veronica Electronica, a collection of rare and unreleased remixes from her 1998 album, Ray of Light. It’s out July 25 via Warner. The eight-song remix album includes newly unveiled renditions by Peter Rauhofer, William Orbit, Sasha, and more. Madonna is celebrating the big news by sharing the deep cut “Skin (The Collaboration Remix Edit),” which you can listen to below.
Madonna released her last studio album to date, Madame X, in 2019. Since then, she’s shared the remix compilation Finally Enough Love, which compiled club reworks spanning much of her career. A Madonna biopic has long been in the works but was scrapped at Universal Pictures in 2023. However, the project recently resurfaced in the form of a limited series for Netflix, to be helmed by Stranger Things producer Shawn Levy.
Revisit Shaad D’Souza’s Sunday Review of Madonna’s Music, and read about Ray of Light at No. 55 in “The 150 Best Albums of the 1990s.” Read more
Here’s what Beyoncé played as she kicked UK ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour at London’s Spurs Stadium (NME)
Beyoncé has kicked off her run of UK ‘Cowboy Carter’ dates in London. Check out the full setlist and footage below.
The pop star announced details of the world tour earlier this year, with the dates celebrating the release of her huge country-inspired album ‘Cowboy Carter’. The stint kicked off with a run of North American tour dates, and yesterday (June 5), continued with the first of six UK shows.
The dates for the UK all take place in the capital, held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The remainder of the UK dates will continue on June 7, 10, 12, 14, and 16, before the singer heads over to Paris for three shows at the Stade de France. Read more
At least 3 killed in Russian drone & missile attack on Ukraine (AlJazeera)
At least three people have been killed in Russian missile and drone attacks overnight on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, local officials said, as powerful explosions reverberated across the country.
The attacks followed a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, conveyed via United States President Donald Trump, that the Kremlin would hit back after Ukrainian drones destroyed several strategic bomber aircraft in attacks deep inside Russia.
Kyiv’s military administration said three people were killed in the attacks on the Ukrainian capital after the mayor initially put the death toll at four. The three were first responders who had rushed to the scene of one of the strikes, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. Read more
Billy Joel reveals suicide attempt after having an affair with his friend’s wife (Metro)
Billy Joel has recalled how he attempted suicide and fell into a coma ‘for days’ after having an affair with his friend’s wife when he was in his early twenties.
In the first part of the new documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City this week, the Piano Man singer reflected on how he fell into a deep depression after it was revealed that he had been in a relationship with Elizabeth Weber Small.
Elizabeth was the then-wife of Billy’s Attila bandmate, Jon Small. Read more
George Wendt’s cause of death revealed (RollingStone)
Two weeks after the death of Cheers alum George Wendt, the actor’s cause of death has been revealed.
According to a death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which was obtained by People, Wendt died from cardiac arrest. Underlying cause included congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension, per the outlet.
A rep for Wendt confirmed his death on May 20 at the age of 76 in a statement to Rolling Stone. While an exact cause of death was not given at the time, the rep said Wendt “died peacefully in his sleep while at home.” Read more
Lookman gains Flick’s backing for Barça switch (Punch)
Barcelona’s interest in Nigeria international Ademola Lookman has intensified following endorsement from new head coach Hansi Flick, who reportedly sees the Atalanta forward as a realistic and cost-effective reinforcement for the club’s attack, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to reports from Catalunya Ràdio, Flick has suggested Lookman to the Barcelona hierarchy as a viable alternative to the club’s top target, Liverpool’s Luis Díaz.
The German tactician is said to be impressed with Lookman’s dynamism and goal contribution and believes the Atalanta star could offer immediate impact at a considerably lower cost. Read more
Super Eagles seek to sustain winning mentality against Russia (Sun)
Fresh from winning the four-nation Unity Cup tournament in London, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will seek to maintain their unbeaten run in all competitions since the beginning of this year, when they take on the Sbornaya (The Boys) of Russia at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday night.
It is the first official meeting for both countries at senior level, and though Russia have not played competitively since February 2022, they have been busy playing friendly games, the last one being a 5-0 routing of Zambia’s Chipolopolo at the VTB Arena in Moscow on 25th March. The win took their winning streak to eight games.
Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on 21st March, were held to a 1-1 draw at home four days later by Zimbabwe in the same series, and then defeated Ghana 2-1 on 28th May before overpowering Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw on 31st May to win the Unity Cup tournament in London. Read more
FirstBank partners Abeokuta Golf Club on OBJ tournament (ThisDay)
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has confirmed its sponsorship of the seventh edition of OBJ Golf Tournament, scheduled to hold at the Abeokuta Golf Club on Saturday, June 14th, 2025.
Put together in honour of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his laudable roles in socio-economic and political development of the country, the Bank says the sponsorship is a proof of its unwavering commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria under its First@Sports initiative.
The event which is already generating lots of interests within the golf community is one of the most regular golf tournaments in the club. Read more
Lamine Yamal sends message to Ballon d’Or rival Ousmane Dembele after Spain beat France (Metro)
Lamine Yamal sent a subtle message to Ballon d’Or rival Ousmane Dembele after helping Spain knock France out of the Nations League.
The two European heavyweights produced a pulsating clash in Germany, with the reigning Euros champions coming out on top in a nine-goal thriller.
Leading by two after the first half, Yamal took centre stage. The Barcelona forward has enjoyed another remarkable season at club level and scored twice – either side of Pedri’s well-taken finish – to move Spain 5-1 ahead. Read more
Jordan celebrate reaching 1st World Cup after win against Oman (AlJazeera)
Jordan is celebrating the qualification of its football team for a FIFA World Cup for the first time following a decisive 3-0 victory against Oman.
Huge celebrations erupted as fans drove their cars through Jordan’s capital Amman late on Thursday and into Friday, honking their horns and chanting victory while others waved the national flag in triumph.“We are all with you!” and “It’s getting closer, heroes” read messages written into the night sky in a spectacular drone light show. Read more