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 Transfer: Osimhen gives two conditions to join Saudi Arabian club after €65m offer Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, is yet to agree personal terms with Al Ahli The Saudi Arabian club has already submitted a €65million transfer package to the former Italian champions for Osimhen. According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the agreement between the two clubs “is almost done”. Romano wrote on X: “The agreement between Napoli and Al Ahli for a package in excess of €65m is almost done, pending small details. “But NO agreement with Osimhen so far as the Nigerian striker wants an important salary + KEY DETAIL: release clause to be included.”

  STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW DIRECTORS-GENERAL OF NIA, DSS President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed is the new Director-General of the NIA. Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi is the new Director-General of the DSS. Ambassador Mohammed has had an illustrious career in the foreign service since joining the NIA in 1995. He had served in various roles, culminating in his promotion to the rank of Director and his subsequent appointment as the head of the Nigerian mission to Libya. The 1990 graduate of Bayero University, Kano, had served in North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and at the State House, Abuja.  The new DSS Director-General, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, rose through the ranks to attain his current post of Assistant Director-General of the Service. He had, at various times, served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bay...

  Kogi: PDP moves for Dino Melaye’s suspension, describes senator as’ liability’ The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described Senator Dino Melaye as a liability to the party. PDP elders in the state led by Ibrahim Dansofo, urged the local executive committee in Ijumu to initiate immediate suspension proceedings against Melaye. This, they said, would emphasize the need to restore the party’s integrity and focus on viable leadership. On Saturday, Melaye said the acting national chairman of the PDP, Iliya Damagum, Samuel Anyanwu and Umar Bature have destroyed the former ruling party. Melaye claimed that the three chieftains had irredeemably destroyed PDP. Condemning his remark, the party elders said Melaye’s political ambitions have crumbled to the point where he can no longer secure a local councillor position. The Dansofo-led elders characterized Melaye as a liability, suggesting that his continued association with the party serves only to negotiate per...

 Abiodun Tasks Religious Leaders on Peaceful Co-existence Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has urged religious leaders to ensure peaceful co-existence among the adherents of different religions in the state. The governor gave the admonition on Sunday during the turbaning and installation ceremony of the new Chief Imam of Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area of the state, Sheikh Quasim Badejo, at the playground of the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo palace. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Governor Abiodun assured that his administration was poised to work with religious stakeholders towards promoting peace and tranquility, as well as consolidating the government’s achievements across the nooks and crannies of the state, since meaningful development could only be sustained in a conducive atmosphere. He charged the newly installed Chief Imam to use his position to promote peaceful co-existence among other religions. The governor felic...

 LASG BEGINS PROCESS OF TURNING LASUCOM INTO MEDICAL UNIVERSITY  … Conveys High-Powered Stakeholders’ Parley  In furtherance of efforts by the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to bequeath an international standard college of medicine and excellent healthcare system to the people of Lagos state, the government through the Ministries of Tertiary Education, Health and Lagos State University College Of Medicine (LASUCOM) has convened a meeting with critical stakeholders on the establishment of a stand-alone medical university in Lagos state. Speaking at the forum held recently in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule said the objective of the meeting was to ensure Lagos has a medical university capable of bridging the existing gap in the training of medical personnel and improving the healthcare delivery system in the state. Sule reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's commitment to improve the capacity building of medical doctors and allied...

LASTMA BOSS REASSURES PUBLIC OF PROMPT RESPONSE TO TOLL-FREE CALL CENTRE INQUIRES … Highlights Capacity Building As Top Priority   The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki has reinforced the Agency’s strong commitment to delivering swift and efficient responses to all inquiries and reports received through its Toll-Free Call Centre (080000527862 /080000LASTMA).  This assurance forms part of the new management’s strategic approach to enhancing the efficiency of traffic management across Lagos State. During an operational meeting recently at LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi, Mr. Bakare-Oki addressed Zonal Heads and field officers, emphasising the critical importance of responsive communication with the motoring public. He stressed that every call received by the agency is treated with the highest level of urgency. The Toll-Free Call Centre, which is operational daily from 8 am to 10 pm, serves as a crucial link betwe...

 The Lagos State Government is set to host a Special ‘Lagos Day’ during the 2024 edition of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference scheduled for Tuesday, 27th August 2024 at the specially built Marquee, within the Conference venue at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, A statement signed by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), expressed excitement at the opportunity to showcase the state’s rich heritage and innovative strides at one of the largest gatherings of legal professionals in Africa. “The Special Lagos Day presents a unique opportunity to highlight the culture, history, and traditions that make Lagos truly special, while also demonstrating our achievements and future projects. We are proud to host this event and look forward to giving attendees an authentic Lagos experience”, Mr Pedro said. According to the Commissioner, this year’s NBA Annual General Conference will feature legal practitioners, industry ...

 BEN AFFLECK NOT DATING RFK JR.'S DAUGHTER KICK, DESPITE POST-DIVORCE BUZZ.  Ben Affleck ain't rushing into a new fling right after his public divorce from Jennifer Lopez - despite buzz about him hanging out with FK Jr.s daughter, Kick Kennedy. Sources tell TMZ there's no romance brewing between Ben and Kick, despite their recent sightings together ... adding they're not dating and are definitely not a couple. It's unclear how long Ben and Kick have known each other ... but we're told they’re just buddies, and Kick thinks highly of Ben -- and that’s literally it -- no secret romance here! One more photo below. 

 BENUE APC DID NOT CONDUCT ANY LG PRIMARIES. 26th August, 2024   — Agbese's Mischief Should Be Ignored It has come to the notice of the Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, that Mr. Philip Agbese has made a statement appreciating the Governor and former state chairman of the APC in Benue for conducting Local Government and Ward congresses to nominate candidates for the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state. It is expedient to clarify as follows; 1. APC did not conduct any Local Government and Ward Primaries anywhere in Benue State. 2. The caretaker committee of the party for Benue State, which was set up and inaugurated by His Excellency, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee, has not yet commenced the sale of nomination and declaration of interest forms for aspirants, so there is no way any primaries would have been conducted. 3. Governor Hyacinth Alia, as the leader of APC ...

 Daughter of former Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher missing in Austin, Texas after a night out with problematic ex. 29-year-old Brenna Swindell (daughter of Gregg Swindell) has been reported missing in Austin, Texas. According to Austin P.D. Brenna was last seen around 10:20 p.m., August 22nd at Poodies Hilltop Bar in Spicewood. She has not been seen since and her phone has been shut off. Brenna has had no contact with her family or 3 children since that day. A fact that family says is troubling. Also troubling is the fact that she was at the bar with her ex-boyfriend Morgan Guirdy who family claim has an active warrant and a history of violence. Brenna is 5'5" tall and 120 lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes with tattooing on both arms. Brenna's vehicle has not been located although police report it was possibly spotted in the Colorado Springs area on Friday. It is a white Kia Carnival with Texas plate # VFS7528. If you have seen either Brenna or her vehicle or have any i...

 Egypt 'will not accept' Israeli forces on its border with Gaza Egypt has said it will not accept the continued presence of Israeli forces along its border with the Gaza Strip, state-linked media reported on Monday. Cairo, a key mediator in efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, "reiterated to all parties that it will not accept any Israeli presence" along the strategic Philadelphi Corridor, state-linked Al-Qahera News said, citing a high-level source. A key sticking point in the ceasefire talks have been calls for Israel to withdraw its forces from the border area, including the Rafah crossing, the only one from the Palestinian territory that was not directly controlled by Israel, according to AFP. Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing in early May, a move that has cut off a crucial aid route and drawn repeated condemnation from Egypt and other countries.

 EU Influence in North Africa Waning, Giving Way to Russia, Turkey, Says Borrell The European Union's influence on the African continent, especially in North Africa, is visibly weakening, with its place being taken by Russia, Turkey, and a number of other countries, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Sputnik reported. "We should be worried about what’s happening in Africa. When I first came to Brussels, the French and Italians were in Libya. They weren’t always in harmony, but they were present. Today, there are no Europeans left in Libya – only Turks and Russians," EUobserver quoted the diplomat as saying. Borrell criticized the decline of the EU's influence in Africa, noting that there is no longer "the order" on the African coast of the Mediterranean that the Europeans tried to establish. The portal noted that Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Russia have "intensified their work...

 I Collected Ran-som In Dollars, Used It For My Children’s School Fees, Feeding – Lagos-based Alleged Kidnapper Tosin Oke, a suspected kidnapper popularly known as old soldier, has stated that he spent his share of kidnapping ransom on his children’s education and other household expenses. A six-man armed gang abducted an oil magnate at his dredging site on Ado Road in Ajah area of Lagos State, some months ago.  They took him away in a speedboat to an undisclosed location via the waterways.  It was learnt that the heavily armed kidnappers fired shots into the air to deter anyone from approaching them. According to the report, the victim’s family managed to raise N42 million, which they converted into $30,000 as demanded by the kidnappers, along with an additional N100,000 in cash.  The ransom was delivered to the gang, but three of the kidnappers—Adelaja Ikuesan, 37, Tosin Oke, 40, and Oluwabunmi Yusuf, 39—were eventually apprehended in their hideout after dividing t...

  Yomi Fabiyi reacts as NGO set to hold solidarity assembly for Mohbad ahead of his first remembrance Nollywood actor and filmmaker Yomi Fabiyi has reacted as an NGO set to hold a solidarity assembly for the late singer Ilerioluwa Promise popularly known as Mohbad. Refreshing your memory, Mohbad a former signee of Naira Marley’s record label, tragically passed away at 27 under unclear circumstances on September 12, 2023. Following his death, videos made rounds of him being bullied by his former boss and his members. The Nigeria Police are still trying to unravel the mystery behind his death. Ahead of his first remembrance in a few days, Break The Silence foundation is organizing a solidarity assembly for fans and lovers of the singer in front of The High Court (Coroner Inquest), Ikorodu, Lagos, on September 11th. He stated that the assembly would continue demanding justice for the late entertainer. The organizers, however, made it known that volunteers shouldn’t assemble in the fie...

 PRESS RELEASE  26:08:2024 The editors, CRIME: 37-year-old man arrested in Bauchi for abducting two Almajiri boys from Katsina, abusing one; Attributes actions to ‘Evil’. The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested Abubakar Talba 'm' 37-year-old from Hausari Dandal, Borno State, for abduction and sodomy. While responding to a complaint from the community regarding his ill-treatment of the boys under the guise of running a Quranic school, the Detectives attached to Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters led by the Divisional police officer immediately arrested the suspect.  During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he had attended a Quranic school in Fagge. He met one of his victims at BATA area in Fagge LGA.  The victim, identified as Masaud Barau, 12 years old, from Gamniya village in Niger Republic, was brought to a Quranic school in Rijiyar Lemo, Kano state. The suspect lured him from Kano to Daura under the pretence that he would support him to start a bus...

 Husband sets himself on fire after enduring abuse from wife  In a harrowing incident that unfolded near Marula Platinum mine in Burgersfort, Limpopo, a man in Legabeng village made a desperate attempt on his life after enduring abuse from his wife.  Reports indicate he carried a container of fuel to a secluded area in the bushes.  Pouring the fuel on himself and drinking it, he then set himself on fire.  Feeling the pain, he rushed towards the Platinum mine, pleading for help.  The mine workers extinguished the flames and summoned the ambulance as the distressed man disclosed relationship troubles with his wife as the reason for his desperate act.

 Health Concerns Rise as Sewage Spreads Along Gaza Coastline Parts of Gaza's Mediterranean coastline have started turning brown due to a significant sewage spill, raising health concerns over the potential spread of diseases. Satellite images analyzed by BBC Arabic reveal a large discharge of sewage off the coast of Deir al-Balah, suggesting that open sewage is flowing directly into the sea. Local officials attribute the spill to the increased number of displaced people, who are reportedly connecting their sewage pipes to the rainwater drainage system to manage waste. "It is because of the increase in the number of displaced people, and many are connecting their own pipes to the rainwater drainage system," explained Abu Yazan Ismael Sarsour, head of the Deir al-Balah emergency committee. Environmental expert Wim Zwijnenburg from the Pax for Peace organization confirmed that wastewater from overcrowded camps appears to be flowing into the sea, based on the satellite images...

 Kaduna Police Arrest Suspects In Connection With Cattle Rustling, Kidnapping, Gunrunning The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the arrest of several individuals in connection with various criminal activities in the state. According to the police, two individuals, Aminu Saleh and Jafar Ibrahim, were arrested for cattle rustling in the Kasuwa Magani area of Kujama. In a separate incident, three suspects - Umar Baso, Shehu Filani, and Babangida Abdulkarim - were apprehended for attempting to kidnap someone and demanding a ransom of N10 million. Additionally, two suspects, Dahiru Liman and Sani Abdullahi Makeri, were arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers operating in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states. A fabricated AK-47 rifle and five rounds of 9mm live ammunition were recovered during the operation. The Commissioner of Police, Audu Ali Dabigi, commended the operatives for their efforts and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspiciou...

 ASUU, FG meeting postponed till August 28 The proposed meeting between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities initially scheduled for Monday (today), has been postponed. ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, confirmed that the meeting which was previously announced by the Minister of Education on Friday will no longer hold. Although no reason was given for the postponement, the meeting is now expected to take place on Wednesday, August 28. Public university lecturers, following resolutions reached at the union’s national executive council meeting held at the University of Ibadan on August 19, 2024, threatened to go on a nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s failure to honour the 2009 renegotiated agreement. ASUU’s demands include improvements in welfare, university funding, and halting the proliferation of universities across the country.

 Edo Guber: INEC debunks sales of PVCs The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has debunked the report making the rounds that its officials were selling Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, ahead of the September 21 Governorship Election in Edo State. While describing the allegation as false, INEC challenged a civic group, Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy, TESA, to provide concrete evidence against Electoral Officers to back up its claim of PVCs sale in Edo. Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, made this statement in response to to allegation. He said the Commission does not sell but issues PVCs free of charge to only registered voters. According to him, the allegation followed the pattern of similar narratives leveled against the Commission by partisan groups whenever off-cycle governorship or major elections are about to be conducted. He added that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS, it has become practi...

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE CONDEMNS SHIITE ATTACK IN ABUJA, ORDERS OPERATIVES TO HUNT FOR SPONSORS/KILLERS OF POLICEMEN. As Police Confirms Arrest of 97, IGP Emplaces measures to seek justice for slain cops. The Nigeria Police Force has condemned, vehemently, an unprovoked attack by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shi'ite group, on police personnel in Abuja on August 25, 2024.  The incident occurred at Wuse Junction by the traffic light, where assailants targeted a police checkpoint and descended heavily on policemen on duty. The attackers, who were armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives, embarked on several violent attacks which left two police officers dead instantly and three unconscious, currently receiving treatment in hospital. Additionally, three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze during the attack.  In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD...

 Borno commissioner dies in his room The Commissioner for Finance in Borno State, Ahmed Ali Ahmed, is dead. Details of his death are still sketchy, but sources familiar with the incident told our correspondent that the commissioner died inside his room on Monday morning. The deceased was said to have exceeded the time he usually comes out in the morning. His door was then forced open where his corpse was found. “Oga is no more, he died early this morning,” the source told Daily Trust. Borno State Government wishes to announce the death of Ahmed Ali Ahmed, the State Commissioner of Finance. The statement from the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, in Maiduguri indicates that the burial is slated for 5:00 p.m. today at the family house of the late commissioner in Damboa Road behind Indimi’s residence. In a statement, Borno State Government confirmed the death of Ahmed. The statement signed by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, ...

 ’This is unacceptable, potentially harmful, and troubling’’- Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennu-Ohanenye slams young lady for using her mother’s mental illness ‘’for personal gain and social media content’’ ’’The Minister in a statement released on social media this afternoon August 25, wrote““URGENT CONDEMNATION AND CALL TO ACTION”We condemn the disturbing Video report of a woman’s mental illness being exploited by her daughter for personal gain and social media content. This is unacceptable, potentially harmful, and troubling.We strongly condemn exploiting vulnerable individuals, especially those struggling with mental health issues. Mental illness demands compassion, understanding, and support – not ridicule or exploitation.The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs urgently request information about the mother’s identity and condition to ensure proper care and protection. A reward is offered for prompt location assistance.Appropriate actions must be taken to address this situati...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH GOVERNOR BABAGANA ZULUM OVER PASSING OF COMMISSIONER  President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, over the passing of his Commissioner of Finance, Honourable Ahmed Ali Ahmed. President Tinubu also condoles with the family of the late commissioner and describes his passing as a huge and painful loss. The President prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort to his family at this difficult time. Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) August 26, 2024

 Former England manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson is dead Sven-Göran Eriksson, England’s first overseas manager and winner of multiple honours at club level, has died at the age of 76. Eriksson revealed in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and that he likely had “at best” about a year to live. He had stood down from his final job, as sporting director at Karlstad in his native Sweden, the previous February because of what he described at the time as “health issues which are under investigation”. Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away," his family said in a statement. "After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family. "The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong." The Swede became the first foreign manager of the England men's football team in 2001, coaching the so-called ...

 Denmark shuts embassy in Mali, Burkina Faso Denmark is shutting down its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso as part of its new Africa strategy, as military coups have "severely limited the scope for action in the Sahel region," authorities said. Denmark said it would open embassies in Senegal, Tunisia, and Rwanda and bolster diplomatic staff at its embassies in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana, according to AFP. Following the closures in Bamako and Ouagadougou, a special representative will be appointed for the African Great Lakes and Sahel region, it said. Mali and Burkina Faso have turned to Russia and its Wagner mercenary group for support since military leaders seized power in 2020 and 2022, respectively. Mali's relations with European countries have deteriorated recently. Earlier this month, its military junta ordered the Swedish ambassador to leave the country after a Swedish minister criticised Malian support for Russia. Danish Foreign Minister Lars ...

 WHO regional meeting takes place in Brazzaville as mpox spreads The seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa takes place in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from August 26 to 30, 2024. The Regional Committee is the WHO decision-making body in the region, which convenes once a year to discuss and endorse policies, activities, and financial plans aimed at improving the health of the people of Africa. The meeting in Brazzaville comes on the heels of a rapidly spreading mpox virus, TRT AFRIKA reported. Ahead of the conference, host Congo-Brazzaville has said it is battling to stop the spread of mpox infections, with twenty-one cases already recorded, according to the country's health minister, Gilbert Mokoki, on Sunday. Mokoki said that the central African country had "registered 158 suspect cases" since the beginning of the year, "21 of which we have confirmed." The virus has been reported in five of Congo-Brazzaville's 15 regions, with t...

 September rollout: Tinubu panel, Dangote refinery brainstorm on petrol pricing There are indications that the Federal Government’s committee which was set up to ensure the implementation of crude oil sales to local refineries in naira will further discuss the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, to be released by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery next month. Multiple officials, both among oil marketers and members of the Implementation Committee on crude oil sales in naira, under the leadership of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, confirmed that the panel would be holding a series of meetings this week and in coming weeks on the development. They also stated that the committee would be concluding a framework that would put a benchmark on the amount which the Dangote refinery would pay for crude in naira, adding that the Federal Government would have to decide whether to pay subsidies for petrol from the plant or to allow...

 Mohbad’s family seeks more witnesses on singer’s death The legal team representing the family of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has expressed concern over what it described as sensitive information on the death of the deceased being released to the public. One of the heads of the team, Taiwo Odumosu, in a statement obtained by PUNCH Metro on Sunday said such information should be made available to the police instead of the public. He also appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death. “Given the nature of the death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad), and the information being released to the public space which ordinarily should have been given to the police, the Legal Team to the Aloba Family wishes to advise that anyone with useful and relevant information that could aid in the search for and the circumstances leading to the death of the sin...

 Nasarawa YAN Elects First Female Speaker  ***  Comrade Habiba Umar Iliyasu has been elected and sworn-in as the first female and 4th speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Nasarawa State chapter.  Iliyasu was elected on Sunday at the 2024 election of the association held at the Salamatu Conference Hall, KMK Luxury Hotel, Lafia Other State officials are Comrade Emmanuel Tsaku, Deputy Speaker; Comrade Samaila Abdullahi, Majority Leader; Comrade Dorcas Injadu, Minority Leader; Comrade Yusuf Adamu Omehi, Chief Whip; Comrade Musa Attahiru Omale, Deputy Chief Whip; Comrade Sadiq Ibrahim, Deputy Majority Leader and Comrade Abashe Ishaku as Sergeant At Arms of the Assembly.  The Association also elected and inaugurated Pau Benjamin, Njido Gideon Rabah and Abdulkarim Adeka as Senators representing Nasarawa West, North and South respectively.

 French authorities have reportedly extended the detention of Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, following his arrest at a Paris airport.  Durov, 39, is facing serious allegations, including the failure to moderate illegal content on the messaging platform, as well as charges related to enabling criminal activities and cyberbullying. Despite the controversy, Elon Musk has come forward to defend Telegram. With these legal challenges in the spotlight, many are wondering what the future holds for Telegram. The platform has been crucial for communication in various parts of the world, offering a space for free expression and encrypted messaging.  However, its future could be uncertain as it navigates increasing pressure to regulate content.

 Health Worker Fatally Shot in Bamenda  On Sunday, August 26th, Bamenda witnessed yet another tragic incident as Nfor Julius Budzi, a driver for a local health NGO, was gunned down on Foncha Street, close to the Teacher Training College.  Known affectionately as "Nfor Wowo," Budzi hailed from Wowo village in Ndu Sub Division and was dedicated to ensuring the delivery of essential medicines to healthcare centers in the region. Eyewitnesses recount that Budzi was forcibly taken by armed assailants before being shot at point-blank range.  The perpetrators quickly fled the scene, leaving the community in shock. Budzi was reportedly heading home after attending a meeting when the attack occurred. Nfor Julius Budzi’s tragic death is yet another grim reminder of the escalating insecurity in Bamenda, a city where danger lurks at every corner.

 Dutch Regulator Fines Uber €290 Million for Data Breach The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) announced on Monday that it has fined Uber 290 million euros, approximately $324 million, for transferring the personal data of European drivers to U.S. servers. According to the regulator, these transfers constituted a "serious violation" of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) because Uber failed to adequately protect the drivers' information. "Uber did not meet the requirements of the GDPR to ensure the level of protection to the data concerning transfers to the U.S. That is very serious," said Aleid Wolfsen, chairman of the Dutch Data Protection Authority, in a statement. The DPA detailed that Uber had collected sensitive information from European drivers, including taxi licenses, location data, photos, payment details, identity documents, and in some cases, even criminal and medical data. Over a period of two years, this informati...