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 Nigeria Brewerie reward super falcons with N50milion Naira The Super Falcons of Nigeria were graciously hosted by Nigeria Breweries PLC during a Trophy Tour in Lagos, culminating in a dinner at the Eko Hotel Sky Lounge on Wednesday.  Furthermore, a generous donation of ₦50 million was presented to the Super Falcons at the Nigerian Breweries Head Office in recognition of their triumphant achievement. More photos below. 

 Ron DeSantis proclaims August 1 ‘Hulk Hogan Day’ in Florida  Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially declared Friday, August 1, 2025, as "Hulk Hogan Day" to honor the wrestling legend in his home state. In a letter released Thursday, DeSantis announced that state flags will be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and public buildings in Pinellas County to mark the occasion. Although Hogan was born in Augusta, Georgia, he moved to Tampa at a young age and began his wrestling career in 1977, eventually rising to international fame with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). DeSantis described Hogan as a larger-than-life figure and an icon for generations who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, calling him a “true Floridian through and through.” Hogan passed away recently at the age of 71, with his official cause of death confirmed as a heart attack. Medical records reveal he had a history of atrial fibrillation and was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, though det...

 CNY college graduate was shot and killed in NYC after leaving panic room The final victim of the Park Avenue mass shooting was briefly safe inside a panic room before stepping out during a pause in the gunfire and being fatally shot, according to authorities. Julia Hyman, a 27-year-old Cornell University graduate and associate at Rudin Management, had reportedly gone to the bathroom and did not hear the shooter, Shane Tamura, nearby when she exited the secure space. Tamura, armed with an assault-style rifle, had earlier fired at a cleaner upon entering the 33rd-floor office. Surveillance footage shows Tamura turning toward Hyman as she leaves the bathroom adjacent to the panic room. After being shot, Hyman collapsed in a nearby cubicle and died. Authorities revealed that Tamura, who believed he suffered a traumatic brain injury from playing high school football, had intended to target the NFL offices located on the lower floors of the same building but mistakenly ended up on the 3...

 Prosecutors respond after Diddy requests bail before sentencing Federal prosecutors have strongly opposed Diddy's request for bail ahead of his sentencing, challenging his efforts to minimize his convictions related to transporting male escorts across state lines for paid sexual encounters involving his former girlfriends. In court filings submitted Thursday, prosecutors argued that Diddy should remain in custody while awaiting sentencing after being convicted on two counts of violating the Mann Act. Although he was acquitted of the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, prosecutors maintain his conduct warrants continued detention. Diddy had filed a motion earlier, asking the judge to overturn his Mann Act convictions on the grounds that the law applies to transporting individuals for sex acts, which he denies having done himself. He claims he never engaged in sex with the escorts and only filmed his ex-girlfriends, Cassie and “Jane,” who arranged the encounters. ...

 UZODIMMA BACKS NATIONAL FLOOD PREPAREDNESS PLAN, SAYS IMO ALREADY TAKING ACTIONS Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to proactive disaster management and environmental resilience, aligning with national directives on flood preparedness as emphasized at the recent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. The Council called on states to activate and strengthen their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), operationalize Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), enforce physical planning regulations, and institutionalize monthly environmental sanitation practices. Governor Uzodimma, who participated in the high-level deliberations, noted that Imo State is already ahead of the curve in implementing many of these strategies. “In Imo State, we have not waited for the floodwaters to come knocking. We have maintained a renewed and robust collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and ar...

 TikTok star Sarah Owusu arrested after c,lash with co-tenant Ghanaian TikTok sensation Sarah Owusu found herself behind bars after a heated argument with a co-tenant reportedly turned u,gly. In a video shared from the police station, a teary Sarah revealed the f,ight started over her children and escalated into name-calling, which led to her arrest.  She claimed she was nearly locked up with other detainees despite explaining her side of the story. According to her, it took the intervention of Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoako and other high-profile individuals to secure her release.

 S.A: Makhado Traffic Cop Duo Granted Bail in Taxi Permit Fraud Case A traffic officer and a former chief traffic officer from Makhado Municipality have been granted bail after they were arrested for allegedly scamming taxi operators out of more than R100,000 by selling fake operating permits. The two men, Jan Zitha (65) from Bungeni and Gushile William Mathonsi (55) from Waterval, were arrested on Friday, 18 July 2025. They appeared in the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 July 2025. According to the Hawks, the accused approached taxi operators between 2016 and 2018 and promised to get them legal taxi permits in exchange for payment. The taxi operators paid a total of R108,610 but never received the permits. After trying to get their money back without success, they reported the matter to the authorities. The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit traced and arrested the suspects in Waterval and Bungeni. Both were granted bail of R6,000 each. They face 25 char...

 Man Sentenced to Life for Raping 12-Year-Old Girl On 31 July 2025, Nelson Letsoalo, a 46-year-old man, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tzaneen Regional Court for raping a 12-year-old girl in 2013. The crime took place in the Khapamadi Section in Bolobedu, where the victim was visiting her grandmother.  Letsoalo, known to the girl as a cleaner, lured her into a tavern near a shop, forced her to the floor, and raped her. He then threatened her life if she told anyone. The victim, deeply traumatised, remained silent until 4 January 2020, when she confided in her mother. They immediately reported the incident to the police, and a rape case was opened. Letsoalo was arrested the next day, 5 January 2020, at his home in Kgapane. The case was handed to the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit, where Sergeant Auldah Tintswalo Vukeya led the investigation. Despite being granted R1000 bail and making several court appearances, Letsoalo was convic...

 Five Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Gombe Justices H. H Kereng and Abdulhamid Yakubu of the Gombe State High Court sitting in Gombe, Gombe State have convicted and sentenced five fraudsters  to various  jail terms. The convicts are:  Illiyasu Mohammed , Dan Musa , Elisha Elkana, Nasiru Mohammed and Saidu Mohammed Laddo.  Mohanmed and Musa were arraigned  on one- count charge of cheating and impersonation  before Justice Kereng , while Elkana , Nasiru and Laddo were arraigned on charges bordering on cheating  before Justice Yakubu.  The convicts were arraigned  by the Gombe Zonal Directorate  of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  between July 29 and July 30, 2025 ‎The charges against Saidu Mohammed Laddo  and Nasiru Mohammed read: "That you Nasiru Mohammed and Saidu Mohammed  Laddo sometimes in 2022 at Gombe State within the jurisdiction  of this honourable  court with intent to defraud induc...

Paris Jackson, daughter of late pop icon Michael Jackson, and her fiancé Justin Long have split and ended their engagement. The breakup comes just over a week after the 27-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson was spotted crying in public. Jackson confirmed the two had broken off their engagement on Thursday in a post on X, in which she said the concerning tears seen on July 23 were 'breakup tears.' However, as of Thursday, the post had been deleted from Jackson's Instagram account. Prior to Glenn, she dated TOWIE star Tom Kilbey and performer Michael Snoddy, and she was linked to Cara Delevingne.

  Fintiri Honours Super Falcons Coach Justine Madugu with House, N50 Million for WAFCON Victory Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State honoured Coach Justine Madugu of the Super Falcons with a three-bedroom bungalow and a cash reward of fifty million naira for leading the Nigerian women's national football team to victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Coach Madugu, from Numan Local Government Area, received a warm welcome at the Government House in Yola. Governor Fintiri praised his patriotism, tactical intelligence, and leadership, noting that Nigeria won the WAFCON title for a record 10th time under his guidance. While presenting the gifts, Fintiri reaffirmed his commitment to developing sports in the state, highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects like modern stadiums. He encouraged Madugu to mentor young talents in Adamawa. An emotional Madugu expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared his commitment to leaving a lasting lega...

   It Is In The Hand Of southeast Leader To Save  Southeast From What's Happening----Rev Ejike Mbaka ‎Catholic priest and spiritual director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has made a passionate appeal to a respected southeastern leader to step forward and rescue the region from its current challenges. ‎ ‎In a recent prophetic message, Fr. Mbaka spoke candidly about the ongoing hardships facing Southern Nigeria, especially the Southeast. He called on an unnamed influential figure—someone he says is highly revered by Igbo youths—to take up responsibility and bring transformative change. ‎ ‎“It is in the hand of the leader to save the southern Nigeria, Southeast here, from what we are passing through,” he declared. According to him, the leader in question holds a unique level of admiration among the younger generation. “The youth of Igbo respect you. There is no other person they respect the way they respect you.” ‎ ‎Mbaka emphasized that now is the time f...

 LAGOS BEGINS "CATCH-THEM-YOUNG" MULTI-SPORTS TRIALS AHEAD OF 2025 NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has commenced its "Catch-Them-Young" multi-sports trials, marking a significant milestone in the preparation for the 2025 National Youth Games.  The talent identification programme aims to discover, nurture, and develop talents who will represent Lagos State, not only at the 2025 National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, but also as a pipeline that would produce champions who will represent Lagos State on the national and international stage. The trials, which commenced a few weeks ago at various sporting facilities across the state, will span multiple athletic disciplines, including track and field events, swimming, gymnastics, dead sports, boxing, weightlifting, table tennis, badminton, basketball, football, chess, ayo and other sports. Young athletes aged 9-14 years from various parts of the state are participating in the progra...

 ANAMBRA POLICE INTERVENES IN POLITICAL SQUABBLE AT NRI: RESTORES CALM AND COMMENCES INVESTIGATION _As CP directs the immediate transfer of the Case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka to uphold the mutual pact already resolved by the parties and if otherwise, for a more discreet investigation_ The Anambra State Police Command today 1st August 2025 at about 1.30pm, swiftly intervened and restored calm following a report of a political squabble at Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, during a political campaign rally.  The incident reportedly arose after supporters of a Political party allegedly pulled down three campaign billboards belonging to another party leading to a brief disturbance in the area.  Given the above, both parties involved in the matter were immediately invited for a peace meeting aimed at de-escalating the tension. However, a mutual agreement was reached to replace the removed billboards without delay, despite claims that the removal was...

 ARMY HAS NO RESOURCES TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR 13,000 SOLDIERS Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Olufemi Oluyede, has disclosed that the Nigeria Army does not have the requisite resources to provide accommodation to 13,000 new recruits. Oluyede revealed this during the visit of the Senate Committee on Army to Army Headquarters on Thursday.  “As we speak, the army is still challenged in terms of operational efficiency," he said. "This year alone, we are expecting about 13,000 new personnel, but there are no corresponding resources to provide accommodation for them."

 GHANA WARNS PROTESTERS TARGETING NIGERIANS  Following the visit of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to Ghana, the protests against Nigerians in the country have diminished. Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Ablakwa, said the leader of the protests has been cautioned and that he has demonstrated remorse and apologized for his actions against Nigeria.  However, he expressed concern over a rise in crime involving Nigerians in Ghana and urged them to comply strictly with local laws. "The message would be that there is no cause for alarm," Odumegwu-Ojukwu said. "The situation is being handled quite effectively. We will continue with our stakeholders’ engagements.”

 Seoul and Washington renew pledge to pursue North Korea denuclearization The United States and South Korea have renewed their commitment to achieving the full denuclearization of North Korea, while also stressing the importance of strictly enforcing international sanctions on Pyongyang. This reaffirmation came during a meeting on Thursday in Washington between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, the first high-level talks since the recent election of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The discussions followed President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new trade deal with Seoul and his plan to host President Lee for a summit at the White House within two weeks. According to a readout from the State Department, the two diplomats underscored their joint pledge to the “complete denuclearization of the DPRK” and voiced “serious concerns” about North Korea’s growing military partnership with Russia. Both countries highlighted reports that P...

 Kaduna Health Centre Serving Multiple Communities In Ruins — Lacks Beds, Staff, And Basic Amenities A recent inspection by Monitng, a civic technology platform, has exposed the appalling state of Kuringa Health Clinic in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State — the only facility serving several surrounding communities. During their visit, Monitng found no medical staff, no hospital beds, no electricity, no clean water, and no functional medical equipment at the clinic. "The facility is crumbling, and the lives of vulnerable citizens are being put at risk every day," the platform reported. The building itself is in disrepair, with cracked walls, broken windows, scattered records, and completely empty wards. As a result, pregnant women, children, and the elderly are forced to travel long distances just to access basic healthcare services that should be available within their community. This situation is particularly alarming considering the billions of naira allocated each...

 OVER 1,500 IDP CHILDREN IN BENUE RECEIVE LEARNING MATERIALS FROM UNICEF 1st August, 2025       More than 1,500 internally displaced children in Benue State have received educational materials from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as part of efforts to support victims of herdsmen attacks in the Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area. The distribution took place Thursday at the temporary IDP camp located at the International Market, Makurdi, where UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, led the presentation of items which included 5,000 exercise books, 1,000 school bags, and 1,000 sportswear. Chiluwe emphasized the importance of education in restoring hope and shaping the future of displaced children, urging the Benue State Government—especially the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)—to intensify support for the initiative. “There are over 1,500 IDP children, and we are he...

 GOV. ALIA FORWARDS FIRST LIST OF COMMISSIONER NOMINEES TO BENUE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY 1st August, 2025     The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has transmitted the first batch of Commissioner-nominees to the Benue State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions. This development marks a significant step in enhancement of the machinery of governance and ensuring effective service delivery across various sectors. The nominees in the first batch included: 1. Hon. Theresa Odachi Ikwue 2. Hon. Dr. Benjamin Ashaver 3. Hon. Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa 4. Hon. Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo 5. Dr. Yangien Timothy Ornguga 6. Hon. Denis Iyaighgba 7. Hon. James Dwem 8. Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche The second batch of nominees is expected to be forwarded to the House of Assembly in a matter of days. The Governor reaffirms his administration’s commitment to transparency, competence, and inclusivity in the selection of individ...

 UTSEV HONOURS SUPER FALCONS STAR FRANCISCA ORDEGA FOR WAFCON WIN 1st August, 2025     The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, on Friday congratulated Benue-born Super Falcons player, Miss Francisca Ordega, on Nigeria’s triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Ordega, who was received in the Minister’s office in Abuja alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, was celebrated for her contribution to Nigeria’s historic win securing the WAFCON trophy for a record tenth time. Speaking during the visit, Prof. Utsev praised the Super Falcons for their exceptional performance, describing the team’s success as a result of hard work, determination, and teamwork. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the team, including the conferment of national honours and generous rewards to boost their morale. “I am particularly proud that a daughter of Benue is a...

 INEC Announces Online Voter Pre-Registration to Commence August 18 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled plans to launch an online voter pre-registration exercise starting August 18, 2025, aimed at streamlining the voter registration process ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday. The online pre-registration initiative is designed to enhance accessibility and convenience for eligible voters, particularly targeting first-time registrants and those seeking to update their voter information. Prof. Yakubu emphasized that the digital platform will allow citizens to initiate the registration process from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for long queues at physical registration centers. “This is a significant step in modernizing our electoral processes,” Yakubu stated. “The online pre-registration portal will ...

 Peter Obi Calls for Reform in National Honours, Urges Recognition of Entrepreneurs Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticized the Federal Government’s practice of conferring national honours primarily on politicians, advocating for a reformed system that prioritizes entrepreneurs and productive contributors to society. Obi made these remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of *The Chronicles of a Legend*, a biography celebrating business mogul and philanthropist Gabriel Igbinedion. Speaking at the event, Obi emphasized that prestigious awards such as the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) should be reserved for individuals who drive economic and social progress, rather than politicians. “We have to change the way we honour people,” he stated, calling for a shift in national priorities to celebrate tangible contributions to Nigeria’s development. Obi ...

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release a special commemorative coin on September 8 to honour legendary singer and composer Dr Bhupen Hazarika.  The event is part of the year-long celebrations marking the 100th birth anniversary of the cultural icon of Assam. The ceremony will be held at the Khanapara Veterinary College playground in Guwahati, starting from 5 PM. During the event, the Prime Minister will also launch multilingual biographies of Dr Bhupen Hazarika. These books will highlight the life, work, and immense contribution of the music legend to Indian culture. The biographies aim to make Hazarika’s story accessible to people across the country, in various languages. A major attraction of the centenary programme will be a Grand Chorus performance. Over 1,000 singers from colleges across Assam and senior musicians will present a 23-minute medley of Bhupen Hazarika’s most loved songs. Thousands of artists are expected to take part in this tribute, celebrating the timel...

 Senegal's Prime Minister Sonko unveils recovery plan amid high debt Senegal's prime minster unveiled an economic recovery plan on Friday focused on reviving its economy with a shift towards greater domestic funding, Reuters reported. The West African country faces a struggling economy, marked by a 14-percent budget deficit and outstanding public debt that represents 119 percent of GDP, said Senegal Economy Minister Abdourahmane Sarr. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko declared that under the new economic plan "90 percent of resources are expected to come from the mobilisation of internal resources and without external debt". The declaration received strong applause at the Grand Theatre de Dakar, where it was revealed in a ceremony before members of the government, including President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Faye took power more than a year ago promising economic and political sovereignty, including putting an end to economic dependence on foreign countries, notably former c...

 Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on £65.5m Luis Diaz transfer exit Luis Diaz completed a transfer to Bayern Munich from Liverpool after a summer of speculation over his future and Reds boss Arne Slot has now offered his verdict on the move Arne Slot believes Liverpool have conducted 'great business' in making on profit by selling Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. The Colombia international completed a £65.5million to the Bundesliga giants and signed a deal until 2029 at the Allianz Arena. Diaz, 28, was declared not for sale by the Reds earlier in the window but the club were ultimately swayed to part ways with their star. The winger played a significant role in Liverpool's title win under Slot but was persistently linked with a move away from the club despite being under contract for another two years. The transfer saw Diaz bring a three-and-a-half-year stay at Anfield to end after he arrived on Merseyside from Porto in a deal worth an initial £37m in 2022. Liverpool have...

The Gilded Age reaches new series high for third consecutive week with 4.5 million viewers “The Gilded Age” continues to build momentum, hitting a new series high with 4.5 million viewers tuning in for Season 3, Episode 6 within its first three days, according to internal data from Warner Bros. Discovery. Season 3 viewership is tracking 25% higher than the previous season, with each episode showing steady week-to-week growth as audiences watch on HBO and HBO Max. This surge comes as the series has already been renewed for Season 4, with two episodes remaining in the current season. Social media buzz around the show has jumped nearly 60% week over week, reflecting rising fan engagement. Critically, Season 3 has earned the series’ highest score yet, with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Francesca Orsi, HBO’s executive vice president of programming, praised the show’s success and its depiction of 1880s New York City, highlighting the talented cast and crew and promising a thrilling fourth...

Canadian wildfire smoke blankets Midwest as flood risk rises in Carolinas  Between 1 and 4 inches of rain fell across the I-95 corridor on Thursday, prompting numerous flash flood warnings. Some areas experienced even heavier rainfall, with nearly 6 inches reported in Burlington County, New Jersey. Light rain continued across New England Friday morning, but drier conditions with mostly cloudy skies are expected through the afternoon, lasting until overnight. The flood threat is now shifting to the Carolinas, where heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast to begin Friday afternoon and persist overnight, with rainfall rates potentially reaching 2 inches per hour. Dallas-Fort Worth is also at risk for excessive rainfall Friday afternoon and evening, raising concerns about flash flooding in urban areas. Meanwhile, the Midwest is being enveloped by wildfire smoke from Canada, as more than 650 wildfires burn across the country, with 275 categorized as “out of control.” Cities includi...