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 WE’RE READY TO HOST MAIDEN NATIONAL INTERMEDIATE SPORTS FESTIVAL, SANWO-OLU •Governor inspects ongoing renovation work at Teslim Balogun Stadium   The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, expressed the State's readiness to host the inaugural National Intermediate Sports Festival, scheduled from 1 to 15 October. Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos accepted the opportunity to host the first National Intermediate Sports Festival after the National Sports Commission awarded the hosting rights to the state. He described the event as a chance to enhance grassroots sports development and motivate young athletes to stay in the country. The Governor revealed that about 14,000 to 15,000 athletes are expected to participate, with facilities such as Rowe Park and other sports centres across the state to be utilised. The Governor made these remarks on Saturday during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation works at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, in prepar...

 NEW PRESIDENT PLEDGES TO RESTORE ONITSHA SPORTS CLUB’S GLORY By Uzo Ugwunze The newly elected President of Onitsha Sports Club, Chief Titus Adirika, has pledged to restore the club’s glory, rehabilitate its facilities and revive sporting activities while promoting unity among members. Adirika made the pledge on Aug. 5, hafter his election and handover ceremony, urging members to support the new administration in its efforts to reposition the club and restore its pride of place. He said members had taken a bold step toward better management, expressing confidence in the new executive, which he described as a team of professionals and reliable members. “Our club deserves better management and members have effected it today. I am proud of the team that will work with me. We have professionals and reliable gentlemen, and we believe that the club will be lifted again to regain its glory,” he said. Adirika said the administration would promote discipline, integrity, respect, honour and ...

 ARTMA CAUTIONS MOTORISTS ON WARNING SIGNS, ROAD HAZARDS, INTERSECTION SAFETY By MaryAnn Chukwuma The Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has urged motorists to pay close attention to warning signs, road hazards and intersection signs to prevent crashes and promote safer roads. The agency gave the advice in a traffic safety advisory issued on Aug. 8, explaining that warning signs alert motorists to potential hazards ahead and require them to reduce speed, remain alert and drive with caution. ARTMA said the bend sign warns motorists of dangerous curves ahead, advising them to reduce speed, maintain proper control of their vehicles and negotiate bends carefully. It explained that the slippery road sign warns of road surfaces that may become slippery, particularly during rainfall, urging motorists to reduce speed and exercise greater caution. According to the agency, the road narrows sign indicates that the width of the road reduces ahead, requiring motorists to slow down,...

 Security Meeting In Ladduga Targets Stronger Surveillance, Peace, Community Collaboration Stakeholders in Ladduga District of the Kachia Grazing Reserve have held a security coordination meeting aimed at sustaining peace, strengthening community surveillance and improving collaboration between residents and security agencies. The meeting brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, local government representatives, vigilante groups and security personnel to deliberate on strategies for addressing emerging security concerns and maintaining peace across the area. The Special Adviser to the Kaduna State Governor on Vigilante and Local Security Coordination, Yusuf Usman Garba, attended the meeting and engaged with the District Head of Ladduga, village heads from across the district, community leaders and representatives of security agencies. Among those present were the Sardaunan Ladduga, Dr. Abdulmalik Muhammad Durunguwa; Vice Chairman of Kachia Local Government Area Counc...

Paramount-Warner Bros. merger clears UK regulatory hurdle as US legal challenges remain Paramount’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery has cleared another major regulatory hurdle, but the deal continues to face legal challenges in the United States. British regulators approved the merger Thursday, clearing the way for the transaction in the United Kingdom. The approval includes a requirement that Paramount maintain separate editorial control of Channel 5 News from CBS and CNN. Paramount said governments and regulatory bodies representing 66 jurisdictions have now either approved the transaction or declined to challenge it on competition or foreign investment grounds. European Union regulators also approved the deal last month. The merger would combine two major competitors in the film, television and news industries. Critics have raised concerns that the consolidation could reduce competition and lead to job losses, lower wages and changes in editorial policies...

 Houthi attacks kill several in Yemen as tensions grow over Red Sea shipping and regional conflict Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked a government-controlled port on the Red Sea on Sunday, killing at least seven people and raising fresh concerns about the security of crucial regional shipping routes and the possibility of renewed civil war. The Houthis targeted the port of Mokha with missiles and drones, killing four military personnel and three civilians and injuring 15 civilians, according to Yemen’s government-aligned forces. The attack damaged port buildings, piers, commercial goods and food supplies, while additional missiles landed in several locations. Mokha is controlled by Yemen’s internationally recognized government and has been upgraded to accommodate ships seeking alternatives to the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida. The Houthis said they were targeting military forces and warehouses. The rebels also claimed responsibility for a drone attack against an Aramco ...

 Netanyahu rejects Trump’s 15-point Gaza peace proposal, vows no Israeli withdrawal until Hamas disarms Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel will reject a 15-point Gaza peace proposal put forward by President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Speaking at the start of a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Israel had rejected the proposal and that the Israel Defense Forces would maintain their positions in Gaza until Hamas no longer poses a threat. Netanyahu also said Israeli forces would continue taking action to protect their troops and Israeli citizens from potential attacks. Trump announced in July that Hamas had agreed to disarm as part of a U.S.-brokered framework that calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The agreement was developed as part of a broader ceasefire arrangement reached the previous year. Netanyahu’s rejection of the proposal creates anoth...

 Alleged Kinahan crime gang leader Daniel Kinahan returning to Ireland to face organized crime charges The alleged leader of an Irish organized crime group is returning to Ireland from Dubai to face charges that he directed an international drug trafficking and money laundering operation spanning several countries. Daniel Kinahan, 49, is expected to arrive in Ireland aboard an Irish military aircraft after authorities in the United Arab Emirates rejected efforts to prevent his extradition. He is expected to be brought directly to Dublin’s Special Criminal Court, where he will face a charge of directing an organized crime group before being transferred to the high-security Portlaoise Prison. The Special Criminal Court handles organized crime and terrorism cases, as well as other cases in which prosecutors determine that regular courts may not provide for the effective administration of justice. The court operates without a jury and has a panel of three judges. A major security opera...

 Mark Esper calls Iran’s demands to reopen Strait of Hormuz ‘ridiculous’ as tensions escalate Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Iran’s latest conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz are unreasonable and could make negotiations over the vital waterway more difficult. Esper, who served during President Donald Trump’s first term, said Iran’s demands include the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the region, compensation for the costs of the war, an end to the U.S. blockade and the lifting of sanctions. He argued that the demands indicate Iranian leaders believe they have gained leverage by controlling access to the strategic waterway, which is critical to global energy shipments. According to Esper, Iran’s position suggests its leaders believe they are in a strong negotiating position and are becoming increasingly confident amid the ongoing conflict. He also warned about shortages of certain U.S. military munitions as the war continues, saying efforts to increase producti...

 Google Assistant to be removed from Android phones, tablets and Wear OS devices starting Sept. 4 Google is preparing to retire Google Assistant from a wide range of Android devices as the company continues shifting users toward its Gemini artificial intelligence assistant. Beginning Sept. 4, Google Assistant will start disappearing from Android phones and tablets, Wear OS smartwatches and other compatible devices. Google said the transition could take several weeks to reach all affected users, after which Assistant will no longer function on those devices. The change will apply to Android phones capable of running Gemini and located in regions where the newer AI assistant is available. Compatible accessories, including some headphones paired with affected devices, will also transition to Gemini. Google TV, Google Home and smart displays are not affected by the change at this time. The company has also said a legacy version of Google Assistant will remain available on phones runnin...

 Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ prison release date changes again, now set for February 2028 Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently scheduled to be released from federal prison in February 2028, although his projected release date has changed several times. The Federal Bureau of Prisons now lists Feb. 20, 2028, as Combs’ release date. That is roughly a month later than the previously listed Jan. 24 date but earlier than several other dates that had appeared previously, including April 15, April 25 and June 4. No explanation has been provided for the changes. Combs, 56, is serving a 50-month federal prison sentence at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security facility in New Jersey. He is participating in a substance abuse rehabilitation program while serving his sentence. A jury convicted Combs last year on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Combs’ attorneys continue to challenge his conviction a...

 Jeffrey Epstein reportedly left former girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, an estimated $100 million from his estate Jeffrey Epstein’s former girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, could inherit a substantial portion of his estate, with reports estimating the value at roughly $100 million. Shuliak, 37, is a New York-based dentist who was in a relationship with Epstein for about eight years after the two met when she was 21. Documents released by the Justice Department indicate Epstein helped finance her education and living expenses and used his connections to assist with her admission to Columbia University’s dental school after she was initially rejected. Epstein reportedly made a $210,000 donation to the university after initially offering $10 million in connection with efforts to secure her admission. The documents also describe a relationship in which Epstein provided Shuliak with expensive gifts, helped her obtain a green card and assisted her parents in Belarus financially. Emails from 2012 i...

Judge orders forfeiture of cash and electronics seized in Sean 'Diddy' Combs investigation A federal judge has approved the forfeiture of cash and electronic devices seized during the investigation that resulted in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal conviction, transferring ownership of the property to the U.S. government. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian signed the forfeiture order Tuesday, allowing federal authorities to take possession of the property and dispose of it according to federal law. The forfeited items include several iPhones, iPads, hard drives and approximately $9,000 in cash that were recovered from Combs’ room at the Park Hyatt Hotel on Sept. 16, 2024, when he was taken into federal custody. The order also covers property seized during federal searches of his homes earlier that year. The forfeiture was approved after no one filed a claim challenging the government's request during the required 30-day public notice period. The seized property was collected a...

 Former Marine jailed in Russia reportedly near death Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, who has been imprisoned in Russia since 2022, is reportedly in critical condition after slipping into a stupor and allegedly being subjected to harsh treatment and mind-altering drugs while in custody. Gilman, 32, was moved to a civilian hospital in Voronezh in late June after entering what was described as a “dissociative stupor,” leaving him unable to communicate and requiring food and fluids through a feeding tube. His eyes reportedly remain closed, and his condition has prevented him from appearing at court hearings. U.S. officials have urged Russia to release Gilman so he can receive medical treatment in the United States. The Trump administration said it is closely monitoring his case and has repeatedly pressed Russian officials for his return. Gilman’s family says they are increasingly concerned for his life. His sister, Lexie Hudson, said she fears she may never see her brother again if ...

  19 Pennsylvania residents indicted in $4 million fake home healthcare fraud scheme The U.S. Justice Department has charged 19 people in Pennsylvania with allegedly defrauding Medicare and Medicaid through schemes involving thousands of hours of home healthcare services that were never provided. The alleged schemes involved more than $4 million in fraudulent claims. Those charged include home healthcare aides and owners of home healthcare companies accused of submitting false claims for services supposedly provided to Medicaid and Medicare recipients. In one case, an aide allegedly billed for healthcare services while incarcerated, while another reportedly submitted claims while hospitalized. Together with two Medicaid recipients involved in the alleged scheme, the defendants accounted for more than $440,000 in claims. Prosecutors described the alleged conduct as deliberate fraud rather than simple accounting mistakes, saying defendants billed taxpayers for services that were neve...

 WWE stars Bianca Belair and Montez Ford welcome first child together WWE stars Bianca Belair and Montez Ford have welcomed their first child together, announcing the birth of their son, Romeo Leonardo Allen Crawford. Belair, whose real name is Bianca Crawford, shared the news Tuesday. The couple revealed Belair’s pregnancy during WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas in April. Belair and Ford married on June 23, 2018. The couple has remained one of WWE’s prominent power couples while building successful careers inside the company. Belair is a multi-time WWE Women’s Champion and former Women’s Tag Team Champion. She also won the Women’s Royal Rumble in 2021 and has established herself as one of the company’s biggest stars. She has been away from in-ring competition after suffering injuries to her left hand. Belair announced her injuries and a sabbatical from wrestling at WrestleMania 41 in 2025 and has said she plans to return when she is ready. Ford remains an active WWE competitor. He is ...

 Kelly Clarkson is quietly grieving alongside her children a year after ex-husband's death Kelly Clarkson has been navigating a deeply emotional year following the death of her ex‑husband, Brandon Blackstock, while prioritizing her children’s healing.  According to reports, Clarkson has focused on giving River, 12, and Remington, 10, stability and love as they mourn their father, who passed away last August at 48 after a private battle with skin cancer.  A source described the past year as “incredibly emotional,” but credited Clarkson with doing everything possible to support her kids through the loss. Clarkson and Blackstock’s relationship had been marked by a contentious divorce finalized in 2022, involving custody disputes, financial settlements, and even lawsuits over career commissions.  Clarkson ultimately won primary custody and relocated with her children to New York, while Blackstock spent his final years in Montana, living with Brittney Marie Jones and runn...

   I mistakenly followed another woman, man announces end of marriage A Nigerian man, Ebikedoumene Bonny Jeff, has announced the end of his marriage, saying years of unresolved hurt and marital conflicts eventually led him and his wife, Yinlayefa, to choose separation. Jeff made the disclosure in a Facebook post on Saturday, August 8, 2026, which would have marked their fifth wedding anniversary. According to him, their relationship began in 2008 when they were dating in their village, before welcoming their daughter in 2011. He described Yinlayefa as a caring, humble and supportive partner who stood by him during years of financial difficulties. Jeff said that after he left for university, his wife supported the family and later secured a job at the Federal University, Otuoke, where she allegedly paid the household bills and supported him while he searched for employment. He said he eventually secured a job in 2019, and the couple got married on August 8, 2021. “2019, I final...

 “The Reason I’m Being Arrested Is Because I’m Preaching The Name Of Jesus.” - UK Street Evangelist Jesse Samuel Ngoma Detained During Public Gospel Outreach Christian street evangelist Jesse Samuel Ngoma was reportedly detained by UK police during a public evangelism encounter. A video of the incident has since gone viral online. Ngoma is well known for openly preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in streets and public spaces across the UK. He often shares clips of his ministry on social media. This isn’t his first encounter with police and members of the public during his outreach. The latest footage shows Ngoma surrounded by officers and being physically escorted away. As of now, the exact reason for the detention and whether any formal charges were filed have not been independently confirmed by reliable reports. For many believers watching, the moment is a strong reminder of the courage it takes to publicly stand for faith in today’s world.

 IMO STATE POLICE ELIMINATES BANDIT KINGPIN “ACID” AND TWO GANG MEMBERS IN IMO STATE Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad–Force Intelligence Department have neutralised a suspected notorious bandit kingpin, Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid,” in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. A statement by the Force indicates that the operation followed intelligence linking “Acid” to several killings, including the murder of the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, and five others. “Acid” also opened fire when operatives stormed his hideout, triggering a gun battle that lasted several hours before he was neutralised.  Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Four suspects have been arrested, while two other alleged gang members were also neutralised. The Force says efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the group and uncover their alleged involvement in ot...

 NEW JAMB REGISTRAR PROF. AINA RESOLVES OVER 5,000 PENDING COMPLAINTS IN 5 DAYS  Difficulties in creating profile codes, biometric failures, payment issues and technical challenges are among more than 5,000 pending complaints resolved by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Segun Aina, within five days.            A statement by the Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, JAMB, Fabian Benjamin, states that the development follows the Registrar’s decision to strengthen the Board’s Service Compact with All Nigerians, SERVICOM Unit, to ensure prompt resolution of outstanding complaints. He says the Registrar relocates his seat to the SERVICOM Unit to gain first-hand knowledge of the services being sought by candidates and other clients, and to facilitate the resolution of pending cases. The statement notes that the Registrar’s move demonstrates his commitment to leveraging strategic communication to rep...

 Kiddwaya Sparks Debate with Claim That Nigeria Needed Longer British Colonial Rule Reality television star Tersee Waya, popularly known as Kiddwaya, has ignited an intense online debate after asserting that Nigeria would be far more developed today if British colonial rule had lasted longer. Nigeria officially gained independence from Great Britain in 1960 following years of intense pressure from local nationalists and political activists. The West African nation later severed its final constitutional ties to the British crown in 1963, transitioning into a fully independent republic. However, Kiddwaya suggests this transition of power may have been premature. The "Unpopular Opinion" On Nigeria's Development Taking to his official account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the former Big Brother Naija housemate shared a provocative perspective on the nation's historical timeline. He argued that an extra decade or more of colonial administration would h...

 Annie Idibia Sparks Reconciliation Rumors with 2Baba Following Stunning New Social Media Post Nollywood star Annie Macaulay-Idibia is turning heads and setting tongues wagging across social media platforms. The beautiful actress recently shared a series of breathtaking new photographs, sparking intense speculation among fans regarding a potential reconciliation with her ex-husband, legendary Nigerian musician 2Baba. Dressed in an elegant black-and-white long gown, Annie exuded poise, elegance, and absolute confidence in the new uploads. Fans immediately pointed out that the timing of her glamorous post seems highly strategic, coming right on the heels of major digital developments between the former couple. A Digital Reunion? Annie and 2Baba Refollow Each Other The rumor mill began spinning after hawk-eyed social media users noticed that Annie and 2Baba (born Innocent Idibia) had refollowed each other on Instagram. This online peace offering comes after a highly publicized period ...

 Whitney Houston gets first-ever Barbie doll on what would have been her 63rd birthday, recreating iconic 1987 music-video look Whitney Houston has been honored with her first Barbie doll, released by Mattel on what would have been the singer’s 63rd birthday. The Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll was released on Aug. 9 as part of celebrations marking Houston’s career and lasting influence on music. Created in collaboration with Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and executor of the Estate of Whitney E. Houston, the doll recreates the singer’s look from her 1987 music video for “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).” The doll features a purple tank dress, colorful drop earrings, vibrant eye makeup and a microphone stand inspired by the video. Pat Houston told PEOPLE that discussions about creating a Whitney Houston Barbie began around 20 years ago. “Whitney had never really endorsed anything, and we started having conversations about her brand ... we talked about a Matte...

Abia Traditional Ruler Apologises Over Viral Video Threatening Death for Non-Support of Benjamin Kalu The traditional ruler of Umunnato autonomous community in Item, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Innocent Kalu Mba, has apologised to voters in his area following a viral video in which he was heard invoking death on anyone who failed to vote for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. In the video, which circulated last week, Eze Mba was heard saying: “I will call a meeting because of this election and I will tell the people if you don’t vote for Benjamin Kalu, the land will strike you dead.” On Thursday, the monarch publicly rendered an apology, reading from a letter on his mobile phone in the presence of some officials of Bende Local Government Area. He described his choice of words as “capable of being misunderstood” and said they did not reflect his true intentions. Eze Mba clarified that he remains firmly supportive of the administration o...

 BBNaija Season 11: Drama Erupts as Trams and Nomy Clash Over Rejection Claims The Big Brother Naija Season 11 house witnessed an intense wave of drama on Saturday as housemates Trams and Nomy engaged in a fierce, near-physical confrontation that left their peers stunned. How the Salon Confrontation Started The explosive altercation unfolded in the house salon, with several other housemates watching. What began as a minor misunderstanding quickly spiraled out of control, devolving into a bitter exchange of harsh personal insults. Nomy ignited the dispute by alleging that Trams had previously made romantic advances toward her, which she claimed to have promptly rejected. Taking a swipe at his social standing, Nomy mockingly stated that Trams was not on her level, suggesting he needed to upgrade his lifestyle by moving from the Mainland to Lagos Island before attempting to pursue her. Trams Hits Back in Scathing Tirade Infuriated by Nomy's claims, Trams vehemently denied ever making ...

 John Goodman, 74, appears noticeably slimmer in new grocery-store photo with David DeLuise after years of lifestyle changes A new photo of John Goodman has brought attention to the actor’s appearance, years after he publicly discussed changes to his lifestyle. Goodman, 74, was photographed inside a grocery store with actor David DeLuise, 54, after the two reportedly ran into each other. DeLuise shared the photo on Instagram on Thursday, Aug. 6, showing Goodman looking noticeably slimmer. “He was my childhood!! Legend!” DeLuise wrote in the caption. “I love that I get to say that to someone ;), if you know you know.” Goodman has previously spoken about his efforts to change his lifestyle. In 2010, the Roseanne actor told PEOPLE that he had lost more than 100 pounds after cutting sugar from his diet and exercising six days a week. “I’m breaking a sweat, but I’m not going nuts,” Goodman said at the time. He also revealed that his weight had reached close to 400 pounds at his heaviest...

 UEFA confirms payout to former employee under FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid denials of sexual affair FIFA President Gianni Infantino is denying a report that inappropriate conduct was behind a six-figure “departure payment” made to a woman during his tenure as general secretary of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). UEFA confirmed the woman’s payout, noting that while the package was in line with rules at the time, internal staff regulations have since been “tightened”. The Telegraph first reported allegations that the woman received the settlement following an affair with the head of world football. Infantino “strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue,” a FIFA spokesperson stated. “Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.” The allegations emerge as soccer’s governing body faces intense pressure. Leaked plans regarding a proposal to sell partial commercial and operational right...

TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA RESCUE 33 KIDNAPPED PASSENGERS IN ZAMFARA STATE Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) rescued 33 kidnapped passengers in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following a swift response to credible information on the kidnap of commuters by terrorists. Troops of JTF NW OPFY, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed at Tsafe, received credible information in the late afternoon of 8 August 2026 that terrorists had abducted passengers travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe LGA. Acting promptly, the troops mobilized to the location and made contact with the terrorists, who were already moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination. The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes. The troops then secured and rescued all 33 abducted persons. Following the rescue, troops commenced exploitatio...