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 Funke Akindele Sparks Backlash Over Birthday Photos Amid Nollywood Mourning for Ogogo Nollywood superstar Funke Akindele has found herself at the center of social media criticism following her decision to share glamorous birthday photos on Monday, August 24. The actress, who celebrated her 49th birthday, posted celebratory images and expressed heartfelt gratitude to God just as the Nigerian film industry was reeling from the tragic news of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan’s passing. Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, was a beloved figure in Yoruba cinema, and his death has cast a somber shadow over Nollywood. While Akindele had previously shared a message of condolence, many fans felt her subsequent festive posts were poorly timed, sparking a heated debate about empathy and social media etiquette during times of grief. Social Media Users React to the Timing The contrast between the industry’s mourning and Akindele’s glamorous photo shoot did not sit well with several internet users. M...

Actress Bunny Levine, who began her acting career in her 50s, dies at 97 Bunny Levine, a former school librarian who launched a second career in acting in her 50s and appeared in more than 100 film and television productions, has died at 97. Levine died in her sleep, according to her representatives. One of her representatives, Michael Eisenstadt, remembered her as a talented, fearless performer and a kind person who would be missed. Her acting career lasted nearly four decades, with credits beginning in 1988 and continuing through 2026. She appeared in television shows including “Law & Order,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Gilmore Girls,” and “2 Broke Girls.” Her movie roles included the Oscar-winning “La La Land,” in which she played a theater cashier, along with “Thelma” and “Sacramento.” She also appeared in several Adam Sandler films, including “You Don't Mess With the Zohan,” “Sandy Wexler” and “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.” Her final acting credit was reported...

 U.S strikes another suspected drug-trafficking vessel in Pacific, killing 2 U.S. forces carried out another strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people accused of drug trafficking, the Department of Defense said Monday. The operation was the first publicly announced strike in roughly two months. The latest attack brings the death toll in the nearly yearlong U.S. campaign against suspected drug-trafficking vessels to more than 210, following more than 60 strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific near Latin America. U.S. Southern Command said the military conducted a “lethal kinetic strike” against a low-profile vessel traveling along established drug-trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific. The Pentagon did not release evidence that the vessel was carrying drugs. The operation was the first such strike since powerful earthquakes struck on June 24, killing thousands of people. Gen. Francis Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, said the military re...

 A Sunday afternoon in Florida turned tragic when a 2-year-old and her mother were struck by lightning.   Residents in a Margate, Florida neighborhood were spending their Sunday afternoon indoors as normal a rainstorm moved through the area. The rhythmic patter of the rain was interrupted around 2:30 p.m. when a deafening thunder clap shook homes throughout the neighborhood.  The intensity of the thunder drew residents to their windows to have a look outside, where they made a truly heartbreaking discovery. 31-year-old Kenya Glasgow and her 2-year-old daughter Kennedi, were lying motionless on the sidewalk by a vehicle. They appeared to have been struck by lightning. Neighbors immediately ran from their homes to provide assistance while calling 911. However, as they neared the injured pair, they were taken aback upon seeing smoke rising from the bodies of both mother and daughter.  One man described seeing two holes in Kenya's chest as life-saving measures were ...

 Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux Unveil Son Rakeem’s Face for the First Time on 1st Birthday Nigerian digital creator and entrepreneur Priscilla Ojo has thrilled her followers by revealing the face of her son, Rakeem Mkambala, for the very first time. The highly anticipated reveal coincided with the toddler’s milestone first birthday celebration. Prior to this, Priscilla and her partner, Tanzanian music star Juma Jux, had shielded their son from the public eye. While they frequently shared snippets of their parenting journey on social media, they always made sure to hide Rakeem's face to maintain his privacy. A Milestone Birthday Reveal As Rakeem turned one, the celebrity couple decided it was the perfect moment to introduce him fully to their millions of online followers. Taking to Instagram, Priscilla shared a heartwarming photo shoot featuring the adorable baby boy, finally showing his face to the world. A Heartfelt Mother's Prayer Accompanying the gorgeous photographs was a touc...

 Passengers Missing As Car Plunges Into River Along Kaduna-Abuja Expressway Passengers are reportedly missing after a car plunged into a river at Gidan Azara, along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, at about 6:45 p.m. on Saturday. According to Radio Corps Marshal, local divers have made attempts to recover the vehicle from the river but have so far been unsuccessful. The whereabouts of the passengers remain unknown as the recovery operation continues. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies are currently at the scene, with the FRSC OC Corridor, DCC Bello, coordinating efforts to remove the vehicle and locate the occupants. Further details are expected as the operation progresses.

 Molly McNearney says she wants Jimmy Kimmel to retire from late night so he can “relax” Molly McNearney says she would be happy if husband Jimmy Kimmel retired from late night, “I really would like him to be able to not do the show anymore” Jimmy Kimmel’s wife Molly McNearney admits she wants him to retire from late night, “I want him to be able to relax” “I really would like him to be able to not do the show anymore” — Molly McNearney on Jimmy Kimmel’s future Molly McNearney reveals why she wants Jimmy Kimmel to leave late night despite believing his voice is “really important right now” Jimmy Kimmel’s wife Molly McNearney weighs in on possible retirement, “He deserves to go out there and just be on the river and relax” “I also want him to keep fighting” — Molly McNearney gives mixed feelings on Jimmy Kimmel retiring Molly McNearney says Jimmy Kimmel deserves a break but wants him to keep hosting, “I think what he’s doing is incredibly important right now” Jimmy Kimmel admits he ...

  Ex-world snooker champion Graeme Dott is found guilty of sexually abusing two primary school children Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has been found guilty of s£xu@lly abusing two children. According to Mail Online, the 49-year-old subjected a girl and a boy, both of primary school age, to 'lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour' by touching and kissing them inappropriately. The abuse, which took place in the Glasgow region, spanned from 1993 to 1996 involving the girl, and from 2006 to 2010 involving the boy. Dott inappropriately touched the girl, instructed her to remove her clothes, and exposed himself. He separately abused a boy by making s£xual remarks, molesting him and entering a bathroom where he watched him shower. Both charges, which Dott had denied, stated the incidents occurred on 'various occasions'. He was today found guilty of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour. During the trial, jurors heard from one of Dott's victims,...

 ALL-INCLUSIVE POLICING: CP NNANNA HOSTS LEADERS OF THE 21 LGAs OF AREWA COMMUNITY IN ANAMBRA STATE The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, on Monday, 24th August 2026, hosted leaders of the 21 Local Government Areas of the Arewa Community in Anambra State as part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to strengthen all-inclusive policing and deepen collaboration with communities across the State. The engagement provided an opportunity for meaningful interaction on security concerns, community policing and practical measures to enhance the safety of lives and property. The Commissioner reiterated that effective policing cannot be achieved by the Police alone, but requires the collective efforts and support of community leaders, residents and other critical stakeholders. CP Nnanna emphasized the importance of timely and credible information sharing, community support and mutual trust in preventing and tackling crime. He encouraged the Arewa leader...

 PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VETERAN ACTOR TAIWO HASSAN, OGOGO President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his demise. In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President describes late Hassan as a distinguished artiste whose career spanned several decades and whose contributions helped shape the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema. He noted that through his distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and dedication to his craft, Ogogo entertained generations of Nigerians while promoting the richness of Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage. President Tinubu says Ogogo’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, adding that his mentorship and influence on younger artistes further underscored his enduring legac...

 EFCC Grills Man for Alleged $12,000 Fraud in Enugu   Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have commenced investigations into the activities of one Raheem Abiodun Wasiu, an alleged serial fraudster, for an alleged case of fraud to the tune of $12,000 (Twelve Thousand United States Dollars). Wasiu, 38, was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, following a complaint by one Ezekulie Stanley Chukwuamuanya, a Bureau De Change operator who claimed that he was defrauded the sum of $5000 (Five Thousand United States Dollars) by the suspect.  In the course of investigation by operatives of the EFCC, it was discovered that the suspect rents different Toyota Hilux trucks, disguises as a wealthy contractor, moves with escorts and meets BDC operators in the south-east and allegedly tricks them into parting with their had earned money, by presenting fake alerts in Naira to them, after co...

 INFORMATION MINISTER CAUTIONS AGAINST RETURN TO PETROL SUBSIDY The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has cautioned against calls to restore petrol subsidy, saying a return to the old regime could undermine Nigeria’s improving fiscal position, weaken investor confidence and reverse the gains of the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister reacted to an Op-Ed published on Monday, August 24, 2026, in some national dailies, titled “Restoring Fuel Subsidy Will Reverse Nigeria’s Economic Gains.” Idris said proponents of subsidy restoration must consider its real opportunity costs, asking Nigerians to choose between restoring petrol subsidy and sustaining student loans and consumer credit for young Nigerians, or restoring subsidy and maintaining higher allocations to states and local governments. The Minister further warned that restoring the subsidy co...

 Efficient Maritime Security: NN Eastern Naval Command Held 3-Day Maiden Intra -Command Maritime Tactical Live Firing Exercise  In line with the renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the  provision of improved  Security for the citizenry especially in  safeguarding the nations Maritime  assets and boundaries, the Nigerian Navy has launched a  three day Maiden Intra -Command Maritime Tactical Live Firing Exercise codenamed Exercise Littoral Fury at the Eastern Naval command Maureenleo Ajom reports that during the exercise which held in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State, the Chief of the Naval staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas reiterated the Nigerian Navy's resolve to match words with action in developing a modern, agile and professional naval force dedicated to securing the nation's Maritime  while also advancing national security objectives in synergy with other security agencies.

 JAMB ALLOWS HOME UPLOAD OF O’LEVEL RESULTS BY CANDIDATES The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has introduced a system that allows candidates to verify and upload their O’Level results from home, beginning with results issued by the West African Examinations Council, WAEC. A statement by JAMB spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, says the service provides candidates with a convenient alternative, particularly during periods of high patronage and network challenges at computer-based test, CBT, centres. The initiative is part of the board’s efforts to make its services easier, faster, safer and more convenient, while reducing unnecessary visits to CBT centres, queues and manual processes. It also addresses challenges associated with manual O’Level result uploads, including misplaced or mixed-up paper results, unverified or fraudulent results, as well as errors in the entry of subjects and grades. Through the integration of JAMB’s e-Facility platform with examination bodies, ...

  FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR INDUSTRIAL CAPACITY TO STRENGTHEN AFRICA’S SECURITY With millions of young Africans entering the labour market every year, Africa’s limited industrial capacity is no longer just an economic concern, it is increasingly becoming a challenge to job creation, social stability and security. Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan stated this while delivering the graduation lecture for National Defence College Course 34, titled “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa.” He says since the beginning of the industrial revolution in the late 18th century, the world has witnessed remarkable transformations in industry, technology and economic development. Africa, however, has struggled to keep pace, with its weak industrial base continuing to limit economic growth, job creation and development. Former President Jonathan notes that africa’s industrial deficit has gone beyond an economic challenge to become a st...

 APC DISOWNS ABAYOMI HUNYE AS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE FOR OGUN STATE  The All Progressives Congress has disowned Mr. Abayomi Hunye who has gone on self declaration as the Governorship Candidate on the platform of the APC as an impostor and currently running suspension by the Party.  A statement by the party's national secretary Dr. Ajibola Basiru explains that Abayomi Hunye's self- declaration as the Governorship Candidate of the Party for the 2027 election is completely false, unauthorized, and a mischievous act aimed at misleading the public. It further states Mr. Abayomi Hunye is not a member of the APC in good standing as he was suspended from the Party on April 7th, 2026, following a petition from his Tube Ward, in Ipokia Local Government Area. The suspension was not arbitrary but a grassroots decision driven by the Ward Executives in Tube Ward, ratified by the Ipokia Local Government Area, and formally approved by the Ogun State Working Committee and copied to INEC. ...

 ATIKU’S SUBSIDY REVERSAL: DESPERATION FOR POWER MUST NOT ENDANGER NIGERIA’S ECONOMY — YILWATDA The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has condemned former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to reverse the removal of petrol subsidy. Professor Yilwatda described the proposal as a troubling policy u-turn, saying it raises questions about the opposition’s preparedness to govern the country. The APC national chairman spoke during a visit to the headquarters of the City Boy Movement in Abuja, where he inspected the organisation’s facilities and interacted with its leadership. He said Nigerians deserve more than election-season declarations, stressing that any proposal to restore petrol subsidy must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny, considering the enormous fiscal burden and economic distortions created by the subsidy regime. Professor Yilwatda said the opposition had been challenged repeatedly over the past three years to present ...

 Jill Biden shares 'scary' update on Joe's cancer battle as she admits 'he's gonna die'  Jill Biden has spoken openly about the emotional toll of her husband Joe Biden’s battle with stage 4 prostate cancer, admitting she feels “scared” as they confront the reality of his incurable condition.  In a recent podcast interview, the former First Lady explained that while she tries not to dwell on fearful thoughts, it is difficult to imagine life without him. She acknowledged that acceptance is part of the process, even as she struggles with the weight of uncertainty. Despite the grim diagnosis, Jill emphasized that she and Joe are determined to focus on joy rather than fear. She described their approach as making the most of each day, choosing to embrace happiness and togetherness instead of letting the illness dominate their lives.  Praising her husband’s resilience, she noted that he continues to be the family’s source of strength, rarely voicing his own worries eve...

 Former Barack Obama advisor says U.S 'not ready' for woman president Maria Cardona, a Democratic strategist and former advisor to Barack Obama and Joe Biden, recently shared her perspective on Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign.  She noted that Harris ran the strongest campaign possible in just 107 days after Joe Biden stepped aside, but the late timing made victory nearly impossible. Cardona argued that if Biden had withdrawn earlier, a primary could have produced a stronger nominee even Harris herself with more time to build momentum. Cardona emphasized that Harris did many things right, especially connecting with young voters and excelling on social media, but ultimately the campaign was hindered by circumstances.  More importantly, she believes Harris’s loss reflects a deeper cultural issue: America’s reluctance to elect a woman president. “As much as I want to say this country is ready, we are not,” she admitted, calling the reality painful but undeniable. H...

 Rose McGowan calls for end to child fame after Hayden Panettiere’s passing Rose McGowan honored her late Scream franchise colleague Hayden Panettiere with a heartfelt Instagram post, writing “Rest in Power” alongside a video of the ocean. Yet her tribute carried a sharp warning to the entertainment industry, urging parents not to push children into show business.  “None of this is normal,” she declared, adding that Panettiere’s spirit deserved freedom from those who had exploited her. McGowan’s words reflected her long-standing criticism of Hollywood’s treatment of young talent. Other actresses echoed similar concerns in their tributes. Anna Paquin, Melissa Gilbert, and Alexa PenaVega all highlighted the dangers faced by child stars, with Paquin noting that many pre-sexualized young performers endure “profoundly sad lives and untimely ends.”  Fans also agreed with McGowan’s sentiment, pointing out that Panettiere had entered the industry as a child and was burdened with ...

 Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor marry in California wedding on bridge where he proposed Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor have married in a California wedding built around the couple’s shared love of nature and music. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, 33, and Old Crow Medicine Show frontman, 48, exchanged handwritten vows and poetry on Saturday, Aug. 22, at a private park in Santa Cruz, California, five years after they began dating. The couple chose the same rustic wooden bridge over the San Lorenzo River where Secor proposed to Tuttle on Thanksgiving last year. Their wedding was attended by 122 guests and officiated by Secor’s father, Jay. “Northern California is Molly’s home,” Secor tells PEOPLE. “She grew up in its stunning environment, her voice echoing through redwood forests, strumming her guitar beside steely blue waters.” Secor, who is from the South, said California felt like the right place to begin their marriage because of Tuttle’s connection to the area. The setting also...

Bauchi House of Assembly Speaker Contracts ‘Apollo’ as Contagious Eye Infection Spreads Across State A highly contagious eye infection popularly known as “Apollo” is spreading across Bauchi State, with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, among those affected. Suleiman disclosed the development in a Facebook post on Sunday, stating that he woke up with the infection and calling on residents to take precautions to curb its further spread. “By God’s grace, I woke up today with a highly contagious eye infection commonly known as ‘Apollo,’ which is currently spreading across Bauchi State,” he wrote. Expressing concern over the outbreak, the Speaker urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritise hygiene. “I urge everyone to be vigilant, maintain good hygiene, and take appropriate preventive measures to help stop the further spread of the infection within the community,” he said. He also advised residents to avoid sharing personal items that could facilitate tra...

 50 Cent Calls Marriage a "Bad Contract" and Risky Business Deal for Men 50 Cent is weighing in on marriage, and he’s not holding back. During an appearance on Apple Music’s _Rap Life Review_, the rapper called marriage a "bad contract" and a risky business deal for men. He argued that a failed marriage leads to major financial and time losses through divorce and child support. 50 said the legal framework of marriage feels like a trap that heavily favors splitting assets during a messy breakup. He added that spending years building a life with the wrong person is an even bigger loss than money. According to him, many ultra-wealthy men have told him that divorce was the biggest financial hit of their lives.

 Target Pulls Children’s Halloween Clown Costume After Blackface Backlash Target has removed a children’s Halloween clown costume from its website after facing intense online backlash. Critics said the costume’s dark face covering and exaggerated wide mouth resembled historical minstrel and blackface caricatures. The outfit was listed under Target’s in-house _Hyde & EEK! Boutique_ collection. On platforms like Threads and Instagram, users shared photos of the costume and pointed out its striking similarity to 19th- and 20th-century racist minstrel imagery and old “jig dolls.” Following the rapid criticism, Target quietly pulled the item from its online store. The retailer has not released a formal public statement or explanation about the design.

 Shelley Fabares, ‘Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach’ star who appeared in three Elvis Presley films, dies at 82 Shelley Fabares, ‘Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach’ star who appeared in three Elvis Presley films, d!es at 82 Shelley Fabares, best known for her roles on The Donna Reed Show and Coach and for starring alongside Elvis Presley in three films, has d!ed at 82. Fabares d!ed on Saturday, Aug. 22, in Los Angeles surrounded by her loved ones, her family, including her husband, MASH star Mike Farrell, confirmed in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,” the family said. Fabares became widely known as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, where she also launched a brief but successful singing career. Her recording of “Johnny Angel” reached No. 1. She later starred as Christine Armstrong on the sitcom Coach and appeared alongside Elvis Presley in three films, building a career that stretched across television, ...

 Sean Grayson has died.  Sean Grayson is the former Sangamon County (Illinois) deputy who took the life of 36-year-old Sonya Massey.  Grayson fatally shot Sonya after threatening to 'shoot her in the f***ing face' as Sonya removed a pot of boiling water from the stove and placed it on a counter. He stated he was in fear for his life and shot at her three times, with one round, striking her in the face. He did not render aid, however, his partner did.  The initial call came in when Sonya thought she saw a prowler in her yard, however, Sonya was clearly in need of mental health help as the call progessed. Sonya Massey was polite and calm throughout the entire incident.   Grayson had been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2023. He still had stage 3 cancer at the time of the incident on July 6th, 2024.   After he was incarcerated, the cancer rapidly progressed, advancing to his lungs, liver, and rectum.  Grayson filed for an early release un...

 LASG MOURNS PASSING OF VETERAN ACTOR, TAIWO HASSAN OGOGO The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture mourns the passing of Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, a veteran actor, cultural icon, and distinguished ambassador of Yoruba heritage. A statement issued on Sunday by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, extends the management and staff's heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Nollywood and creative arts community. The Commissioner said, "Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage. Through his remarkable career, he entertained generations while showcasing and preserving the Yoruba rich cultural values on stage and screen. "He dedicated many years to the promotion of Yoruba culture, theatre, and the entertainment industry. His contributions to the creative sector helped shape the cultural landscape of Lago...