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 LAGOS CELEBRATES SOPHIA EKERUCHE: WORLD’S BEST YOUTH FEMALE SCRABBLE PLAYER The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) hosted Wizkid Scrabble player Sophia Ekeruche of Team Lagos, the 15-year-old crowned the world's best female Scrabble player at the just-concluded World Youth Scrabble Championship held in Kenya this past August. Hon. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, received the young champion in his office at Teslim Balogun Stadium. Expressing immense pride in her accomplishment, noting that she inspires not only her peers but also the Lagos State government, which continually emphasises youth education and sports development. “The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through the Lagos State Sports Commission, is thrilled with your sterling performance,” Fatodu stated. “The government will continue to support outstanding athletes like you, especially in their education. Your success is a testament to the state government's invest...

 Philippine couple holds wedding in flooded church A Philippine couple tied the knot on Tuesday at a Catholic church swamped in hip-deep waters, as heavy rains have pummeled large parts of the country for a month. Clutching a bouquet of white blooms and clad in an off-shoulder white gown, Leian Lieza Galang gingerly waded into the murky brown floodwaters inside the Saint John the Baptist church in Hagonoy town, north of Manila, to wed Gilbert Chico. Watch video and more photos below. 

 MPPUD Begins Planting of 1,000 Economic, Ornamental Trees in Awka By Alufo Bonaventure The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD), through its Department of Open Spaces and Recreation, has commenced the planting of 1,000 economic and ornamental trees at strategic locations across Awka metropolis. The initiative, tagged “More Greener Campaign,” is aimed at enhancing public spaces, promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to a healthier and more attractive urban environment. The programme is being implemented under the leadership of Mr Chijioke Ojukwu, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development. The planting exercise covers locations including Ikenga Shopping Mall, Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex, Federal Secretariat Complex, Solution Fun City, Amawbia, Kwata and Aroma flyovers. The varieties include mango, orange, soursop, palm, king palm and masquerade trees, combining economic value with environmental an...

 Anambra Women Living With HIV Benefit From Empowerment Support, Skills Centre Planned By Obianuju Isima Women living with HIV in Anambra State have benefited from equipment and financial assistance provided by the wife of the state Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, to strengthen their livelihoods and promote greater economic independence. The beneficiaries, members of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Anambra State Chapter, received the support as part of efforts to help them build sustainable sources of income and live productive and dignified lives. Speaking during the engagement on Aug. 31, the Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for providing leadership and an enabling environment for programmes that support people living with HIV. Okeke also appreciated Dr. Nonye Soludo for her commitment to the welfare and empowerment of vulnerable women, describing the interven...

 Mofunanya Wins Onitsha South Chairmanship, Pledges Youth Empowerment, Continuity ‎ ‎By Ngozi Okoli ‎ ‎The Mayor-elect of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Ikechukwu Mofunanya, has expressed gratitude to residents for electing him on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), describing his victory as a collective achievement. ‎ ‎Hon. Mofunanya, who spoke at the council secretariat on Aug. 29, described the local government election as peaceful and well-organised, noting that voters turned out in large numbers and election materials reportedly arrived as early as 7:55 a.m. ‎ ‎He attributed his victory to the popularity of APGA and the developmental achievements of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, promising to sustain and replicate the administration’s development initiatives in Onitsha South. ‎ ‎The Mayor-elect highlighted the construction and commissioning of 15 roads in the area, as well as the newly built General Hospital, where resid...

 Martin Short explains why he’s never been in therapy while discussing grief after family losses Martin Short has spoken candidly about how he copes with loss, revealing that he has never turned to therapy despite enduring multiple tragedies. The 76‑year‑old actor, who lost his parents and brother early in life, as well as his wife Nancy Dolman in 2010 and more recently his daughter Katherine, told IndieWire that friends and family have been his greatest source of support.  “When loss and grief suddenly or subtly encompasses your life, it’s your friends and family that help you through and remind you of the journey. So you find the light,” he explained. Short also credited his work, including Only Murders in the Building and his collaboration with Meryl Streep, as a healthy distraction from grief.  He said that immersing himself in projects he cares about provides relief, describing acting as “the ultimate distraction” when taken seriously.  Reflecting on his younger...

 PRESS RELEASE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀'𝐒 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐘 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒, 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐀 𝐔𝐒𝐃 1 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐆𝐃𝐏 Abuja, September 1, 2026 — Nigeria's economy continues to demonstrate resilience and accelerating growth with the second quarter of 2026 real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 4.43 per cent year-on-year, up from 4.23 per cent in Q2 2025 and 3.89 per cent in Q1 2026. The strong Q2 2026 outturn lifted real GDP growth for the first half of 2026 to 4.16 per cent, up from 3.68 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025, a clear signal of sustained strengthening across the economy. Growth is also becoming more broad-based. In Q2 2026, 27 economic subsectors recorded real growth above 3.0 per cent, up from 23 subsectors in Q2 2025, showing that expansion is no longer concentrated in a handful of industries. The productive sectors led the way. Manufacturing grew by 3.24 per cent, more than double the 1.60 per cent...

  Zambia's President Hichilema sworn in for a second term Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term Tuesday at a ceremony attended by a handful of African leaders Thousands of cheering supporters wearing the red colours of Hichilema's UPND party packed the Lusaka stadium as he took the oath. The 64-year-old won 60 percent of the vote followed by former provincial government minister Brian Mundubile on 38 percent, according to official results, AFP reported. Hichilema has been credited with steering Zambia through a major economic turnaround during his first five-year term, which started in 2021. He pursued market-friendly reforms, abolished the death penalty and made primary and secondary education free. Critics say, however, that the economic growth has yet to translate into better living standards for ordinary households stretched by rising prices. There are also charges that Hichilema's government has narrowed the space for political dissen...

 "You Can Only Learn From Us" – Cubana Chief Priest Boldly Claims Imo State Holds the "Real Wealth" Popular Nigerian celebrity businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has once again stirred social media conversations by doubling down on his assertion that the people of Imo State possess the nation's "real wealth." The self-acclaimed "Celebrity Barman" had previously sparked heated debates online after claiming that Imo indigenes are operating at an elite financial level compared to others. Unmoved by the mixed reactions, he recently released a new video clarifying his stance and highlighting the silent economic boom happening in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The Undervalued Billions of Owerri Real Estate and Business In his latest video, Cubana Chief Priest explained that Owerri’s economic strength has been intentionally kept quiet by its wealthy residents. According to him, real estate in key parts ...

Sex without wife’s consent can attract life imprisonment- Lagos DPP warns The Lagos State Government has warned husbands against forcing their wives into having s#x without their consent, stating that such conduct could attract life imprisonment under the state’s criminal laws. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Dr. Babajide Martins, gave the warning while speaking at the commencement of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexu@l V!olence Awareness Month. Responding to a question on whether a married woman can sue her husband for r@pe for having s%x with her without consent, Martins explained that while Nigerian law does not recognise marital r@pe, the Lagos State Criminal Law provides for the offence of sexu@l ass@ult by penetration, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He said that a husband who forcefully has sexu@l intercourse with his wife after she has withheld consent could be prosecuted under that provision. “Any man that feel...

 "It's a Bad Idea" – Ifeanyi Udeze Rejects Obafemi Martins' Call for Seyi Tinubu to Lead NFF The debate over who should lead the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sparked a division among former Super Eagles stars. Ex-defender Ifeanyi Udeze has openly dismissed a proposal by his former international teammate, Obafemi Martins, who suggested Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the federation's top job. Martins Advocates for Youthful Leadership The discussion began when former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins appeared as a guest on The Obi One Podcast, hosted by Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel. During the episode, Martins argued that Nigerian football is desperately in need of a modern, youthful perspective to revitalize the sport and connect with the aspirations of the fans. Martins proposed 40-year-old Seyi Tinubu as a viable candidate, stating that his youth and understanding of the local landscape make him a strong fit to l...

 PDP chieftain Daniel Orbih dies A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and a political ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Daniel Orbih, is dead. Orbih died on Monday, August 31, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family. The development was disclosed in a statement shared by Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, on Tuesday. The family, in a statement signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, described the deceased as a beloved brother, husband, father and uncle

 Peddling Political Speculation as Classified Information : Atiku’s $1.2 million Washington Lobbying gamble exposed The coordinated media blitz orchestrated around a Washington, D.C. advisory firm is not an intelligence breakthrough; it is a clinical demonstration of desperation.  The bankruptcy of Atiku’s 2027 political agenda is writ-large in the unmasking of the lobby firm he hired. Strip away the hyperbolic prose, the counterfeit urgency, and the grandiose invocations of classified espionage, and what remains is a textbook transactional hit job. At its core, the theatrical dispatches issued by Dr. Karl-Marx Edward Okeke-Von Batten—a commercial lobbyist operating under a lavish, multi-million-dollar retainer funded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Findings under  Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) expose the intellectual and political bankruptcy of an Atiku l-led opposition desperately seeking foreign validation for local irrelevance.  The Nigerian con...

 Miley Cyrus drops last name from social media as she teases new music era Miley Cyrus ushered in a new era Monday by dropping her last name from her social media identity while teasing what appears to be new music. The singer changed her Instagram username from @mileycyrus to simply @miley. Her official website also moved from mileycyrus.com to mileyofficial.com. The rebranding was accompanied by a new red-and-black image featuring Cyrus dressed in black fur, signaling a new visual direction for the singer. The changes come about a month after Cyrus revealed that she was working on new music. She described her upcoming album as a “love story” and said she was developing a new creative chapter. The project would follow her 2025 album “Something Beautiful” and 2023’s “Endless Summer Vacation,” which included her Grammy-winning hit “Flowers.” The song earned Cyrus Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. Cyrus’ latest rebranding also comes shortly after the death...

American Singer Doja Cat opens up on struggle with cocaine addiction Doja Cat has opened up about her past struggles with cocaine, alcohol and marijuana, revealing that she battled drug use years ago but is now “well past that.” The rapper made the admission in a series of TikTok videos posted Monday, August 31, saying she “struggled” with cocaine about eight years ago. Doja also addressed her past relationship with alcohol and marijuana in another video, acknowledging that she had problems with both. “I was never an alcoholic, but I definitely had problems,” she said. The singer also spoke about the connection between mental health struggles and social media culture, saying the combination can be particularly difficult to deal with. Doja addressed people online who have described her as “demonic,” appearing to push back against the criticism and the negativity she encounters on social media. She described the internet as a “breeding ground for f***ing projecting,” warning against givi...

 68-year-old British woman who married Nigerian man, 31, cries out as he goes missing after joining her abroad A 68-year-old British woman who married a 31-year-old Nigerian man when he was just 27 has cried out after he disappeared after joining her in the UK. Dawn Otewell said she was lonely and depressed when she met Bright Emokpae, from Edo State, Nigeria. She said they met on a dating app. Though he is 36 years her junior, he wooed her, professed his love to her, and made her feel his love was genuine, so she gave him a chance. Now, four years on, Dawn is concerned that her children's inheritance might be at stake as Bright has disappeared and refused to sign divorce papers that will disinherit him if she dies. Dawn, a grandmother of seven, is in poor health with heart disease, sciatica, angina and IBS. She says that she is now struggling to track down Bright so she can serve him with divorce papers and be free of him. She is convinced the 31-year-old has intentionally gone mi...

   Kanye West's former staffer wants to block the rapper from using insanity as defense in legal battle Kanye West’s former Donda Academy staffer is asking a judge to block the rapper from using his mental state as a defense in their upcoming legal battle, arguing that West never previously claimed he was of “unsound mind” when the alleged discrimination took place. Benjamin Provo, who worked at West’s Donda Academy in 2021, filed court documents seeking to prevent the musician from arguing that he was not in his right mind when he allegedly discriminated against him. According to the court documents, Provo claims West is attempting to raise the mental-health defense shortly before the case is due to go to trial, despite allegedly never providing medical records, testimony or an expert witness to support such a claim. Provo also says West repeatedly indicated during his deposition that he had been of sound mind during the events at the school. The documents point to an exchang...

  Separatists In Cameroon's Anglophone Conflict "Open To Dialogue" - Archbishop Nkea Archbishop Andrew Nkea says separatists involved in Cameroon's Anglophone conflict are open to dialogue and increasingly tired of the fighting. Speaking on "Under The Baobab," the Archbishop of Bamenda revealed he has personally spoken to separatists both in Cameroon and abroad, adding that many are now seeking a solution to the nearly decade-long conflict. He said the Catholic Church is actively working to bring the different parties together and believes meaningful dialogue remains the only path to a lasting settlement. Archbishop Nkea also noted that Pope Leo XIV's visit to Cameroon created renewed hope for peace and helped produce a rare ceasefire by separatist fighters.

  Lady Eliza Spencer exudes aunt Diana's elegance as she battles Meghan Markle with new wine Lady Eliza Spencer, daughter of Earl Spencer and niece of Princess Diana, has debuted her first wine, a Provençal rosé called Lala V. The release was marked by an exclusive tasting at Hackstons in Knightsbridge, London, where Eliza presented the wine with poise and sincerity.  She explained that the rosé was inspired by leisurely Mediterranean lunches and time spent with loved ones, highlighting its approachable yet elegant character. She also credited her fiancé, Channing Millerd, for his support in designing the bottle, label, and website. The name Lala V carries personal meaning, derived from a childhood nickname given by her brother Samuel, who struggled to pronounce “Eliza.” The “V” stands for her middle name, Victoria, and also symbolizes “vie,” the French word for life, reflecting the wine’s ethos of celebrating joyful moments.  During her speech, Eliza emphasized her desir...

 NYSC APPLAUDS SECURITY AGENCIES FOR SAFE RESCUE OF ABDUCTED CORPS MEMBERS  The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has applauded security agencies and other groups involved in the successful rescue of sixteen Corps Members abducted in Kogi State on 26 August 2026, while travelling from the Bayelsa State Orientation Camp to Abuja after completing their Orientation Course.            NYSC particularly commends the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante groups and others for their professionalism, courage, commitment and coordination during the search and rescue operation. The Scheme also acknowledges the unwavering support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the safety and welfare of Corps Members nationwide. In a statement by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, NYSC reaffirms its commitment to the safety and welfare of all Corps ...

Jury convicts Duane 'Keffe D' Davis in Tupac Shakur murder case  A jury found Duane “Keffe D” Davis guilty Monday of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, bringing the decades-old case to its first conviction. Davis, 63, was convicted of murder with the use of a deadly weapon following a weeklong trial in Las Vegas. Jurors deliberated for about three hours before reaching their verdict. Davis now faces the possibility of life in prison.

 John Ternus takes over as Apple CEO, ending Tim Cook’s 15-year tenure John Ternus took over as Apple’s new CEO on Tuesday, ending Tim Cook’s 15-year tenure at the helm of the technology giant. Under Cook, Apple’s market value soared to about $4.6 trillion, fueled largely by the continued success of the iPhone. Ternus assumes leadership at a critical moment for Apple as artificial intelligence reshapes the technology industry. The shift represents one of the biggest changes in the sector since Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone in 2007. Apple has struggled to keep pace with some competitors in AI after delays and setbacks involving new features that the company had previously promised. Earlier this year, Apple unveiled additional AI capabilities, including upgrades to its Siri voice assistant, while emphasizing privacy and practical everyday uses. The new CEO will face challenges extending beyond his background in hardware engineering. Ternus will be responsible for strengtheni...

 Judge rejects Trump administration bid to overturn order blocking new mail voting restrictions A Massachusetts federal judge on Monday rejected the Trump administration’s request to lift a temporary restraining order blocking the U.S. Postal Service from implementing new restrictions on mail-in voting. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said the 14-day order she issued last week could not be appealed. She added that even if an appeal were possible, the administration would likely fail on the merits because the Postal Service may not have had the authority to issue the new rule and the requirements could be unconstitutional and unlawful. Talwani also rejected the administration’s argument that the restraining order was issued too close to the Nov. 3 midterm elections. She said that interpretation conflicted with an Aug. 24 Supreme Court ruling, which allowed Trump’s related executive order to proceed on procedural grounds but did not rule on whether the eventual Postal Service regu...

 FIFA demands clarification over alleged govt interference in NFF, threatens sanction FIFA has requested clarification from Nigerian football authorities over reports alleging government interference in the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). In a letter dated September 1, 2026, signed by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström on behalf of the FIFA Council, the world football governing body said it had taken note of reports that NFF President Ibrahim Gusau had resigned following an alleged directive from the Presidency. FIFA said such a development, if confirmed, could raise concerns under its statutes governing the independence of member associations. The organisation cited Articles 14 and 19 of the FIFA Statutes, which require member associations to manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties, including government authorities. According to FIFA, any intervention by public authorities that results in the removal of elected foot...

 NIGERIA-CHINA DEEPEN ANTI-CORRUPTION COOPERATION Nigeria and China are deepening efforts in the fight against corruption.   This was the focus of the 3rd International Diplomatic Dialogue held in Abuja  organized by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, the research and training institute of the ICPC. With the theme "Experience Sharing in Anti-Corruption Strategy: The Chinese Perspective."            The dialogue provided a platform for both countries to share experiences and intelligence on preventive measures and asset recovery. The Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Adamu Musa Aliyu, SAN, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Yu Dunhai, expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield positive results and further enhance Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

 GOVERNOR LAWAL MOURNS SARKIN ZAMFARAN ZURMI, BELLO SULAIMAN Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi, His Royal Highness Bello Sulaiman. The traditional ruler died on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau. Governor Lawal describes Sulaiman's death as a great loss to the Zurmi Emirate, the traditional institution and the people of Zamfara State. In a condolence message, the Governor says the late traditional ruler would be remembered for his service to his people, contributions to the traditional institution, and commitment to peace and development in the state. Governor Lawal condoles with the deceased’s family, the Zurmi Emirate Council and the entire people of the emirate.         The governor prays Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds, grant him Aljannah Firdaus; give his family and people of Zurmi the strength to bear the loss.

 Davido Sparks Debate with Advice on Philanthropy: 'When You Help People, Always Keep Receipts' Afrobeats superstar Davido has sparked a lively online conversation after advising his followers to always keep records of their acts of kindness. The award-winning singer shared this unconventional wisdom on social media, emphasizing that generosity can sometimes yield unexpected consequences. The Philosophy of Keeping 'Receipts' In a viral video, the hitmaker explained that while helping others is noble, it is equally important to document these gestures. According to Davido, kindness is a double-edged sword that can either elevate a person or lead to their downfall depending on how situations play out. 'In life, you can never know where your kindness can take you. It can either take you up or down. That is why when you help people, always keep receipts,' the singer remarked. Social Media Reactions Trail Davido's Advice Davido's statement has triggered a wav...

 Ibrahim Chatta's Prostration for Antar Laniyan at Ogogo's Fidau Prayer Sparks Cultural Debate A viral video featuring acclaimed Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta prostrating before veteran movie star Antar Laniyan has sparked a lively discussion among fans online regarding Yoruba cultural values, age, and respect. The emotional moment was captured on Monday, August 31, 2026, during the eight-day Fidau prayer service organized in honor of the late veteran actor, Ogogo. The late movie icon recently passed away following a brief battle with cancer, drawing colleagues and lovers of Yoruba cinema together to pay their final respects. A Display of Deep Cultural Respect As guests gathered for the solemn event, Antar Laniyan was already seated when Ibrahim Chatta arrived. Rather than offering a casual greeting or a simple handshake, Chatta chose to fully prostrate on the ground a traditional Yoruba gesture of profound respect reserved for elders and esteemed figures. Laniyan warmly exten...

 Family of four die in Kwara building collapse Four members of the same family have been confirmed de@d after a three-storey building collapsed at Popo Giwa, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday morning, September 1. he building came crashing in the early hours of today, with eight members of the family initially trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue agents were, however, able to rescue four out of the eight persons initially trapped under the rubble. Residents of the area say the father of the family was a serving soldier, while his wife served as a casual staff member at the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin. A child identified as Firdaus, the second-to-last born of the family, was among those rescued alive from the rubble as emergency responders intensified the operation. Rescue operation is still ongoing.

World Cup will not be the same in your absence: Jose Mourinho sends message to Lionel Messi following his retirement Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has sent a message to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain officially announced his retirement from international football. Messi confirmed the news in a statement posted to his Instagram account on Monday, August 31, 2026. "After all this time since the final match, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I have decided to retire from playing with the national team," Messi wrote. "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time". "I swear I always gave everything, not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too," he added. "I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football". Reacting to the announcement, Mourin...

 Kylie Jenner accused of abandoning her dachshunds after posting new videos with her cats Kylie Jenner is once again under scrutiny from fans, this time over her pets. The reality star, who has long showcased her love of animals, introduced dachshund puppies on social media in 2023, including one she named Moo Pants.  While she initially shared festive posts featuring the dogs, her recent content has shifted heavily toward her cats, sparking speculation about what happened to the dachshunds. Critics accuse Jenner of abandoning the dogs and treating them as accessories rather than companions. Jenner’s history with pets is extensive. Her Italian Greyhound, Norman, became a recognizable part of her brand before passing away in 2025 at age 12. Over the years, she has adopted multiple dogs, a bunny, chickens, and more.  Yet her recent posts highlight her three cats, particularly in lifestyle videos where she embraces a “cat mom” aesthetic. The noticeable absence of her dachshu...