Author: Vincent Osuwo

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has defended his decision to wear pins bearing the names of 39 abducted children and seven teachers during his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup event, saying Nigeria’s image should never take precedence over the safety of innocent children. Speaking in an interview with Focus on Africa host Waihiga Mwaura, the singer said he used his global platform to draw attention to the plight of the victims because they remain missing. “Many people don’t really want to talk about what goes on in my country simply because they want to protect…

Worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Ekiti State, have been released. However, one of the victims, a lady, died while under the kidnappers’ captivity. The released victims are currently undergoing treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, at the expense of the state government. The victims, who were liberated early Saturday, were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, a border village between Ekiti and Kwara, during an evening worship. The terrorists shot the pastor before kidnapping 16…

Lionel Messi has joked about the physical treatment he endured from Cape Verde during Argentina’s World Cup last-16 qualifier. He joked that his opponents “kick the crap” out of him on the field before lining up to request his shirt and a selfie. After Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Cape Verde at the World Cup in Miami on Friday, Messi posed for photos and shirts with the players, according to Goal.com. Messi shared a light-hearted moment with Cape Verde’s players after Argentina earned a 3-2 victory at the World Cup in Miami on Friday. Several Cape Verde players waited behind after…

The President Bola Tinubu Media Centre has posted an AI-generated image of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, only days after her comments about micro-enterprises provoked considerable outrage on social media. The photograph, shared on the presidency’s official social media platforms on Friday, shows the First Lady at a roadside akara kiosk, wearing an apron with the words “Iya Alakara, fuelling the nation with love”. The tweet followed remarks made by the First Lady during an interview, in which she stated that small-scale companies such as those frying akara, roasting corn, and manufacturing kuli-kuli require little…

Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki had his preliminary objection dismissed by a Kwara High Court in Ilorin on Friday. Justice M. O. Folorunsho ruled that the court had jurisdiction to hear the criminal case and ordered his arraignment. After taking into account the points given by both the defense and prosecution at earlier procedures, the judge dismissed the defendant’s preliminary objection entirely. Saraki’s attorney, Mr. Jimoh Adebimpe (SAN), represented by Mr. T. A. Hammed, had sought the court to deny jurisdiction and dismiss the charges. The defense claimed that the court lacked the legal power to hear the case…

The US turns 250 on Saturday—a landmark independence anniversary that coincides with a time of deep national division and a president determined to seize the festive center stage. The independence celebration falls in the midst of a blistering heatwave that has left approximately 160 million Americans under major or extreme heat warnings, disrupting planned parades and block parties across much of the country. However, the scorching temperatures have done little to dissuade President Donald Trump, who has gone to considerable pains to ensure the event becomes mostly a celebration of himself. On Saturday evening, Trump will stage a massive campaign-style political…

The 2026 FIFA World Cup fixtures for the Round of 16 have been confirmed following the conclusion of the Round of 32 matches. Argentina secured their place in the last 16 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde, while Colombia edged Ghana 1-0 to book their spot in the next round. Argentina will lock horns with Egypt on Tuesday, July 7, while Colombia are set to take on Switzerland. Co-host Canada will face Morocco in the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 4. Other fixtures include Paraguay versus France, Brazil against Norway, Mexico taking on England, Portugal facing Spain,…

Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce married on Friday in New York at a spectacular wedding attended by a galaxy of fashion-draped A-list celebrities, capping off a union that has sparked frenzy around the world. Excitement has surrounded America’s “royal wedding,” which will take place over the United States’ 250th birthday weekend amidst a record-breaking heat wave, a near-total news blackout, and a security lockdown traditionally reserved for heads of state. Taylor Swift and Kelce kept their wedding plans at Madison Square Garden under wraps, requiring guests to sign non-disclosure agreements. However, the singer’s publicist, Tree Paine, broke the…

Only two African countries have advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite nine qualifying for the Round of 32. Egypt became the continent’s latest team to advance after defeating Australia in a tense penalty shootout. The Pharaohs upset Australia 4-2 on penalties in their Round of 32 encounter on Friday, which ended 1-1 after extra time. Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the first half, but Mohamed Hany’s own goal equalized in the 55th minute. With neither side able to win after 120 minutes, Egypt held their composure in the shootout to go to…

The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has rejected aspects of the statement issued by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, over allegations of sexual assault reportedly involving some military personnel and members of the university community. Chronicle NG reported that the Nigerian Army depot said it has not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate rape allegations linked to some recently passed-out personnel, even as it reaffirmed that an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct would be thorough and transparent. In a statement released on Friday by the assistant director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya,…