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 “I Was Born in South Africa”: Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina Fights Deportation Case

By Prosper Mene 

Beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina says she was born in South Africa and is being “targeted unfairly” as the government pushes to deport her.

The 25-year-old, who currently holds the Miss Universe Nigeria title, appeared in a Cape Town court on Wednesday as South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs sought an order for her detention pending deportation. The matter was postponed to February 2027 to allow for the finalization of her legal review challenging the deportation order. She remains free in the meantime.

From Miss SA Finalist to Miss Universe Nigeria

Adetshina’s citizenship came under scrutiny in 2024 after she made it to the finals of Miss South Africa. Questions arose over her eligibility because her mother, Anabela Rungo, has Mozambican roots, and her father is Nigerian.

Shortly after, Home Affairs stripped Adetshina and her mother of their South African identity and travel documents, alleging that Rungo had obtained South African citizenship through identity fraud. Rungo’s citizenship was later revoked in 2025.

Adetshina withdrew from Miss SA and left the country. She was later invited to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, which she went on to win.

Speaking outside court, Adetshina insisted on her South African roots.

“I remind everyone that I was born in South Africa. I have applied through the proper legal channels to have my status and citizenship determined,” she said.

“I have been treated unfairly and targeted. We should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to determine how people are going to be treated.”

She added that she was born in Soweto and grew up in Cape Town.

Government’s Case and Arrest

In court filings reported by News24, Home Affairs argued that Adetshina applied for a South African visa while in Nigeria and also obtained Nigerian passports for herself and her son — evidence, they say, that she is not a South African citizen. Officials further alleged she re-entered South Africa illegally through a Mozambican border post.

Adetshina was arrested in June 2026 on accusations of unlawful re-entry, but was later released on warning.

Outside the courthouse, members of anti-migrant group March and March gathered to demand her deportation. Some pursued her vehicle as she left.

What the Law Says

South Africa does not grant automatic citizenship by birth. A child born in the country is only automatically a citizen if at least one parent is a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Adetshina’s legal team is challenging Home Affairs’ decision to declare her a “prohibited person” and to strip her documents.

Until the review is concluded, she will not be detained or deported.

The case has reignited debate in South Africa around citizenship, identity, and xenophobia — and what it means to “belong.”

For Adetshina, the fight is personal.

“I was born here,” she said. “This is home.”

 

 

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Lateef Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe Radiate Regal Style in Coordinated Burgundy Looks for Their Triplets’ Thanksgiving

By Prosper Mene

Nollywood power couple Lateef Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe turned their triplets’ thanksgiving celebration into a masterclass in coordinated elegance, stepping out in striking burgundy traditional ensembles by Zackstyling Luxury.

Following the arrival of their three sons—Rahman, Raheem, and Rakeeb—the couple hosted family, friends, and colleagues in Lagos with a look that perfectly captured the joy and grandeur of the occasion.

Their shared rich burgundy palette immediately set a celebratory, regal tone, showcasing an impeccable fashion sense rooted in tradition yet elevated by modern craftsmanship.

Lateef Adedimeji cut a stately figure in a richly embroidered burgundy Agbada. Off-white geometric patterns traced the chest with precision, while a matching Fila tilted stylishly to one side completed the silhouette.

Multiple strands of traditional coral beads draped around his neck and wrists added cultural depth, and he carried a carved wooden staff topped with a lion figure—an elegant finishing touch that underscored quiet authority and pride.

Beside him, Mo Bimpe glowed in an off-the-shoulder red gown built on a beaded grid-lace foundation with a refined halter-neck detail.

Colourful floral appliqués in white, pink, and blue cascaded across the neckline, sleeves, and skirt, bringing soft romance to the bold hue. A structured pleated drape wrapped the waist and blossomed into an oversized side bow before flowing into a graceful flared hem.

She crowned the look with a tall, textured red gele that matched her gown perfectly, carried a red velvet drawstring bag with a gold ring handle, and finished with understated silver jewellery.The couple’s matching burgundy theme spoke volumes: a visual declaration of unity and celebration.

From the intricate embroidery and beading to the thoughtful accessories, every detail reflected both cultural reverence and contemporary sophistication. Their first look alone established them as the stylish heart of the day’s festivities—proof that when style and substance meet, the result is pure elegance.

 

 

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Simi & Adekunle Gold Dedicate Son Adeifemi in Stunning All-White Ceremony

By Prosper Mene

Simi and Adekunle Gold have dedicated their baby boy, Adeifemi Oba Ajani Kosoko, in a beautiful family ceremony.

The couple stepped out in coordinated all-white traditional attire on Sunday, August 10, marking a new chapter for the Kosoko family just months after welcoming their second child in March 2026.

Simi announced the dedication with a heartfelt message on social media, where she revealed her son’s full name and offered prayers for his life.

“We dedicated you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God keep you and cause His face to shine on you. I love you Fresh Prince. My lil Champ. My lil Pop. My baby boy,” she wrote.

Adeifemi’s arrival comes after Simi and Adekunle Gold announced her pregnancy during the rollout of her latest music era earlier this year, an update that quickly became one of 2026’s biggest celebrity family moments.

The dedication also highlighted a sweet sibling moment. The couple’s first child, Adejare Kosoko, born in 2020, now officially has a little brother. Simi affectionately referred to Adeifemi as “Aburo Adejare” in her post.

The style for the day was just as memorable. The power couple coordinated in elegant white Yoruba outfits.

Adekunle Gold wore a white embroidered agbada with matching trousers, a tailored inner tunic, and a patterned white Aso-Oke fila. He finished the look with tinted rectangular sunglasses and silver rings.

Simi opted for a fitted, floor-length white lace gown with silver sequin details, a structured neckline, and sheer sleeves. She paired it with a sculpted white gele, silver box clutch, and matching heels.

With Adejare and now Adeifemi, Simi and Adekunle Gold officially make it a family of four.

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Shakira Says She Loves Uganda’s Ghetto Kids “Like Children of My Own” After Beach Outing

By Prosper Mene 

Shakira has penned a heartfelt tribute to Uganda’s Triplets Ghetto Kids after spending several days with the dance group in the US.

The Colombian superstar hosted the young performers following their appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show in New Jersey, where they performed her collaboration with Burna Boy, “Dai Dai.”

In an emotional post on August 4, 2026, Shakira described the past few days as filled with “inexplicable love.” She revealed that she took the children to the beach for the first time and spent time with them daily alongside family and friends.

“It was hard to say goodbye because they know how to give and receive love in a way I have never seen before,” she wrote. “Our time together reminded me that every child in the world should be treated and loved like our own.”

The singer said the group reminded her of the importance of investing in children.

Beyond the personal moment, Shakira used the opportunity to highlight a larger message about children’s welfare.

“The @ghettokids_tfug have brought us their contagious joy and love, and have inspired us with their talent. Like them, there are many kids who live forgotten, with enormous potential waiting to be unlocked — just waiting for the opportunity to offer their best!

What could be more urgent for our governments, businesspeople and professionals, than investing in children? What has to happen so that kids around the world receive equal opportunities?

Thank you to the Ghetto Kids of Uganda for awakening these questions in us and for transforming our lives with your magic.”

The group has since returned to Uganda following their trip.

The Kampala-based Triplets Ghetto Kids first gained international attention through viral dance videos showcasing talent from the streets of Uganda’s capital. Their performance at the World Cup final alongside Shakira and Burna Boy marked another major milestone for the group.

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CJN Bans Use of ‘Barrister’ Title as Name Prefix at Supreme Court

By Prosper Mene | July 31, 2026

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has ordered lawyers and court officials to immediately stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all engagements at the Supreme Court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular described the use of “Barrister” as “inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

“I am directed by the Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate,” the memo stated.

The CJN further directed that the title be dropped from all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagement.

“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect,” it added.

To ensure compliance, the Chief Justice directed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to enforce the order among officers under their supervision.

“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly,” the memo read.

The Supreme Court directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before being called to the Nigerian Bar.

The Council warned that such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession and said violators could face disciplinary measures. It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners.

The CJN’s latest order is part of ongoing efforts to uphold decorum and professional standards at the apex court.

 

 

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We’ve Reduced Drug Importation by 70%” — NAFDAC DG, Prof. Adeyeye, Credits ‘5+5’ Local Production Policy

By Prosper Mene

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, says Nigeria has cut the importation of 29 essential medicines by 70 per cent following the agency’s “Five Plus Five” local manufacturing policy.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Adeyeye described the policy as the intervention that “saved Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry from oblivion.”

The ‘5+5’ Policy That Changed The Game

Launched in March 2019 and gazetted on May 1, 2019, the “Five Plus Five-Year Validity (Migration to Local Production)” policy gave pharmaceutical companies five years to migrate to local production or partner with local manufacturers for 29 products previously imported as finished goods.

“In 2019, we started what is called 5 Plus 5. The products that we have been importing into the country that we can also produce, we give you five years to migrate to local manufacturing or to partner. That has changed the industry,” Adeyeye said.

“We have decreased importation of products under those categories, 5 Plus 5 and ceiling list. We have decreased importation by 70 per cent.”

Under the policy, foreign manufacturers can no longer register finished versions of the 29 products for import without local production arrangements.

Products On The List

The 29 essential medicines cover antibiotics, pain relievers, antimalarials, and daily-use drugs, including:

Antibiotics: Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin

Pain/Anti-inflammatory: Paracetamol, Diclofenac

Antiparasitic: Albendazole

GI drugs: Omeprazole, Cimetidine

Others: Oral Rehydration Salts, Vitamin C in tablet and syrup form, Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorhexidine gel

Topicals: Shea Butter cream, Benzyl Benzoate emulsion, Sulphur ointment, salicylic acid products

Herbals: Moringa, Aloe Vera, Garlic, Bitter Leaf

NAFDAC said the policy was designed to shorten the supply chain, prevent stock-outs, and ensure dependable access to essential medicines.

Govt Support and Next Steps

Adeyeye noted that the Federal Government’s 2024 Executive Order has further strengthened local pharmaceutical manufacturing through incentives. She added that prior to the policy, only 30 per cent of drugs consumed in Nigeria were produced locally, with 70 per cent imported.

The agency is also developing a similar policy for the food industry to encourage more local production.

The DG warned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to apply directly to NAFDAC for product registration instead of using consultants, saying many business owners had been scammed.

She explained that regulatory processes such as laboratory testing and facility inspections cannot be rushed because they are central to ensuring product safety and quality.

With the first “5+5” cycle completed, NAFDAC says the focus is now on expanding local capacity and quality assurance to deepen Nigeria’s drug manufacturing base.

 

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Tyla Removes Lagos From A_POP World Tour Schedule

By Prosper Mene 

South African star Tyla has quietly taken Lagos off the official routing for her upcoming A_POP World Tour, meaning Nigeria will not feature on the 34-date global run.

 

The change was spotted on the singer’s official website days after the tour was announced by Live Nation on Monday, July 27, 2026. Lagos had initially been listed for December 22, 2026 as the tour’s first African stop, ahead of shows in Cape Town on January 4, 2027 and Johannesburg on January 9, 2027.

The removal comes amid days of heated online debate in Nigeria. Social media discussions intensified over recent diplomatic visa tensions and reported xenophobic incidents affecting Nigerians living in South Africa. The conversations also questioned the timing of major international concerts in Lagos under the current climate, with calls for a boycott gaining traction across platforms.

As of publication, neither Tyla nor her management has issued an official statement on why the Lagos date was dropped.

With Lagos removed, the A_POP World Tour will now kick off in October 2026 and run through North America and Europe before heading to Africa. The tour, launched to support Tyla’s sophomore album A_POP released July 24, 2026, will now conclude its African leg in South Africa.

For fans in Nigeria who had marked December 22 for the Waterhouse-born hitmaker’s debut Lagos headline show, the update means they will have to wait for a future date.

 

 

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Meet first female couple playing for South Africa in WAFCON 2026

 

CASABLANCA, Morocco – July 28, 2026

By Prosper Mene 

South Africa’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign began with a historic moment on Monday as married duo Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado took to the pitch together for Banyana Banyana.

The pair featured in South Africa’s Group B opener against Tanzania on July 27, becoming the first husband and wife to play in the same match in the history of WAFCON.

The milestone came during the tournament’s first matchday in Morocco, as the defending champions kicked off their title defense.

Photos shared by Salgado on Instagram captured the moment, sparking celebration online among fans who hailed it as a landmark for the competition.

Organized by CAF, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was first staged in 1991 and has since grown into Africa’s biggest women’s football championship. The 2026 edition has now added another first to its record books with the participation of Moodaly and Salgado.

South Africa lost the opening game 2-1 to Tanzania, but the couple’s appearance will be remembered as one of the tournament’s standout moments.

 

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Lola Shoneyin Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature

By Prosper Mene 

Acclaimed Nigerian author, publisher and cultural advocate, Lola Shoneyin, has been admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (RSL), the UK’s leading charity dedicated to promoting literature.

Her formal induction took place during the RSL’s annual summer event in London. Founded in 1820 by King George IV, the Society elects Fellows based on their outstanding literary work and significant contribution to global literature.

In line with tradition, new Fellows sign the RSL Roll Book, a historic register that dates back to 1825. Shoneyin marked her induction by signing with a historic dip pen once owned by 19th-century novelist George Eliot.

Shoneyin gained international recognition with her debut novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. The book was longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize for Fiction and went on to win both the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award and the Ken Saro-Wiwa Prose Prize.

Beyond writing, she has been a major force in Africa’s creative industry. She serves as Director of the Book Buzz Foundation, Founder of the Aké Arts and Book Festival, and Founder of Lagos-based publishing outfit and bookstore, Ouida Books.

The RSL said her election reflects its growing commitment to honouring international writers whose work is shaping the global literary scene and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.

 

 

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Soludo’s Wife Celebrates Daughter’s First-Class Degree from University of Nottingham

By Prosper Mene

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, is in a celebratory mood following her daughter’s outstanding academic achievement at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.

The Governor’s daughter graduated with First-Class Honours, a feat Mrs. Soludo described as a source of pride for the family and for Anambra State.

In a post shared on her social media pages on Wednesday, the First Lady of Anambra State expressed joy and gratitude to God for seeing her daughter through her studies successfully.

She praised her daughter’s hard work, discipline and determination, noting that the achievement reflects the values of diligence and excellence that the Soludo family upholds.

“We celebrate you, our daughter, for making us proud with your First-Class Honours from the University of Nottingham. Your dedication, focus and God’s grace brought you this far. You are an inspiration to many young girls out there,” Mrs. Soludo wrote.

The University of Nottingham is ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally, and is known for producing high-achieving graduates across different fields.

Mrs. Soludo also used the moment to encourage students in Anambra and across Nigeria to take their academics seriously, saying education remains the strongest tool for personal and national development.

The Governor’s family has received congratulatory messages from government officials, party members, and well-wishers who described the achievement as “a win for Anambra and for Nigerian students abroad.”

 

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