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‎Tobi Amusan Secures Silver in Women’s 100m Hurdles Final at Tokyo 2025 World Championships

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‎By Prosper Mene

‎Nigeria’s world record holder Tobi Amusan claimed a hard-fought silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2025 World Athletics Championships here today, marking the country’s first podium finish at the prestigious event.

‎Amusan, the 28-year-old sprint hurdler from Lagos, crossed the finish line in 12.29 seconds, just 0.05 seconds behind Switzerland’s surprise winner Ditaji Kambundji, who shattered her own national record with a time of 12.24 seconds.

‎The race, which featured a star-studded field including Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, the USA’s Masai Russell and Grace Stark, Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska, and the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser, lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated events of the championships.

‎The Nigerian star, who entered the final as a favorite after dominating her semifinal with a 12.36-second run, started strong but couldn’t quite match Kambundji’s explosive late surge. Despite the narrow defeat, Amusan’s performance reaffirmed her status as one of the sport’s elite, especially coming off a disappointing semifinal exit at the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

‎This silver adds to her illustrious collection, including her historic gold and world record-setting run of 12.12 seconds at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.”This is for Nigeria,” Amusan said post-race, her voice filled with emotion as she draped herself in the green-and-white flag. “I’ve been through a lot this year, but moments like this make it all worthwhile. We’re just getting started here in Tokyo.” Her achievement not only boosts Nigeria’s medal tally but also cements her as the first Nigerian woman to win multiple medals in the 100m hurdles at the World Championships.

‎The victory comes amid some pre-competition drama for Amusan, who publicly criticized the quality of kits provided by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) just days before the event. Despite the controversy, which drew responses from AFN officials promising bonuses for podium finishes, $20,000 for silver, Amusan channeled her focus into her performance, advancing through the heats in 12.53 seconds and the semis with ease.Kambundji’s gold was a breakout moment for the Swiss athlete, who edged out Amusan in a photo-finish that had the packed National Stadium on its feet. Bronze went to the USA’s Grace Stark in 12.31 seconds, rounding out a fiercely competitive podium.

‎While the championships continue through September 21, all eyes will be on Amusan and her Nigerian teammates, including Kanyinsola Ajayi, who made history as the country’s first men’s 100m finalist since 2005. With this silver, Amusan has set the tone for what could be a medal-filled week for the African nation, underscoring her role as a trailblazer in Nigerian athletics.

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‎Peter Obi Hails Chimamanda Adichie as “Global Literary Amazon” on Her Birthday ‎ ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Peter Obi, former Nigerian presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, celebrated the birthday of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, lauding her as a “global literary amazon” whose work has elevated Nigerian storytelling and inspired millions worldwide.

‎In a celebratory post on X on Monday, Obi described her as a “beloved sister” and a transformative figure in global literature. “I join the global community in wishing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie a very happy birthday,” Obi wrote. “Her writings enrich global literature while uplifting humanity, using her extraordinary gift to tell our stories with dignity and raise new generations of storytellers.”Obi lauded  Adichie’s commitment to nurturing young talent through her literary works and her ability to weave narratives that resonate globally while staying rooted in Nigerian culture.

‎ He also recalled her humility, noting a moment when she honored her former teachers, including those from her primary school, as a testament to her gratitude and connection to her roots. “In that act, she reminded us that the journey forward is strongest when anchored in gratitude to the past,” he said.

‎Adichie, born on September 15, 1977, in Enugu, Nigeria, is renowned for works like Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and We Should All Be Feminists, which have earned her international accolades, including the MacArthur Genius Grant and the PEN Pinter Prize. Her storytelling, often centered on themes of identity, feminism, and post-colonial Africa, has made her a global icon.Obi’s tribute concluded with a prayer for Adichie’s continued success: “May God continue to strengthen her, bless her with wisdom and joy, and make her light shine even brighter for Nigeria and the world.”

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‎ ‎ ‎Nasarawa Police Arrest Final-Year Student for Dumping Newborn Baby in Bush

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By Prosper Mene 

‎A heart-wrenching incident which occurred on Wednesday, September 10, has sent shockwaves through the Akwanga community. The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a final-year student accused of abandoning her newborn baby girl in a remote bush area.

The infant, miraculously found alive by alert residents, is now under medical care, while authorities vow to prosecute the suspect following a thorough investigation.

‎The disturbing event unfolded in the bustling A.A. Koto neighborhood of Akwanga town, near Hope Academy Primary School. According to eyewitness accounts, the newborn was discovered wrapped in a simple cloth and left in a bushy area, exposed to the elements.

‎ Local residents, upon hearing the faint cries of the baby, quickly intervened, rescuing her and rushing her to a nearby medical facility for immediate attention. The child, who appeared to be only hours old, is reported to be in stable condition and receiving proper care.

‎The mother, identified as a final-year National Certificate in Education (NCE) student at the College of Education in Akwanga, was swiftly apprehended by police with assistance from her friends and schoolmates.

‎The arrest was confirmed on Thursday by the Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, during a briefing in Lafia, the state capital. “The mother of the baby has been identified and arrested,” Nansel stated, citing the command’s commitment to child protection. He added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia for a detailed probe and subsequent prosecution.

‎Details surrounding the motive for the alleged abandonment remain under wraps as investigations continue, but sources close to the matter suggest it may be linked to the pressures faced by young students dealing with unplanned pregnancies.

‎The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed to protect ongoing legal proceedings, is currently in police custody.

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Nigerian Conjoined Twins Return Home After Life-Changing Surgery in Saudi Arabia

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By Prosper Mene 

‎ A pair of conjoined Nigerian twins has returned home after undergoing a successful separation surgery in Saudi Arabia.

‎The twins, whose names have not been publicly disclosed to protect their privacy, were born joined at the torso in Nigeria earlier this year. Their condition, a rare form of conjoined twinning affecting approximately 1 in 200,000 births worldwide, presented immediate life-threatening risks.

‎Nigerian medical facilities, despite valiant efforts, lacked the specialized equipment and expertise required for such a high-stake operation. It was through the intervention of international aid and Saudi Arabia’s renowned healthcare system that the family found a path to potential normalcy.

‎The surgery took place at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, a state-of-the-art facility under the umbrella of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. Performed on August 15, 2025, the 12-hour procedure involved a multidisciplinary team of over 20 specialists, including pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, and neonatologists. Led by Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, a veteran in pediatric surgery, the team employed advanced imaging techniques, 3D modeling, and minimally invasive methods to separate the twins while preserving vital organs and blood vessels shared between them.”This was one of the most intricate separations we’ve undertaken,” Dr. Al-Ghamdi shared in a post-operative briefing. “The twins were thoracopagus, joined at the chest—and shared a pericardial sac around the heart, which posed enormous risks. But with meticulous planning and the grace of modern medicine, both infants emerged strong and stable.”The family’s journey to Saudi Arabia was facilitated by a collaborative effort between Nigerian health authorities and the Saudi Ministry of Health, under the kingdom’s “Health for All” initiative that provides free treatment to international patients in need.

‎The parents, Lagos residents, expressed profound gratitude upon learning of the opportunity. “We prayed endlessly for a miracle,” the mother recounted in an emotional statement released by the hospital. “Seeing our babies whole and healthy is a dream come true. Saudi Arabia has given us a second chance at life.”Post-surgery, the twins spent several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for monitoring and rehabilitation. They underwent physical therapy to support their independent development and showed remarkable progress, with no major complications reported.

‎By early September, medical clearance was granted, allowing the family to board a flight back to Nigeria on September 10, 2025.Their arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos was met with cheers from well-wishers, medical staff, and media.

‎The Nigerian Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, welcomed the family, emphasizing the importance of global partnerships in healthcare. “This success story underscores the need for enhanced pediatric capabilities in our nation,” he said. “We are committed to learning from this experience to better serve our people.”

‎Conjoined twins separations are among the most challenging procedures in medicine, with success rates varying based on the type of conjunction and the infants’ overall health. According to the World Health Organization, Africa sees a higher incidence of such births due to limited prenatal screening, making cases like this particularly poignant.

‎The twins life and story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the power of international solidarity and cutting-edge medical innovation. The family plans to share updates on the twins’ progress through a dedicated support foundation, aiming to raise awareness and funds for similar cases in Nigeria.This not only celebrates a personal victory but also strengthens the bonds of medical diplomacy between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, promising brighter futures for children worldwide facing medical odds.

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Protest at Women Affairs Ministry Deemed Politically Motivated by NANS

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the recent protest staged by staff of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, labeling it as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine the administration of Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

‎The demonstration, which took place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja’s Central Area, saw aggrieved workers blocking the gates, chanting slogans, and demanding the minister’s removal.

‎Protesters accused the ministry of neglecting staff welfare, including failure to provide welfare packages, professional training, and reimbursement for official trips dating back to January 2023.

‎In a viral video circulating on social media, one staff member lamented the unpaid allowances, while another, identified as Alake Success, criticized the minister’s inaccessibility and her appointment of over 25 special assistants, calling for her reassignment to another ministry.

‎A female protester, Anne Ojubele, highlighted the lack of working tools and resources, stating that the staff had endured the issues for over a year without resolution. The action escalated to the point where the minister was reportedly locked out of her office, adding to a series of recent protests across various Nigerian ministries, including those at the Finance Ministry involving the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and pensioners.

‎However, in a swift response, NANS, a prominent student body representing Nigerian tertiary institutions, dismissed the protest as orchestrated for political gain rather than genuine welfare concerns. According to a statement issued by NANS, the agitation is being fueled by elements opposed to the minister’s reforms and her efforts to reposition the ministry for better service delivery to women and vulnerable groups.

‎The organization urged the protesters to seek internal dialogue instead of public confrontation, emphasizing that such actions could distract from the ministry’s core mandate.”NANS views this protest as nothing but a politically motivated witch-hunt against a diligent public servant who has been working tirelessly to advance women’s rights in Nigeria,” the statement read.

‎It further called on the federal government to investigate any underlying political machinations and ensure that legitimate staff grievances are addressed through proper channels.

‎Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who assumed office in October 2024 following the dismissal of her predecessor, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of Friday. Sources within the ministry indicate that attempts to engage the minister have been ongoing, but the protesters’ demands for her ouster have complicated matters.

‎Civil society groups have called for transparency and accountability, while labor unions monitor the situation closely.

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Hilda Baci’s Giant Jollof Pot Draws 20,000 to Lagos for Record-Breaking Feast ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene

‎Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has kicked off her audacious bid to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice, drawing an unprecedented crowd of over 20,000 eager food lovers to the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.

‎The free event, termed the “Gino Jollof Festival,” transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of culture, music, and mouthwatering aromas, as Baci and her team fired up massive burners beneath a colossal cooking pot.

‎The Guinness World Record (GWR) holder, who first captured global attention in May 2023 with her grueling 100-hour cooking marathon, pro bemised an “amazing and hygienic” experience that would elevate Nigeria’s beloved jollof rice to new heights. “In just a few hours, this same pot will be home to thousands of servings of Nigerian jollof history in the making,” Baci declared on social media earlier today, sharing a humorous video of herself scrubbing the interior of the giant vessel to assure fans of top-notch cleanliness standards.

‎The festival, organized in partnership with the seasoning brand Gino, was originally slated for Muri Okunola Park but was swiftly relocated to Eko Hotels’ expansive Car Park B to accommodate the overwhelming demand. More than 20,000 people registered for the event, forcing organizers to adapt for safety and comfort. “Your safety and comfort is so important to us,” Baci explained, highlighting that the original venue could only hold about 3,000 to 3,500 attendees far short of the massive turnout.

‎The ambitious cook-off aims to shatter records by preparing a single pot using a staggering 250 bags of rice, alongside heaps of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and Gino seasonings. Before the flames came to life, the event kicked off with a blessing from Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre, who offered prayers for Baci’s success.

‎Guinness World Records themselves sent well-wishes, tweeting “Best of luck” to the chef as she embarked on this flavorful quest.The atmosphere at Eko Hotels buzzed with excitement, featuring live entertainment, food exhibitions, cultural showcases, and interactive zones celebrating jollof as a symbol of Nigerian identity and resilience.

‎Celebrities and influencers, including Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks, and Veekee James, joined the throng of Gen Zers, millennials, and dedicated food enthusiasts, turning the gathering into a star-studded one.

‎Baci’s latest endeavor builds on her legacy, positioning Nigerian cuisine on the international stage once more.

‎While the pot simmers and the crowd cheers, Nigerians await this giant feast’s success in securing another spot in the record books.

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‎A Smile That Transforms: Damilola’s Dental Outreach Success

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By Prosper Mene

‎On August 30, 2025, the bustling Prince Bus Stop in Ikotun, Ijegun Road, came alive with a mission of care as Damilola anchored a groundbreaking Dental Outreach Program.

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Organized under the banner of Unique Smile Mobile Dental Services, the event, themed “Proper Oral Hygiene,” brought free dental care to a community in need, leaving a lasting impact.Damilola, dressed in a distinctive black-and-white checkered uniform, led with grace and determination, overseeing tooth extractions for three individuals, scaling and polishing for 15, and tooth replacements for two. Every participant left with toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, and tongue cleaners, tools to sustain their newfound oral health.

‎The air buzzed with activity as volunteers worked tirelessly, adults and children, like the young boy receiving treatment sat patiently, their smiles growing brighter.

‎This outreach was more than a service,it was a passion project. Damilola shared her vision in a heartfelt interview, emphasizing her desire to assist her immediate community by educating people on dental care’s importance. “I want to resurrect consciousness about oral health, especially among low- and middle-class families,” she said, highlighting her modest yet powerful means to make a difference.

‎Supported by partners like GreatGod Community, The Smile HQ Dental Clinic, and others, the event showcased a collective effort.

‎Damilola expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting, “Your contribution significantly impacted lives, enabling us to deliver quality care and promote awareness. Thank you for trusting in our mission to create a healthier community.”As the day ended, the sense of hope lingered. Damilola’s initiative not only treated teeth but also planted seeds of awareness, promising a future where every smile counts.

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Harris Calls Biden’s Reelection Push ‘Reckless’ in New Memoir ‎

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎Former Vice President Kamala Harris has sharply criticized President Joe Biden’s decision to run for reelection in 2024, calling it “reckless” in an excerpt from her upcoming memoir, 107 Days, published in The Atlantic.

‎The book which is set for release on September 23, reflects on the chaotic end of the Biden-Harris administration and Harris’s short-lived presidential campaign.

‎Harris writes that Democrats were wrong to leave the decision to Biden and First Lady Jill Biden alone, saying, “It was recklessness to act like it was just their call.”

‎She argues the stakes were too high for it to be a personal choice. Biden, then 81, dropped out in July 2024 after a weak debate performance, endorsing Harris, who lost to Donald Trump in the election.

‎Harris defends Biden’s ability to lead, blaming his stumbles on tiredness, not incapacity. “Joe got tired, not incapable,” she writes, denying any cover-up of his health.

‎She also describes tensions with Biden’s team, who she says undermined her and saw her success as a threat to Biden. Harris felt unable to push Biden to step aside, fearing it would look like “disloyalty.”The memoir comes as Harris, who won’t run for California governor in 2026, plans a 15-city book tour.

‎Her comments are currently stirring debate about the Democratic Party’s 2024 struggles across the United States.

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Ezekwesili Slams Senate, Demands Immediate Recall of Suspended Senator Natasha ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎In an open memo addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, fellow senators, the judiciary, and Nigerian citizens, former Minister of Education Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili has called for the urgent recall of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the Senate’s actions as a blatant “misappropriation of public office powers” and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

‎Ezekwesili, founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), issued the memo on Wednesday, marking exactly six months since Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension on March 6, 2025.

‎The PDP lawmaker was barred from the Senate following her public allegation of sexual harassment against Akpabio during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom State. The controversy escalated from a dispute over her seating arrangement in the Senate chamber, which she claimed was an attempt to undermine her role.

‎In her letter, titled “A Memo to the Nigerian Senate, Judiciary and Fellow Citizens,” Ezekwesili accused the Senate of acting as both “accuser and judge,” prejudging the harassment claim before any proper investigation. She highlighted how the Senate Ethics Committee chairman dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition as “dead on arrival,” declaring that Akpabio “could not have committed sexual harassment.” This, she argued, exposed a “system designed to protect power rather than pursue truth.”

‎The former minister condemned the Senate’s recent decision to extend Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension indefinitely, despite a July 4, 2025, Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako that declared the initial six-month ban “excessive” and unconstitutional, ordering her immediate recall.

‎Akpabio has since appealed the judgment at the Court of Appeal, arguing that the matter is an internal legislative affair immune from judicial interference under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. ‎

‎”This is a constitutional crisis,” Ezekwesili wrote, urging the Senate to “rescind your unconstitutional decision immediately” and recall the senator without delay. She warned that “democracy dies when laws become weapons and lawmakers become serial lawbreakers,” emphasizing that Akpabio and the 107 other senators are “not more powerful than Nigeria’s people.” ‎

‎She also called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to intervene swiftly, noting that “judicial inconsistencies have emboldened the legislature to disregard the law” and that the judiciary’s credibility is at stake.

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‎ADC Slams Senate Leadership, Demands Immediate Reinstatement of Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a scathing rebuke against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose six-month suspension expired on September 6, 2025.

‎In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the opposition party described the ongoing obstruction of her return as “malicious,” “illegal,” and a “flagrant affront” to Nigeria’s democratic principles.

‎The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, came from allegations of “unruly and disruptive” behavior in the Senate chamber earlier this year, including a heated dispute over seating arrangements on February 20, 2025.

‎The lawmaker, one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, was also at the center of controversy after accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that the Senate leadership denied and used as part of the justification for her disciplinary action.

‎During her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was stripped of her salary and access to her office, and legislative aides, measures the ADC labeled as “institutional mugging” rather than legitimate discipline.

‎The party emphasized that the suspension was imposed by the Senate without judicial oversight, and with its fixed term now lapsed, any further barriers to her resumption constitute an abuse of power.”The African Democratic Congress observes with deep concern the continued obstruction of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her seat in the Nigerian Senate after the completion of her six-month suspension,” read the statement signed by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

‎ “We consider this development not only malicious but also deeply injurious to the spirit of our constitutional democracy, especially the right to dissent.

The ADC warned that the Senate’s actions reflect an “anti-democratic temper” under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, aimed at silencing opposition and dissenting voices.

Highlighting the low representation of women in Nigerian politics—only 2.7% in the Senate, one of the worst rates in Africa, the party positioned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case as a critical test for women’s political participation. “The ADC, therefore, stands firmly in defense of democratic principles and women’s political participation. We therefore demand that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her duties immediately,” Abdullahi added.

 

As of Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains barred from legislative activities, prompting widespread criticism from opposition parties, women’s rights advocates, and constituents in Kogi State.

 

 

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