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Burna Boy Lights Up Lionesses’ Euro 2025 Victory Parade

Entertainment/Tourism

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August 3, 2025

Burna Boy Lights Up Lionesses’ Euro 2025 Victory Parade

Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy delivered a stunning performance during the England Lionesses’ Euro 2025 victory parade held at Buckingham Palace this week, electrifying a crowd of over 100,000 fans and dignitaries.

The Lionesses made history by successfully defending their European Championship title, defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time. The victory celebration brought together fans, players, and prominent personalities for a memorable event that bridged sport and culture.

Taking to the stage, Burna Boy performed his global hit “For My Hand” featuring Ed Sheeran, igniting the crowd with infectious energy. The Lionesses, joined by fans, danced and sang along as the African Giant commanded the spotlight.

One of the standout moments came when England manager Sarina Wiegman, known to be an avid Burna Boy fan, joined in the celebration. She sang along passionately and embraced the artist on stage, creating a heartwarming scene that captured the unity and joy of the occasion.

Also Read: Burna Boy, Dangote Others Among Africa’s 2025 Peace Icons

“This is more than just music,” one attendee said. “It’s a celebration of resilience, excellence, and global connection.”

Former England international and TV pundit Alex Scott later revealed that Burna Boy is actually Wiegman’s favourite artist, adding a deeply personal touch to the performance.

The event was not just a celebration of football but also a powerful symbol of cultural exchange. Burna Boy’s presence at the victory parade underscored his global appeal and further cemented his status as one of the world’s top performers.

The historic win and unforgettable performance marked a high point in England’s football and cultural calendar, blending passion for sport with the unifying power of music.

Nigerian President Hails D’Tigress for World Cup Qualification

Lateefat Ibrahim

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August 3, 2025

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Nigerian President Hails D’Tigress for World Cup Qualification

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, for securing a place in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments, scheduled for March 2026.

Commending D’Tigress for their triumph at what has been described as the, “the final before the final” tournament, the President praised the resilience and dominance of the reigning champions, who have now defeated their Senegalese rivals for the seventh time, with a historic 75-68 win at the Palais De la Sport, Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

President Tinubu lauded the discipline, focus and the team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout the tournament, he described the qualities as the ones that have earned Nigeria honour and respect Worldwide.

“I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament—qualities that have brought honour to our nation and earned respect for our players and coaches worldwide.

“I especially commend Rena Wakama, the team’s first female Head Coach, whose leadership and experience—both on the court and now from the bench—continue to inspire D’Tigress to new heights in this highly competitive sport,” President Tinubu says.

The Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, secured remarkable win of reaching the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket for the fifth consecutive time, after a hard-fought victory over Senegal.

A statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance of support to the D’Tigress as they pursue their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall.

Lateefah Ibrahim

President’s Wife Congratulates Female Basketball Team

Lateefat Ibrahim

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August 3, 2025

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President’s Wife Congratulates Female Basketball Team

Nigeria’s President’s wife, Oluremi Tinubu has congratulated the nation’s female basketball team, D’Tigress for qualifying for the finals of this year’s African Women Basketball competition.

In a message, she commended the hard work of the Nigerian players and technical crew.

She urged them to strive till the end, and return home with the trophy.

“I congratulate the D’Tigress National Basketball team for qualifying for the finals of this year’s Afrobasket Tournament.

“Your 10-year unbeaten run is commendable, as it shows your commitment, dedication, hard work and love for the game.

Mrs Tinubu commended them for being a true inspiration and pride to girls and women in general.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Okon wins 100m national title

Sports

Mosunmola Ore

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August 3, 2025

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Israel Okon won his maiden 100m national crown at the 2025 Nigerian Athletics Championships in Lagos when he stormed to victory in 10.04s to cap an electrifying final that saw four athletes dip under 10.10s.

The 18-year-old edged out Alaba Akintola, who clocked 10.05s to settle for silver, while Adekalu Fakorede placed third in 10.07s.

Former national champion Seye Ogunlewe narrowly missed the podium with a strong 10.09s finish.

Olaolu Olatunde (10.15s), James Emmanuel (10.16s), and Enoch Adegoke (10.20s) completed the final line-up in a race that underlined the growing depth of Nigerian sprinting talent.

Defending champion Kanyinsola Ajayi was a late withdrawal after he posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he would not be participating due to personal reasons.

Okon, who won the 200m national title in 2024, expressed his excitement at finally adding the blue-riband sprint title to his résumé.

“I feel excited and very happy right now. This is my first 100m national title, and I’ve been working hard for this,” he said with a smile.

In the 110m hurdles, Nnamdi Onwaeze clinched his first national title with a 14.13s run, holding off Wisdom Musa, who finished second in 14.19s. Musa had earlier clocked a personal best of 13.73s in the qualification rounds.

Making Of Champions

OPEC+ Agrees to Boost Oil Output in September

Business and Tech

Aisha John-Mark

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August 3, 2025

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OPEC+ has reached a preliminary agreement to increase oil production by 548,000 barrels per day in September, according to two sources within the group who spoke on Sunday.

The move comes as OPEC+ nears the completion of unwinding its largest round of production cuts, amid ongoing concerns over potential supply disruptions from Russia.

A final decision is expected at a meeting scheduled for 11:00 GMT. The talks come amid renewed pressure from the United States on India to halt its purchases of Russian oil, as Washington seeks to strengthen its leverage over Moscow in pursuit of a peace agreement with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, new European Union sanctions have prompted Indian state-run refiners to suspend Russian oil imports.

OPEC+, which pumps about half of the world’s oil, had been curtailing production for several years to support the market. But it reversed course this year to regain market share, as U.S. President Donald Trump demanded OPEC pump more oil.

OPEC+ began output increases in April with a modest hike of 138,000 bpd, followed by larger hikes of 411,000 bpd in May, June and July and 548,000 bpd in August.

If the group agrees to the 548,000-bpd September increase, it will have fully unwound its previous production cut of 2.2 million bpd while allowing the United Arab Emirates to raise output by 300,000 bpd.

OPEC+ still has in place a separate, voluntary cut of about 1.65 million bpd from eight members and a 2-million-bpd cut across all members, which expires at the end of 2026.

Sources have said previously that the group had no plans to discuss other tranches of cuts on Sunday.

Trump Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty

Africa

Chidimma Anikwenze

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August 3, 2025

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Trump Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty

U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, saying a Moroccan autonomy plan for the territory was the sole solution to the disputed region.

This was made known on Saturday. The long-frozen conflict pits Morocco, which considers the territory its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks an independent state there.

Read more: India to Maintain Russian Oil Imports Despite U.S. Pressure

Trump recognised Moroccan claims to Western Sahara, which has phosphate reserves and rich fishing grounds, at the end of his first term in office as part of a deal under which Morocco agreed to normalise its relations with Israel.

His Secretary of State Marco Rubio, made clear in April that support for Morocco on the issue remained U.S. policy, but these were Trump’s first quoted remarks on the dispute during his second term.

“I also reiterate that the United States recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supports Morocco’s serious, credible and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute,” MAP quoted Trump as saying in a message to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI.

“Together we are advancing shared priorities for peace and security in the region, including by building on the Abraham Accords, combating terrorism and expanding commercial cooperation,” Trump said.

As part of the Abraham Accords signed during Trump’s first term, four Muslim-majority countries agreed to normalise diplomatic relations with Israel after U.S. mediation.

In June this year, Britain became the third permanent member of the U.N. Security Council to back an autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty for the territory after the U.S. and France

Algeria, which has recognised the self-declared Sahrawi Republic, has refused to take part in roundtables convened by the U.N. envoy to Western Sahara and insists on holding a referendum with independence as an option.

Poverty, My Biggest Fear – Actress, Jemima Osunde

Entertainment/Tourism

Foluke Ibitomi

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August 3, 2025

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Poverty, My Biggest Fear – Actress, Jemima Osunde

Nollywood actress, Jemima Osunde has revealed that poverty is her biggest fear.

According to her, she can’t survive in poverty.

The movie star spoke as a guest in a recent episode of The Culture League podcast hosted by Super Eagles striker, Victor Boniface.

She said, “My biggest fear in life, I can survive many things, but I can never survive poverty. I can never do it. Being real and being poor, how does it benefit me?

“I don’t even want to taste poverty. I’m okay where I am. I don’t want it.”

Osunde added that she can do anything for money so long as it doesn’t affect her dignity, decency and moral.

Daily Post / Foluke Ibitomi

Kaduna Government Launches Crop Insurance Scheme

News Feature

Omowumi Samuel

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August 3, 2025

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Kaduna Government Launches Crop Insurance Scheme

The Governor of Kaduna state, Uba Sani has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector of Kaduna State, by distributing 400 trucks of free fertiliser to 100,000 smallholder farmers.

Sani made this known at the inauguration ceremony on Saturday at Murtala Square, Kaduna.

The Governor also enrolled the beneficiaries onto a crop-risk insurance scheme, underscoring his government’s “enduring commitment to inclusive development, food security, and rural prosperity through agricultural transformation.”

The governor further explained that the scheme would protect farmers against losses from pests, diseases, and adverse weather linked to climate change.

According to him, each of the 100,000 smallholder farmers will receive two bags of fertiliser free of charge, pointing out that the state remained the only state where smallholder farmers consistently receive fertiliser and other critical inputs at no cost.

The governor maintained, “We are proud to maintain this farmer-first policy, particularly for our most vulnerable and underserved communities.”

Sani recalled that in 2024, Kaduna State executed its largest-ever fertiliser distribution over 500 trucks and launched several empowerment initiatives including support for dry season farming, ginger recovery programmes, and mechanisation with 200 tractors.

The governor also announced a subsidised fertiliser programme for commercial farmers as part of his administration’s bid to boost agriculture, at the free fertiliser distribution ceremony to smallholder farmers.

“We are providing access to 10 bags of fertiliser per farmer at a 40% subsidised rate of N30,000 per bag.

*This is to lower their production cost, support job creation, and stabilize commodity prices in the open market,’’ he added.

Sani attributed the success of these agricultural initiatives in part to improved security across the state whereby, a large portion of previously inaccessible farmlands are now accessible.

The governor described the distribution of free fertiliser and crop risk insurance scheme as part of the fulfilment of his campaign promises, recalling, “we pledged to elevate agriculture from subsistence activity to a driver of growth, jobs, and dignity.’’

Sani stated that the astronomic increase in the agriculture sector’s funding, from a budgetary allocation of ₦1.48 billion in 2023 to ₦74.02 billion in 2025, marked a remarkable 4,871 per cent increase.

He pointed out that as a share of the overall state budget, agriculture had grown from just 0.4 per cent in 2023 to 10 per cent in 2025.

Sani added, “This fertiliser distribution to farmers is not a stand-alone event it is part of a strategic, coordinated, and systems-based approach to agricultural transformation.”

The governor, who urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs responsibly, praised all the stakeholders for their role in ensuring transparency in the entire exercise,

He added, ‘’Together, we will continue building a Kaduna State where agriculture is not just a way of life, but a pathway to prosperity.’’

Borno Government Flags off Fertiliser, Inputs Distribution

News Feature

Omowumi Samuel

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August 3, 2025

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Borno Government Flags off Fertiliser, Inputs Distribution

The Governor of Borno state, Babagana Zulum has launched the sale of fertiliser and free distribution of farm inputs to vulnerable farmers across the state.

The exercise took place on Saturday at the Fertiliser Blending Company, Farm Centre, Maiduguri.

Zulum said 75 trucks of fertiliser would be sold at a 50 per cent subsidy for the 2025 wet farming season and Firgi cultivation.

He stated that the subsidised fertilisers would benefit smallholder farmers, returnees, youths, women, and vulnerable groups in the state’s 27 local government areas.

“I have approved the sale of fertilisers at half the price to ensure they are affordable, accessible and have meaningful impact,” Zulum said.

He said the initiative supports Pillar Two of Borno’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Framework.

Zulum said the fertiliser distribution has two types – Wet Blend and Dry Blend.

“The Wet Blend, being liquid-based, will go to areas with high security risks to prevent misuse,” he explained.

He added that “Dry Blend”, a granular type, would be supplied to areas considered more secure and stable.

Zulum said the distribution strategy also serves as a security measure against diversion for unauthorised purposes.

He stressed that agriculture is vital to livelihoods, food production, and reducing the state’s reliance on food imports.

“Agriculture is key to peace and progress. Food security is national security,” he added.

He restated the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and rebuilding the economy through agriculture.

Zulum warned strongly against the diversion or illegal sale of subsidised fertilisers.

He said, “Some fertiliser elements can be misused for criminal purposes. Hence, all supplies will be tracked by batch, source and destination.

“Proxy purchases are banned. Every recipient must be verified. Local leaders must ensure transparency in their communities.

“Only Wet Blend will go to sensitive areas. Fertiliser movement must be cleared officially. Agro-dealers must be registered and monitored,” he said.

He said those caught diverting, hoarding, or reselling fertiliser illegally would face strict legal consequences.

Zulum thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Agriculture Ministry and development partners for supporting agricultural recovery in Borno.

Earlier, Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Bawu Musami, reaffirmed the state’s resolve to grow its own food and empower citizens through agriculture.

Musami said over 12,000 farmers in Baga and Monguno, supported with cowpea seeds and inputs, produced crops worth over ₦3.1 billion.

He called for reactivation of the Fertiliser Plant and creation of an Agricultural Development Trust Fund to sustain sectoral progress.

Nigeria Launches Maternal and Neonatal Health Initiative in Nasarawa

Health

Manomsi Mallum

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August 3, 2025

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Nigeria Launches Maternal and Neonatal Health Initiative in Nasarawa

The Nigerian government has officially launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) in Nasarawa State, aimed at addressing the alarming rates of maternal and child deaths in high-risk communities.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, Mr Omoruyi Iyahen, a representative of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) team, explained that the MAMII project—first introduced in November 2024—is designed to curb rising maternal and neonatal mortality across Nigerian communities.

He stated that Nasarawa State is among 17 states selected for the initiative’s implementation.

“This was because Nasarawa and Keffi Local Government Areas are identified as the highest-burden locations for maternal and neonatal mortality.”

The MAMII initiative adopts a Sector-Wide Approach, uniting five Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as relevant professional health bodies, under a coordinated strategy and single budget framework to improve efficiency and impact.

Stakeholders at the event stressed the need for increased investment in health infrastructure, capacity building, and public sensitisation to combat the persistent maternal and neonatal death rates in the state.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital, Dr Ikrama Hassan, described the launch as a landmark achievement in maternal health:

“I’m happy that this program has finally been launched in Nassarawa State.

“It’s a very good program that the federal government has introduced with the essence to reduce the maternal mortality rate of Nigeria.”

HajiyaFatima Aziba, Health Secretary of Nasarawa Local Government Area, highlighted the importance of continuous training and support for healthcare workers, especially in rural areas, to improve their ability to identify and assist pregnant women.

Pregnant women present at the event, including Hajiya Rabi Audu, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for their wellbeing and that of their unborn children.

Representing the State Commissioner for Health, the Permanent Secretary, Dr John Damina, reaffirmed the state government’s full commitment to ensuring the success of the project.

Key highlights of the launch included the inauguration of the MAMII Implementation Task Force, the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and financial support to pregnant women.

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