Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang addressed the unrest in Jos/Bukuru, condemning the infiltration of peaceful protests by hoodlums and highlighting ongoing efforts to improve living conditions in the state. He appealed for the end of demonstrations to prevent further criminal activity and emphasized that the 24-hour curfew was necessary to restore order. Security personnel enforcing the curfew clashed with hoodlums who resisted, leading to tense confrontations. Meanwhile, in Kaduna, protests escalated with fires and vandalism, prompting Governor Uba Sani to impose a curfew and urge citizens to report suspicious activities
2. The national grid in Nigeria collapsed for the fifth time in 2024, causing widespread power outages. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) reported that the collapse occurred around 2:55 pm on August 5. While the Transmission Company of Nigeria has not yet commented, AEDC assured customers that efforts are underway to restore power. Previous collapses this year occurred on February 4, March 28, April 15, and July 6.
3. Chris Uba, a prominent PDP chieftain from Anambra State, was caught on video assaulting an artisan at his London residence after refusing to pay for completed work. The video shows Uba ordering the artisan and others to leave, denying any debt, and insulting them. Uba, a former political heavyweight known for his influence in Anambra’s 2003 elections, was seen charging at and assaulting the person recording the incident. It is worthy of note that Uba has a history of boasting about his political influence and wealth, including claims of owning three oil wells.
4. Nigeria’s Blessing Oborududu delivered a stellar performance at the Champ de Mars Arena in Paris, winning her match against Koumba Larroque in the women’s Freestyle 68kg wrestling. Despite trailing 1-2, Oborududu came back to win 6-2 after securing a pinfall with 30 seconds left, leading to her opponent being penalized. Earlier, she had defeated Linda Morais of Canada 8-2. This victory ensures Team Nigeria will earn a medal in the Olympic competition.
5. Chelsea are reportedly considering signing Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion and might also pursue Victor Osimhen. The club has sought a new number nine throughout the summer but has yet to finalize deals for either Omorodion or Osimhen. The Telegraph reported that Chelsea could potentially sign both players, believing they can manage to have three strikers, with Nicolas Jackson able to play as a left winger. Despite their interest in these new players, recent signings like Marc Guiu, David Datro Fofana, and Deivid Washington might not get opportunities if Omorodion and Osimhen join. Chelsea’s pursuit of Omorodion may advance as Atletico Madrid nears a deal for Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez. Napoli’s interest in Romelu Lukaku as a replacement for Osimhen could also influence the transfers. Chelsea has also secured matching rights for any future bids Atletico Madrid accepts for Conor Gallagher, who is expected to be a key player for the Spanish club.
6. Tributes have been pouring in for Rev. Fola Achudume, wife of the General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church (VLBC), who passed away early Saturday morning. Her death was announced during Sunday service by Assistant General Overseer Pastor Adeoye Adeyanju in Abeokuta. Achudume, who would have turned 56 on September 6, 2023, was remembered for her impactful life as a teacher, prophet, pastor, mentor, and mother. The church expressed gratitude to God for her life and legacy. Tunde Oladunjoye, Publicity Secretary of the Ogun State All Progressives Congress, described her passing as the worst news of the year and expressed his condolences to her family.
7. Celebrities celebrated Nigerian crossdresser Bobrisky’s release from prison with a boat cruise party. Bobrisky had been jailed for three months for naira mutilation but regained freedom on Monday, August 5. Videos on social media showed Bobrisky partying with celebrity friends, including socialite Lady Golfer and actresses Eniola Ojao and Moyo Lawal.
