Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Nigerians are calling for the arrest of Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Canada-based Nigerian, and her accomplices after a viral TikTok video showed them advocating for the poisoning of Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent. The video, which has sparked widespread outrage, depicts Sunnberger instructing others to poison the food and water of the Yoruba and Benin people. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, confirmed Sunnberger’s identity and stated that Nigerian groups are reporting her to Canadian authorities. The video has led to demands for the arrest of all participants involved and has raised concerns about their potential actions if not apprehended.
2. Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar should wait until 2031 to run for President again, arguing that power should not return to the North until then. George emphasized that after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, the South should also have eight years in power before the presidency returns to the North. Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, criticized George’s remarks, calling them premature and stressing that Atiku is focused on addressing Nigeria’s current challenges rather than the 2027 election. George suggested that Atiku should follow the example of U.S. President Joe Biden by stepping aside for younger leaders and argued that the PDP must adhere to fairness and its constitutional principles by fielding a southern candidate in 2027.
3. Paris has inaugurated the 2024 Paralympics with a grand, nearly four-hour-long opening ceremony in the heart of the city. Thousands of athletes paraded down the Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde, where French President Emmanuel Macron officially opened the Games. The ceremony featured performances by artists with disabilities, including a piano performance by Canadian musician Chilly Gonzales and a pop rendition of Edith Piaf’s Non, Je ne regrette rien by French singer Christine and the Queens. The event was attended by around 50,000 people, with special accessibility arrangements for athletes. Over 4,000 athletes will compete in 22 sports from August 29 to September 8.
4. Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli has made a significant offer to Victor Osimhen, proposing a contract worth 30 million euros per year for the next four years. They have also bid 65 million euros for the striker, but Napoli is holding out for at least 80 million euros. Osimhen is reportedly more open to the move but is seeking a release clause that would allow him to return to Europe. Negotiations are ongoing, with the Saudi transfer window closing on October 6 and the European window closing on Friday. Chelsea’s recent low offer for Osimhen has been overshadowed by the more lucrative Saudi proposal.
5. Nigerian music video director TG Omori, also known as Boy Director, is battling kidney failure after consuming fake drinks at nightclubs last December. He underwent a kidney transplant on Monday, with his brother donating a kidney, but the procedure was unsuccessful. Omori shared his determination to survive, expressing his fear of dying and requesting prayers from his followers. He revealed that he had been hospitalized for most of the past year due to the effects of the contaminated drinks.
6. Fireboy DML’s upcoming album, Adedamola, is set for release on August 29, 2024. It is expected to solidify and expand his fanbase, especially among listeners aged 23-34 in countries including the US, Nigeria, the UK, Germany, and France. Fireboy’s previous album, Playboy, gained over 700 million Spotify streams and was added to more than 3.1 million playlists globally. Adedamola is described by Fireboy as a deeply personal project that feels nostalgic and like a call to home. The album features artists such as Lojay and Jon Batiste.
7. Auwal Dankode, an employee of the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, has been widely praised for his honesty after returning the $10,000 he found while cleaning a plane. After discovering the cash, Dankode immediately reported it to the airline’s manager to help locate the rightful owner. His actions have been celebrated as an example of integrity and the importance of honesty in the workplace. Social media users also commended him, noting that his fear of God and moral principles guided his decision.
