Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja for Paris on Monday, marking his first flight aboard Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential jet, an Airbus A330. The aircraft, valued at over $100 million, was obtained from a German bank after being repossessed by an Arab prince. The purchase, amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, has sparked debate. Some critics, including Omoyele Sowore, suspect the jet’s release from French custody was staged. The jet features luxury amenities and replaces the older B737-700. Tinubu’s trip details and duration in France remain undisclosed
2. The Ogun State Police Command arrested Abiodun Salami and Destiny Adeola on August 8, for suspected involvement in cult activities in the Ijoko area of Sango-Ota, Ogun State. The arrest followed a tip-off, leading to the Anti-Robbery Squad’s intervention. The suspects, members of the Eiye Confraternity, were found with a toy silver pistol, amulets, and suspected Indian hemp. Adeola admitted to being initiated into the group in 2022. The area has recently seen numerous cult-related incidents, including the beheading of a man named Seun in May 2024.
3. Over 20 medical students and a house officer were kidnapped by gunmen on Thursday evening in Benue State. The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were traveling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu when they were ambushed around 5:30 p.m. in Otukpo. They were traveling in a convoy of two buses from the northern part of the country. The Benue State Police confirmed the kidnapping and stated that an investigation is ongoing.
4. Epiphany Azinge, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), has been chosen as the Asagba of Asaba designate. His selection followed a thorough process involving ten contenders, under Delta State’s traditional rulers and chiefs’ edict of 1979. Azinge, who holds the chieftaincy title of Okilolo of Asaba, was unanimously endorsed by five prominent quarters of Asaba before receiving formal approval from the ruling council. He succeeds Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, who passed away in February at the age of 99
5. Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, father of singer Davido, donated N1 billion to the Cherubim and Seraphim Church’s Centenary Endowment Fund in honor of his late mother, Nnena Esther Adeleke. The donation was made during a Thanksgiving service at the church’s Lagos headquarters on Sunday. The event was attended by notable figures, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who entertained the crowd with his dance moves. The donation was praised by Deputy Baba Aladura Harold Demuren, who highlighted the Adeleke family’s humility and dedication to service. The church, founded by Pa Moses Orimolade Tunolase, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025.
6. Former Sweden manager Janne Andersson is reportedly set to become the new coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The 61-year-old, known for leading Sweden to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, is expected to replace Finidi George. Although Andersson lacks experience in African football, his successful track record makes him an intriguing choice. If confirmed, he will be the second Swedish coach to manage the Super Eagles, following Lars Lagerback. Andersson’s immediate task would be to guide Nigeria through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
