Good morning! In today’s trending news stories on The News Chronicle:
1. As the world celebrates World Food Day 2023, global organizations such as the United Nations called on world leaders to look into the issue of water scarcity. At present, around 2.4 billion individuals reside in nations facing water scarcity, and roughly 10% of the world’s population lives in countries experiencing severe water stress.
2. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dislodged reports of a ceasefire to allow the departure of “foreigners” from south Gaza and the entry of “humanitarian aid.” Recent US media reports suggested that Egypt might reopen the Rafah crossing for a limited duration from 09:00 local time (06:00 GMT). However, the crossing remains closed at present. Over 1,400 people in Israel were killed in Hamas attacks a little over a week ago, while nearly 2,700 people in Gaza have lost their lives in Israel’s retaliatory attacks.
3. On Sunday, Vice President Kashim Shettima left Abuja to attend the third Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum in Beijing, China, representing President Bola Tinubu. According to a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, the forum is scheduled to last from Monday, October 16 to Wednesday, October 18.
4. The Kano State Government during the weekend was involved in a number of humanitarian acts. On Saturday it held a mass wedding at the Open Theatre in Kano Government House for about 1,800 couples across the state. Spending over N800 million, Prominent figures such as the state Hisbah board commander, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daura, former Kano State governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, and Governor Abba Yusuf graced the occasion. In addition, on Sunday, the Kano Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP) also started the allocation of 100 units of single-row hand-pushed planters to farmers in collaboration with Sasakawa Africa Association to enhance the farmers’ output and earnings, consequently fostering better food security and living standards for rural families.
5. Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani has withdrawn his bid for 100 percent ownership of Manchester United after final discussions with the current owners, the Glazer family, who took over the club in 2005 for £790 million ($961 million) and have since burdened it with a current £970 million debt. Sheikh Jassim had been willing to pay ‘almost double’ the current valuation of the club, which some reports estimated at $3.3 billion. Additionally, he had promised an initial additional investment of over $1.7 billion toward transfers, enhancing the club’s facilities, and supporting community projects. However, he has stated that he will not meet the Glazer family’s ‘outlandish valuation.’ British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who was also the front-runner after several rounds of bidding earlier this year, will now purchase 25 percent of the club from the Glazer family for $1.5 billion.
6. Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face the Mambas of Mozambique today ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe next month. However, forward Kelechi Iheanacho will not be available due to personal reasons, and Ballon d’Or nominee Victor Osimhen will be absent due to a hamstring injury. Coach Jose Peseiro remains positive that the team will perform well.
7. Omotayo Oyebanjo, the estranged wife of On Air Personality, Kayode Oladotun (Do2dtun), has appealed to him not to involve their children in their ongoing divorce. In a statement on Instagram, she clarified that their daughters are well and should not be drawn into their marital issues. Contrary to his claims, she asserted that he has access to their children. She also made allegations of domestic violence and emotional abuse, recounting an incident where she was allegedly forced into having an abortion by Do2dtun.
