Good morning! In today’s trending news stories;
1. An incident that occurred in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has caused an uproar among Nigerians as the Army accidentally bombed a village during the celebration of Maulud, an Islamic event. Many villagers were killed in the airstrike, leading to widespread anger and condemnation from both local and international communities. The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security confirmed the Army’s responsibility, but there are conflicting reports on the death toll, with estimates ranging from 85 to 150.
2. The Minister of Information has claimed that the Federal Government sponsored 422 delegates and that the rest were from the private sector and non-governmental organizations. The COP28 in Dubai had over 70,000 participants, and Nigeria’s delegation included government officials, private sector representatives, and others. The Minister stressed that Nigeria had a significant stake in climate action and highlighted that there were investment opportunities resulting from its participation at COP28.
3. Meanwhile, the president of the COP28 Climate Summit, Sultan Al Jaber, has stirred controversy by stating that there is “no science” supporting the necessity of phasing out fossil fuels to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This claim has raised concerns among climate scientists and advocates. Al Jaber suggested that a fossil fuel phase-out would impede sustainable development and emphasized the need for a realistic and pragmatic approach. Climate scientists and campaigners expressed anger, asserting that phasing out fossil fuels is crucial for meeting climate goals. The controversy adds to concerns about Al Jaber’s capacity to lead the UN climate talks during COP28.
4. The Conference of Nigerian Intellectuals in the United States has raised concerns about alleged human rights violations against Godwin Emefiele, the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor. The group criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what they perceive as illegal detention and disregard for Emefiele’s freedom and rights. They cited violations of international human rights laws and urged the Nigerian government to release Emefiele. The group warned that failure to address the issue might lead to peaceful protests in the USA and London.
5. Victor Osimhen returned to Napoli’s starting XI after injury, but the team suffered a 3-0 loss. Despite Napoli’s recent struggles, there are positive signs as Osimhen is reportedly close to signing a contract extension. In Germany, Victor Boniface scored a late equalizer for Leverkusen against Borussia Dortmund, while his grandmother gained attention for leading chants in support. In the Premier League, Luca Koleosho scored his first goal for Burnley in a 5-0 win over Sheffield United. Additionally, Mohammed Kudus scored for Crystal Palace, and Antonie Semenyo and Dominic Solanke found the net for Bournemouth against Aston Villa.
6. Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez bid an emotional farewell to Gremio fans with a winning goal. Rumors suggest he may join Inter Miami as a free agent in January 2024. Inter Miami aims to finalize the deal before the 2024 MLS season. Despite being 36, Suárez maintained an impressive performance at Gremio, scoring 23 goals and providing 17 assists in 51 appearances.
7. Nigerian musician Mr Eazi has accused comedian I Go Dye of not showing up for a concert in Ghana despite being paid. Mr Eazi mentioned a past event where Wande Coal didn’t perform due to payment issues, and he had to request Sarkodie to go on stage even without full payment. He claimed I Go Dye ran away with his money, expressing disappointment and stating that it’s a lingering concern, not a personal feud.
