Nigeria’s 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Federal Government’s newly introduced 18-year age limit on Nigerian Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams. The minister of education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the decision during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.


The policy is faced with widespread criticism, with the Minister stating that the government has instructed NECO and WAEC to enforce the new age requirement for candidates taking these exams.

In response, Atiku wrote on his verified Facebook page, criticizing the decision as “absurd” and an “anti-scholarship” regulation. He urged universal condemnation for those who value intellectual freedom and accessibility.

“We are moving backward in time and rejecting the progress made by other countries by introducing such archaic policies like this one,” Atiku stated.

He also highlighted that under the Nigerian constitution, education is listed under concurrent powers, where sub-national governments have more authority over education than the Federal Government. Atiku argued that the effective global approach is to allow sub-national governments to establish their education laws or regulations.

The former Vice President of Nigeria expressed disappointment in the government for not having a plan to cater for talented students, stating that this neglects the intellectual freedom and accessibility which is crucial for education.

“Ironically, if the federal government does play a role in education, it should prioritize identifying and granting scholarships to exceptionally gifted students, regardless of age, before accepting them into tertiary institutions,” Atiku emphasized.

Atiku concluded, labeling the policy as belonging to “Stone Ages” and calling for its thorough condemnation by everyone who values education and intellectual freedom.

This bold move by the presidential hopeful has sparked intense debate in Nigeria about the country’s educational system and whether the federal government has the right to determine the age limit for NECO and WAEC exams.

In a shocking display of generosity, Nigerian afrobeat sensation Wizkid has made headlines by paying his disc jockey, DJ Tunez, N10 million to play singer Asake’s hit song, Fuji Vibe. The remarkable gesture took place during Wizkid’s sold-out concert in London, where the crowd was left stunned by the announcement.


A trending video from the concert shows DJ Tunez making the announcement, which sent the audience into a frenzy of cheers and applause. The disc jockey can be heard saying, “One of the afrobeat singer Wizkid just paid me N10 million now to play this song.” The crowd’s reaction was a testament to the power of the music, as they sang along to the hit song with gusto.

DJ Tunez’s performance with Fuji Vibe undoubtedly stood out as a major highlight of the night, and the generous payment by Wizkid only added to the excitement. The event marked a memorable night for fans of afrobeat music, as they witnessed a display of camaraderie and appreciation for the art form.

Wizkid’s decision to pay DJ Tunez N10 million to play Asake’s hit song is a testament to his commitment to promoting and celebrating Nigerian music. The gesture has also sparked a wave of excitement among fans, who are eager to see what other surprises Wizkid has in store for them.

As the afrobeat scene continues to gain global recognition, it’s heartening to see artists like Wizkid and DJ Tunez coming together to celebrate the music they love. The generous payment has set a new standard for artist appreciation, and fans can only hope to see more of these kinds of gestures in the future.

* Corruption probe reveals shocking scale of allegations


South Africa is grappling with over $7 billion in alleged corruption at several top state-owned companies, according to a new report published by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU). The vast corruption scandal involves six companies: Transnet, Denel, Eskom, National Lotteries Commission, South African Airways, and Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

The SIU’s report suggests that the investigations, which have been underway since 2018, involve scores of suspicious contracts and cases of conflict of interest. At Transnet, approximately 60 contracts worth nearly $4 billion are under scrutiny. The findings reveal a widespread corruption scheme, where government officials and executives embezzled millions by offering bribes to business partners for government contracts.

The culture of graft became particularly entrenched during the administration of former President Jacob Zuma, who ruled the country from 2009 to 2018. Many top officials and executives were found to have taken kickbacks and bribes from businessmen, resulting in a monumental scandal that shook the country to its core.

One of the notable corruption cases is PRASA, which allegedly lost $540 million, including a scheme where nearly $300 million was stolen in the guise of payments to over 1,200 "ghost employees" who never existed.

The scandal has had a devastating impact on the economy, including the near collapse of power utility Eskom due to rampant graft and mismanagement. South Africa suffered record blackouts due to the crisis, plunging households and businesses into darkness.

The ruling party, African National Congress (ANC), under current President Cyril Ramaphosa, has pledged to clean up the government and justice system. However, experts say the tainted officials may not be held accountable and many millions will remain unfished.

This is yet another stark reminder of the importance of integrity in governance, highlighting the need for ongoing reforms and accountability mechanisms to combat grand corruption and restore trust in the justice system.

A judge in the United States has denied bail to Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the man accused of murdering legendary hip-hop star Tupac Shakur in 1996. Davis, a former Los Angeles gang leader, is the only person ever charged in connection with the drive-by shooting that claimed Shakur’s life.


Prosecutors claim that the gunfire that killed Shakur was the result of competition between members of two different gangs, one of which reportedly included Davis. The former gang leader has requested release on bail, set at $750,000, several times since his arrest in September 2023, but has faced repeated denials.

In rejecting his latest request, Judge Carli Kierny cited concerns over the legitimacy of the funds being offered for his release. She expressed doubts about the transparency of the funds, suggesting that efforts might have been underway to conceal their true origin. Kierny also expressed concerns that Davis and the music executive reportedly underwriting the money might be planning to reap profits from the sale of his life story.

Nevada law prohibits convicted killers from benefiting financially from their crimes. Davis has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. The judge has also pushed back the start of his trial from 4 November to March next year.

The denial of bail is a significant setback for Davis, who has been behind bars since his arrest. The case has garnered widespread attention, with many fans and followers of Tupac Shakur still seeking justice for the rapper’s untimely death.

Tensions between Russia and the United States have escalated further, with Russia warning that permitting Ukraine to launch Western missile strikes into its territory could lead to a significant escalation of the conflict.


According to reports, Ukrainian authorities are urging Western arms donors to approve the use of their weapons for long-range strikes deep inside Russia. However, Russia has cautioned the US and other Western nations that such actions could have severe and far-reaching consequences, potentially spreading the conflict beyond Europe’s borders.

In a statement, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the situation as "asking for trouble" and accused the West of seeking to escalate the Ukraine war. He warned that "playing with fire" – referring to the use of military might without careful consideration – could lead to disastrous consequences.

Lavrov’s remarks were aimed at both Ukraine and the West, cautioning them against underestimating Russia’s response to any potential missile strikes. "The American mentality is that of a master, who sits on the other coast convinced of his safety and that others will do the dirty work for him," Lavrov said. "He expects others to die for him, not just Ukrainians, but also Europeans, it appears."

Despite these warnings, Russia has emphasized the need for restraint and diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation, urging all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution.

As the situation continues to unfold, international tensions remain high, with Russia’s warnings serving as a clear signal of its determination to defend its sovereignty.

In a bid to ensure the safety of its passengers, Air France has announced that it will suspend flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut this Sunday and Monday. The decision comes as a response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, following Israel’s launch of air strikes into Lebanon.


According to a spokesperson for the French carrier, the flights scheduled for today and tomorrow have been temporarily suspended. The airline has left open the possibility of extending the suspension further, depending on the developments in the region.

Air France usually operates a daily service to both Tel Aviv and Beirut. The airline had previously halted flights to Beirut between July 29 and August 15, but it had continued to fly to Tel Aviv. It remains unclear whether its budget subsidiary, Transavia, will follow suit and suspend its flights to these destinations.

Germany’s Lufthansa has also taken similar measures, announcing that it will not fly to Beirut until the end of September and will not operate flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until September 2. The airline had previously extended its suspension of flights to Beirut until September 1.

Air France and Lufthansa’s decisions demonstrate the impact that regional conflicts can have on global air travel. As the situation in the Middle East remains fragile, it is essential for passengers to stay informed about the latest developments and airline policies.

A devastating incident occurred in the Drina River separating Serbia and Bosnia on Thursday, when a boat carrying migrants capsized, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people. The search for missing individuals is ongoing, with multiple people still unaccounted for.


According to Serbian police, the boat was carrying around two dozen migrants when it turned over near the border town of Ljubovija in Serbia early on Thursday. The search and rescue team, aided by divers, found the bodies of nine migrants whose boat capsized. Unfortunately, the authorities have not released the nationalities of the victims at this time.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach the European Union through the Balkan route. Serbia and Bosnia are major transit countries for migrants, who often use smugglers to enter the region from Bulgaria and North Macedonia before attempting to enter Hungary or Croatia.

The tragedy also underscores the complexities of the refugee crisis, which has seen over a million people from Asia and Africa cross through Serbia since 2015. The majority of recent migrants come from Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, Morocco, and Pakistan. However, the number of migrants transiting through Serbia has dropped significantly, with police recording 10,389 illegal entries in the first half of 2024 – a nearly 70 percent decrease from the same period last year.

Serbian officials attribute the drop in illegal entries to tighter cooperation with Austrian police and Frontex, the EU’s border management agency. Despite this, the risks faced by migrants attempting to reach the EU remain high.

Zonefree:

What if he's done with the former relationship, do you still consider that as cheating?

Zonefree:
It's good to know he's not like his father...old man wey dey cry for woman for public space.

The Twitter account of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has mysteriously disappeared from the platform, leaving its 2.2 million followers puzzled. As of Wednesday, the handle @officialEFCC displayed the message, "This account doesn’t exist."

Dele Oyewale, EFCC's chief spokesman, confirmed the issue, attributing it to a network problem. He said the agency’s ICT department has been working for three days to restore the account. "We are hoping it will come up again," Oyewale told Peoples Gazette on Wednesday night.

This incident follows threats of cyber warfare from a group of suspected internet fraudsters angered by the EFCC’s aggressive crackdowns. The threats surfaced on Reddit and other forums, accusing the agency of extortion and violations of constitutional rights.

In recent months, the EFCC intensified raids against online fraud, targeting hotels and universities in a bid to clean up Nigeria’s image. However, human rights advocates have criticized the agency’s heavy-handed tactics, especially after midnight raids continued despite a ban issued by Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

It remains unclear whether the account's disappearance was caused by cyber threats or due to a violation of X’s policies. The EFCC's website and its other social media accounts remain unaffected as of Thursday morning.

American actor and rapper Jaden Smith has sparked controversy after being photographed with another woman, Instagram model Khleopatre, on a yacht in Ibiza. The intimate display of affection has led to accusations of cheating on his three-year-old girlfriend, Sab Zada.

According to sources, Jaden was last seen with Zada just a week prior during a night out at The Nice Guy in West Hollywood, but it appears he has moved on to someone new. The photos, captured by paparazzi, show the Hollywood star kissing and holding the waist of Khleopatre, leaving fans divided online.

Some have taken to social media to accuse Jaden of cheating on Zada, while others believe he is now dating Khleopatre. However, Jaden has yet to publicly comment on the status of his relationships with both women.

This latest scandal comes as a surprise to many, as Jaden and Zada had been together for several years. The couple’s relationship had been relatively low-key, with the pair rarely sharing public displays of affection.

As the situation unfolds, fans and followers of the star are eagerly awaiting his response. Will Jaden address the allegations and clarify the status of his relationships? Only time will tell.

American rapper and record executive Rick Ross is facing legal action after a disabled man sued him for not making his Car & Bike Show wheelchair accessible.

Darris Straughter, a man who has been disabled since suffering a traumatic spinal cord injury in 2018, alleged that despite purchasing a ticket and arranging for travel and lodging, he was unable to attend the event at Ross’ 235-acre estate in Fayetteville, Georgia.


Straughter contacted the event organizers two weeks in advance to inform them of his needs, but claims that he was never provided with the necessary accommodations. He also alleges that the show organizers had promised refunds to anyone who couldn’t get into the event, but never received any follow-up or compensation.

The lawsuit, filed by Straughter’s attorney John Hoover Esq., is seeking damages as well as a court order mandating that future car shows provide proper disabled access. Straughter is suing Ross for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

The case highlights the importance of ensuring equal access for people with disabilities, and the consequences of failing to provide such access. It remains to be seen how the court will rule in this case, but one thing is clear: the music industry and event organizers have a responsibility to ensure that all attendees, regardless of ability, have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Rick Ross has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

In a recent Instagram interactive session, Nigerian singer Ololade Ahmed, popularly known as Asake, shared an exciting revelation about his latest song "MMS". The talented artist revealed that it was his colleague Wizkid who reached out to him to be featured on the track.

According to Asake, he had initially considered someone else for the collaboration, but producer P. Prime played the song for Wizkid, who was impressed and asked to be featured on the song. Asake shared the surprising story, saying, "I didn’t know I was going to put Wizkid on that song to be honest. I had someone else in mind for that song, but I think P.prime played the song to wiz, and wiz said ‘I f*ck with this song, I want to jump on it’."

The song "MMS" is part of Asake’s third studio album "Lungu Boy", which was released on Friday. The album has already made a significant impact, breaking the record for the biggest first-day streams on Spotify Nigeria with 870,000 streams. This feat surpasses the previous record held by Wizkid’s song "IDK" featuring Zlatan Ibile, which had 626,000 streams.

Moreover, Asake’s album "Lungu Boy" has also broken the record for the biggest first-day streams for an African album on Spotify, with an impressive 9.42 million streams on the Global Spotify Chart on its first day.

Asake’s collaboration with Wizkid on "MMS" has undoubtedly generated a lot of buzz in the music industry, and fans are eagerly awaiting more exciting collaborations from the talented artist.

Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has blocked the popular encrypted messaging app Signal, citing violations of laws linked to anti-terrorist operations. The move comes after hundreds of Signal users reported glitches with the app, which is used by up to a million Russians to encrypt messages and conversations.

According to Interfax news agency, Roskomnadzor announced the blocking, stating that Signal’s access was restricted due to the app’s failure to comply with Russian legislation aimed at preventing the use of messaging apps for terrorist and extremist purposes.

Before the blocking, users in Moscow and St Petersburg reported over 1,500 complaints about Signal on internet service monitoring sites. However, users who accessed the app via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or used the built-in censorship bypass mode reported that it was working normally. This suggests that the issue was indeed a blocking of the app in Russia, rather than a technical problem on Signal’s side.

Mikhail Klimarev, author of the Telegram channel "For Telecom", told Reuters that this was the first attempt to block Signal in Russia. He noted that the app’s blocking was not as effective as the previous attempt to block Telegram, a widely used messaging app that was blocked by Russian authorities in 2018. Despite the blocking, Telegram remained widely available in Russia.

Signal’s inability to register new accounts without a VPN was also reported by three individuals from Moscow and the Krasnodar region. When attempting to register a new account, the service displayed a "Server Error" message.

The blocking of Signal in Russia raises concerns about the country’s efforts to restrict online communication and potentially limit the spread of information. The move is seen as part of a broader trend of governments around the world attempting to exert greater control over the internet and social media platforms.

A row has erupted in Nigeria’s oil sector, with petroleum marketers accusing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMA), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of engaging in shady deals that are exacerbating the current scarcity of petroleum products.

The marketers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the deals are harming the availability of products and disrupting seamless distribution to retail outlets. They have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently in the issue.

According to the marketers, NNPCL, the sole importer of petroleum products, has created a situation where independent marketers are at the mercy of private depot owners. While NNPCL gives petrol to depot owners at a depot price of N556.5 per litre, the owners sell to marketers at N700 to N740.00, leaving them with little or no profit to sell at stations.

"Before, we had an arrangement where NNPCL gave allocations to independent marketers to sell to marketers with a benchmark price. Now, we have no allocation and are at the mercy of tank farm owners," said one of the marketers. "Private depot owners are now selling to us at N800, which is not feasible for us to sell at retail outlets to ordinary Nigerians."

The marketers claimed that they are being accused of hoarding products and selling at exorbitant prices, but argued that the midstream regulatory agency is not doing its job in investigating the activities of tank farm owners. They demanded that the agency insist on an ex-depot price and hold tank farm owners accountable.

"We urge President Tinubu to show a determined will to break the cabal in the sector, which is creating problems for the country," the marketer said.

The controversy has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the oil sector, and the impact it has on the everyday lives of Nigerians.

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has sealed off the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) due to a N600 million tax liability. This move was implemented as per a court order obtained by KADIRS, following the company's failure to settle the outstanding tax debt.

According to the Executive Chairman of KADIRS, Jerry Adams, the N600 million tax liability dates back to 2015 to 2022. Despite repeated attempts at reconciliation, KAEDCO had failed to pay a substantial amount of the debt, leading to the sealing of the company's premises.

Adams highlighted the importance of voluntary compliance with tax payments, appealing to businesses, individuals, corporate organisations, and the general public to ensure that they fulfill their tax obligations.

The decision by KADIRS to seal off KAEDCO's premises marks a significant move in the state government's efforts to ensure that defaulting taxpayers are held accountable. It also sends a strong signal to other entities that may be considering withholding their tax payments.

As part of the initiative, KADIRS is urging individuals and businesses to explore the numerous tax payment options available to ensure timely compliance with their tax liabilities. This will not only help in bridging the revenue gap faced by the state government but also enhance transparency and accountability in the tax administration system.

In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s "Politics Today," Malik Ado-Ibrahim, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), expressed his support for the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August. Ado-Ibrahim emphasized the importance of sending a clear message to those in authority, while also stressing the need for peaceful and orderly demonstrations.

"We must protest. We must do it respectfully, that is not endangering the lives of others," Ado-Ibrahim said. He added that the goal is to get the message across to those who believe it is their turn to run the country, and also to see that Nigeria has taken steps backward, much like Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The YPP chieftain believes that the nation’s problems can be changed, and he urged the Nigerian government to take responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. With this protest, Ado-Ibrahim hopes to inspire a change in the country’s trajectory and hold those in power accountable for their actions.

As the nation prepares for the August protests, Ado-Ibrahim’s message of peaceful resistance is likely to resonate with many Nigerians who are calling for change. With the presidential election just around the corner, this development is likely to have significant implications for the political landscape of the country.

Josh Oyinsan and Mimii Ngulube, a Nigerian couple, have made history by emerging as the winners of the eleventh edition of the British reality TV dating show, Love Island. This monumental achievement marks the first time a black couple has won the coveted title.

The 29-year-old Nigerian-British footballer and model, Josh, and the 24-year-old mental health nurse and actress, Mimii, outperformed the Welsh couple Nicole Samuel and Ciaran Davies, who finished as runners-up. The couple also outranked fellow islanders Matilda Draper and Sean Stone, who took third place, and another Nigerian couple Ayo Odukoya and Jessica Spencer, who placed fourth.

The announcement was made by host Maya Jama on Monday, revealing that Josh and Mimii received the highest percentage of the public vote. The couple took home the grand prize of £50,000, cementing their place as the champions of Love Island’s eleventh season.

Josh expressed his excitement about spending quality time with Mimii outside of the cameras and meeting her family and friends. As the new winners of Love Island, Josh and Mimii will certainly have plenty of opportunities to explore their love and futures together.

The Imo State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Samuel Udeh, has urged members of the union to resist the temptation of joining the planned nationwide hunger protest scheduled for August 1. According to Udeh, the protest would cause more harm than good and may be hijacked by miscreants and hoodlums with evil intentions.

Udeh made the warning during an emergency meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the union held in Owerri on Tuesday. He noted that while peaceful demonstrations are a constitutional right, this particular protest had been abused and wrongly carried out, causing more pains, sorrows, and setbacks.

The NURTW boss emphasized that dialogue with leaders remains the best approach to getting things done rightly in the country, rather than resorting to protest. He expressed concern that the protest could be hijacked by those with evil intentions, leading to destruction of lives and property.

Some executive members of the union agreed with Udeh’s stance, commending him for calling the meeting and providing a platform for members to know the union’s position on the protest. They acknowledged Udeh’s efforts in fighting for the general good of members and his commitment to carrying them along in the scheme of things.

The members also asserted that the protest would not favor them as drivers, but would rather be to their own detriment, and vowed not to be part of it.

In a recent interview on the Menisms Podcast, Nigerian rapper Falz shared a surprising revelation about his love life. The talented artist revealed that he has never professed love to anyone before, nor has he been in a relationship where such expressions of love were made.

Falz explained that he has never reached the point in a relationship where he feels the need to express his love in the classical sense. "I have never said ‘I love you’ to anybody. I have never been in love or gotten to that level of emotional commitment before," he said. "And they have not said it to me either. You know, there’s a level in a relationship where it’s like, ‘Oh, I love you, baby, I love you too.’ I’ve never gotten there."

The rapper also emphasized the importance of being upfront about his feelings and commitment from the start. "I’ve just not made the commitment. I have always been upfront about my feelings, disposition, and commitment early on, so we are usually on the same page," he said. "That way, nobody is going to run off on their own tangent because we know what’s going on."

A shocking indictment has been handed down to popular American singer Sean Kingston, as well as his mother, Janice Turner, in a Miami federal court. The star has been accused of participating in a brazen $1 million wire fraud scheme, which involved making payments through banks that never actually went through.

The duo was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and five counts of wire fraud, following their alleged attempt to defraud sellers of high-end specialty vehicles, jewelry, and other goods purchased through fraudulent documents. The scheme is believed to have resulted in an excess of $1 million in property.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida, the defendants "unjustly enriched themselves by falsely representing that they had executed monetary payment transfers." This manipulation allowed them to accumulate a vast sum of money through illegal means.

Notably, this is not the first run-in with the law for Sean Kingston, as he was arrested in May 2024 in California. On the same day, his South Florida mansion was raided, and his mother was taken into custody.

As the details of this investigation continue to unfold, the music industry and fans around the world are left reeling from the news. It remains to be seen how this indictment will affect Sean Kingston’s future as a performer and whether he will face criminal charges as a result of his alleged involvement in the scheme.

Nigerian entertainer and social activist, Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy, has unleashed a blistering attack on Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, accusing him of being a "tribalistic bigot" for staying mum amid the widespread hardship plaguing Nigeria.

In a video clip posted on his social media handle, Charly Boy recalled how Soyinka led a mass protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012, when he removed fuel subsidies and petrol prices skyrocketed from N87 to N120. Charly Boy wondered why Soyinka, a renowned advocate for social justice, has remained silent in the face of the current economic and political challenges facing Nigeria.

Charly Boy, who has been a vocal critic of the current government, accused Soyinka of losing his touch and abandoning his former radical activism. He questioned whether Soyinka’s recent silence is a reward for his supposed loyalty to the government, citing the renaming of the national theatre as a possible token of appreciation.

The entertainer also brought up several instances where Soyinka has criticized others, including his recent comments on Peter Obi, a former governor who has expressed interest in running for office in 2027. Charly Boy lamented that Soyinka has maintained his silence on Tinubu, a politician who has been in power for several years, despite promising to criticize him only after a year had passed.

Soyinka, known for his outspoken nature, has faced criticism in the past for his perceived hypocrisy and lack of consistency in his social commentary. Charly Boy’s scathing attack has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians calling for Soyinka to speak out against the current government’s policies.

The situation has also raised questions about the role of intellectuals and social critics in Nigeria’s political landscape, and whether they should prioritize their loyalty to the government or stand up for the people they claim to represent.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Charly Boy’s criticism of Soyinka has injected a much-needed dose of controversy into the Nigerian social sphere, sparking important conversations about the responsibility of public figures to speak truth to power.

Freetown, Sierra Leone – President Julius Maada Bio announced late Tuesday that Sierra Leone has enacted a law banning child marriage, a significant move in a country where about a third of girls are married before reaching adulthood.

The new law, celebrated widely across the nation, criminalizes the marriage of any girl under 18 years old. Offenders face penalties of up to 15 years in prison or a fine of around $4,000, or both. Witnesses to such marriages are also subject to imprisonment or fines.

"I have always believed that the future of Sierra Leone is female," Bio stated on the social media platform X. "This and future generations of girls must thrive in Sierra Leone in which they’re protected, equal, and empowered."

The United Nations Children’s Agency reports that Sierra Leone is home to 800,000 child brides, with half of them married before the age of 15. The new law aims to significantly reduce these numbers and protect the rights of young girls.

First Lady Fatima Bio has been a prominent advocate for the legislation, which also includes provisions for improved access to education and support services for children affected by child marriage. Upon the bill's passage by parliament in June, she called it “a significant step forward in protecting the rights of our next generation."

The legislation marks a critical milestone in Sierra Leone's efforts to uphold the rights and wellbeing of girls, aiming to create a safer and more equitable future for all children in the country.

Samuel Eto’o, President of Cameroon’s Football Federation, was interrogated by the disciplinary panel of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday, ten months after being accused of involvement in match-fixing by players. The session was held behind closed doors, and no information was provided on how Eto’o pleaded.

The allegations assert that Eto’o irregularly aided a club in ascending to the top of the Cameroonian League two years ago. Accusers claim they have submitted evidence linking the former Barcelona player to the misconduct to CAF.

In addition to the match-fixing charges, Eto’o faces accusations of unethical behaviour related to an ambassadorial deal he secured with a sports betting company. A complaint has also been lodged with FIFA regarding this issue.

If found guilty of these charges, Eto’o could face a lifetime suspension from football.

Eto’o was elected head of Cameroon’s football federation in December 2021.

Defense chiefs of West Africa proposed a plan on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria, to deploy a 5,000-strong “standby force” aimed at tackling the region’s escalating security challenges. The proposal, costing $2.6 billion annually, was presented amidst concerns over funding constraints and internal divisions within the regional bloc.

The initiative, outlined to heads of state, seeks to prevent further military coups that have recently rocked several West African nations, according to Nigeria’s Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru.

Thursday’s meeting marked a significant step as the bloc publicly detailed the financing for its long-discussed standby force. Analysts, however, highlighted potential hurdles such as member states’ financial contributions and securing cooperation from countries most affected by military takeovers.


Omar Alieu Touray, president of the ECOWAS Commission, stressed the urgency of addressing insecurity within the community and called upon member states to endorse the proposed force. The plan is slated for consideration at an upcoming summit of regional heads of state.

Recent military coups in West and Central Africa, which have left four nations under military rule, have deeply divided the 15-member ECOWAS and destabilized the region. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, severely impacted by deadly violence, are struggling to contain unrest that is now spreading to coastal nations.


ECOWAS has previously attempted to restore democratic governance in coup-affected states, including imposing economic sanctions that were later lifted. However, the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS membership has complicated regional efforts, opening avenues for external influences like Russian mercenaries.

Touray confirmed that officials from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger were invited to participate in Thursday’s meeting to collaborate on forming the standby force. Their willingness to engage in this initiative remains uncertain.

Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, expressed skepticism about ECOWAS’ independent military capabilities, suggesting that effective intervention would likely require foreign assistance.

Kars de Bruijne, a senior research fellow at the Clingendael Institute, echoed concerns about ECOWAS’ historical challenges in implementing ambitious plans, emphasizing the need for unified member state commitment and a strategic approach to address instability in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

“ECOWAS’ ability to deliver on such initiatives has been historically problematic,” he remarked.

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 25 – The Kenyan military was deployed Tuesday following escalating violence that left at least four protesters dead and numerous others injured after the controversial Finance Bill was passed, raising taxes.

Protests erupted into chaos as police attempted to disperse rioters who stormed Parliament with live bullets and tear gas shortly after the bill's approval. Many protesters sustained serious bullet wounds.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale authorised the military deployment through a Gazette Notice, citing the police's inability to control the situation, especially in Nairobi. Duale stated, "The Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on June 25, 2024, in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency caused by ongoing violent protests, resulting in the destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure."

Critical infrastructure affected included the Supreme Court and City Hall, the Nairobi County Headquarters, which were also set ablaze by protesters.

President William Ruto was scheduled to address the nation at 9 pm, according to State House Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam.

Witnesses reported seeing four bodies of protesters shot dead, lying in pools of blood outside Parliament. Ambulances rushed more than 10 people to hospitals, while others writhed in pain on the ground. Protesters and police engaged in running battles throughout the day, with security officers firing rubber bullets and tear gas.

The unrest extended beyond Nairobi, with similar violence reported in about 30 of Kenya’s 47 counties. Businesses shut down and transportation was paralyzed in the capital as the youth-led protests demanded MPs reject the proposed tax increases. The government defended the new taxes as essential for funding spending programs and reducing debt but had already scrapped some contentious taxes on bread, cooking oil, and motor vehicle ownership in response to public outcry.

Earlier reports described police officers preparing to fire rubber bullets at protesters. Key government installations, including Parliament, were under heavy police protection.

International support for the protests came from Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine and South Africa’s Julius Malema. Concerns about arbitrary arrests and the intimidation of activists were raised by lawyers and human rights groups, with reports of at least five prominent social media users being abducted hours before the demonstrations.

Despite the protests, a majority of MPs passed the Finance Bill during its second reading, debating amendments to remove some contentious clauses.

President Ruto acknowledged the protests, promising to hold talks to address the concerns of the youth leading the demonstrations. Last week's protests, though largely peaceful, resulted in two deaths and hundreds of injuries.

President William Ruto has expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the youth protesting against the finance bill in Kenya.

On Sunday, June 23, young activists aimed to prevent politicians who support the bill from speaking in churches, voicing their concerns to congregants in Nairobi.

Youth protests against the public finance bill, which introduces new taxes, continue. Last week, thousands protested nationwide, demanding its repeal.

According to human rights organizations, two young protesters died, and at least 200 were injured. On June 23, about twenty youths gathered at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, with student Kanana Koome reading a statement criticizing the oppressive taxes and urging Christians to scrutinize the bill.

In Nyahururu, 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, President Ruto attended Sunday service and, addressing the protests for the first time, stated, "We will dialogue with you to identify your issues and work together as a nation."

Protesters have called for new mobilizations on Tuesday and Thursday next week.

Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of The Breakfast Club, has made his stance on the current state of Hip-Hop clear, declaring Kendrick Lamar as the undisputed king of the genre. In a virtual episode of the popular radio show, Charlamagne praised the Compton rapper for his impactful Juneteenth event, the Ken And Friends Pop Out in Inglewood, California.

“Kendrick set the tone. He let us know that this was a victory lap, and he came there to blood and crip-walk on his enemy’s head-top,” Charlamagne expressed. “To me, the show wasn’t about Drake as much as it was about Kendrick Lamar becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of Hip-Hop.”

Charlamagne emphasized Kendrick’s dominance over the past fifteen years, distinguishing his achievements from those of other artists. “When it comes to this new generation, Kendrick is the king of Hip-Hop, and it’s not even close. I’m not talking about charts, streaming records, or pop songs. I’m talking about bars, rap, hip-hop, and culture. Kendrick wears that crown and it’s not even close.”

DJ Envy echoed Charlamagne’s sentiments, highlighting the cultural significance of the event. “What he did for L.A. and the fact that he unified so many different hoods, communities, and gangs, had ’em all on one stage. What he did for Hip-Hop last night…amazing.”

The Ken And Friends Pop Out, which took place on Juneteenth, featured a star-studded lineup with performances from DJ Hed, Mustard, E-40, Ty Dolla $ign, Tyler, The Creator, Dom Kennedy, Steve Lacy, YG, and more. The event was streamed live on Amazon, bringing Los Angeles Hip-Hop and dance acts to a global audience.

Kendrick Lamar concluded the showcase with his chart-topping Drake diss “Not Like Us,” performed six times in a row. For the final playback, he was joined on stage by Russell Westbrook, Mustard, and other performers for a celebratory moment.

“This sh**t making me emotional,” Kendrick expressed to the sold-out crowd at the Kia Forum. “We been fked up since Nipsey died. We been f**ked up since Kobe died. Let the world see this!”

The event not only celebrated Kendrick’s contributions to Hip-Hop but also showed his influence in unifying and uplifting his community.

Thousands of mostly young people demonstrated Thursday in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, and across the country against new tax proposals introduced by President William Ruto’s administration in its annual budget legislation.

The protests paralyzed Nairobi’s central business district as horse-riding riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators advancing towards parliament buildings, where lawmakers were debating the finance bill.

Protesters, who initiated their demonstrations earlier in the week, are urging lawmakers to reject the legislation, which they argue will heavily burden salaried Kenyans, entrepreneurs, and consumers. They accuse Ruto of reneging on his promise to reduce taxes and lower the cost of living.

The proposed taxes include a 2.75% levy on income for the national medical insurance plan and increased taxes on vegetable oil and fuel, which would raise production costs and, consequently, consumer prices.

Although proposals to introduce a 16% value-added tax on bread and a new annual tax on motor vehicles were removed from the legislation on Tuesday following a meeting between Ruto and ruling party members, demonstrators insisted the amendments were insufficient and called for the total rejection of the budget legislation.

“Our parents have been taxed dry, yet there’s no development to show for it. We reject any additional taxes and will stay on the streets for as long as it takes,” said Ashley Mwai, a 19-year-old protester.

Businessman Walter Mwangi, 34, echoed her sentiment, saying taxes are already crippling his consultancy business. “We are sick and tired,” Mwangi said.

As lawmakers debated and voted on the legislation in its second reading, demonstrators attempted to breach a security cordon to access the parliament buildings, carrying anti-government placards and chanting slogans against Ruto.

Meanwhile, President Ruto attended a university event in Garissa, where anti-government protesters lined the street leading to the venue. Young people also demonstrated in Eldoret, the president’s hometown, expressing regret for having voted for Ruto.

Ruto acknowledged the constitutional right to protest but emphasized the role of government institutions in decision-making. “We are a democratic country. Those who want to demonstrate, it is their right, no problem. But decisions have to be made by institutions,” Ruto said on Wednesday.

Tuesday’s protests resulted in the arrest and subsequent release of more than 200 people. The right to protest is enshrined in the Kenyan constitution, requiring organizers to notify the police, who often grant permission unless there are security concerns. However, past anti-government protests in Nairobi have frequently been met with police force, including the use of live ammunition.