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US-Based Nigerian Gospel Singer Mary Adenike Fasanya Releases Maiden Singles with Pennsylvania Concert

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US-Based Nigerian Gospel Singer Mary Adenike Fasanya Releases Maiden Singles with Pennsylvania Concert

Mary Adenike Fasanya, a Nigerian-born gospel singer and nurse based in the United States, unveiled her debut collections of songs with a concert titled “The King of Glory” on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Living Spring Community Church in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

The event, held at the Living Spring Community Church, a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Indiana, PA, showcased the release of five singles: “Iba re” (Your Reference), “You are an awesome God,” “Worthy is Your Name”, Your Name is Wonderful”, and “The King of Glory.” Fasanya performed with her band, MA’Rock Praise, during the two-hour music cantata.

In an interview with Bobnews24 following the concert, Fasanya, who is a deaconess, shared insights into her musical journey. “I’m motivated by my faith and a desire to connect with people,” she said. “My experiences in life and my relationship with God inspire my music.”

Discussing her favorite song, “Your name is wonderful,” Fasanya explained its significance: “God has proved to me in many ways that He is my all in all. This song motivated me to start this ministry. It was brought to me in my dream.”

Fasanya emphasized the message behind her music: “Through my songs, I want people to worship God for who He is and give people messages of hope, love, and faith. I hope they encourage people and help them feel God’s presence.”

The singer acknowledged the challenges in producing the album, particularly balancing her various roles. “Being a nursing student when I started prepare and with a full-time job and a full-time mom was not easy,” she admitted.

Looking to the future, Fasanya expressed her aspirations: “To continue to write songs that will lift the spirits of people. To perform more concerts often, wherever God leads. To make sure the songs are heard all over the world to the glory of God.”

Fasanya also discussed how she balances her musical career with her healthcare profession. “My job as a nurse and my ministry will not affect each other. I create different times for my job and my ministry,” she stated. “As a matter of fact, there are connections between the two. Music can help in relaxation and pain management.”

The concert featured performances by fellow Nigerian-born gospel singers Oladayo Adeleke and Jsari, highlighting the growing presence of African gospel artists in the American music scene.

Notable attendees included Pastor Yomi Fajebe, the presiding pastor of the host church, and Pastor Ayo Ajetomobi from RCCG State College, both of whom praised Adenike’s musical endeavor.

Fasanya’s debut marks a significant milestone in her journey as a gospel artist, blending her Nigerian heritage with her American experience to create music that resonates with a diverse audience.

In a later conversation with the media, Fasanya revealed that all of the songs could be accessed and downloaded in most streaming platforms and at marockpraise.com.

Over 200 Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested Outside New York Stock Exchange

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Over 200 Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested Outside New York Stock Exchange

More than 200 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested Monday during a demonstration outside the New York Stock Exchange, where activists demanded an end to U.S. support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The New York Police Department confirmed that 206 arrests were made as demonstrators, many affiliated with groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace, staged a sit-in near Wall Street in lower Manhattan. Protesters chanted slogans including “let Gaza live” and “stop funding genocide” in front of the exchange’s iconic building.

While no protesters breached the stock exchange itself, dozens crossed a police security fence erected outside the main building on Broad Street. The stock exchange has not yet commented on the incident.

Jewish Voice for Peace, one of the organizing groups, stated on social media platform X: “(Hundreds) of Jews and friends are shutting down the New York Stock Exchange to demand the U.S. stop arming Israel and profiting from genocide.” The group estimated that around 500 demonstrators participated in the event.

Protesters directed their anger at American defense contractors and weapons manufacturers. Some also chanted against Israeli military actions in Lebanon, where Israel says it is targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

A small group of pro-Israel counter-protesters was also present, carrying Israeli flags.

The demonstration is the latest in a series of protests against U.S. support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks that killed 1,200 in Israel and took 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza have resulted in nearly 42,000 Palestinian deaths and the displacement of most of the population, according to Gaza health officials. Israel denies allegations of genocide, stating that its actions target Hamas militants.

The protest highlights the ongoing tensions and divided public opinion surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, as well as the role of U.S. foreign policy and military support in the region.

NJ Transit Train Operator Killed, Passengers Injured After Collision with Tree

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NJ Transit Train Operator Killed, Passengers Injured After Collision with Tree

A New Jersey Transit commuter train collided with a large piece of a tree on the tracks Monday morning, resulting in the death of the train operator and injuries to nearly two dozen passengers.

The accident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. just north of Roebling Station in Mansfield Township, according to a statement from NJ Transit. The River Line train was carrying 42 passengers at the time of the incident.

Television news footage showed a substantial section of the tree lodged under the front of the train, highlighting the severity of the impact. NJ Transit reported that 23 people were treated for minor injuries following the collision.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the tree ended up on the tracks. The circumstances leading to this unusual and tragic incident remain unclear.

In response to the accident, NJ Transit suspended River Line service in both directions between Roebling and Trenton train stations. Additionally, sections of nearby roads, including U.S. Highway 130, were closed to facilitate the investigation and emergency response.

Canada Expels Top Indian Diplomat, Alleges Wider Involvement in Crimes

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Canada Expels Top Indian Diplomat, Alleges Wider Involvement in Crimes

Canada has expelled India’s top diplomat and five others, citing evidence of their involvement in the assassination of a Sikh activist and alleging a broader campaign against Canadian citizens by Indian government agents.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the expulsion of the Indian high commissioner and five other diplomats on Monday, escalating a dispute that began with the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.

“We will never tolerate the involvement of a foreign government threatening and killing Canadian citizens on Canadian soil,” Trudeau stated. He accused Indian diplomats of gathering information about Canadians and passing it to organized crime groups for attacks.

Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly revealed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had gathered “ample, clear and concrete evidence” implicating six individuals as persons of interest in Nijjar’s case. Joly said India had refused to waive diplomatic immunity for these individuals or cooperate with the investigation.

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme indicated that police have evidence linking Indian government agents to other homicides and violent acts in Canada. He noted an increase in credible threats against members of the South Asian community, particularly those involved in the Sikh independence movement.

India has vehemently rejected these accusations as “absurd” and retaliated by expelling Canada’s acting high commissioner and five other diplomats, ordering them to leave by Saturday.

Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh activist and leader in the Khalistan movement for an independent Sikh homeland, was fatally shot in his pickup truck after leaving a Sikh temple in Surrey. India had designated Nijjar a terrorist in 2020 and was seeking his arrest at the time of his death.

The dispute has further strained already tense relations between Canada and India. Last year, India demanded that Canada remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country following similar allegations.

The Indian foreign ministry summoned Canada’s top diplomat in New Delhi, calling the targeting of Indian diplomats “completely unacceptable.” India warned of potential further steps in response to what it termed the Trudeau government’s “support for extremism, violence and separatism against India.”

As the diplomatic crisis unfolds, the United States State Department announced that an Indian inquiry committee investigating a separate plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in New York would visit Washington to discuss the case.

Kennedy Family Gathers for Funeral of Ethel Kennedy, Wife of Robert F. Kennedy

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Kennedy Family Gathers for Funeral of Ethel Kennedy, Wife of Robert F. Kennedy

Members of the Kennedy family gathered Monday for the funeral of Ethel Kennedy, widow of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville, Massachusetts.

Ethel Kennedy, who died Thursday at age 96 following complications from a stroke, was remembered for her dedication to social causes and her role in preserving the Kennedy family legacy. She raised 11 children after her husband’s assassination in 1968.

The private funeral, held about 70 miles south of Boston, drew mourners under overcast skies. Family members highlighted her extensive impact, noting, “Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren and 24 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly.”

President Joe Biden paid tribute to Ethel Kennedy, calling her “an American icon — a matriarch of optimism and moral courage, an emblem of resilience and service.”

Born into wealth, Ethel married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950. By age 40, she had endured profound losses, including the assassinations of both her husband and brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy.

Despite these tragedies, Ethel Kennedy continued to champion social causes. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and advocated for gun control and human rights throughout her life.

As one of the last remaining members of her generation of Kennedys, Ethel’s passing marks the end of an era in American political history. Her family noted that she had enjoyed visits with many relatives before her recent illness.

The funeral service serves as a reminder of the Kennedy family’s enduring influence on American politics and social activism, with Ethel’s life embodying both the triumphs and tragedies that have defined the Kennedy legacy.

Nigeria: Two-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos’ Orile Iganmu Area

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Nigeria: Two-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos’ Orile Iganmu Area

A two-storey building collapsed in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State, Nigeria, on Monday, causing panic among local residents who fled the scene for safety.

The incident occurred on Amusu Street, with eyewitnesses reporting the sudden collapse of the structure. Social media users quickly shared news of the event, with some posting video footage of the building’s collapse.

As of the time of reporting, the Lagos State government had not yet issued an official statement or response to the incident.

Local residents and social media users expressed concern over the safety of those potentially trapped in the rubble. One X user, @PR4orileboy, called for stricter housing regulations in the area, stating, “LASG needs to wake up and enforce strict laws on housing in this area; as there are lots of houses that needs standard renovations.”

Another user, @OurFavOnlineDoc, described the collapse as a “scary shocking moment” and urged authorities to address the situation promptly.

While some reports indicated fears of casualties, user @Agilitymartin claimed, “Glory be to God, no life was lost in the trending video of a building collapsed in Amusa Orile Igamu area of Lagos state.” However, this information has not been officially confirmed by emergency services or local authorities.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about building safety and urban infrastructure in Lagos, Africa’s largest city. Building collapses are not uncommon in the rapidly expanding metropolis, often attributed to substandard materials, poor construction practices, and inadequate enforcement of building codes.

As the situation develops, residents await official word from Lagos State authorities regarding rescue efforts, potential casualties, and measures to prevent future incidents in the densely populated Orile Iganmu area.

Afghan Taliban Announce Gradual Implementation of Media Ban on Living Images

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Afghan Taliban Announce Gradual Implementation of Media Ban on Living Images

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has revealed plans to gradually implement a ban on images of living things in media, citing strict interpretations of Islamic law. This decision is part of recent legislation formalizing the Taliban’s religious policies since regaining power in 2021.

Saiful Islam Khyber, spokesman for the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV), told AFP, “The law applies to all Afghanistan… and it will be implemented gradually.” Khyber emphasized that officials would focus on persuading people that images of living things contradict Islamic law, stating, “Coercion has no place in the implementation of the law.”

The new legislation outlines rules for news media, including banning the publication of images of all living things, prohibiting mockery or humiliation of Islam, and forbidding content that contradicts Islamic law.

While some aspects of the law have not been strictly enforced yet, such as advising the public against taking or viewing images of living things on personal devices, implementation has begun in certain provinces. Khyber noted that “work has started” in the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, neighboring Helmand province, and northern Takhar.

In Ghazni province, PVPV officials summoned local journalists on Sunday, informing them of the gradual implementation of the law. Visual journalists were advised to take photos from a distance and film fewer events “to get in the habit,” according to an anonymous journalist who spoke to AFP.

The ban on images of living things echoes similar restrictions imposed during the Taliban’s previous rule from 1996 to 2001. Since their return to power, Taliban officials have sporadically enforced censorship rules, such as obscuring faces on advertisements and covering mannequin heads in shops.

The media landscape in Afghanistan has changed dramatically since the Taliban’s takeover. Media employees decreased from 8,400 to 5,100, with only 560 women remaining in the profession. Afghanistan has also dropped from 122nd to 178th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom ranking.

Nigeria Football Team Threatens Boycott of Libya Qualifier Amid Travel Chaos

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Nigeria Football Team Threatens Boycott of Libya Qualifier Amid Travel Chaos

Nigeria’s national football team has threatened to boycott their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya on Tuesday following a chaotic travel experience that left them stranded for hours at an airport far from their intended destination.

The Super Eagles, scheduled to play in Benghazi, found their charter flight diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, approximately 250 km (155 miles) away from the match venue. The Nigeria Football Federation reported that no alternative transport was offered upon arrival.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong expressed frustration on social media platform X, stating, “Once we landed, they’ve kept us in this abandoned airport for over 12 hours now without any provisions. I have experienced stuff before playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour.” He added, “As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will not play this game.”

Striker Victor Boniface echoed these sentiments, reporting being stuck at the airport for nearly 13 hours without food, WiFi, or sleeping accommodations. “Africa, we can do better,” Boniface remarked on X.

The Libyan Football Federation responded to the situation, insisting the incident was not deliberate and urging understanding from their Nigerian counterparts. They stated, “We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill.”

Nigeria currently leads their qualification group with seven points from three games, following a 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo on Friday. The match in Benghazi could secure their place in the finals scheduled for Morocco late next year.

As the situation unfolds, the potential boycott raises questions about the organization of international football events in Africa and the treatment of visiting teams.

Israeli Minister Calls UNIFIL Peacekeepers ‘Useless’ as Tensions Escalate in Lebanon

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Israeli Minister Calls UNIFIL Peacekeepers ‘Useless’ as Tensions Escalate in Lebanon

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen on Monday labeled the United Nations’ UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon as “useless,” accusing them of failing to protect Israelis from Hezbollah attacks and calling for their withdrawal amid escalating conflict.

“The State of Israel will do everything to ensure the safety of its citizens, and if the UN cannot help, at least it should not interfere, and move its personnel from the combat zones,” Cohen stated on social media platform X.

The criticism comes as Israel pushes its forces through southern Lebanon in an effort to neutralize Iran-backed Hezbollah and its military infrastructure. The UN and Israel have exchanged accusations regarding the peacekeepers’ role in the region.

On Sunday, the UN reported that Israeli tanks had forcibly entered one of its bases, an allegation disputed by Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the peacekeepers to withdraw, claiming they provided “human shields” for Hezbollah.

UNIFIL described an incident where two Israeli Merkava tanks destroyed the main gate of a base and entered before dawn on Sunday. The peacekeeping force also reported shells exploding nearby, causing smoke that affected UN personnel.

The Israeli military countered these claims by taking foreign journalists to southern Lebanon, showcasing what they described as a Hezbollah tunnel shaft close to a UNIFIL position and weapon caches allegedly found by troops.

Brigadier General Yiftach Norkin stated, “We are actually standing in a military base of Hezbollah very close to the UN,” pointing out tunnel infrastructure near a UN observation post.

The Israeli military claims to have destroyed numerous Hezbollah tunnel shafts, rocket launchers, and command posts since beginning its ground operation near the border.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticized EU member states for their delayed condemnation of Israel’s attacks on UNIFIL soldiers, describing the attacks as “completely unacceptable.”

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified in recent weeks, with both sides engaging in cross-border attacks. Israel maintains its operations in Lebanon are aimed at securing the return of displaced residents in northern Israel.

REUTERS

Four Dead as Tesla Vehicle Crashes and Burns in France-AP

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Four Dead as Tesla Vehicle Crashes and Burns in France-AP

A Tesla vehicle crash in western France has resulted in four fatalities after the car reportedly struck a road sign and burst into flames, local police reported Monday.

The incident occurred Saturday night near the city of Niort, according to Lt. Eric Hoarau, a local police spokesman. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

“Everything suggests (the vehicle) came off the road,” Hoarau stated, citing evidence of tire marks on the ground and a severed road sign at the scene.

The absence of eyewitnesses is complicating the investigation, Hoarau added. All four occupants of the vehicle were burned beyond recognition in the intense fire that followed the collision.

Authorities have not released the identities of the victims or the specific model of the Tesla involved in the crash.

Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident.

The crash adds to a series of high-profile incidents involving Tesla vehicles, which have drawn scrutiny over their safety features and autopilot system. However, it is currently unknown whether any automated driving features were in use at the time of this particular accident.

French authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the factors that led to this tragic event.

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