Home Blog Page 735

Cristiano Ronaldo Sets Sights on 1,000 Career Goals, Defends Emotional Response to Missed Penalty

admin
-
0
Cristiano Ronaldo Sets Sights on 1,000 Career Goals, Defends Emotional Response to Missed Penalty

Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in football history, has set his sights on an unprecedented 1,000 career goals. In a candid interview with former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, the 39-year-old Portuguese star discussed his ambitious target, life in Saudi Arabia, and the pressures of being one of the world’s most scrutinized athletes.

Ronaldo, currently playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, stands just one goal shy of 900 for club and country. “I want to reach 1,000 goals,” Ronaldo declared, estimating he could achieve this milestone by age 41. “For me, the best mark that I can have in football is to reach, first, 900 goals. After, my challenge is to be at 1,000 goals.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was quick to differentiate his goal-scoring achievements from those of past legends like Pele and Alfredo Di Stefano. “All the goals I have scored, they have video,” Ronaldo emphasized, highlighting the verifiability of his records in the modern era. “They all have video. Listen, I respect all of them [Pele and Di Stefano]. And if you want more goals, I can bring them from training, too.”

Addressing his move to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo dismissed concerns about adapting to a new league and culture. “No country is perfect, so for me the adaptation was easy and I really love to be there,” he stated. “In my opinion, the league is very, very good.” His comments come amid ongoing debates about the quality and competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted several high-profile players in recent years.

The interview also touched on a recent moment of vulnerability that drew criticism from some quarters. Ronaldo addressed the tears he shed after missing a crucial penalty against Slovenia in a Euro 2024 qualifier, which Portugal ultimately won in a shootout. “When you have passion for what you’re doing, you cannot be worried about how you’re feeling,” he explained. “I failed because I’ve made pressure for myself since I was 11 years old. ‘Cristiano, you are the best player in the world,’ I’m always thinking in that way.”

Ronaldo’s emotional response, he argues, stems from the immense expectations he’s placed on himself throughout his career. “But when I missed the penalty, I felt bad with myself, the fans, family, not because of other stuff that people say,” he added, acknowledging the scrutiny that comes with being “the most followed guy in the world.”

Despite approaching 40, an age when many footballers have long since retired, Ronaldo remains uncertain about when he’ll finally hang up his boots. “I don’t know when I’m going to finish,” he admitted. “Since you play more, you learn many, many things. One thing that I’ve learned is, enjoy the moment. Because you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”

The Portuguese star’s longevity and continued high-level performance have defied conventional wisdom about athletic decline. Ronaldo attributes this to his dedication and self-awareness. “I know I’m still looking good. The day that I start to feel I don’t produce nothing, listen, I’ll pack my bags and I’ll go away. But it’s far from that,” he asserted.

As Ronaldo chases his 900th goal and sets his sights on the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark, his interview offers insight into the mindset of one of football’s greatest ever players. His ambition, coupled with his acknowledgment of the pressures and scrutiny he faces, paints a picture of an athlete still driven to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.

Whether Ronaldo can achieve his lofty goal remains to be seen, but his determination and continued high-level performance suggest that football fans around the world will be watching his pursuit of history for some time to come.

U.S Woman Sentenced for Possessing Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute

admin
-
0
U.S Woman Sentenced for Possessing Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute

BOSTON – A Springfield woman was sentenced on Aug. 27, 2024 for possessing fentanyl intended for distribution. 

Karyela Santiago, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to time served (one day) and three years of supervised release. In May 2024, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

On March 30, 2022, Santiago possessed fentanyl intended for distribution. Specifically, Santiago possessed a total of 8,090 bags of fentanyl intended for distribution – containing a total of 129 grams of fentanyl. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.

Credit: DOJ

Three Men Receive Life Sentences for Brutal Murder of Hamza Iqbal in London

admin
-
0
Three Men Receive Life Sentences for Brutal Murder of Hamza Iqbal in London

Three men have been handed life sentences by Snaresbrook Crown Court for the brutal murder of 25-year-old Hamza Iqbal in London, United Kingdom. Joshua Oladele, believed to be of Nigerian origin, Micah Hines, and Ali Alamiri were convicted in what the court described as a “punishment killing” stemming from gang rivalry.

The incident, which occurred on September 24, 2023, saw Hamza Iqbal ambushed and stabbed 23 times in a vicious attack. The court heard that the assault was a revenge attack orchestrated by 28-year-old Dontae Smicle, who had been stabbed 11 days earlier and believed Iqbal’s group was responsible.

In delivering the judgment on Wednesday, Honorary Recorder of Redbridge, Judge Rosa Dean, sentenced Oladele to life with a minimum term of 28 years, Hines to 25 years, and Alamiri to 24 years. The court noted that Smicle, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack, has since fled the country.

The horrific details of the crime were laid bare during the trial. On the evening of the attack, Smicle spotted Iqbal and his friends and called Oladele, described as a known drug runner since the age of 13, to exact revenge. The three convicted men, wearing hoodies and balaclavas, were seen by an eyewitness psyching each other up before launching their deadly assault.

As Iqbal and his friends attempted to flee, Oladele pursued Iqbal, stabbing him repeatedly even as he lay defenseless on the ground. Hines then joined in, inflicting further wounds. The brutality of the attack was emphasized by Judge Dean, who lamented the terror Iqbal must have experienced in his final moments.

The court rejected the attackers’ claims that they only intended to scare Iqbal’s group under Smicle’s orders. Judge Dean remarked, “None of you have shown any remorse during the trial. Everything you’ve done has been to try to save yourselves and downplay your responsibility. While the plan may have been Smicle’s, you were all ready and willing to carry it out.”

Iqbal’s devastated family described him as a devoted family man and an ardent Arsenal football fan. In a statement, they said, “Hamza was football crazy. He might not have been the best player, but his love for Arsenal was unmatched.” Tragically, Iqbal was on his way to watch an Arsenal game when he met his untimely death.

The case has shed light on the ongoing issue of gang violence in London and the devastating impact it has on communities. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies to combat gang-related crimes and the need for more robust preventative measures.

As the convicted men begin their life sentences, the hunt for Dontae Smicle continues. His flight from the country adds another layer of complexity to the case and highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in bringing all perpetrators of such violent crimes to justice.

Credit: Punchng.com

Canada Discontinues Policy Allowing Visitor Visa Holders to Apply for Work Permits

admin
-
0
Canada Discontinues Policy Allowing Visitor Visa Holders to Apply for Work Permits

OTTAWA, Canada  – The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on Wednesday the immediate discontinuation of a policy that allowed holders of Canadian visitor visas to apply for work permits within the country. This decision comes amidst a series of immigration reforms that have sparked widespread protests, particularly among international students.

The policy, initially introduced in August 2020 as a response to COVID-19 travel restrictions, permitted visitors to apply for work permits without leaving Canada. It also allowed individuals who had held a work permit within the previous 12 months and changed their status to “visitor” to work legally while awaiting decisions on new work permit applications.

In its statement, the IRCC explained, “While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system.” The agency also cited concerns that “some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization.”

This policy change is part of a broader series of immigration reforms that have caused significant unrest among international students in Canada. Earlier this week, tens of thousands of international students took to the streets across the country to protest new policies that could potentially lead to the deportation of about 70,000 students.

As of 2023, international students comprised 37% of study visa holders in Canada. However, recent government measures aim to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35%, a move authorities argue is necessary to alleviate pressures on housing, unemployment, and public services.

In June, the Canadian government further tightened regulations by announcing that foreign nationals would no longer be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the border. This decision has intensified fears among students about their future prospects in Canada.

Student advocacy groups, including the Naujawan Support Network, have warned that many international graduates could face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year. These concerns highlight the broader implications of Canada’s evolving immigration policies on its international student population and the country’s reputation as a destination for global talent.

The IRCC has stated that it will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the now-discontinued policy. However, this offers little comfort to those affected by the broader changes in Canada’s immigration landscape.

Nigerian Pilot Faces Five-Year Jail Sentence in US for Falsifying FAA Statements

admin
-
0
Nigerian Pilot Faces Five-Year Jail Sentence in US for Falsifying FAA Statements

A federal jury in Texas has found Olukayode Ojo, a 36-year-old Nigerian pilot, guilty of making false statements to obtain a certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The conviction, announced by U.S. Attorney Robert Troester, could result in a five-year prison sentence and significant fines for Ojo.

U.S. District Judge Jodi Dishman ordered Ojo’s detention following the guilty verdict on August 16, 2024. The case, part of an investigation by the Transportation Security Administration—Investigations, was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackson Eldridge and Matt Dillon.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Ojo, an FAA-certified commercial airline pilot, had previously pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor theft charges on February 8, 2023, in Kentucky state court. These charges were related to the theft of passenger luggage from baggage carousels at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

The crux of the federal case against Ojo centered on his subsequent actions. In March 2023 and March 2024, while applying for an FAA First Class Medical Certificate, Ojo made false statements to conceal his history of prior criminal convictions. This certificate is crucial for pilots, as it permits them to operate commercial passenger aircraft.

On June 4, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a two-count superseding indictment against Ojo, charging him with two counts of making false statements. The jury’s guilty verdict on both counts exposes Ojo to potentially severe consequences.

U.S. Attorney Troester emphasized the gravity of Ojo’s actions, stating, “The integrity of our aviation system relies on the truthfulness of pilots and other aviation professionals. Falsifying information to obtain FAA certification not only undermines this system but also poses potential risks to public safety.”

The conviction carries serious penalties. Ojo faces a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison for each count. Additionally, he could be fined up to $250,000 per count, totaling a possible $500,000 in fines.

Ugandan Tourist Acquitted in Zimbabwe Sex Toy Case, Faces Deportation

Emmanuel
-
0

A Ugandan tourist, Tom Ssekamwa, 24, has been acquitted after spending 24 days in a Zimbabwean prison for possessing a sex toy, but now faces deportation. The case has raised concerns about Zimbabwe’s treatment of tourists and potential damage to its international reputation.

Ssekamwa was arrested on August 2 in Masvingo, a city 292 kilometers south of Harare, alongside Czech national Lucas Slavik. Their detention occurred during a government crackdown on dissent ahead of a regional summit, which saw over 200 opposition figures and activists arrested.

Magistrate Isaac Chikura dismissed the charges against Ssekamwa this week, which included criminal nuisance and violating the Censorship Act. The charges stemmed from the discovery of a rubber sex toy in Ssekamwa’s luggage during a police search. Chikura ruled that Ssekamwa’s possession of the item did not threaten public order or create a disturbance, emphasizing that the toy was not intended for public exhibition.

Knowledge Mabvuure, Ssekamwa’s attorney from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), stated that his client is now in the custody of immigration authorities awaiting expulsion. The deportation process has been delayed because Ssekamwa’s phone, necessary for accessing funds to purchase an airline ticket, remains in police custody.

Lucas Slavik, Ssekwama’s travel companion, faced allegations of inciting public unrest after reportedly filming a video claiming that Masvingo lacked water and electricity. Although additional charges against Slavik were dropped, he was acquitted and deported last week.

The case has drawn attention to Zimbabwe’s ongoing infrastructure challenges, with many regions experiencing extended power outages due to reduced water levels at Kariba Dam, the country’s primary source of hydropower.

Roseline Hanzi, another representative from ZLHR, expressed concern that these arrests could harm Zimbabwe’s standing as a tourist destination. She warned that the incident might lead to international legal disputes if countries feel their citizens’ rights have been infringed.

The arrests of Ssekwama and Slavik occurred against the backdrop of a broader crackdown preceding the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Harare. Over 200 opposition members and civil society figures were detained, with the government accusing them of plotting to disrupt the event.

This case has sparked debate about Zimbabwe’s laws and their application to tourists, as well as the potential impact on the country’s tourism industry. Human rights organizations have called for a review of policies that could deter visitors and damage Zimbabwe’s international image.

As Ssekwama awaits deportation, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between tourism, human rights, and political tensions in Zimbabwe. The country’s authorities now face the challenge of balancing security concerns with the need to maintain an welcoming environment for international visitors.

Source: africanews.com

Nigeria Flood Death Toll Rises to 179, Displacing Thousands and Threatening Food Security

admin
-
0
Nigeria Flood Death Toll Rises to 179, Displacing Thousands and Threatening Food Security

Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported on Thursday that at least 179 people have died and tens of thousands have been displaced due to severe flooding across the country in recent weeks. The disaster has raised significant concerns about food security and economic stability in Africa’s most populous nation.

The northwestern region of Nigeria has borne the brunt of the catastrophe, with seven states accounting for 89 fatalities. Additionally, more than 25,000 hectares (61,776 acres) of farmland have been submerged, dealing a severe blow to the country’s agricultural sector.

President Bola Tinubu addressed the crisis in a statement released on Wednesday, expressing “profound grief” over the devastation caused by the floods to communities and farmlands across the country. The president’s response underscores the severity of the situation and its potential national impact.

The floods, which reached their peak in July and August, have exacerbated existing concerns about food supply in Nigeria. The country is already grappling with double-digit inflation, largely driven by escalating food prices. The destruction of vast tracts of farmland threatens to further strain the food production capabilities of a nation already facing significant economic challenges.

Compounding the crisis, heavy rains have added to the difficulties faced by the farming sector, particularly in the northeast where farmers are abandoning their lands due to persistent militant attacks. This combination of natural disasters and security issues poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s agricultural output and food security.

The current death toll represents a sharp increase from the previous year when NEMA reported 45 flood-related deaths. This dramatic rise in casualties highlights the intensifying impact of climate-related disasters in the region.

The severity of this year’s floods brings back memories of the catastrophic flooding in 2022, which was described as Nigeria’s worst in over a decade. That disaster resulted in more than 600 deaths, displaced approximately 1.4 million people, and destroyed 440,000 hectares (1,087,261 acres) of farmland.

Zimbabwe’s Desperate Water Crisis: Communities Dig Riverbeds as Drought Grips Southern Africa

admin
-
0
Zimbabwe’s Desperate Water Crisis: Communities Dig Riverbeds as Drought Grips Southern Africa

In northern Zimbabwe’s Mudzi district, a grim scene unfolds along the once-flowing Vombozi River, now reduced to a stretch of beige sand. Local residents, armed with shovels and buckets, dig desperately into the dry riverbed, searching for the last drops of water in what has become one of the worst droughts in living memory across southern Africa.

The crisis, affecting nearly 70 million people across the region, has left communities without adequate food and water. In Kurima village, the Vombozi River, typically a year-round water source, has completely dried up, forcing an increasing number of people to converge on this single location.

Gracious Phiri, a 43-year-old mother of five, describes her daily three-hour journey to fetch water. “I have never seen anything like this,” she tells the BBC, lowering her bucket into a half-meter wide hole to draw brown-colored water. Phiri expresses concern about her family’s health, noting that livestock drink from the same pits as humans. “It is not very healthy,” she adds.

The water scarcity is compounded by a severe food shortage affecting 7.7 million people in Zimbabwe alone. In Mudzi, local health authorities report that the number of families with access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food has dropped by more than half compared to previous years. Children have been particularly hard hit, with hospital admissions for moderate to severe malnutrition doubling since June.

A village feeding program attempts to address the crisis by providing nutrient-enriched porridge for children under five once a week. However, the initiative faces its own challenges as food stocks dwindle. Kudzai Madamombe, Mudzi district’s medical officer, explains that the El Niño-induced drought has reduced the program from three times a week to just once, with the possibility of complete cessation within a month.

The drought’s impact extends beyond food security. A quarter of the district’s clinics have lost their water supply as boreholes run dry. The major dam in the district has only a month’s supply of water remaining, forcing the suspension of vegetable irrigation schemes that once supported hundreds of local farmers.

Tambudzai Mahachi, a 36-year-old farmer, exemplifies the widespread suffering. Despite planting acres of maize, cow-peas, and peanuts, she harvested nothing. “We have gone from eating what we want and when we want to limiting meals,” Mahachi says, now relying on charitable donations to feed her children.

The crisis extends across southern Africa, where most agriculture depends on rainfall rather than irrigation. About a third of the countries in the region have declared states of disaster, with an estimated 68 million people in need of food aid. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) appealed for $5.5 billion in aid in May, but only a fraction has been received.

Tomson Phiri, southern African spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme (WFP), warns that the situation is set to worsen. “Family granaries are empty, and maize, which is the region’s most consumed carbohydrate, is now priced out of many people’s hands,” he says. The WFP has received only one-fifth of the $400 million needed for emergency assistance.

The region faces its largest maize deficit in 15 years, with the hunger and water crisis expected to peak in October, traditionally the hottest and driest month. Even if rains arrive in November or December, farmers won’t be able to harvest maize until March.

BCC.com

Ugandan Self-Proclaimed Healer Arrested with 24 Human Skulls, Faces Life Imprisonment

admin
-
0
Ugandan Self-Proclaimed Healer Arrested with 24 Human Skulls, Faces Life Imprisonment

Ugandan authorities have arrested a self-proclaimed traditional healer, Ddamulira Godfrey, after discovering 24 human skulls in his possession, police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed to the BBC. The shocking find has raised concerns about human sacrifice practices in the country and highlighted the challenges in regulating traditional healing practices.

Godfrey, who claims to be a traditional healer and herbalist, was apprehended at his shrine in the suburbs of Kampala, Uganda’s capital. In addition to the human remains, police also recovered animal remains and skins from the location. The discovery has prompted a continued search of the premises, with authorities hoping to uncover more evidence.

Onyango stated that Godfrey would be charged under the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act, a law specifically designed to combat such practices. “If he is found guilty, he will serve life in prison,” Onyango emphasized, underlining the severity of the alleged crimes.

The case has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s traditional healing community. The country’s Traditional Healers’ Association has swiftly distanced itself from Godfrey, emphasizing that such practices are not part of legitimate traditional medicine.

This incident is not isolated, coming just weeks after another disturbing discovery in the central district of Mpigi, approximately 41 kilometers (25 miles) from Kampala. There, police recovered 17 human skulls from a shrine, further highlighting the persistent issue of human sacrifice for ritual purposes in the region.

These cases underscore a deeply rooted belief among some individuals in various African countries that magic charms made from human body parts can bring good fortune, wealth, or serve as a means to curse enemies. Such beliefs, while not representative of mainstream African cultures, continue to fuel a dangerous underground market for human remains.

The Uganda Police Force has intensified its efforts to combat these practices, with Onyango stating, “We are charging him first under the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act, which [prohibits] one being in possession of human body parts and instruments of human sacrifice.” This approach reflects the government’s commitment to eradicating such practices through stringent legal measures.

The case has reignited debates about the regulation of traditional healing practices in Uganda and across Africa. While many legitimate traditional healers provide valuable services to their communities, the exploitation of these beliefs by individuals for criminal purposes remains a significant challenge for law enforcement and policymakers.

Human rights organizations have called for increased public education and awareness campaigns to combat the superstitions that fuel demand for human body parts. They argue that addressing the root causes of these beliefs is crucial to preventing future incidents.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to identify the origins of the human remains found in Godfrey’s possession. This process may lead to the resolution of missing persons cases and provide closure to families affected by these crimes.

South African Billionaire Johann Rupert Surpasses Aliko Dangote as Africa’s Richest Person

admin
-
0
South African Billionaire Johann Rupert Surpasses Aliko Dangote as Africa’s Richest Person

Johann Rupert, the South African luxury goods magnate, has surpassed Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote to become Africa’s wealthiest individual, according to the latest data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This shift in the continent’s wealth hierarchy reflects both Rupert’s success in the luxury sector and the economic challenges facing Nigeria.

Rupert, who controls Richemont, one of the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerates, has seen his net worth surge by $1.9 billion to reach $14.3 billion. This increase has propelled him to the 147th position globally on the Bloomberg index. Richemont’s portfolio includes prestigious brands such as Cartier and Montblanc, which have benefited from strong performances in the luxury goods market.

In contrast, Dangote’s fortune has decreased by $1.7 billion this year, leaving him with a net worth of $13.4 billion and placing him 159th globally, 12 places behind Rupert. This decline in Dangote’s wealth is indicative of Nigeria’s challenging economic environment, where his conglomerate primarily operates.

The economic reforms introduced by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu since taking office last year, including the removal of fuel subsidies, have contributed to high inflation, currently exceeding 30%. While Tinubu argues these measures are necessary to reduce government spending and stimulate long-term growth, they have had immediate impacts on businesses and individuals alike.

Dangote, aged 66, built his empire in the cement and sugar industries and recently opened an oil refinery in Lagos. However, his Dangote Group has faced setbacks due to production delays at the refinery and supply chain disruptions. The sharp devaluation of the Nigerian naira has significantly affected Dangote’s wealth, which is largely tied to assets denominated in the local currency.

Rupert’s ascension to the top spot is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the resilience of the luxury goods sector. His holdings extend beyond Richemont to include Remgro, a South African investment vehicle with stakes in over 30 companies. Rupert inherited the family business from his father, Anton Rupert, and has transformed it from primarily tobacco interests into a multi-billion-dollar luxury goods venture.

The 73-year-old Rupert, who attended the University of Stellenbosch but left his studies to join his father’s business in 1984, has been a vocal figure on political and environmental issues in South Africa. He campaigned against white-minority rule and has received several awards for his business activities. Rupert maintains residences in Cape Town, Geneva, and London, reflecting the global nature of his business empire.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index also highlights other significant African fortunes. Nicky Oppenheimer, another South African billionaire, ranks third on the continent with a net worth of $11.3 billion. Egyptian businessman Nassef Sawiris follows with $9.48 billion, and South African investor Natie Kirsh completes the top five with $9.22 billion.

This reshuffling of Africa’s wealthiest individuals underscores the dynamic nature of global wealth and the impact of regional economic conditions on personal fortunes. As market conditions continue to fluctuate and businesses navigate complex challenges, the title of Africa’s richest person may continue to change hands.

The contrast between Rupert’s rise and Dangote’s decline also highlights the divergent economic trajectories within Africa. While South Africa’s economy faces its own challenges, the country’s more diversified economic base and stronger links to global luxury markets have allowed figures like Rupert to thrive. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s dependence on oil and ongoing economic reforms present both opportunities and obstacles for its business leaders.

As Africa continues to develop and integrate into the global economy, the fortunes of its wealthiest individuals will likely remain a key indicator of broader economic trends and the continent’s changing place in the world economy.

A bbc.com story

1...734735736...973Page 735 of 973