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Team Nigeria Ends Paris Olympics “Medal Less”

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Paris, France – Nigeria has concluded its participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics without winning a single medal, marking a disappointing end to what was hoped to be a more successful outing for the West African nation.

The country’s last hope for a podium finish was dashed early Saturday when Hannah Reuben lost in the Women’s Freestyle 76kg wrestling event. Reuben was defeated 5-2 by Mongolia’s Enkh-Amaryn Davaanasan in the round of 16, sealing Nigeria’s fate at these Games.

Team Nigeria entered the Olympics with high expectations, especially following some strong performances in the qualifying rounds. The nation registered athletes in 12 events, but like in previous Games, these efforts did not translate into success on the Olympic stage.

The team, comprising about 77 athletes, faced a series of disappointing losses, and various administrative challenges further compounded their struggles. This marks the first time Nigeria has finished an Olympics without a medal since the London Games in 2012.

President Bola Tinubu had allocated ₦12 billion for Nigeria’s participation in both the Olympics and the Paralympics, with ₦9 billion earmarked for the former and ₦3 billion for the latter.

Despite this significant investment, the return was less than expected, leading to widespread disappointment among sports officials and fans alike.

In the wake of Nigeria’s poor showing in Paris, Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, addressed the situation candidly. “Yesterday, I met with gentlemen of the press at the Nigerian Embassy in Paris for a debriefing following the country’s participation in the 2024 Olympics. As we go back home, we must do everything to prevent future occurrences of the Paris disaster and it will entail the review of how people are elected to lead our sporting federations,” Enoh wrote on his X handle on Saturday.

He also emphasized the importance of upcoming elections for sports federations, stating that they would be crucial in ensuring that the most qualified individuals are chosen to lead these bodies. “The elections for the federations are around the corner, and it will be the perfect opportunity to elect those who are most eligible to lead the various sports federations,” he added.

The disappointment in Nigeria’s Olympic performance was palpable. “Team Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the country did not secure any medals, does not entail being addressed just by our participation at the Olympics, but it is a product of very many other things that need immediate attention,” Enoh said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting athletes, highlighting that every effort had been made to prepare them adequately. “We did everything as a ministry to prepare the athletes adequately and provide them with every financial support, but unfortunately, the performance did not produce any podium finish.”

Nigeria’s medal-less outing at the Paris Games mirrors past Olympic performances, particularly in 1952 Helsinki, 1956 Melbourne, 1960 Rome, 1968 Mexico, 1980 Moscow, and 1988 Seoul, where the country similarly did not secure any medals.

CHANNELSTV.com

Parents of 11-Year-Old Boy Killed by US Diplomat in Road Accident in Zimbabwe Urge Envoy to Say Sorry

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Harare, Zimbabwe – The grieving parents of an 11-year-old girl, who was allegedly killed in a road accident involving a US diplomat in Zimbabwe, have called for the diplomat to return to the country and personally apologize for the tragic incident.z

The accident, which occurred in June in the town of Dema, approximately 40 kilometers (24 miles) southeast of the capital, Harare, has left the family devastated and seeking closure.

The young victim, Ruvarashe Takamanyiwa, is believed to have been struck by a vehicle driven by the diplomat while she was on her way to school. Despite the diplomat’s diplomatic immunity, which protects him from prosecution, Ruvarashe’s parents believe that an apology might help them recover from their pain.

“We realize the US diplomat has diplomatic immunity, but an apology might help us recover from the pain and give us a sense of closure,” the family stated. A spokesperson for the US State Department told the BBC, “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the girl,” adding that the US Embassy in Harare is cooperating fully with local authorities. The embassy also expressed its recognition of the devastation caused by the accident, noting that it affected all involved.

Ruvarashe was walking to school with her best friend on that fateful Monday morning when she was hit by the car as she crossed the main road in Dema. Her mother, Juliana Vito, recounted how she learned about the accident from neighbors who ran to the scene. “I thought she was going to wake up. Till now I keep thinking it’s just a dream. I’m deeply hurt,” Vito told the BBC.

The diplomat involved in the accident was not present when Vito arrived at the crash site, and the family said they have not been contacted directly by the driver. However, the driver’s colleagues have apologized on his behalf, explaining that he was deeply affected by the incident. “He said he was really sorry,” Vito shared. “I wish he came directly so I could pour my heart out.”

Ruvarashe’s father, Silvester Takamanyiwa, told the BBC that they were given $2,000 by the US Embassy to help cover funeral expenses. The embassy spokesperson confirmed that the mission provided support to the family and that representatives attended the funeral to express their condolences. As the family continues to mourn the loss of their daughter, they remain hopeful that the diplomat will return to Zimbabwe to offer a personal apology, which they believe would help them find some peace in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy.

Source: bbc.com

Italy’s Nadia Battocletti Breaks Africa’s Dominance on 10,000-Meter Podium with Silver in Paris

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Paris, France – For three consecutive Olympics, no non-African runner had managed to secure a spot on the podium in the women’s 10,000 meters, a race historically dominated by athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, and other African nations.

However, Italy’s Nadia Battocletti ended that streak on Friday night at the Paris Games, earning a silver medal in an event that has been fiercely competitive and largely controlled by runners from Africa.

Battocletti’s potential became widely recognized earlier this year when she swept both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the European Championships in June. However, those victories came without facing the formidable African competitors. The Paris Games provided a different level of competition, with the world’s best runners from Africa present.

During the 5,000 meters earlier in these Games, Battocletti finished fourth. However, the race took a dramatic turn when Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon was disqualified for elbowing Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia, leading to Battocletti being upgraded to bronze. This incident signaled to the African competitors just how competitive the Italian runner was.

“After the 5,000, they started greeting me, appreciating me. I received lots of compliments from the Kenyan and Ethiopian girls,” Battocletti shared after the race. “I imagine they had a little bit of fear… I heard them talking in the last laps about who amongst them was about to sprint.”

In the 10,000 meters, it was Beatrice Chebet of Kenya who made the decisive move in the final 100 meters of the race, breaking away from the pack. Battocletti was the only runner able to keep pace with her, securing a hard-fought silver medal. Chebet crossed the finish line in 30 minutes, 43.25 seconds, successfully completing a sweep of the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. Battocletti finished just 0.10 seconds behind her, while Ethiopian-born Dutch runner and defending champion Sifan Hassan came in third, nearly a full second behind the Italian.

“In the last 500-600 meters, I kept my eyes wide open and I told myself, ‘Don’t let her run away,'” Battocletti recounted. “I tried to be as smart as possible, like a fox.”

At just 23 years old, Battocletti’s success marks her as a rising star in long-distance running, proving that she can compete with the best in the world. Her achievement in Paris may be the beginning of a career that could see her continue to challenge the dominance of African runners as they mature into their peak years.

The Associated Press

Polish Diplomats Work to Secure Release of Students and Lecturer Detained in Nigeria During Protests

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Abuja, Nigeria – Polish diplomats are actively working to secure the release of seven Polish citizens who were detained in Nigeria earlier this week. The group, which includes six students and a lecturer from Warsaw University, was participating in a program to study the Hausa language in Kano, a city in northern Nigeria.

The detentions occurred during protests in the area, with Nigeria’s secret service stating that the group was arrested for allegedly carrying Russian flags during the demonstrations. However, Polish officials have expressed skepticism about this claim, suggesting it may be a misunderstanding.

In an effort to resolve the situation, the Polish consul in Abuja met with the detained students on Friday. According to a statement from Poland’s Foreign Ministry, the students are in good health and are currently staying in a hotel in a well-regarded district of the city. “They are feeling well and in good condition. They are currently living in a hotel in a good district of the city,” the statement read. The ministry also emphasized that no formal charges have been brought against the students and lecturer, and that the investigation is ongoing.

Polish authorities are working closely with Nigerian officials to clarify the legal situation of the detainees. During the meeting with the students, the Polish consul conveyed that he believed their behavior might have been the result of a lack of familiarity with local customs, culture, and laws. The consul also appealed for their safe return to Poland as soon as possible. “No charges have been brought against them, and procedures are underway to conclude the investigation,” the Polish Foreign Ministry stated.

Wojciech Wisniewski, a senior Polish diplomat, commented on the incident, stating that he did not believe the students had been carrying Russian flags, a claim that has been at the center of the detentions. He expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved swiftly and that the students would be able to return home soon.

The situation is particularly sensitive given the broader geopolitical context. Pro-Russian sentiment is highly unusual in Central European nations like Poland, which has a history of resistance against Russian influence and currently strongly supports Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Polish authorities are keen to ensure that this misunderstanding does not escalate further and that the students are released without incident.

As the investigation continues, the Polish government remains committed to providing support to the detained citizens and working towards their safe and prompt return to Poland.

AP

Dangote Refinery Urges Nigeria to Enforce Crude Supply Laws for Local Refiners

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Lagos, Nigeria -The Dangote Oil Refinery, Africa’s largest refinery, has called on Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator to enforce existing laws that require crude oil producers to supply local refineries.

The refinery, built by billionaire Aliko Dangote on the outskirts of Lagos at a cost of $20 billion, has been struggling to secure sufficient crude supplies from domestic producers. Vandalism and low investment in Nigeria’s oil sector have further complicated the refinery’s efforts to operate at full capacity.

In a statement released on Friday, Dangote Refinery criticized the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for not enforcing the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO).

This law mandates that a portion of crude oil production must be supplied to domestic refineries. According to the refinery, international oil companies are not following these directives, which has significantly impacted its operations.

“Our concern has always been that the NUPRC is pushing, but the international oil companies are not following the instructions,” said Anthony Chiejina, a spokesperson for Dangote Refinery.

As a result, the refinery has had to purchase the same Nigerian crude oil from international markets at a premium of $3-$4 per barrel, which adds up to an additional $3-$4 million per cargo.

Dangote Refinery revealed that it was expecting 15 cargoes of crude for September, but only half of this allocation was supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The refinery also noted that while some producers cited operational challenges, others had committed most of their output to oil traders who export the crude, making it difficult to increase local supply without breaching existing contracts.

The refinery, which has a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day, requires about 325,000 barrels per day to operate at half capacity. However, since beginning operations, it has received only a fraction of this amount from domestic suppliers.

The DCSO was established under Nigeria’s 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to ensure that local refineries have access to crude oil. However, enforcement has proven difficult due to declining oil production and the financial strain on the NNPC, which has diverted much of its production to service crude-backed loans.

This situation has led to tensions between the Dangote Refinery and the upstream regulator, raising concerns about the viability of Nigeria’s domestic refining sector in an increasingly challenging global oil environment.

Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola Breaks Olympic Record to Claim Marathon Gold in Paris

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PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Tamirat Tola of Etiopia wins the Men's Marathon on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Esplanade Des Invalides on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

Paris, France – Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, winning the men’s marathon at the Paris Olympics and ending Kenya’s long-standing dominance in the event. Tola crossed the finish line in an Olympic record time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds, making history on the iconic streets of Paris.

Tola’s victory came after a hard-fought race where he managed to outpace his competitors in the final stretch. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi secured the silver medal, finishing 21 seconds behind Tola, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto took the bronze, 34 seconds back. The 32-year-old Tola maintained a strong lead as he approached the finish line, even taking a moment to look back and savor the applause from the crowd.

Tola’s journey to the Olympic gold was unexpected. Just two weeks before the race, he was called up to replace his injured teammate, Sisay Lemma, in the Ethiopian marathon squad.

Despite being the reserve, Tola was fully prepared to seize the opportunity. “I was the reserve in the Ethiopian team, but when Sisay had injuries then I had a chance,” Tola explained after the race. “I was fully prepared and knew I could fulfill my dream. I am very proud, very happy.”

This gold medal marks Tola’s second Olympic medal, his first coming in the 10,000 meters at the 2016 Rio Games, where he earned a bronze. Since transitioning from track to marathon running, Tola has achieved significant success, including breaking a 12-year course record in last year’s New York Marathon.

“After I came from track, I achieved a lot in marathon,” Tola reflected, acknowledging the evolution of his career and his growing legacy in long-distance running.

Tola’s victory not only adds to Ethiopia’s rich history in marathon running but also signals a shift in the balance of power in East African athletics, traditionally dominated by Kenya. His record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the Games.

time.com

Malawi President Chakwera Secures Party’s Support for Second Term Bid

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Lilongwe, Malawi – Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has secured the backing of his party, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), for a second term bid in next year’s election. However, his prospects for re-election could be uncertain, largely depending on the MCP’s ability to find a strong alliance partner following recent political shifts.

The MCP, which had been in an electoral alliance with the United Transformation Movement (UTM) since 2020, now faces a significant challenge after the UTM announced its withdrawal from the partnership. The decision followed the tragic death of former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, the leader of the UTM, in a plane crash in June.

Chilima’s leadership was instrumental in helping Chakwera secure an absolute majority in the 2020 election. Malawi’s political system requires a presidential candidate to secure more than 50% of the votes to be declared the winner, a threshold that could prove difficult for Chakwera to achieve without the UTM’s support.

Addressing delegates at the MCP convention, which endorsed his bid for a second term, Chakwera expressed confidence that his party’s support has strengthened since the last election. “This is no ordinary convention because it is the convention of the party that will win in 2025,” Chakwera declared in his speech on Thursday.

“We are growing in strength every day as more people from other parties join us, as the MCP’s founding families remain here, and as those who left the party are returning,” he added, signaling a renewed optimism within the party despite the recent setbacks.

The MCP, established by Malawi’s first president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, is one of the oldest political parties in the country. After 26 years in opposition, the party returned to power in 2020 with promises to tackle corruption and revitalize the economy. However, opposition parties have criticized the MCP for not delivering on its promises, especially as the economic situation remains fragile.

Chakwera’s main challenger in the upcoming election is expected to be former President Peter Mutharika, who is likely to receive the nomination of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at their convention later this month. The impending battle between Chakwera and Mutharika is set to be a defining moment in Malawi’s political landscape, with both leaders vying for control over the country’s future.

As the election approaches, the MCP will need to consolidate its support base and possibly seek new alliances to bolster its chances of securing a second term for Chakwera. The political dynamics in Malawi are shifting, and the outcome of the 2025 election remains highly unpredictable.

Sierra Leone Court Sentences Soldiers to Long Jail Terms for Failed Coup Attempt

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Freetown, Sierra Leone – A military court in Sierra Leone has handed down lengthy prison sentences to 24 soldiers for their involvement in a failed coup attempt against the government of President Julius Maada Bio last November. The sentences, which range from 50 to 120 years in prison, were delivered late on Friday as the court sought to impose severe penalties on those convicted of the serious charges.

The convicted soldiers were among 27 individuals who were court-martialed for their participation in the November 26 coup attempt, during which armed men attacked military barracks, two prisons, and other strategic locations across the capital. The coordinated assault resulted in the freeing of approximately 2,200 inmates and the deaths of more than 20 people.

The court’s decision follows a violent crackdown in July, during which 11 civilians, as well as police and prison officers, were killed in connection with the insurrection. The sentencing represents the culmination of a significant military trial that has drawn national attention.

A seven-member military jury found the majority of the court-martialed soldiers guilty on multiple counts, including mutiny, murder, aiding the enemy, and stealing public or private property. After hours of deliberation, the jury delivered a unanimous verdict, resulting in a total of 88 charges being upheld.

Among those sentenced, one of the most notable cases involved a lieutenant colonel who was found guilty of leading the coup effort and received the heaviest sentence of 120 years in prison. The court’s decision highlights the severity with which the Sierra Leonean military views acts of insubordination and attempts to destabilize the government.

Before delivering the sentences, Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, a former military officer, emphasized the importance of upholding discipline within the military ranks. “When we reach this conclusion for sentences, it is to send a message of zero tolerance for such an act in the military,” Ngegba stated, underscoring the court’s intention to deter any future attempts at insurrection.

Of the 27 soldiers tried, one was acquitted, while another had already been sentenced earlier after pleading guilty. The trial of the final defendant is set to conclude at a later date.

As the sentences were read out, family members of the convicted soldiers expressed their anguish outside the courtroom, where emotions ran high.

This high-profile court-martial comes in the aftermath of a closely contested election in which President Bio narrowly secured a second term. His victory was heavily disputed by the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party, which, alongside some regional and international observers, raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.

The trial and subsequent sentencing have become a focal point of national discussion, reflecting the deep political and social divisions in Sierra Leone as the country navigates its post-conflict recovery.

Reuters

Ethiopian Airlines Signs Landmark Deal for Design of Africa’s Largest Airport

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Airlines has officially signed an agreement for the design of what is set to become Africa’s largest airport once completed in 2029. The ambitious project will feature a four-runway facility and marks a significant expansion for Ethiopian Airlines, the continent’s leading carrier.

The new airport will be located near the town of Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. According to Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew, the airport will be capable of handling up to 100 million passengers annually and will provide parking for 270 aircraft, making it a critical hub for both passenger and cargo traffic in Africa.

The design contract has been awarded to Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm, Sidara. Tareq Al Qami, Sidara’s Director of Operations, confirmed the company’s involvement in the project during a press conference. Plans for the new airport were first unveiled in 2018, but the project has gained momentum recently as Ethiopia seeks to position itself as a major aviation hub on the continent.

Mesfin noted that the current main hub for Ethiopian Airlines, Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, is nearing its capacity limit of 25 million passengers per year. This rapid growth underscores the necessity of expanding the country’s aviation infrastructure to accommodate increasing demand. “Bole International Airport will soon reach its capacity, which is why this new airport is so critical for our future operations,” Mesfin explained.

The new airport, which is part of a five-year development plan, is projected to be fully operational by 2029. Mesfin emphasized the scale of the project, stating, “It will be the biggest in Africa.” The construction phase alone is expected to cost at least $6 billion, with funding anticipated from various sources, including companies that have already expressed interest in the project.

Ethiopian Airlines has seen substantial growth in recent years. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the airline carried 17 million passengers and is on track to reach 20 million passengers in the current financial year. The expansion of airport facilities is seen as a necessary step to sustain and further accelerate this growth trajectory.

The new airport is expected to play a pivotal role in the airline’s future, enhancing its ability to serve as a gateway between Africa and the rest of the world. As Ethiopia continues to develop its aviation infrastructure, the country is set to solidify its status as a key player in global air travel.

reuters.com

Travis Scott Remains in French Police Custody After Altercation with Security Guard in Paris Hotel

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Paris, France – Rapper Travis Scott remains in police custody following his arrest at a luxury hotel in Paris, where he was involved in an altercation with a security guard. The incident occurred on Friday, and French prosecutors confirmed on Saturday that Scott’s detention has been extended while the investigation continues.

The Paris prosecutor’s office issued a statement indicating that Scott, whose real name is Jacques Bermon Webster II, was arrested early Friday morning after police were called to the Georges V Hotel. The rapper, who is in Paris for the Olympics, allegedly engaged in a violent confrontation with a security guard. The altercation reportedly began when the security guard attempted to intervene in a dispute between Scott and his own bodyguard.

Although the prosecutor’s office did not provide further details about the incident, it has been reported that the situation escalated rapidly, leading to Scott’s arrest. French authorities are continuing to investigate the matter, and the exact circumstances surrounding the altercation remain unclear.

Scott’s US-based representative and his lawyer have so far declined to comment on the situation, and they did not immediately respond to inquiries from the Associated Press. However, following Friday’s arrest, a spokesperson for Scott did release a brief statement. The representative indicated that they are “in direct communication with the local Parisian authorities to resolve this matter swiftly and will provide updates when appropriate.” The representative spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the ongoing investigation.

Scott’s presence in Paris coincides with the 2024 Summer Olympics, where he was spotted in the audience during the men’s basketball semifinal on Thursday night, cheering on the United States team as they rallied over Serbia. The rapper, known for his love of sports, frequently attends high-profile athletic events around the world.

Scott, who has become one of the biggest names in hip hop, has enjoyed immense success in recent years. With more than 100 songs that have made it onto the Billboard Hot 100, Scott has released four singles that topped the charts: “Sicko Mode,” “Highest in the Room,” “The Scotts,” and “Franchise.” His influence in the music industry has been significant, making him a prominent figure in both the entertainment and fashion worlds.

In addition to his music career, Scott is also known for his personal life, particularly his relationship with media personality and businesswoman Kylie Jenner. The couple, who share two children, have been in the public eye for their on-and-off relationship, which has been widely covered by the media.

This is not Scott’s first brush with the law. In June, he was arrested in Miami Beach on misdemeanor charges of trespassing and public intoxication after a separate incident where he was found shouting obscenities at people on a yacht. Scott reportedly refused to leave the area despite orders from law enforcement, leading to his arrest.

The current situation in Paris is yet another legal challenge for Scott, and it remains to be seen how it will be resolved. The extension of his custody suggests that French authorities are taking the matter seriously, and fans and the public alike are waiting for further developments.

apnews.com

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