Security operatives at Bayero University, Kano, have arrested two individuals for impersonating lecturers and selling books to unsuspecting fresh students. This was revealed in a statement by Bala Abdullahi, the Publication Secretary, Special Bulletin, on behalf of the Registrar of the university, a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday.
According to the statement, the two suspects, David Iluebe from Edo State and Chike Eke from Delta State, surreptitiously entered a lecture hall at the Faculty of Engineering and introduced themselves to 100-level students as department lecturers.
They presented a set of four different textbooks on the Use of English, Statistics, Nigerian People and Culture, and Algebra and Geometry Mathematics, pressuring the students to purchase these books as a requirement for their Continuous Assessment (CA) or risk failing their courses.
“The apprehensive students present in the hall responded by buying several copies to meet the course requirement,” the statement said. However, the suspects were apprehended when the security operatives swooped in following a report.
“The two persons were, however, arrested on July 25, 2024, by the security operatives for suspected criminal trespass, impersonation, and cheating,” the statement added.
During preliminary investigations, the suspects claimed that they were lecturers from another university and were selling the books to the students because of a special arrangement they had with Bayero University. The university administration has since debunked this claim, emphasizing that there was no such arrangement.
The Senator representing Anambra South, Nigeria in the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Ubah, has died. Ubah, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, reportedly passed away in a hotel in London, United Kingdom, on Saturday. He would have turned 53 on September 3.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death to our correspondent on Saturday. “It’s confirmed, but I am sending an official statement soon,” he said.
Ubah, who was re-elected into the 10th Senate under the Young Peoples Party, defected to the All Progressive Congress last year. His death comes days after his campaign council donated a total of ₦71 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State. The donation, which included ₦50 million from Senator Ubah himself, was part of his pledge to support the party and enhance its effectiveness in the state.
In September 2022, Ifeanyi Ubah escaped an assassination attempt when he was attacked by gunmen on his way to Nnewi in Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State. His convoy was shot at, and at least five persons, including two policemen, were killed. He survived as the vehicle he was riding in was bulletproof.
As the world turns its attention to the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, Kenya’s marathon team stands poised to make history. Led by the legendary Eliud Kipchoge and defending women’s champion Peres Jepchirchir, the Kenyan contingent is not just aiming for victory, but for unprecedented achievements in Olympic marathon history.
Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic marathon champion, is on the cusp of a remarkable feat. If successful in Paris, he would become the first man to win three Olympic marathon gold medals. This achievement would add another chapter to his already illustrious career, which includes being the former world marathon record holder and victories in 15 out of 18 marathons he has run.
Kipchoge’s journey to this point is a testament to his versatility and determination. He first competed for Kenya at the 2004 Athens Olympics, winning bronze in the 5,000m. After upgrading to silver in Beijing 2008 and missing out on London 2012, Kipchoge made the pivotal decision to switch to marathon running. This transition led to his first Olympic marathon gold in Rio 2016, followed by a successful defense of his title in Tokyo 2020.
The Olympic Games wants everybody to associate, it promotes freedom of association whereby all of us, about 100 countries will be there competing together and shaking hands at the finish line,” Kipchoge says, emphasizing the broader significance of the Olympics beyond individual achievements.
Joining Kipchoge in the men’s marathon are Tokyo Marathon winner Benson Kipruto and London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao. Kipchoge has expressed confidence in his teammates, tipping them for a potential podium sweep – an unprecedented feat in Olympic marathon history.
On the women’s side, Peres Jepchirchir is aiming to make her own mark on Olympic history. The 30-year-old is looking to become the first woman ever to defend an Olympic marathon title. Jepchirchir’s road to Paris has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. After her surprise victory in Tokyo, she went on to win the 2021 New York Marathon and the 2022 Boston Marathon. However, injuries forced her to withdraw from the 2022 World Championships and the 2023 New York Marathon.
Jepchirchir’s comeback has been nothing short of spectacular. In April 2024, she set a new world record for a women-only race at the London Marathon with a time of 2:16:16. This performance not only secured her place on the Kenyan Olympic team but also re-established her as a frontrunner for gold in Paris.
“I’m so humbled and feeling grateful for that, and I thank God for that. I know it’s not my ability and I’m not more important than other people,” Jepchirchir said, reflecting on her selection for the Olympic team.
The Kenyan women’s team also includes Boston champion Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi, who replaced the injured Brigid Kosgei. Jepchirchir is confident in her team’s ability to potentially sweep the podium, citing their collective experience on challenging courses.
Both Kipchoge and Jepchirchir are acutely aware of the tough competition they face. Kipchoge acknowledges the threat posed by runners from Ethiopia, Uganda, and athletes with East African roots competing for other nations. Jepchirchir, meanwhile, is preparing for a challenging course in Paris, drawing confidence from her and her teammates’ experiences on difficult marathon routes.
As Kenya’s marathon team prepares to compete on August 10, the eyes of the world will be on these extraordinary athletes. Their quest for Olympic glory is not just about individual achievements, but about inspiring a nation and cementing Kenya’s place in marathon running history.
For Kipchoge, it’s about more than just winning: “Personally, I want to make my country a running country and make the world a running world.” As for Jepchirchir, she dreams of closing the Paris 2024 Summer Games on August 12 with another gold medal ceremony, this time with a roaring crowd in the stadium.
As the Olympic flame approaches Paris, the stage is set for what could be one of the most memorable marathon events in Olympic history, with Kenya’s finest leading the charge.
A year ago, Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a military coup led by General Tiani, who seized control of Niger with the support of the army. Since then, the military junta has entrenched its power by curtailing freedoms, suspending political parties, and silencing dissent.
Despite the oppressive conditions, Bazoum remains resolutely defiant. No timeline for a return to civilian rule has been announced, and Niger has distanced itself from Western allies, increasingly aligning with Russia.
Bazoum and his wife, Hadiza, have been confined to the presidential residence since October, cut off from the outside world except for regular visits from his doctor.
Deprived of communication tools and under constant surveillance, Bazoum refuses to bow to pressure. His doctor is his only contact, providing him with food and books.
Bazoum’s determination to resist resignation is unwavering. A former philosophy professor, he immerses himself in literature, drawing strength from classic authors like Shakespeare and Tolstoy, as well as contemporary voices like Romain Gary. Political works such as Dominique Moïsi’s “The Triumph of Emotions” also occupy his reading time, fortifying his resolve.
Even a bout of malaria in the spring could not shake his steadfastness. Bazoum remains committed to his principles, rejecting the notion of resignation despite the junta’s recent move to lift his presidential immunity—a step that could lead to a trial. His defiance symbolizes a beacon of resistance in the face of an authoritarian regime tightening its stranglehold on Niger.
The French nuclear fuel specialist reported a loss of 133 million euros for the first half of the year, according to results presented on Friday. This contrasts sharply with the first quarter of 2023 when the company posted a net profit of 117 million euros.
This year, however, the company is facing difficulties. One major issue is Niger’s decision in June to strip the company of the Imouraren mine, the largest in the world, with estimated reserves of 200,000 tons. Additionally, Somair, the subsidiary 63% owned by Orano, is struggling to export uranium from its Arlit operations in northern Niger. This is due to an export ban imposed by the military government in Niamey, which has been in power for a year.
In response to these challenges, the company was forced to sell its uranium production, originally intended to finance the closure of the site.
Meanwhile, one year has passed since mutinous soldiers overthrew Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum. Coup leaders said they deposed the elected government for two key reasons: its security and economic crises. But those challenges have not only persisted, they’ve worsened. And the country’s 26 million people, among the world’s youngest and poorest, are struggling.
The junta severed ties with key international partners, who imposed sanctions and suspended budgetary support close to half of Niger’s budget. After three months, where thousands of people once cheered the coup, there is growing frustration. Niger is now the latest nation in West Africa to be ruled by a military junta, joining Mali and Burkina Faso.
The juntas have gone on to form what they called the Alliance of Sahel States, shortened to the acronym AES.
Team Ghana grabbed attention at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games with their colorful fugu attire. Ghana’s contingent rocked the traditional hand-woven attire as they continued to display the country’s culture in Paris. For the men’s team, the fugu was accompanied by black trousers, while the women’s team paired it with vibrant skirts.
Joseph Paul Amoah and Rose Yeboah led a five-member team that boarded the boat for the opening ceremony on the Seine River. Ghana took eight athletes to the competition and will compete in sprints as well as high jump and swimming events.
In a race against time, French national railway company SNCF has made significant progress in restoring high-speed train services following acts of sabotage that disrupted three major lines just hours before the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris. The incident has raised serious security concerns as the French capital hosts one of the world’s largest sporting events.
SNCF reported on Saturday that its teams worked tirelessly through the night, battling adverse weather conditions, to improve TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) traffic from the north, east, and west to Paris. As of Saturday morning, normal service had been fully restored on the Eastern high-speed line, providing some relief to travelers and Olympic spectators.
However, challenges persist on other routes. SNCF stated, “On the North, Brittany and South-West high-speed lines, seven out of 10 trains on average will run with delays of one to two hours.” This partial restoration of services represents a significant improvement from the complete disruption experienced in the wake of the sabotage acts.
The company has outlined its ongoing efforts to minimize inconvenience to passengers. Traffic on the Northern axis is expected to remain disrupted on Sunday, but SNCF anticipates improved conditions on the Atlantic axis for weekend return journeys. In a bid to keep travelers informed, the railway operator is proactively contacting customers via text message and email to confirm the status of their trains.
Despite these challenges, SNCF has reassured the public and Olympic organizers that all transportation for Olympic teams and accredited personnel will proceed as planned. This commitment underscores the priority given to ensuring the smooth operation of the Games, even in the face of unexpected obstacles.
The sabotage incidents have cast a shadow over the Olympic festivities and prompted heightened security concerns. French authorities have launched active investigations into the matter, but as of now, no suspects have been identified or apprehended. This lack of progress in identifying the perpetrators has added to the unease surrounding the event’s security measures.
The timing of the sabotage, occurring just before the grand opening ceremony on the Seine River, has been particularly troubling. It has highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the potential for disruption to major events like the Olympics.
As Paris continues to host the Games, local authorities and Olympic organizers are likely to maintain heightened vigilance. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex security challenges facing large-scale international events in today’s world.
The swift response by SNCF and its partial restoration of services demonstrate the resilience of France’s transportation network. However, the incident has undoubtedly added an extra layer of complexity to the already challenging task of managing the logistics for the Olympic Games.
As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are advised to stay informed about their train schedules and to follow updates from SNCF. The coming days will be crucial in fully restoring normal service and ensuring that the transportation disruptions do not overshadow the sporting achievements and international camaraderie that the Olympics represent.
In a thrilling display of aquatic prowess, the United States secured its first medals of the 2024 Paris Olympics as Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook clinched silver in the women’s synchronized 3m springboard diving competition. The event, held on the opening day of the Games, saw China continue its diving dominance with gold, while Great Britain snagged bronze in a dramatic final round.
The Chinese duo of Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen, three-time defending world champions, lived up to their favorite status by scoring an impressive 337.68 points to claim gold. This victory marks the first Olympic medals for both Chang and Chen in their debut Games, further cementing China’s reputation as a powerhouse in diving.
Bacon and Cook, affectionately known as ‘Cook’N Bacon’, delivered a stellar performance, accumulating 314.64 points to secure silver. This achievement not only represents the first Olympic medals for both divers but also ends a 12-year medal drought for the United States in this event, last medaling in 2012.
The competition was fierce and unpredictable, particularly in the final round. Australia, holding third place going into the last dive, saw their medal hopes dashed when Anabelle Smith’s mistimed jump off the board disrupted the team’s synchronization. This unexpected turn of events opened the door for Great Britain’s Scarlett Mew Jensen and Yasmin Harper, who capitalized on the opportunity to claim bronze with a total score of 302.28.
The event unfolded over five rounds, with each presenting its own challenges and highlights:
In the opening round, China established an early lead with a 52.8-point dive, setting the tone for their dominant performance. Great Britain and the U.S. followed in second and third places respectively.
The second round saw the U.S. move into second place with 100.8 points, while Great Britain and Germany found themselves tied for third.
From the third round onward, teams were allowed to perform dives of unrestricted difficulty. China and the U.S. both executed an inward two-and-a-half somersault, with China scoring 71.1 points to extend their lead to nearly 10 points.
The fourth round featured another parallel between China and the U.S., both performing a three-and-a-half somersault pike. Despite a slight synchronization issue, China maintained their lead, while Cook and Bacon held onto second place by less than a point over Australia.
In the final round, both leading teams performed a forward two-and-a-half somersault with one twist, carrying a 3.1 degree of difficulty. China’s execution proved superior, outscoring the U.S. by more than six points and solidifying their gold medal position.
For Cook, this silver medal adds to her Olympic experience, having competed in the individual springboard at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Bacon, after four attempts to make the Olympic team, finally realized her dream in spectacular fashion.
The podium was rounded out by Great Britain’s Harper and Mew Jensen, whose consistent performance throughout the competition was rewarded with a bronze medal. Italy (Elena Bertocchi/Chiara Pellacani) narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with 293.52 points.
Looking ahead, Chang and Chen will aim for more gold in the individual springboard event, where they are once again favored to finish first and second. Bacon will also compete in the individual springboard, hoping to improve on her fifth-place finish at this year’s world championships.
This opening diving event has set a high bar for the aquatics competition at the Paris Olympics, showcasing the skill, precision, and competitive spirit that define Olympic diving. As the Games continue, all eyes will be on the pool to see if the U.S. can build on this early success and if any nation can challenge China’s diving supremacy.
In a remarkable start to the 2024 Paris Olympics, China has clinched the first gold medal of the Games in the mixed team air rifle shooting event. The victory, however, came far from the bustle of the French capital, in the city of Chateauroux, located a three-hour drive from Paris.
Chinese athletes Huang Yuting, 17, and Sheng Lihao, 19, demonstrated exceptional skill and composure in the 10-meter air rifle mixed team event held Saturday morning. The young duo outperformed their South Korean competitors, Keum Jihyeon and Park Hajun, in a tense head-to-head final. Huang and Sheng established an early four-point lead and maintained their advantage throughout the match, ultimately securing a 16-12 victory.
Reflecting on their performance, Sheng expressed, “My main feeling is just happiness. The match was quite hard, but being able to do a personal best performance helped a lot.” The victory marks a continuation of China’s dominance in this event, following their gold medal win in Tokyo three years ago when Yang Qian and Yang Haoran triumphed as the event made its Olympic debut.
The celebrations of the Chinese team were initially restrained, with Huang and Sheng maintaining a composed demeanor. However, their coach’s animated reaction highlighted the significance of the achievement. The young athletes later displayed their joy on the podium, with Sheng offering a thumbs-up as bronze medalist Islam Satpayev of Kazakhstan took a selfie with his fellow medalists.
Earlier in the day, Kazakhstan’s Alexandra Le and Islam Satpayev secured their place in Olympic history by becoming the first medalists of the 2024 Games. They claimed the bronze medal with a decisive 17-5 victory over Germany’s Anna Janssen and Maximilian Ulbrich. Satpayev, elated with his performance, stated, “I’m feeling perfect. This was the first (Olympic) competition for me, and I got third place, so it’s perfect.”
This opening event of the Paris Olympics brings back memories of the Tokyo Games, where Yang Qian of China also secured the first gold medal in the individual 10-meter air rifle event. The Tokyo victory, however, was marked by the stark reality of the pandemic, with Yang receiving her medal while wearing a mask due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The decision to host the shooting events in Chateauroux, far from the main Olympic venues in Paris, highlights the logistical challenges and innovative solutions being implemented for the 2024 Games. Despite the distance, the event has set a thrilling tone for the Olympics, showcasing the skill, precision, and competitive spirit that define the Games.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue, all eyes will be on the world’s top athletes as they compete for glory across a wide range of sports. China’s early success in the mixed team air rifle event sets a high bar for the competitions to come and underscores the nation’s continued strength in Olympic shooting disciplines.
Former President Donald Trump has been spotted without a bandage on his ear during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, raising questions about the nature and extent of his reported injury from a recent shooting incident, TMZ reports.
According to TMZ, the meeting, which took place on Friday, revealed Trump’s uncovered right ear with no apparent signs of injury or scarring. This development has sparked discussions about the accuracy of earlier reports regarding the incident.
Dr. Ronny Jackson, Trump’s former physician, had previously stated in interviews that a bullet had “blown off part of his ear.” However, the recent images show no visible damage, leading to speculation about the severity of the injury or the speed of Trump’s recovery.
A new shot of the former President-Photo by TMZ
The situation has been further complicated by conflicting statements from official sources. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified to Congress earlier this week, suggesting that Trump may have been hit by shrapnel rather than a bullet. This claim has been strongly contested by Dr. Jackson, who called Wray’s comments “totally out of line.”
Adding to the confusion, TMZ stated that a source close to the Secret Service had initially suggested that a piece of glass might have cut Trump’s ear during the incident. This theory was presented as one of the possibilities being investigated by the Service at the time.
The lack of visible injury in the recent photographs has led to increased speculation online about what actually occurred during the reported shooting incident. However, it’s important to note that the available images are not close-ups of Trump’s ear, which limits the ability to make definitive judgments about any potential scarring or minor damage.
Despite the controversy, Trump appears to be continuing his political activities unimpeded. His meeting with Netanyahu demonstrates his ongoing engagement in international affairs and his continued prominence in the political landscape.
As the debate continues, several questions remain unanswered: What was the exact nature of Trump’s injury? How can the conflicting accounts from the FBI, Secret Service, and Trump’s former doctor be reconciled? If there was an injury, what explains the rapid healing with no visible scarring?
The incident and its aftermath highlight the challenges of verifying information in high-profile cases and the potential for conflicting narratives to emerge from different sources. As this story develops, it’s likely to remain a topic of intense interest and speculation. The public will be watching closely for any further statements from Trump, his team, or official sources that might shed light on the true nature of the incident and its aftermath.
