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Lady Fatima Maada Bio Departs for Sierra Leone-Canada Trade & Investment Show in Toronto
Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has today departed from Freetown International Airport to attend the Sierra Leone-Canada Trade, Investment & Cultural Show in Toronto, Canada. She will serve as the Distinguished Grand Chief Patron of the event.
The show, scheduled for September 18-20, 2025, aims to strengthen bilateral ties by spotlighting opportunities in trade, investment, and cultural partnership between Sierra Leone and Canada.
As part of her role, the First Lady is expected to deliver keynote addresses and participate in networking sessions with Canadian business leaders, policymakers, and Sierra Leonean diasporans, all in the service of fostering stronger economic collaboration.
ECOWAS Chair Bio Meets Burkina Faso’s President Traoré to Deepen Regional Ties
President Julius Maada Bio, in his capacity as Chairperson of ECOWAS, completed a working visit to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where he met with President Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Key Points from the Visit
The leaders discussed strengthening cooperation between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) member states, aiming to address shared regional challenges.
Security was a central concern, especially given the ongoing threats from insurgencies and political instability in the Sahel region.
They explored ways to enhance diplomatic and economic ties, likely including trade, infrastructure investment, and collaborative development projects.
Why It’s Significant
This meeting underscores a renewed effort for unity among regional blocs—ECOWAS and the AES—in a region facing rising security threats.
It signals Bio’s commitment to his role as ECOWAS Chairperson, reinforcing diplomatic channels with military-ruled states such as Burkina Faso.
By engaging with President Traoré, Bio helps maintain regional stability, which is crucial for trade, humanitarian issues, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Messi, Alba Shine as Inter Miami Beats Seattle Sounders 3-1
Inter Miami delivered a convincing performance in Fort Lauderdale, defeating the Seattle Sounders 3-1 on September 17, 2025, marking redemption after their Leagues Cup final loss.
Lionel Messi scored and set up one of the goals for teammate Jordi Alba, who also grabbed a goal and assist.
The match also saw Ian Fray score in the 52nd minute from a Rodrigo De Paul corner.
Seattle got on the board in the 69th through Obed Vargas, but it wasn’t enough.
Messi’s goal was his 20th of the MLS season—he’s closing in on the Golden Boot contender, just behind Nashville’s Sam Surridge.
The win moves Miami (14-6-7, 49 points) up in the Eastern Conference, tying with Columbus Crew for 5th place. Seattle (12-8-9, 45 points) remain 4th in the West.
Ezekiel Nathaniel Makes History: First Nigerian in World 400m Hurdles Final Since 1987
Ezekiel Nathaniel, the 21-year-old Nigerian hurdler, is turning heads at the 2025 World Athletics Championships after running an electrifying 47.47 seconds in the 400m hurdles semifinals the fastest time across all semifinals.
With that performance, he has become the first Nigerian man to reach the men’s 400m hurdles final since Henry Amike did in 1987.
Already holder of the Nigerian record (47.31s from Chorzów, 2025) , Nathaniel is now being viewed as a global contender. He has specifically warned the established “Big 3” hurdlers that they’ll have to watch out.
Expectations are high: in the final, Nathaniel will aim not just for a medal, but to break more records and cement his standing among the world’s elite.
📌 Sources: Athletics Federation of Nigeria reports, Premium Times, Vanguard, Making of Champions
U.S. Appeals Court Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook
A U.S. appeals court has ruled against former President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, allowing her to remain on the board during the pending legal case. The D.C. Circuit Court upheld a lower court’s decision, stating that Cook’s due process rights were violated as she was not given proper notice or an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The Trump administration had accused Cook of mortgage fraud, alleging that she misrepresented property ownership before her 2022 confirmation. However, Cook has denied these allegations, and a federal judge previously ruled that the claims did not meet the legal grounds required for her removal.
The appeals court’s decision is significant as it underscores the importance of due process and the legal protections afforded to Federal Reserve governors. The case also highlights ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the central bank over monetary policy decisions.
The Trump administration is expected to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. In the meantime, Cook will continue to serve on the Federal Reserve Board, including participating in the upcoming policy meeting where interest rate decisions are expected to be made.
Aliko Dangote Declares End to Nigeria’s 50-Year Fuel Queue Crisis
Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has declared that Nigeria’s persistent fuel queue problem, which has lasted for over 50 years, has been resolved. Speaking at a conference marking the first anniversary of the refinery’s petrol production, Dangote emphasized that the nation’s longstanding fuel challenges have been effectively addressed.
The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, began producing petrol on September 15, 2024. Since then, it has significantly alleviated fuel shortages, contributing to a more stable and reliable fuel supply across Nigeria.
Dangote acknowledged the numerous challenges faced during the refinery’s development and operation but expressed pride in the project’s success and its positive impact on the country’s energy landscape.
Former President Dr. Joyce Banda Votes at Malliem Primary School in Zomba
Former President Dr. Joyce Banda and her spouse voted at Malliem Primary School in Zomba as part of Malawi’s 2025 general elections.
The former leader, who also serves as a presidential candidate for the People’s Party (PP), emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, women’s leadership, and democratic participation.
Her voting demonstrates engagement in the democratic process and signals her commitment to shaping Malawi’s future.
Nigerian Influencer Peller Rejects ₦1 Billion Offer to Relocate to Ghana for Kick Streaming Initiative
Nigerian influencer Peller (Habeeb Hamzat) has turned down a significant offer to relocate to Ghana and help local youth engage in streaming on the platform Kick. The proposal included ₦1 billion and an additional $500,000.
In a heartfelt message shared on his social media, Peller expressed his deep affection for Nigeria and his commitment to supporting its youth. He also humorously mentioned his concern about someone else taking his partner, Jarvis, if he were to be away for an extended period.
This decision follows a similar stance Peller took earlier when he rejected a ₦3 billion offer from Netflix for Jarvis to participate in a kissing scene, emphasizing his dedication to her and their relationship.
Mike Johnson Says Charlie Kirk Killing “Could Be a Turning Point” for U.S., Urges Leaders to Tone Down Rhetoric
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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) has said that the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk may represent “a turning point” for the country. Speaking on Face the Nation, Johnson urged public officials and media personalities to turn down the rhetoric and stop framing political disagreements as existential threats.
Johnson warned against the use of extreme labels—such as calling people “Nazis” or “fascists”—noting that such language, increasingly common in political discourse, can embolden those predisposed to violence. He expressed hope that leaders from both sides of the aisle are stepping up to foster calm and responsible speech.
He also described the emotional aftermath within Congress, saying lawmakers feel a mix of anger, sadness, and fear as the country reacts to the targeted attack. The shooter, Tyler James Robinson, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder and other offenses.
Johnson recalled a moment of silence held in Kirk’s honor, and shared that he believes Kirk would have wanted people to move forward “boldly … in love,” rather than descending into despair.
New York Gov. Hochul Endorses Zohran Mamdani for Mayor Amid Poll Surge
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has officially endorsed Zohran Mamdani in his bid for mayor of New York City, giving a boost to his rising campaign. The endorsement, made through a New York Times op-ed and other public statements, follows Mamdani’s strong performance in recent polls, where he holds a sizable lead over his rivals.
✔️ What Hochul Said & Why It Matters
Hochul says her decision came after “frank conversations” with Mamdani, acknowledging that while they don’t agree on every issue, they do align on key priorities: making the city affordable, ensuring safety, and keeping neighborhoods strong and livable.
She emphasized that New York needs a mayor who “will stand up to Donald Trump,” signaling that political resistance to national partisan pressures played a role in her endorsement.
📊 Poll Surge & Political Dynamics
According to recent polls (e.g., Quinnipiac, NYT/Siena College), Mamdani leads his closest rival — former Governor Andrew Cuomo — by roughly 20-22 points among likely voters.
Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams are running in the general election as independents, complicating what’s usually a solid Democratic base. Republicans like Curtis Sliwa are trailing behind.
⚠️ Reactions & Implications
Hochul’s endorsement is seen as a sign of increasing establishment support for Mamdani, who started as a progressive / democratic socialist outsider. It may help unify parts of the Democratic Party that had been hesitant.
However, some Democrats remain unmoved — leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries have yet to publicly endorse him.
Critics from the GOP are already using the endorsement in attack ads, characterizing Mamdani’s policies as too far left or risky.
Conclusion
Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani represents a notable shift in New York politics, especially with Mamdani’s lead in polls suggesting he has strong momentum. As the November general election approaches, this move could shape how Democrats rally—or split—around
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