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Burna Boy Celebrates New Ride and Australian Visa — Aussie Tour Confirmed
Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy capped off a week of exciting milestones, revealing two major wins in quick succession: he acquired a “new toy” revealed to be a Lamborghini Aventador SV—and secured a stamped visa for Australia, confirming his long-anticipated tour Down Under. The Nigerian Voicewhatslively.comInstagram
On Instagram, he shared:
“Two pieces of good news in one week, we’re cheesed up
New toy arrived & Visa stamped for Australia
The road is set, the stage is waiting. Australia, come see me and the crew on tour #NOSIGNOFWEAKNESS.” The Nigerian Voice
The Australian leg is part of his No Sign of Weakness world tour, supporting his eighth studio album. Rolling Stone Australia confirms show dates include Melbourne (Sidney Myer Music Bowl), Sydney (Qudos Bank Arena), Brisbane (Entertainment Centre), and Perth (RAC Arena) in October. Rolling Stone Australia
ABC also announced that Burna Boy’s Australian performances are finally happening, with the tour kicking off in Melbourne on October 16, progressing up the east coast, and concluding in Perth on October 24. Tickets went on sale in late July. ABC
AIG Fayoade Dismisses Rumours of Removal; Affirms He Still Heads Zone 2 Command
Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has officially dismissed reports that he was removed from his position as head of Zone 2 Police Command (covering Lagos and Ogun states), affirming that he remains firmly in charge. (Vanguard) Vanguard News
Earlier reports alleging his removal some citing “corruption allegations” or internal plots to derail his possible elevation to the Inspector-General post—were swiftly refuted by both colleagues and his own office. Vanguard sources confirmed that Fayoade was working at his office until around 9 PM, performing all official duties without interruption. (Vanguard) Vanguard News
Multiple sources at the Force Headquarters emphasized that no official removal memo or redeployment order has been issued. One insider remarked, “He has not received any paper or anything… as we speak, there is no signal to that effect.” Vanguard News
Similarly, Naija News reported that Fayoade himself publicly debunked the claims, reiterating that he remains in command of Zone 2. Naija News
Further, the Integrity Youth Alliance weighed in, labeling the accusations as false and politically motivated. In a statement, the group maintained that the relationship between Fayoade and Inspector-General Egbetokun remains “cordial and professional,” and dismissed claims of disunity or succession intrigues as baseless. swiftreporters.com
Nigerian Olayinka Babalola Elected President of Rotary International
Nigerian Rotarian Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a veteran member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt, has been elected President of Rotary International for the 2026–2027 term. He will formally assume the role on July 1, 2026.Vanguard News+1Rotary International
Babalola becomes only the second African—and notably, the second Nigerian—to lead this global humanitarian organisation. The first was Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, who served in 2003–2004.Vanguard News+1rotary9212.org
A chair in engineering by training, Babalola spent over 25 years in the oil and gas sector, holding senior roles at Shell PLC, before founding Riviera Technical Services Ltd. and Lead and Change Consulting.Vanguard NewsRotary International
With over 30 years of Rotary service beginning as a Rotaractor in 1988 and joining the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in 1994 Babalola has held key leadership roles including District Governor, Vice President of Rotary International (2019–2020), and Board member (2018–2020).Vanguard NewsRotary Internationalrotary9212.org
He has played central roles in peace-building initiatives across Africa, notably at the Rotary Peace Center at Makerere University, Uganda. In addition, he has contributed significantly to global efforts to eradicate polio—serving on the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign Committee and advising Nigeria’s PolioPlus Committee.Vanguard Newsrotary9212.org
As President, Babalola will oversee 45,000 clubs worldwide and reinforce Rotary’s mission, especially its top priority of ending polio. Rotary and its partners have already reduced polio cases globally by 99.9%, dedicating US$2.9 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 3 billion children.Vanguard News
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Babalola’s election as a powerful inspiration for Nigerians and the youth. In a presidential message, Tinubu commended Babalola’s impactful philanthropic initiatives and expressed “support and encouragement” for his future leadership of humanitarian projects and global partnerships.encomium.ngLeadership News
Anisimova Stuns Swiatek in US Open Quarterfinals, Avenging Wimbledon Rout
American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 US Open, defeating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek 6–4, 6–3 in the quarterfinals on September 3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory secured her first-ever semifinal berth in New York and served as redemption after a painful Wimbledon final loss to the Pole earlier this summer. (reuters.com, washingtonpost.com)
At Wimbledon in July, Swiatek had humiliated Anisimova in a 6–0, 6–0 “double-bagel” final — one of the most lopsided Grand Slam deciders in modern tennis. Wednesday’s match in New York, however, told a very different story. Anisimova showcased resilience and composure, breaking Swiatek’s serve at crucial moments while dictating rallies with her improved groundstrokes and tactical patience.
The first set swung in Anisimova’s favor after she fought back from an early break, while in the second she built momentum with aggressive returns that left Swiatek struggling to regain control. The match lasted just under 90 minutes, but it carried the emotional weight of months of hard work and recovery for the American. (tennis.com)
Speaking after the win, Anisimova called the result “a dream come true” and admitted it was particularly meaningful after the heartbreak of Wimbledon. She highlighted her ability to reset mentally and trust her game plan: “This was about believing in myself again.” (talksport.com)
Swiatek, meanwhile, cut a frustrated figure in her press conference, even sparring with a reporter over a pointed question about her performance. Despite the exit, she remains world No. 2 and is expected to regroup ahead of the WTA Finals later this year. (nypost.com)
For Anisimova, the victory sets up a high-profile semifinal clash against Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who advanced earlier by defeating Karolina Muchova. Tennis fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown, with both players known for their power-based games and strong baseline play. A potential final against either Coco Gauff or Aryna Sabalenka also looms, adding further excitement to the women’s draw. (independent.co.uk)
Court Orders DNA Test to Confirm Paternity of Late Mohbad’s Son
The Magistrate Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has ordered two Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) tests to determine the paternity of Liam Aloba, the son of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. (channelstv.com)
The ruling followed an application by Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, seeking to confirm whether Liam is his late son’s biological child. The application was filed under the Family Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) 2012 and the Magistrate Courts (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009. Omowunmi Cynthia Aloba, Mohbad’s widow, is listed as the respondent. (saharareporters.com)
The court directed that the DNA tests be conducted in accredited medical facilities, both in Nigeria and abroad. The Chief Medical Officer or Pathologist at the Military Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, where Mohbad’s remains are kept, is authorized to extract tissue or hair samples for testing. Both parties or their representatives are required to be present during sample collection. (legit.ng)
The court’s decision comes amid public interest in Mohbad’s death and the paternity of his son. Legal experts note that the DNA results could have implications for inheritance and family claims. (punchng.com) (vanguardngr.com)
House Oversight Committee Releases Over 33,000 Pages of Epstein-Related Documents
On September 2, 2025, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee released a substantial batch of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier whose 2019 death in federal custody has been the subject of extensive public scrutiny. The release comprises 33,295 pages of records obtained from the Department of Justice, following a subpoena issued by Chairman James Comer on August 5. The Washington PostThe Guardian+5ABC News+5Oversight Committee+5
The documents include court filings, police bodycam footage, victim interviews, and flight records, many of which have been previously available to the public. Notably, under 1,000 pages of newly disclosed material include flight logs from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, detailing Epstein’s travel activities between 2000 and 2014. CBS News+4The Sun+4Anchorage Daily News+4The Washington Post+1
While some lawmakers have expressed frustration over the limited new content, others view the release as a step toward greater transparency. The committee continues to investigate the matter, with plans to release additional documents in the future. The Washington Post
Fatima Maada Bio Champions Women and Girls as Catalysts for Sustainable Development
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone and newly elected President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), continues to be a formidable advocate for women’s and girls’ rights across Africa. Her leadership underscores a commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.gavi.org+6Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+6nawmagazine.com+6
At the 29th General Assembly of the African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr. Bio was elected President of OAFLAD, defeating Her Excellency Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria. Her Excellency Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of Angola, was elected Vice President. President Julius Maada Bio lauded his wife’s election as a testament to her unwavering dedication to championing the rights and empowerment of women and girls. Wikipedia+3Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+3Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+3
Dr. Bio’s flagship initiative, the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, launched in 2018, has been instrumental in addressing issues such as sexual violence and child marriage in Sierra Leone. The campaign’s impact was highlighted in a Q&A with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where Dr. Bio emphasized the importance of empowering girls and women to shape Africa’s future. X (formerly Twitter)+6Harvard Chan School of Public Health+6Harvard Public Health Magazine+6
In addition to her advocacy work, Dr. Bio has been a vocal proponent for gender equality legislation in Sierra Leone. In January 2023, President Julius Maada Bio signed a landmark bill into law mandating that women constitute 30% of the workforce and government positions. The legislation also includes provisions for 14 weeks of paid maternity leave and ensures equal access to credit and financial services for women. Women found guilty of gender discrimination could face up to five years in prison and fines. Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+3AP News+3Wikipedia+3
Dr. Bio’s election as OAFLAD President marks a significant milestone in her ongoing efforts to empower women and girls across Africa. Her leadership is poised to further amplify the voices of women and girls, turning challenges into opportunities for a sustainable future.nawmagazine.com+4Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone+4firstlady.gov.sl+4
Putin: Russia Does Not Oppose Ukraine Joining EU
In a significant diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on September 2, 2025, that Moscow has “never objected” to Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union. Speaking during talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing, Putin emphasized that while Russia opposes Ukraine’s accession to NATO, it does not oppose EU membership. He described NATO expansion as “unacceptable” for Russia, citing security concerns.
Putin’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about a potential peace settlement in Ukraine. He mentioned that during his August summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, they explored options for ensuring Ukraine’s security in the event of a conflict resolution. Putin expressed hope for a consensus on this matter and indicated Russia’s willingness to cooperate with the United States on nuclear safety, particularly concerning the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
Despite Putin’s statements, Western leaders remain cautious. They view his remarks as tactical rather than genuine steps toward peace, given Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine and its firm stance against NATO enlargement. The European Union and NATO have reiterated that Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to choose alliances are non-negotiable.
Lagos Aims for $100M from E1 Lagos GP
Lagos, Nigeria E1 Lagos GP revenue is now in sharp focus as Lagos State announces an ambitious plan to generate $100 million from the upcoming E1 Electric Powerboat Championship, also known as the E1 Lagos GP Series, scheduled for next month. (Vanguard)
Mr. Sam Egube, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, explained at a press briefing that the event is more than a race it’s a global showcase of Lagos’ culture, economic potential, and commitment to sustainability. “The race alone will not add anything less than $100 million to investments in Lagos,” Egube stated, underlining tourism’s critical role in driving growth across trade, sports, and cultural exchange. (Opinion Nigeria, Vanguard)
Rodi Basso, CEO of the E1 Series, added that Lagos emerged ahead of major international cities in securing hosting rights, bringing significant attention and investment opportunities to the state’s sports and entertainment sectors. (Vanguard, Opinion Nigeria)
Event planners expect considerable economic ripple effects: a boost in tourism, trade visibility, cultural interactions, and investment in clean-energy transport. The E1 Lagos GP is positioned to strengthen Lagos’ reputation as an innovative hub for sustainability-themed global events. (Opinion Nigeria)
Businesses across hospitality, transport, and creative industries view the event as a unique opportunity aiming not just for one-off gains but long-term gains in investment and international visibility.
UK Plans to Ban Energy Drink Sales to Under-16s
London, England The UK government is moving to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s, targeting beverages above 150 mg of caffeine per liter sold in retail stores, cafes, restaurants, vending machines, and online. The initiative aims to boost children’s physical and mental health by curbing risks like poor sleep, anxiety, weakened concentration, dental issues, and childhood obesity. (The Guardian, GOV.UK)
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the need for prevention over treatment in national health policy, stating:
“How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?” (GOV.UK)
The initiative is part of the government’s 10-Year Health Plan and includes a 12-week public consultation to refine enforcement strategies. It also targets health inequalities, as research shows children from more deprived communities are more likely to consume these high-caffeine drinks, raising concerns over exacerbated disparities.
Health experts, educators, teaching unions, and dental professionals have welcomed the proposal, noting it may prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and reduce classroom misbehavior linked to caffeine consumption. (The Guardian, The Independent)
Some critics argue that children might still access these drinks through adults or unregulated channels, but proponents underline strong regulatory enforcement mechanisms and high public health stakes as justification for bold action.
Key stakeholders have voiced support:
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Katharine Jenner, Director of the Obesity Health Alliance, called the move “a common-sense, evidence-based step to protect children’s physical, mental, and dental health.”
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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson linked the policy to improving behavior and concentration in schools.
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Professor Steve Turner, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, remarked that young people do not need energy drinks and should rely on sleep, nutrition, and physical activity for energy.
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