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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
Financial Coach Geh Geh Splurges Millions on New G-Wagon After Criticizing Celebrities
Popular financial content creator and coach, Emmanuel Obrutse, widely known as Geh Geh, has set social media on fire after showing off his latest luxury ride — a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
The announcement, made in January 2025, came as a surprise to many because Geh Geh had only recently criticized celebrities like Davido, Wizkid, and Rema for spending lavishly on exotic cars instead of making wise investments.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote:
> “Mùmù don first you buy G-Wagon… CONGRATULATIONS to me. A lot of them Doubted… All thanks to @donjazzy and @mazitundeednut… Thanks Opueh Nation, God bless you all for me.”
While his supporters congratulated him on the milestone, many netizens were quick to call him out for contradicting his own financial advice. Some online reactions included:
“Geh Geh don make financial mistake money wey he suppose use open poultry.”
“Very big financial mistake!”
“I give you 24 hours to return this car!!”
Despite the backlash, Geh Geh’s G-Wagon has already become a hot topic across blogs, forums, and social platforms, proving once again that he knows how to stay in the spotlight.
Whether this was a “financial mistake” or simply a well-deserved reward for his hard work, one thing is certain — Geh Geh’s name is on everyone’s lips.
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)
Osaka Powers Into U.S. Open Quarterfinals
New York, U.S. Open 2025 Naomi Osaka has surged back into Grand Slam contention with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Coco Gauff in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows, marking her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2021. Reuters+1
The match, played under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, showcased Osaka’s renewed confidence. Her precise serving and aggressive baseline play allowed her to dominate from the outset. She broke Gauff early and kept the momentum facing zero break points throughout the 64-minute encounter.The GuardianESPN.comReuters
Beyond the scoreboard, this match represents a significant milestone. Osaka, who returned to the tour after maternity leave and battled postpartum depression, credited her new coach Tomasz Wiktorowski and supportive team for her resurgence.New York PostReuters
Reflecting courtside, she couldn’t hold back tears of joy, expressing: “This is my favorite court in the world… I had so much fun out here.”ReutersESPN.com+1
For Coco Gauff, the defeat was tough to swallow. Despite a strong tournament start, unforced errors and a faltering serve widely seen as vulnerable during this hard-court season contributed to her exit.New York PostReutersESPN.com
Looking ahead, Osaka is set to face the 11th seed Karolína Muchová in the quarterfinals. Historically, every time Osaka has reached this stage in a major, she has gone on to win the title a trend fans are eager to see continue.Reuters
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Early Premier League Showdown
Anfield, Liverpool This weekend, football fans are in for a treat as Liverpool host Arsenal in one of the most anticipated Premier League fixtures of the season. Both clubs have started with two wins from two, maintaining perfect records and demonstrating their intent to compete for the title in 2025.
Liverpool have been impressive in attack, with Mo Salah and Darwin Núñez leading the offensive charge. However, recent performances have revealed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in transition, which could be a concern against a lethal Arsenal attack. Manager Jürgen Klopp will need to tighten the backline and rely on tactical discipline to keep Arsenal at bay.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, remain one of the tightest defensive sides in the league while also showcasing a dynamic attack led by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. Their ability to exploit defensive gaps and control possession makes them a formidable opponent at Anfield.
The Liverpool vs Arsenal 2025 clash is expected to be fast-paced and tactical, with both managers known for innovative strategies. Set pieces, pressing, and midfield battles could decide the outcome, making every goal, pass, and interception critical.
Fans can anticipate a match that is not only about points but also about momentum in the early Premier League title race. With both teams unbeaten, this fixture could set the tone for the rest of the season, providing drama, excitement, and top-quality football.
Don’t miss this high-stakes encounter, which promises to be a clash of Premier League heavyweights. Stay tuned for live updates, match previews, and expert analysis. (premierleague.com)
Trump Slams Chicago Crime, Pritzker “Incompetent”
Chicago, Illinois A violent weekend in Chicago left six dead and more than two dozen injured, prompting a sharp reaction from former President Donald Trump. He labeled Governor J.B. Pritzker “incompetent” on Truth Social, warning, “Straighten it out, fast or we’re coming.” New York Post
Trump’s post framed the violence as a failure of leadership, saying the crisis demands immediate action even federal intervention. New York Post
In response, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order directing city police not to cooperate with any federal or military law enforcement efforts, including immigration enforcement or National Guard deployments. He emphasized safeguarding residents and denounced the intervention as unconstitutional. AP NewsReuters
Governor Pritzker also pushed back against Trump’s threats, calling the possible deployment of federal troops a dangerous power grab, and insisting the city did not need outside help to maintain public safety.
First Lady Fatima Bio Welcomes Amara Jambai Kanneh After SLPP Chairmanship Election
Today, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, welcomed Engineer Amara Jambai Kanneh and his team in a courtesy visit. Mr. Kanneh recently contested for the position of SLPP National Chairman.
During their discussion, the First Lady commended his respect, unity, and commitment throughout the election process. She stressed the need for internal democracy, discipline, and service within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), noting that these values are vital for strengthening both the party and the nation.
Dr. Fatima Bio encouraged Mr. Kanneh and his supporters to remain active, united, and dedicated to the SLPP’s shared vision. She emphasized that the strength of the party lies in how well members work together after every election, highlighting unity as the foundation for building a stronger Sierra Leone.
ECOWAS Leaders Offer Grace Period as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Plan Withdrawal
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) faces a historic shift as leaders of the regional bloc have approved the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—three nations currently under military rule. However, to preserve ties, ECOWAS has extended a six-month grace period, allowing the countries to reconsider their decision.
Founding Members Depart
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, founding members of ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975, announced plans to leave the bloc in January 2025. This decision follows their refusal to comply with ECOWAS’s demands to restore democratic governance after recent military coups in these nations.
The departure of these three countries deals a significant blow to ECOWAS, which has long been a cornerstone of economic and political integration in West Africa. Citizens of ECOWAS member states currently enjoy the right to live and work across borders, with free movement of goods. The withdrawal raises questions about how these freedoms will be affected.
A New Bloc Emerges
The departing states have formed a new alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which has already announced visa-free travel and residency rights for ECOWAS citizens. Leaders of AES emphasize that this decision reflects a spirit of friendship and a desire to maintain long-standing cultural and historical ties across the region.
Despite these assurances, the three nations remain among the poorest in West Africa, and most migration flows traditionally move from these landlocked states to wealthier coastal countries within ECOWAS.
ECOWAS Negotiates a Transitional Period
During a summit in Nigeria, ECOWAS leaders expressed respect for the decision of the Sahel nations but emphasized the hope for reconciliation. They offered a transitional period from 29 January to 29 July 2025, during which the three countries can rejoin the bloc if they choose.
Negotiations, led by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, will continue in an effort to mend relations. Yet, the Sahel states maintain that their decision to leave is “irreversible,” as confirmed in a joint statement following a ministerial meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
Challenges Ahead for Regional Cooperation
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger poses serious challenges for regional unity. ECOWAS stands to lose 76 million people—a significant portion of its population—as well as more than half of its geographical land area.
In a statement, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray described the impending exit as “disheartening,” but acknowledged the value of ongoing mediation efforts. Meanwhile, AES Chairman and Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta assured that the right of ECOWAS citizens to move and reside within AES territory freely would remain intact, signaling a willingness to maintain amicable relations.
Underlying Tensions
Relations between ECOWAS and the Sahel states have been strained since the military coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023). ECOWAS suspended the membership of these nations and condemned the coups, demanding a return to civilian rule.
However, the military juntas have resisted these calls and shifted their alliances toward Russia, accusing ECOWAS of being too aligned with Western powers. This geopolitical pivot underscores the deepening divisions within the region.
What Lies Ahead?
As ECOWAS prepares for the formal departure of the Sahel states, the bloc’s leadership is tasked with navigating this unprecedented split. The coming months will determine whether negotiations can bridge the growing divide or if the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will mark a permanent fracture in West African unity.
TODAY IN THE HISTORY OF NIGERIA
Grace Awani Alele-Williams: Trailblazer in Nigerian Academia and Women’s Education
Grace Awani Alele-Williams, a trailblazing Nigerian academic, was the first woman to earn a doctorate degree in Nigeria and serve as vice-chancellor of a Nigerian university. Born on December 16, 1932, in Warri, Delta State, to Itsekiri parents, she made indelible marks in mathematics and education.
Grace Alele-Williams began her education at Government School, Warri, and Queen’s College, Lagos, before attending the University College of Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan). In 1957, she earned an MSc in Mathematics while teaching at Queen’s College, Ede, Osun State. She furthered her studies at the University of Chicago, obtaining a PhD in Mathematics Education in 1963.
An advocate for women’s education, she began her teaching career at Queen’s College, Ede, where she taught for three years. She later worked as a graduate assistant and assistant professor at the University of Vermont. From 1963 to 1965, she served as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Education at the University of Ibadan. Her career advanced further in 1976 when she became a professor of mathematics at the University of Lagos.
In 1985, Grace Alele-Williams achieved a historic milestone as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a Nigerian university when she was appointed to lead the University of Benin. After her tenure, she joined the board of directors of Chevron-Texaco Nigeria and HIP Asset Management Company Limited in Lagos.
Her contributions extended beyond Nigeria. She was a member of the UNESCO Institute of Education and served as a consultant to UNESCO and the Institute of International Education Planning.
Grace Alele-Williams was celebrated with numerous awards and honors during her lifetime. She received the Order of the Niger, was elected a Fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Academy of Education, and was among 100 individuals honored with the Centenary Award for outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development. She was also featured in a unique deck of playing cards showcasing notable women mathematicians, published by the Association of Women in Mathematics.
Grace Alele-Williams passed away on March 25, 2022, at the age of 89, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and advocacy for women in education.
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