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Former Vice President Criticizes Government’s Focus on Revenue Amid Rising Loss of Lives
In a strong statement, Nigeria’s former Vice President has condemned the government for celebrating revenue targets at a time when citizens continue to lose their lives to insecurity and hardship.
He stressed that true leadership must place human safety and welfare above financial milestones, adding that celebrating figures while ignoring the suffering of the people reflects a misplaced sense of priorities.
The former Vice President warned that such governance style only deepens the pain and frustration of citizens, calling on the government to refocus its efforts on protecting lives and improving the well-being of the population.
Source: Former Vice President’s Statement
Sierra Leone Celebrated After Claiming Best Jollof Rice Title in Ghana Yet to Be Confirmed
Reports are circulating that Sierra Leone has won the Best Jollof Rice Competition held recently in Ghana, prompting jubilation among supporters and the broader community. Many are congratulating the team for “raising the flag” and representing national pride through culinary excellence.
However, as of this update, no major international or Ghanaian news outlets have published confirmed results of such a competition with Sierra Leone as the winner. Previous wins by Sierra Leone include the 2019 Jollof Competition in Washington, D.C. and their victory in the African Jollof War Festival 2023 in Accra.
If verified, this would add to Sierra Leone’s growing prestige in the Jollof rice rivalry across West Africa — a rivalry that celebrates national identity, cooking artistry, and shared cultural heritage.
First Lady Bio Attends SDG4 High-Level Reception Hosted by Sarah Brown in New York
According to reports, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio recently attended the SDG4 High-Level Reception and Dinner held at 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, hosted by activist Sarah Brown. The gathering brought together leaders, activists, and humanitarians committed to advancing children’s rights.
In her address, First Lady Bio emphasized that universal access to quality primary healthcare and preschool education, along with strong family support systems, are essential investments—not mere aspirations. She advocated that ensuring these services for children is both a moral obligation and a practical foundation for sustainable development.
She reaffirmed her role in pushing forward educational reforms in Sierra Leone, underlining that no society can thrive when its youngest members are left behind. The event served as a platform for her to call for greater global cooperation and solidarity in implementing SDG4 goals.
Black Couple Celebrates 78th Wedding Anniversary Married in 1947
According to reports, Thomas and Ernestine Price of Columbus, Ohio, recently celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary, having married on September 10, 1947, in front of their home. Their union has since grown into a family spanning five generations.
They first met in 1940 when Ernestine moved to Columbus as a child and Thomas took notice early. Their courtship moved through the years, including time apart during World War II when Thomas served in the Navy. Ernestine finished high school during that period.
The couple have three children one son and two daughters along with nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and fifteen great-great-grandchildren. Pastimes in earlier years included skating and movie nights; these days, they spend time simply enjoying each other’s company.
When asked about the key to their long-lasting marriage, Ernestine replied simply: “No secrets between the couple. That’s not going to work because everything comes out sooner or later.” Their bond remains strong, with Thomas saying he’d still marry her again, and Ernestine responding, “Oh, you would? I think I’ll keep you, too.”
First Lady Bio Champions Women’s Empowerment at Sierra Leone-Canada Trade Show in Toronto
Recently, at the Sierra Leone-Canada Trade, Investment & Cultural Show 2025 in Toronto, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio delivered a keynote address under the theme: “Empowering Women for Inclusive Economic Growth: Strategies and Success Stories.” She stressed that women’s economic empowerment is not charity, but justice, strategy, and essential for a strong economy. (facebook.com)
She described Sierra Leone’s bold path under President Julius Maada Bio, citing legal reforms, free quality education, and her signature campaign “Hands Off Our Girls” as transformative steps opening up opportunities and smashing barriers for women and girls. (facebook.com)
The First Lady also shared inspiring examples from Sierra Leonean women entrepreneurs, farmers, health workers, and survivors who are making lasting impacts for their families and communities. She called for deeper Sierra Leone-Canada collaboration, highlighting Canada’s support for gender equality and human rights, to build global solidarity for women’s inclusion and empowerment. (facebook.com)
She urged that investing in women must be central to national development strategies, with inclusive leadership and intentional policies that leave no one behind. Her closing message was one of optimism: the future is within reach—and it will be shaped by empowered, included, unstoppable women. (facebook.com)
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.
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.
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.

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