Trendbrio.com

News and Entertainment Update

Live
News
House of Representatives Approves Electoral Act Reforms, Imposes Two-Year Jail or N5 Million Fine for Vote Buying 01
02
Entertainment
Awujale Stool: KWAM 1 Goes to Court
03
Entertainment
X Influencer Arrests Troll Over Wife Mockery and Infertility Claims
04
News
Why We Made Emergency Landing In Burkina Faso — Detained Nigerian Air Force Personnel
05
News
Bishop Kukah Visits Nnamdi Kanu At Sokoto Prison

Fola Badmus

Team Nigeria Unveils Squad for 23rd African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigeria Fencing Federation has announced a 12-member squad for the 23rd African Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place at Charterhouse Lagos from June 25 to 29, 2025. This marks only the third time the continental tournament will be hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa, following previous editions in Senegal (2002) and Mali (2009, 2019). Leading the Nigerian team is U.S.-based Inkosi Brou, the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal at an international event. Brou, who recently clinched bronze at the 2025 African Junior Championships in Angola, brings valuable experience to the squad despite being just 17 years old. He has competed in several international tournaments this year as part of his journey toward qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Notably, he is the grandson of the late NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Dora Akunyili. Joining Brou is UK-based Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye, alongside homegrown talent including Wisdom Okanlawon; siblings Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit, Olumuyiwa Ige, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone, Alex Chizim Aninyei, and Babade Adegbola. The women’s squad features Peluola Akinbamiro, Somto Eribenne, Sara Idongesit, and Adebodunrin Thomas. Team Nigeria will compete in both individual and team events across the three fencing disciplines: foil, epee, and sabre. National coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed confidence in the youthful team, noting their potential to surprise more experienced opponents. “Our team is the youngest in terms of age and experience, which reduces the pressure on them. This could work in our favor. We may be young, but we are not intimidated by records or reputations. We are ready to break Nigeria’s medal drought in this tournament,” he said. Italian coach Riccardo Bardin, who has been training the team since his arrival a week ago, also praised the athletes’ potential but urged patience as they continue to develop. In addition to host nation Nigeria, other participating countries include Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Senegal, Mauritius, Angola, Rwanda, Niger, South Africa, Guinea, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde. The tournament will feature 12 events made up of six individual and six team events in foil, epee, and sabre.

Read More

MRA Calls for Stronger Legal and Institutional Protections for Whistleblowers in Nigeria

Fola Badmus06 mins

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and concrete steps to strengthen legal and institutional protections for whistleblowers in recognition of their critical role in exposing corruption, human rights abuses and other wrongdoing, describing them as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and good governance. In a statement issued today in Lagos to mark this year’s World Whistleblowers’ Day, MRA stressed that whistleblowers serve the public interest by courageously disclosing information that would otherwise remain hidden, often at great personal risk, noting that in Nigeria, they continue to operate in a climate of fear, retaliation, and legal uncertainty, which deters many others from coming forward with information about wrongdoing. Ms Ayomide Eweje, a Programme Officer at MRA, said in the statement: “We note that the current whistleblower protection framework in Nigeria remains weak, fragmented, and largely ineffective. The Federal Government continues to threaten whistleblowers with prosecution despite the whistleblower protection provisions in Section 27(2) of the Freedom of Information Act. Besides, the Whistleblower Policy adopted by the Government in 2016 was not designed to provide protection for persons who risk everything to expose corruption, misconduct, human rights violations, threat to public safety, or other wrongdoing, but is merely aimed at assisting the government to recover looted public funds.” According to her, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers has left them vulnerable to threats, harassment, job losses, and physical harm, adding that successive governments in Nigeria have failed to acknowledge the immense value that whistleblower bring to the society and the important role that they play in combating corruption, and ensuring transparency and accountability. Ms Eweje argued that whistleblowers are often motivated by a patriotic duty and a commitment to the greater good, noting that “whistleblowers are the eyes and ears of our society; they step forward so that the rest of us can see and act. When whistleblowers speak up, everyone benefits; public funds are better managed, there is more efficient delivery of public services, trust in institutions grows, and we have better governance. Yet without reliable channels to report wrongdoing, we risk enabling critical information about wrongdoing to stay hidden.” She lamented that despite the essential role that such courageous individuals play in ensuring that powerful actors in the society are held accountable, they continue to face harassment and intimidation, legal hurdles, retaliation instead of protection, sometimes paying for their selfless acts with their lives or liberty. Ms Eweje therefore urged the National Assembly to prioritize the passage of a robust whistleblower protection legislation that guarantees confidentiality in reporting in appropriate cases, shields whistleblowers from reprisals, and establishes secure reporting channels while also establishing an independent whistleblower protection agency with the mandate to investigate reprisals, support whistleblowers, and enforce sanctions against those who retaliate against them. She highlighted the importance of public education and awareness in fostering a culture that values and protects whistleblowing and called on civil society organisations, the media, and professional bodies to work collaboratively to de-stigmatise whistleblowing and ensure that those who speak out are not isolated or vilified. Ms Eweje said: “On this World Whistleblowers Day, we stand in solidarity with whistleblowers in Nigeria and around the world who have paid a high price for speaking out, particularly against powerful individuals in society. We reaffirm our commitment to advocating for their rights and working towards a society where exposing wrongdoing is not only protected but also celebrated as a courageous act of public service.” The theme of the 2025 World Whistleblowers’ Day is “Protecting the Truth-Tellers”, and the Day focuses on raising awareness about whistleblowing, combating corruption, and encouraging a positive culture of speaking up within organisations. This year’s campaign, “we’re all ears,” seeks to highlight the importance of whistleblowing and support those who speak up against wrongdoing.

Read More

WTT Contender Lagos 2025 Unveils Stellar Lineup

Fola Badmus04 mins

The star-studded line-up for the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos has been officially unveiled, with the tournament set to take place from July 22 to 26 in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital. Widely regarded as one of the most thrilling events in the WTT Contender Series, this year’s edition promises a showcase of elite talent from across the globe. Among the headline acts are women’s world No. 9 Hina Hayata of Japan, African champion Hana Goda of Egypt, and rising French sensation Prithika Pavade. Making her debut in Lagos, the 24-year-old Hayata is seen as a formidable challenger to China’s dominance in women’s table tennis. Ranked as the fourth-highest Japanese player in women’s singles, she is a key figure in Japan’s golden generation. A silver and bronze Olympic medallist, Hayata has consistently delivered top-tier performances, earning multiple podium finishes at both the World and Asian Championships. Known for her powerful left-handed play, Hayata was also the most successful athlete in the ITTF Challenger Series—the precursor to the WTT Series—demonstrating her ability to dominate competitive fields. She enters the Lagos tournament as the highest-ranked women’s singles player and a strong favourite for the title. In the men’s singles category, Danish star Anders Lind returns to Lagos, where he enjoys strong fan support. Lind will be aiming to end his title drought but will face stiff competition from Nigerian ace Quadri Aruna, who missed the 2024 edition due to club commitments. Also joining the men’s line-up are Croatian powerhouse Tomislav Pucar, Japanese prodigy Yuta Tanaka, and Africa’s top junior player, Wassim Essid of Tunisia, who will be looking to make his mark against the world’s best. Meanwhile, Tournament Director Kweku Tandoh has reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to elevating the event’s profile. “We are determined to keep raising the bar in hosting a world-class tournament. Our goal is not just to maintain standards but to introduce fresh ideas that continue to attract top talent to Lagos,” Tandoh said. He added, “With some of the world’s best players returning and others making their debut based on the tournament’s growing reputation, it’s clear we’re on the right path. We will keep innovating to enhance the sport.” In a major boost, the prize money has been increased to $100,000, up from $75,000. Players will compete across five categories: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Winners in each event will earn 400 ranking points.

Read More

Continental Fencing Heavyweights Storm Nigeria for 23rd African Championships

Fola Badmus03 mins

Egypt and Tunisia, two of Africa’s fencing powerhouses, have arrived in Nigeria ahead of the 23rd African Fencing Championships, which will take place at Charterhouse Lagos from Wednesday, June 25, to Sunday, June 29. The five-day, 12-event tournament will feature top fencers from across the continent, all vying for the 12 gold medals up for grabs in both individual and team events. Egypt, the most decorated nation in African fencing, has arrived with the largest contingent. Their squad is headlined by the El-Sayed brothers—Olympic bronze medallist Mohamed El-Sayed and world junior champion Mahmoud El-Sayed. Mohamed, 22, claimed bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and also won gold at the 2022 Mediterranean Games. His younger brother, Mahmoud, recently clinched gold at the 2025 Junior World Championships in Wuxi, China, and currently holds the world No. 1 junior ranking. The Egyptian team, which landed in Lagos aboard an EgyptAir flight from Cairo, is determined to defend the overall title they secured in 2024. Tunisia, another fencing powerhouse, has also touched down in Lagos with a strong squad led by Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Farès Ferjani. The 27-year-old is the reigning champion in the individual men’s sabre and will also lead Tunisia’s men’s sabre team. Other participating nations, including Mauritius, Angola, Rwanda, South Africa, Guinea, Morocco, Libya, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, are expected to arrive on Tuesday, June 24, ahead of the tournament’s opening day. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Fencing Federation has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from corporate sponsors and individuals, particularly Charterhouse, the host venue, which also staged the 2024 World Cup. Federation President Adeyinka Samuel stated: “We are truly grateful for the support from government agencies and corporate bodies in helping to put Nigeria on the global fencing map through the hosting of this continental championship. Charterhouse has been a steadfast partner since the 2024 World Cup, and their continued support is deeply appreciated. We hope this inspires other institutions to follow their lead.”

Read More

Iran Vows Retaliation Against US as It Launches More Strikes on Israel

Fola Badmus02 mins

Tehran, Iran – Iran has vowed a decisive response to the United States following Sunday’s airstrikes on its Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. As tensions spike in the region, Iran launched a fresh wave of drone and missile attacks on Israel, with explosions reported in Ashdod, Lachish, and several other areas. Iran’s military leaders say the US has now fully entered the conflict. General Abdolrahim Mousavi accused Washington of violating Iran’s sovereignty and warned of further retaliation. Meanwhile, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s retaliatory efforts, said the attacks on Iran were designed to prop up a “dying Zionist regime,” adding that Tehran will expand its range of legitimate targets. Israel responded with extensive air raids across Iran, striking airports, missile storage sites, and even central Tehran. Key sites hit included Mehrabad Airport, parts of Shahid Beheshti University, and a technical facility used for live TV broadcasting. Over 400 Iranians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the escalating conflict, according to Iran’s health ministry. Following US President Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear sites were “obliterated,” Iranian officials warned they may target American military bases and are debating exiting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Lawmakers have signalled support for suspending ties with the IAEA, pending a decision by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Read More

At Least 10 Killed in Massive Russian Missile and Drone Attack on Kyiv

Fola Badmus02 mins

Kyiv, Ukraine – A large-scale Russian missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s capital and surrounding areas killed at least 10 people and wounded dozens more early Monday, in one of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, officials said. According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched 352 drones and decoys, 11 ballistic missiles, and 5 cruise missiles overnight. While most were intercepted or jammed, several projectiles struck residential buildings, hospitals, and even a metro station entrance being used as a bomb shelter. The head of Kyiv’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, described the attack as another “massive” and deliberate strike on civilian areas. “The Russians’ style is unchanged – to hit where there may be people,” he said, confirming damage across six of Kyiv’s 10 districts and ongoing rescue operations under rubble. Separate strikes in other regions also caused casualties. In Chernihiv, a drone attack killed two and wounded ten, including children. In Bila Tserkva, southwest of Kyiv, one person was killed and eight injured. Ukrainian authorities fear more casualties may be found as search efforts continue.

Read More

Nigeria Ranks 7th in World for Kindness to Strangers — UN Happiness Report

Fola Badmus02 mins

Nigeria has been ranked the 7th friendliest country to strangers in the world, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report released by the United Nations in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre and Gallup. The report assesses 147 countries based on overall life satisfaction and prosocial behaviours, such as volunteering, helping others, and charitable giving. Despite its strong showing in informal generosity, Nigeria ranked 105th overall in happiness, indicating low levels of life satisfaction due to poor institutional trust, economic challenges, and systemic shortcomings. The report pointed out a common pattern in several African countries: a wide gap between spontaneous personal kindness and confidence in public systems. Data on trust showed Nigeria ranking 33rd in likelihood of a lost wallet being returned by a stranger, but falling to 71st if found by a neighbour, and a dismal 126th if found by the police. The report concluded that in countries with fragile institutions, “helping strangers likely becomes the most direct and effective form of benevolence.” Nigeria also placed 45th globally in charitable donations, reflecting a strong culture of direct, person-to-person support over structured giving through institutions. Other countries with similar patterns of informal generosity include Jamaica, Liberia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Venezuela, all of which made the top 10 for friendliness to strangers.

Read More

Nwaoboshi’s Defection to APC Rooted in Power Struggle with Okowa

Fola Badmus03 mins

Former Delta North Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi, popularly known as “Oracle,” joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2021 amid fears that then-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was plotting a return to the Senate in 2023. Nwaoboshi, once a key ally of Okowa during the 2014 PDP primaries, sensed political danger if he remained in the PDP. Despite their past collaboration, the two politicians had a history of being in opposing camps. In 2011, as PDP chairman in Delta State, Nwaoboshi supported Mariam Alli over Okowa for the Delta North Senate seat. Okowa would eventually win that race and serve from 2011 to 2015 before becoming governor. After Nwaoboshi decamped to the APC, the PDP suspended him, citing repeated public attacks on Okowa. Ironically, Okowa did not contest the Senate seat in 2023, having been picked as the PDP vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar. Okowa’s absence from the Senate race opened the door for Ned Nwoko, who received the governor’s blessing to vie for the Delta North senatorial seat on the PDP platform—an opportunity that reshaped Delta North politics. Read Also: Legal Troubles Derail Nwaoboshi’s 2023 Senate Ambition Senator Nwaoboshi was considered a formidable candidate for a third Senate term until legal troubles stemming from a loan transaction upended his plans. In 2022, the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal convicted him on charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case, centered on a business loan and the alleged fraudulent purchase of a Delta State property, led to a seven-year prison sentence. This conviction effectively removed Nwaoboshi from the 2023 election scene. While he maintained his innocence, the timing proved politically fatal. It wasn’t until after the election that the Supreme Court overturned the conviction, ruling that the EFCC had no jurisdiction in the civil matter and that Nwaoboshi had been wrongfully prosecuted. The court described his conviction as a violation of his constitutional rights. By then, however, Ned Nwoko had already secured the Senate seat, while Nwaoboshi was serving time. His arrest and subsequent incarceration ensured he could not contest or campaign effectively, leaving his political rivals with an open field.

Read More