Today, 8 September, is traditionally celebrated as the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our chaplain,
Fr. Chigozie Jidere mentioned that the celebration might be somewhat subdued because, traditionally, the Church dedicates Sundays to Christ, which Archbishop Albert Obiefuna described as our “weekly Easter”. As a result, the Sunday liturgy is not adjusted for any other celebration, reflecting the Church's focus on worship solely reserved for Christ. While we hold profound respect for the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is crucial to remember that we do not worship her.

Unlike the dogmas concerning the Blessed Virgin Mary - namely, the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, her Motherhood of God (Theotokos), and her Perpetual Virginity - her Nativity is not considered a dogma. As Ichie Fred Chukwuelobe acknowledged, some of these beliefs can be challenging, but by faith, we are called to believe before questioning. For me, as long as it falls within the realm of Christianity, the Catholic Church is always correct. However, it does not require special revelation for us to acknowledge that she was born.

Fr. clarified that not only Catholics but all Christians should celebrate today, as it marks the birthday of Mary, who holds a significant place in the scheme of salvation. He recalled how Christ entrusted Mary to the world as the mother of all, symbolically giving her to John at the foot of the cross with the words, "Son, behold your mother; mother, behold your son." This act extends to us, making us partakers in that solemn and profound motherhood. Disagreements, often due to ignorance, do not alter this reality.

As we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I wish her a heartfelt happy birthday. She will forever remain our mother.

I recall a pilgrimage to Israel a few years ago, where we visited the Church of St. Anne, built over the traditional birthplace of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This church is situated near the Pool of Bethesda. Such traditions illustrate how the Church’s tradition evolve. Although the Bible does not explicitly name Mary's parents, Anne and Joachim, we know of them through tradition. Similarly, tradition informs us of the names of the three wise men who visited Christ and the two thieves crucified alongside Him, one of whom is honoured as a saint today.

This underscores why the Church holds apostolic tradition in high regard. These traditions, practised by the apostles and the early Church Fathers, are truths that may not be explicitly stated in the Bible but are integral to the faith. As a Church founded by Christ, the Catholic Church, along with other churches that share in its universality and apostolicity, maintains the custody of these traditions.

Curiously, the Church of St. Anne, like almost all other holy sites, is under the custody of the Catholic Church (specifically, the Franciscans, to whom the present Pope belongs) as the custodian of Christian tradition and heritage. This is among their core duties in the Catholic Church. Other churches in the Holy Land under their custody include: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of the Nativity, the Church of the Pater Noster, the Church of the Ascension, the Church of All Nations, the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Church of the Beatitudes, the Church of the Multiplication, the Monastery of the Temptation, the Church of the Dormition, and the Church of the Flagellation (where Jesus was flogged).

These churches, along with many not mentioned here, are part of the Franciscans’ extensive custodianship of Christian holy places, further proving that the Catholic Church’s role as the mother of all Christians can only be ignorantly denied, but not disproved.

This brief excursion aims to educate those who may condemn what they do not understand - those I refer to as little demons, without respect for the holy water. As usual, they will read not to understand or appreciate the Church’s rich history but to express their usual unadulterated ignorance and nonsense.

The Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR, wishes to inform members of the public, especially media operatives, of some minor changes in the media reach personnel.
The Spokesman of POMR, who was also the chief Spokesperson of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign, Dr Yunusa Tanko, is leaving his position for another huge challenge.

Dr Tanko has been appointed the interim National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement. A job that will see him coordinate the activities of the Obedient Movement nationally and internationally.

Recall that the Obedient Movement, a quasi-political movement that was created in 2023 during the electioneering, reflects the philosophy and dreams of our Principal, Peter Obi, whose members are drawn from across all political parties and non-politicians as well as from within the country and in Diasporas who are desiring a new Nigeria that is Possible.

Dr Tanko will be replaced in POMR by Mallam Ibrahim Umar another versatile Obidient that is as hungry as Dr Tanko for a new Nigeria.
We, therefore, appeal to members of the public to cooperate with these Nigerians in their new endeavour as we continue the struggle towards dismantling the gang of political criminals holding our dear nation hostage. New Nigeria is Possible.

Signed
Ibrahim Umar.
POMR Spokesman
September 7, 2024

The remains of Onyeka Onwenu, Nigeria’s renowned singer, songwriter, actress, social justice advocate and journalist were laid to rest at the Ikoyi cemetery in Lagos after a solemn funeral service on the 31st of August.

It is an understatement that Onyeka 72, accomplished great exploits in her chosen fields and left indelible marks on the African music, culture and entertainment industry.

Unknown to many are Onyeka’s sacrifices and selfless services in the promotion and improvement of public health in rural Africa.

From early 2000, she accompanied Global health teams led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Prof Uche Amazigo for advocacy and to sensitise poor and difficult-to-reach communities on the fight against river blindness in West Africa, including Nigerian states.

Onyeka willingly spent nights in bugs and cockroach-infested rooms during visits to rural communities, where she encouraged and sang for poor families free of charge as part of her contributions and advocacy for good health.

Her galvanising songs inspired impactful actions toward elimination of the river blindness and enabled farmers to resume cultivation in fertile river basins for improved food security in the affected communities in Nigeria’s Benue, Kogi, Taraba and Kaduna states, and in Burkina Faso.

Until her death, Onyeka never declined any requests or invitations to use her talent to promote the health and well-being of Africa's rural populations free of charge.

For effective control of river blindness also known as onchocerciasis, people in endemic communities were required to take the control drug Ivermectin once a year for about 14 years.

The WHO through its African Programme for River blindness control, APOC and the predecessor Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP), achieved the feat of scaling the campaign from control to elimination, thereby making the river blindness programme one of the most successful health interventions in Africa.

This could not have been possible without the resilience of the health workers and the contributions of non-state actors such as Onyeka Onwenu, her friend and fellow music icon Amity Ameria of Burkina Faso.

A patriotic advocate for the poor and an irrepressible voice for the voiceless, Onyeka touched many lives in her eventful and versatile career.

Her autobiography My Father’s Daughter released in 2020 is a no holds barred, that chronicled Onyeka’s life as a musician, activist, wife, mother, and politician, her formative contact with feminism and how her father’s life influenced her decisions and character as an independent woman.

In the book, Onyeka explained how her political philosophy took after the exemplary foundation laid by her father, Dixon Kanu (DK) Onwenu, who cared deeply about the development of Nigeria when politics was not a means to ill-gotten wealth.

Onyeka’s songs evoked affection, empathy, love, unity, and taught tolerance and peaceful human co-existence.

That the diva chose to be laid to rest in Lagos, hundreds of kilometres from her native Imo State, speaks volumes for her cosmopolitan disposition.

Onyeka’s patriotism and love for Nigeria shone throughout the book. Little wonder it was officially released on October 1st to coincide with the Day of country’s 60th Independence anniversary.

She narrated her transition from a musician to an actress, and provided a rare peep into her private life, her marriage, the challenges faced by women and her resolve never to allow others to define or validate her life.

Onyeka’s wish for a low-key funeral did not stop the outpouring of love and eulogies for a humanitarian affectionately called the “Elegant Stallion.”

The funeral service was attended by family, friends, and colleagues from the entertainment industry.

Dignitaries included former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s flag-bearer in the 2023 presidential election and Abia state governor Alex Otti.

On behalf of Onyeka’s numerous friends from the health community (WHO/APOC, OCP, PACIEH and MITOSATH in West Africa, we morn our dear sister with a big heart for the poor and at the same time, take solace in the immortality of the abiding legacies of her invaluable service to God and humanity.

Adieu Onyeka!

For and on behalf of Health Community Friends/Colleagues

The easiest and most attractive national pastime remains buck passing especially with the bunch of leaders that we have, that can hardly peel a banana nor wash an already white handkerchief. Not many of us want to take responsibility for anything, from personal, to family or national life.

The blame is on the system. We do not need to create demons out of our leaders because they are already specimens of demons, so we hang our sins on them appropriately and inappropriately too. And unfortunately, their behaviour has made it easy for the critic to descend on them.

We at most, talk, write and discuss the Nigerian myth with a sense of fatalism. If everyone thought as much as I did about justice and fairness, life would be better. I am a critic, but I am also the critics’ critic, the unrepentant believer that the best way to keep the government on its toes is to keep harping on their flaws so they can improve.

Often, I say I believe the things I write on, are important for our nation as they are for other nations, but when it appears to me, Nigerians especially those in authority do not react to these issues as people in other lands do, I repeat them in new essays to remind old readers and recruit new ones to participate in the continuing dialogue.

Sadly, this is Nigeria where nothing works and no one cares, when it works, it is because someone’s interest is about to be served or being served not the people’s interest. We talk about our institutions despairingly. Our leaders do not watch network news except when their faces would be there on occasion of their sons/daughters’ wedding or such. They do not need the newspapers anymore because it is full of their lies, or paid adverts exchanging banters together.

Government bashing remains a national past time and every drinking joint, and suya spot has a sitting parliament with an expert on every and any issue but we forget that no matter the input, if the politicians and actors in our national scene have questionable lives both on personal and domestic level, nothing will change, the best government policy cannot change the individual. It is because the policies are formulated on a bad foundation and by people with warped thinking.

When a witch proclaims her presence, and an invalid does not make away; he must have money for sacrifices at home.

So, for some several weeks, it has been a back and forth between the regulator of our education, in this case the Ministry of Education and parents, on exactly the right age for a child to write the regulatory transitional exams, and let me say whether it is 18years , 0r 5 years, a dullard or an intelligent kid, it is garbage in, garbage out.

That may sound cold, especially in the light of the exploits of Nigerian graduates in other climes, remember I said other climes, and the few who do well here in Nigeria. Like my friend Ndo puts it, the quality is scarily dropping.

Have you noticed the ever increasing cases of graduates and interview candidates having shallow knowledge of the subject matter, poor command of the use of English language, poor knowledge of the examination techniques, as well disregard for correct interpretation of questions before attempting them.

Or that many candidates lack requisite mathematical and manipulative skills for subjects involving calculations, while handwriting of some are illegible and their answers scripts are full of spelling errors. (Not that my maths is so good either)

Many candidates try to cut corners by engaging in various forms of examination malpractice in order to obtain marks.

A good many of us spat on the education we had yesterday, and of course what passes for education today. And there is, certainly, a stratum of our society that looks back, nostalgically, at the quality of yesterday’s education”. How many of us today can argue that this is not the truth, even the generation that had its education in 2000 now looks back with nostalgia.

By and large, however, most of us believed that there was very much missing in the content of our yesterday’s education. What we have today, in spite of innovations and the bold attempts to re-orientate it, remains, as it was yesterday, orthodox, slow foot, myopic.

Our educational system today only sharpens the head to near pin end quality and this is even rare but it also makes the possessors limb atrophied by long disuse. Our education is money centered. It is an education which goads the possessor asking “what can my country do for me?”

In 2024, we are left to define the quality of education we want for tomorrow when our peers have gone far in Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, neighbouring Ghana has even refused to wait for us. To chart out how to tread to win through, we now send our kids anywhere so far it is outside the country the education is better be it Iraq or Zimbabwe.

Do we have an education in which a possessor wants to elevate the less privileged that surge him round, the answer is no. Today what is the value of the education given to a young man who lives or is doing his mandatory service year in a guinea worm infested area and yet is incapable of causing a revolution in the lives of the villagers by transforming their drinking water into healthy supply?

Please, what is the use of education given in physics to a young girl when the lights go out, she does not know what to do to get light again. In Nigerian education, how many graduates can carry aloft an oasis of light, very few because the education is short on quality and is therefore poor.

While there is despair, there is hope and despair, a case of “we can” or “we can’t”. While we battle the scourge of local terrorism, bad leadership, kidnap, health, and countless issues, there is need to come up with some measures that could help both the students and schools to improve on their output, by extension resuscitate a nation’s dying if not dead educational sector.

Our students need to develop a good understanding of questions and also learn the basic rudiments of the English language for better and clearer presentation of their answers. The sex for grade, bribe for certificate syndrome needs to be checked.

There is a need to ensure the appropriate textbooks in all subjects are procured and studied side by side with the examination syllabus, and should be completed before the commencement of examination. Libraries need to go info-tech, not littered with books of 1914. While practical on-hands learning away from just examination should be incorporated.

There is a need to provide basic infrastructure, and a conducive atmosphere in schools, only qualified and committed teachers who will teach their subjects effectively and guide students to become exemplary in their studies should be employed. Not like the teacher in Bauchi State (SUEB) that inherited his grandfather’s grade II certificate and was teaching with it or University dons that have become experts in plagiarism, selling handouts pirated from other works.

The question of whatever happened to the old school inspectorate system should be addressed.

We must move away from the examcentric, conversation curriculum that takes away critical thinking and qualitative reasoning and educate with intention for a future world. If these and even more rigorous steps are taken, we may be saved the irony of the clowns we are churning out these days—May Nigeria win

Prince Charles Dickson PhD

Team Lead

Africa’s tech ecosystem is a vibrant yet challenging landscape, marked by extraordinary growth and significant hurdles.

The continent’s startups are at the forefront of innovation, but they face a complex web of regulatory and policy challenges that can stifle their potential.

Over the past few years, African startups have attracted nearly $5 billion in investment, fueling a surge in technological advancements and job creation.

In 2022, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa stood out with substantial funding, raising $896 million, $818 million, and $652 million, respectively.

This rapid growth has propelled Africa’s tech sector to a valuation of over $480 billion—an impressive 32-fold increase over the last decade, compared to Europe’s 17-fold growth to $20 trillion.

However, the expansion comes with its own set of challenges. The recent global slowdown in venture capital has affected Africa as well, with a 40% decline in funding from 2022 to 2023. This downturn reflects broader economic uncertainties and highlights persistent issues within the continent’s regulatory and policy frameworks. Fragmented regulations, bureaucratic red tape, and inconsistent policy implementation continue to pose barriers to startup growth and innovation.

In this context, certain key figures are leading the charge to address these issues and drive Africa’s tech revolution. They are at the helm of annual events that play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and building partnerships across the continent.

These events not only showcase the best of African tech talent but also serve as platforms for discussing policy reforms, navigating regulatory challenges, and connecting startups with investors and policymakers.

Meet the key figures behind the major events driving the continent’s tech revolution and fostering essential connections among startups, investors, and policymakers. Their efforts are instrumental in shaping the future of technology on the continent, creating a more conducive environment for innovation and growth.

9. Tom Jackson – Disrupt Africa/Africa Startup Summit 

Location: Various African cities

Tom Jackson is a co-founder of Disrupt Africa, a leading platform covering African tech and startup ecosystems. A passionate advocate for African entrepreneurship, Jackson is known for his deep insight into the continent’s tech scene and his efforts to provide visibility for startups through media and events.

Disrupt Africa was founded in 2014. It is a media company and platform dedicated to promoting and supporting the African startup ecosystem. The organization has been instrumental in organizing events such as the Africa Startup Summit, which focuses on showcasing and nurturing African startups and fostering connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

Also, the Africa Startup Summit is part of the broader Africa Tech Summit series. It focuses on providing early-stage startups with exposure and resources to scale, offering a dynamic space for networking, pitching, and knowledge sharing among innovators, investors, and policy-makers.

8. Christophe Viarnaud – AfricArena

Location: Cape Town, South Africa & satellite events in African cities

Christophe Viarnaud is the founder and CEO of AfricArena, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a passion for driving growth in Africa’s venture capital scene. With over 20 years of experience, he has been instrumental in bridging the gap between African startups and global investors, facilitating strategic partnerships and growth.

AfricArena is a premier tech conference aimed at connecting African startups with international investors. It offers a platform for startups to pitch their innovations while fostering relationships with venture capitalists, corporates, and tech leaders from across the globe.

7. Olumide Olayinka-Lagos Startup Week 

With over 8 years of experience in start-ups, scale-ups, and established corporations, Olumide Olayunka, co founder of Lagos Startup Week specializes in launching innovative products and solutions for both B2B and B2C markets. As a seasoned Product Management leader, he has a proven track record of delivering high-impact, customer-centric products that address real-world challenges. His expertise spans Fintech, Ecommerce, and Logistics, where he has consistently driven growth and profitability through technology and digitization.

Lagos Startup Week, an event founded in 2017 celebrates and supports the startup ecosystem in Lagos. The week-long event features play host to about 5000 of Africa’s top founders and investors, through networking opportunities, workshops, panels, pitch competitions, and keynote speeches, aimed at fostering collaboration and growth within the entrepreneurial community,

6. Tom Cuthell – Africa Tech Festival (Incorporating AfricaCom) 

Tom Cuthell is the Event Director at Informa Tech, spearheading the Africa Tech Festival and its flagship event, AfricaCom. Cuthell oversees other major tech events including London Tech Week and previously, he was Vice President of Global Festivals and Senior Director at Informa Tech Founders. His earlier roles include Portfolio Manager at KNect365, where he expanded maritime and energy events, and Senior Conference Producer at Informa. Olumide holds an MA in Imperial and Commonwealth History from King’s College London and a BA in History from the University of East Anglia.

Africa Tech Festival, which includes AfricaCom was founded in 2008 and is one of the most important gatherings for tech professionals, investors, and telecom leaders. The event highlights innovation, policy development, and infrastructure growth, especially in telecommunications and digital technologies.

5. Dr. Nick Bradshaw – AI Expo Africa 

Dr. Nick Bradshaw brings 25 years of expertise in the technology sector, specializing in marketing complex technology solutions and advancing Enterprise collaboration software and cloud platforms. His career spans Europe, North America, and Africa, where he has served a diverse range of multi-billion-dollar global clients. Bradshaw successfully built and exited a digital practice and Microsoft Gold software start-up, Complexus, and has since consulted with numerous tech start-ups on Sales and Marketing operations across the UK, Europe, and Africa.

Following the exit of Complexus, Bradshaw founded the AI Media Group in 2017. AI Expo Africa is the continent’s largest AI and machine learning event, bringing together thought leaders, developers, and investors. The expo focuses on advancing the adoption of AI and related technologies in Africa, fostering collaboration and innovation in fields like healthcare, finance, and education.

4. Ehi Braimah – IoT West Africa 

Ehi Braimah is the CEO of the Africa Infrastructure Event Centre (AIEC), a pivotal figure in advancing IoT infrastructure and solutions in West Africa. With extensive experience in tech event management, Braimah has been at the forefront of discussions and initiatives that push the boundaries of IoT in Africa.

IoT West Africa is a leading event focused on the development and expansion of the Internet of Things in the region. The event connects tech innovators, investors, and policy-makers, driving conversations around smart cities, IoT solutions, and the future of connectivity in West Africa.

3. Tomi Davies – Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS) 

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Tomi Davies, co-founder and President of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), is a renowned angel investor and startup advocate. With over two decades of experience, Davies has been instrumental in building early-stage investment frameworks across Africa, mentoring startups, and promoting angel investment.

AESIS is one of Africa’s leading early-stage investment events, gathering investors, venture capitalists, and high-potential startups. The summit focuses on enhancing the ecosystem for early-stage investing, promoting collaboration, and driving funding opportunities for startups across Africa.

2. Trixie LohMirmand- GITEX Africa 

Location: Marrakech, Morocco

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), brings nearly 30 years of experience in the global events industry. At DWTC, she oversees the strategic and commercial growth of the organization’s major division, focusing on creative marketing, talent development, and expanding a diverse portfolio of international business and lifestyle events.

She is the CEO of KAOUN International. LohMirmand serves on the Board of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and The Marketing Society, and is President of the Singapore Business Council (UAE). She is also an Advisory Council Member at Nord Anglia International School Dubai. She was Vice President at Reed Exhibitions. LohMirmand holds an Executive MBA from The University of Manchester and has completed advanced leadership programs at Harvard Business School.

Gitex, or Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, is a leading technology event in the MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) region. Held annually in Dubai since 1981, Gitex showcases the latest in IT and telecommunications, attracting global participants. GITEX Africa, an extension of GITEX Global, highlights Africa’s technological advancements and promotes digital transformation. Its inaugural event in Morocco 2023 saw 1800 startups meet up with 1000 investors worth $1 trillion in assets.

1.  Maurice Lévy – Viva Technology (VivaTech) Africa 

Maurice Lévy, Chairman of Publicis Groupe, is a key figure in the global advertising and tech landscape. His leadership has transformed VivaTech into one of the world’s largest tech events, with a strong focus on promoting African startups and fostering global partnerships for the continent’s tech ecosystem.

Maurice Lévy was instrumental in transforming Publicis from a renowned French creative agency into a global powerhouse through major acquisitions, including Saatchi & Saatchi, Bcom3, and digital entities like Digitas and Razorfish. Under his leadership, Publicis grew to over 80,000 employees, generated $10 billion in revenue, and expanded to 104 countries.

VivaTech Africa founded in 2016 is part of the larger VivaTech event, which aims to promote tech startups and foster innovation across the globe. The event provides African startups with a platform to showcase their products and ideas, connecting them with investors and global tech leaders for collaboration and funding.

[Nairametrics]

Obi, in a statement via his account on the X platform, said he is pained by the loss of lives caused by the accident.

Recall Naija News had reported that no fewer than thirty (30) people died in a tragic explosion involving a fuel tanker on the Agaie-Bida Road in Niger State on Sunday morning.

The tanker collided with a trailer transporting cattle en route to Lagos State from Wudil, Kano State.

Reacting to the incident, Peter Obi described it as disheartening and unfortunate. He also sent condolences to the families of those involved in the accident as well as a similar one which occurred in Oyo State.

The former Anambra State Governor also appreciated the intervention of the emergency agencies that responded to the accident.

“I have just read the disheartening reports of the deadly tanker explosion which occurred today at Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State where no fewer than 30 human lives were lost and about 50 cattle burnt.

“This unfortunate incident is occurring less than 24 hours after a similar tanker explosion caused serious damages in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Saturday. I am pained by the loss of human lives, and other means of livelihood in the two tragic events.

“I thank the safety and emergency agencies that arrived the scene for search and rescue operations.

“I sincerely condole with all the affected families who lost their loved ones to this tragedy. I equally commiserate with the government and people of Niger and Oyo States over this tragic occurrence. May God comfort them, and all of us, who share in the pains of this sad incidents in our nation.

“I pray God Almighty to forgive the sins of the dead and grant them eternal rest, and grant quick and full recovery to the injured. -PO”

[NaijaNews]

Benue State governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia has sacked the Vice Chairman of the state-owned Lobi Stars Football Club, Dominic Iorfa.

Governor Alia, in a statement by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Solomon Iorpev, said the Club will henceforth be under the leadership of the Benue State Sports Council.

The statement said the removal of Iorfa takes immediate effect.

The Governor also constituted a new board for the club with Dr. Philip Nongu as Chairman while Dr. Iorngulum Malu will serve as the Secretary.

Other members of the committee include Chief Solomon Andii, Harry Yachi, Francis Ejiga with Sir James Iorpuu as the representative of the state government.

The governor also directed that handover to the new board members should be made on Sunday.

[Leadership]

The US presidential race remains neck-and-neck according to polls released Sunday, two days before Kamala Harris and Donald Trump hold their first – and potentially only – televised debate.

The latest polling confirms that Trump retains locked-in support from about half of voters, despite the Republican’s historic status as a convicted felon and his role in instigating the unprecedented attempt to overturn his 2020 loss to Joe Biden.

Harris, who only jumped into the race after President Biden abruptly quit in July, has rapidly transformed herself from a little-noticed vice president into a serious contender.

However, the polls show she has not made a major breakthrough, leaving the race a toss-up.

A New York Times/Siena poll found that 78-year-old Trump is leading Harris nationally by 48 to 47 per cent, well within the margin of error.

US presidential elections are decided by tallying the results of state-by-state contests, rather than an overall national popular vote, meaning that a tiny handful of swing states typically decide the balance.

The poll found Harris, 59, narrowly ahead in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania and tied in four other swing states – Nevada, Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona.

A CBS News/YouGov poll put Harris ahead by one percentage point in Michigan and Wisconsin and tied in Pennsylvania.

The election is already chaotic, with 81-year-old Biden dropping out amid concerns over his age, Trump narrowly surviving an assassin’s bullet at a rally, and fears mounting that Trump will again refuse to concede if he loses in November.

However, the latest numbers confirm that each candidate retains a remarkably stable base of loyalists, almost evenly splitting the country.

One game changer could be Tuesday’s ABC News debate, the only one scheduled between the two.

Trump will be under pressure to rein in his characteristic use of insults and intimidation as he stands next to a mixed-race candidate vying to become the first female president in US history.

Harris will need to use the huge viewership to connect with Americans in a way that she was unable to as vice president and has had little time to accomplish in her super-condensed campaign run.

With Trump now the oldest presidential nominee in US history, she is pitching an optimistic, forward-looking message in contrast to Trump’s apocalyptic claims that the country faces terminal decline without him in the White House.

At the same time, Harris will have to solve the conundrum of how to debate Trump, who habitually makes false statements on nearly every topic and loves to get under his opponents’ skin.

Biden, in his only debate against Trump before dropping his candidacy, found himself entirely unable to cope.

Already, Trump has been subjecting Harris in his speeches to racist and sexist taunts, deliberately mispronouncing her name and calling her “crazy” and a “Marxist.”

[DailyTrust]

Nigeria’s caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen has explained his reason for delaying the substitution of midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi during the second half of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier against the Republic of Benin on Saturday.

Ndidi paired fellow Premier League player, Alex Iwobi in the midfield against Benin.

The Leicester City star put up his best performance in a while for Nigeria but it came at a cost as he became fatigued.

In the second half, Ndidi was caught on camera signaling to the bench to be substituted, but Eguavoen opted to leave him on the pitch until the 80th minute when he was replaced by Raphael Onyedika.

Explaining why Ndidi’s substitution was delayed, Eguavoen said at his post-match press conference that he wanted to allow his replacement enough time to get fully warmed up before stepping onto the pitch.

“But we have to buy time, you don’t have to rush into changes because Republic of Benin today surprised me, a very good team.

“I watched them against us in Abidjan, they were not as good as this, so they came with a good game plan, today’s performance for them was very okay.

“I knew at some point we are going to sub Ndidi but somebody who is coming in has to be properly warmed and prepared.”

Nigeria won the match 3-0, thanks to Ademola Lookman’s brace and Osimhen’s goal.

[nigerianeye]

Less than two weeks before the governorship election in Edo State, four aides to the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki have resigned their appointments.

DAILY POST reports that the former Senior Special Assistants, SSAs, to the Governor also resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Dr Pamela Archer also resigned as Special Adviser to Owan East Local Government Council.

The resignation letters dated September 4 and September 6, 2024, were addressed to the chairman of the council and chairmen of their various wards.

The former aides to the governor are Osayande Emenya, Ward 6, Henry Osaheni Ukato, Ward 6, Efosa Edo-OsagieWardd 6, Oredo local government and Timothy Edokpolor, Ward 8, Ikpoba Okha local government area.

Emenya who was the former Youth leader of Ward six and former organizing secretary of Oredo local government of the party and Efosa Edo-Osagie hinged their resignation from the party due to the non-payment of salary since their appointment as SSA to the Edo State Governor.

The duo and others also attributed their resignation from their appointments and the party to the alleged marginalization of the aboriginal members of the party.

“We are also resigning from the party based on the principle of equity, fairness and justice that we hold dearly which no longer prevails within our Party at the Ward levels, coupled with the marginalization of the aboriginal PDP members, who have worked assiduously to sustain this party, prior to its infiltration, despite complaints”, they said.

They, however, thanked the leadership of the party and the State Governor for the time they have spent in the party since its inception and the opportunity to serve the state government.

On her part, Pamela attributed her resignation as SA at Owan East Council to the lack of inclusiveness in the decision-making and governance of the council According to her, after careful consideration and reflection, ”I am writing to formally resign from my position as Special Adviser at Owan East Local Government Council, effective 4th Sept. 2024.

“It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity. However, I must express my concerns about the decision-making processes within the council. “Unfortunately, I have observed that decisions are made without the valuable input from the executives, which I believe undermines the collective effort and the potential for effective governance.

“The lack of inclusive and collaborative decision-making has made it increasingly difficult for me to perform my duties effectively. “I firmly believe in a system where diverse perspectives and expertise are considered, ensuring that decisions made are in the best interest of our people.

“Regrettably, I feel that the current approach does not align with these values, and I do not wish to be part of a system where my contributions as an executive member are not valued or considered.

“I want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly, and it stems from my commitment to integrity, transparency, and the betterment of our community.

“I hope that my resignation will highlight the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance, which I believe is essential for the progress and development of Owan East”, she added.

[DailyPost]