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NDLEA intercepts drugs worth N3.4bn, uncovers 942 explosives

By
Ayodeji Adelusi
-

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recently stepped up its crackdown on drug trafficking in Nigeria. It exposes various methods used by traffickers to conceal illicit substances. In a remarkable operation, NDLEA agents discovered 36 shipments containing a strong strain of cannabis. It was camouflaged behind tins of baby food at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. These tins, destined for the United Kingdom, were meticulously tampered with—sealed at the top and loaded with drugs through the bottom. It was then covered with the infant cereal to avoid detection. The total weight of the seized cannabis was 18.5 kilograms.

NDLEA uncovers drugs hidden in chocolate tins

In a notable seizure, the NDLEA captured two containers with imported opioids valued at ₦4.3 billion at the Port Harcourt Ports complex in Onne, Rivers. and Tincan in Lagos State. The details of the seizures reveal that they include 168,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup. It is worth ₦1.1 billion and ₦4.5 million pills of super royal tramadol 225mg, which are valued at ₦3.2 billion. These operations highlight the NDLEA’s dedication to fighting drug trafficking and the creative tactics used by traffickers to transport illegal substances. The agency continues to improve its surveillance and intelligence-gathering methods to remain proactive against such criminal activities.

What Led to the arrest?

A vehicle search resulted in the finding of a total of nine hundred and forty-two (942) explosives hidden in a sack, leading to the arrest of a 30-year-old suspect, Nura Sani Muhammad, also known as Nura Hariji,”.  Babafemi further mentioned that at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, NDLEA operatives seized 42 parcels of Canadian Loud. He also noted that three individuals, including the intended recipient, Monsurat Lawson, were apprehended between April 30 and May 3. In a different case at the Lagos airport on May 2, Babafemi reported that businessman Bobby Morris Osas was detained while trying to board a flight to Italy with over 8,000 tramadol pills.

In a significant development after a 10-month-long investigation, operatives of the NDLEA arrested Dominic Chiegozie Obijiaku, the 52-year-old Managing Director of Ovidaq International Ltd, for his involvement in the importation of over 2.6 million tramadol pills through the Apapa port in July 2024.

A search of his residence in Lekki also resulted in the discovery of 51 wraps of Canadian Loud.

“After a thorough investigation spanning 10 months, NDLEA operatives apprehended a wanted drug kingpin, 52-year-old Dominic Chiegozie Obijiaku. This is in connection with the importation of 2,616,060 pills of tramadol 225mg that were seized by the NDLEA at the Apapa seaport in Lagos on 28th July 2024.

“A subsequent operation at his Lekki home led to the confiscation of 51 wraps of Canadian Loud totaling 34 grams,” the statement indicated.

Tinubu: “I Will Approve What Nigeria Can Afford” as the Minimum Wage

By
Ayodeji Adelusi
-
Minimum Wage

According to President Bola Tinubu, a new minimum salary that the government can afford will be approved.

At a luncheon held in honor of Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Abuja on Wednesday, he made this statement.

The President thanked everyone who has supported him throughout the years and assured the people of Nigeria that he would not stray from the principles of democratic governance.

He remarked, “I have to celebrate with you, my dear brother, Senate President, Deputy Senate President,” and that he will shortly be sending an executive bill to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Jibrin Barau, on the new minimum salary.

“What Nigerians can afford, what you can afford, and what I can afford will be the minimum wage.” If you have a size at all, cut your coat to fit you,” he said.

In addition, the president pledged to reduce food costs by combating the banditry threat that has driven many farmers off their land.

The President honored MKO Abiola and other democratic heroes earlier in his Democracy Day speech.

He also announced that a new minimum wage bill would soon be sent to the National Assembly and encouraged Nigerians to support his administration’s efforts to boost the country’s economy.

The labour and government failed to come to an agreement on Friday, June 7, 2024. While labor’s demand fell once more, from ₦494,000 to ₦250,000, the government promised workers ₦62,000 and added ₦2,000 to its initial ₦60,000.

The President received the reports from both parties and is likely to decide and send an executive bill to the National Assembly for approval of a new minimum wage bill that the President would sign into law.

Kazaure’s Arrest: Atiku Blasts EFCC, Alleges Witch-Hunt

By
concoursemedia
-

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has slammed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting Muhammad Kazaure.

Naija News reports that Atiku said the arrest of the former House of Representatives member for Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi constituency is aimed at killing opposition voices.

In a statement on Saturday, Atiku noted that the EFCC was bound to publicly disclose the reasons for arresting any Nigerian.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated that Kazaure’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu‘s administration was responsible for his arrest by the EFCC.

He warned against using EFCC to target opposition voices on trumped-up allegations of corruption and financial crimes.

It read: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has once again plunged headlong into its well-worn pattern of lawlessness, arresting and detaining citizens with brazen disregard for due process and without offering any justification for its actions.

“We witnessed this same abuse in the unlawful arrest and detention of Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, whose release was only secured after massive public outrage and pressure.

“Now, the EFCC has targeted Hon. Muhammad Kazaure, a former member of the House of Representatives and an unapologetic critic of the gross misgovernance and failings of the Tinubu administration. Abducted in Kano and whisked away to Abuja, Kazaure is presently being held incommunicado, with no formal charge or explanation offered to his family, legal team, or the Nigerian people.

“Let it be stated without equivocation: even if there were legitimate grounds for arresting any citizen, such action must adhere strictly to the rule of law. The EFCC is duty-bound to publicly disclose the reasons for any arrest and must not detain individuals indefinitely under the guise of investigation. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unequivocal on this matter—every detainee must be promptly charged to court or released.

“By once again trampling on the fundamental rights of a Nigerian citizen, the EFCC is entrenching itself deeper into the mire of impunity and constitutional delinquency. Its deafening silence regarding the arrest of Hon. Kazaure, a man who represented the good people of Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi federal constituency, lays bare the agency’s contempt for transparency and justice.

“We are left with no choice but to conclude that Kazaure’s ordeal is a direct consequence of his fearless and unrelenting criticism of this administration. This government’s hypocrisy is as staggering as it is shameless: while it strikes cozy deals with politically connected figures tainted by corruption, it unleashes the machinery of the state to harass and silence its critics.

“The Nigerian people are watching, and history will not forget.”

Naija News

A New Pope Has Been Chosen! White Smoke Rises from The Vatican

By
concoursemedia
-

The Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV.

Robert Prevost has been elected the first North American pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

After he was unveiled as the new leader of the Catholic Church, he spoke to huge crowds from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Robert Prevost has been elected the first North American pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

After he was unveiled as the new leader of the Catholic Church, he spoke to huge crowds from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

“Peace be with all of you’”, were his first words.

White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel shortly before 5pm on Thursday signaling a new pope had been elected.

Cardinals chose their new leavening the fourth round of voting in the conclave after two inconclusive votes earlier on Thursday and one on Wednesday.

A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries were involved in the secret ballot, up from 115 from 48 nations in the last conclave in 2013.

It follows the death of Pope Francis, 88, on April 21.

Follow the latest updates below….

‘Such an honor’: Donald Trump congratulates Pope Leo XIV

19:02 , Matt Watts

US President Donald Trump described an American becoming pope as “such an honor” for his country.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump said: “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!

Who is Robert Prevost? The first North American elected pope

18:53

Cardinal Robert Prevost, whose papal name will be Pope Leo XIV, has become the first North American pope.

Cardinal Prevost, 69, who was born in Chicago, spent years in Peru, first as a missionary and then an archbishop.

He is seen as a reformer in the mould of Pope Francis, who sent Cardinal Prevost to run the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014.

Cardinal Prevost liked the country so much that he acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015.

He ran that diocese until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome to be head of the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for senior clergy around the world.

Prevost was also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a job that kept him in regular contact with the Catholic hierarchy in a region of the world that still counts the most Catholics.

A Vatican insider told the Telegraph: “He was not one of the obvious candidates, but he knows everybody, he spent 30 years as a missionary, he has languages.

“His time in Peru means he is one of the least ‘American’ of the American cardinals. But he understands America and he can speak to the country, which is important in the Trump era.”

(AP)

‘Peace be with all of you’: Pope Leo XIV says his first public words

18:35 , Matt Watts

Peace be with all you,” Pope Leo XIV said from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, in his first public words.

In his speech to the crowd below he recalled he was an Augustinian priest, but that he was above all a Christian above all and a bishop, “So we can all walk together.”

He spoke in Italian and then switched to Spanish, recalling his many years spent as a missionary and then archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru.

(AP)

Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prevost has been elected the first American pope

18:24 , Matt Watts

Robert Prevost has been elected the first American pope in history and will be known as Pope Leo XIV and has just appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

New pope being announced now

18:14 , Matt Watts

The new pope is now being announced from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

Speed of choice is a sign of church unity, Vatican says

18:11 , Matt Watts

Cardinals taking only four rounds of voting is “a clear sign of the unity of the Church,” a cardinal has told the BBC.

Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi was speaking in the Vatican press office.

The new pope was picked even faster than his predecessor Francis.

Donald Trump reacts: ‘I saw the smoke but I haven’t seen the pope’

18:06 , Matt Watts

President Donald Trump was asked about the white smoke signaling that a new pope had been chosen. He offered little immediate reaction.

“I saw the smoke but I haven’t seen the pope,” Trump told reporters on his way out of a White House event with military mothers.

President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House in Washington (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) (AP)

Band appears alongside Swiss Guard after pope chosen

17:54

A marching band began to play while walking through the cheering crowds at the Vatican following the news a new pope has been chosen.

Walking alongside them was the Swiss Guards, dressed in their blue and yellow striped uniform.

People in the crowd applauded and held up phones to capture the sight.

(AP)

In pictures: Celebratory scenes as crowds cheer ‘Long live the Pope!’

17:37

A joyous crowd in St. Peter’s Square cheered and applauded as the first puffs of smoke emerged from a small chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals have been holding their secret ballot.

“Long Live the Pope!” the crowds cheered in bright sunshine. “We have a pope!” said one sign held aloft.

New pope elected LIVE: New leader of Catholic Church chosen as white smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney

(Getty Images)

“Peace be with all of you’”, were his first words.

White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel shortly before 5pm on Thursday signaling a new pope had been elected.

Cardinals chose their new leavening the fourth round of voting in the conclave after two inconclusive votes earlier on Thursday and one on Wednesday.

A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries were involved in the secret ballot, up from 115 from 48 nations in the last conclave in 2013.

It follows the death of Pope Francis, 88, on April 21.

Follow the latest updates below….

‘Such an honor’: Donald Trump congratulates Pope Leo XIV

19:02 , Matt Watts

US President Donald Trump described an American becoming pope as “such an honor” for his country.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!

Who is Robert Prevost? The first North American elected pope

18:53

Cardinal Robert Prevost, whose papal name will be Pope Leo XIV, has become the first North American pope.

Cardinal Prevost, 69, who was born in Chicago, spent years in Peru, first as a missionary and then an archbishop.

He is seen as a reformer in the mould of Pope Francis, who sent Cardinal Prevost to run the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014.

Cardinal Prevost liked the country so much that he acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015.

He ran that diocese until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome to be head of the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for senior clergy around the world.

Prevost was also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a job that kept him in regular contact with the Catholic hierarchy in a region of the world that still counts the most Catholics.

A Vatican insider told the Telegraph: “He was not one of the obvious candidates, but he knows everybody, he spent 30 years as a missionary, he has languages.

“His time in Peru means he is one of the least ‘American’ of the American cardinals. But he understands America and he can speak to the country, which is important in the Trump era.”

(AP)

‘Peace be with all of you’: Pope Leo XIV says his first public words

18:35 , Matt Watts

Peace be with all you,” Pope Leo XIV said from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, in his first public words.

In his speech to the crowd below he recalled he was an Augustinian priest, but that he was above all a Christian above all and a bishop, “So we can all walk together.”

He spoke in Italian and then switched to Spanish, recalling his many years spent as a missionary and then archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru.

(AP)

Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prevost has been elected the first American pope

18:24 , Matt Watts

Robert Prevost has been elected the first American pope in history and will be known as Pope Leo XIV and has just appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

New pope being announced now

18:14 , Matt Watts

The new pope is now being announced from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

Speed of choice is a sign of church unity, Vatican says

18:11 , Matt Watts

Cardinals taking only four rounds of voting is “a clear sign of the unity of the Church,” a cardinal has told the BBC.

Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi was speaking in the Vatican press office.

The new pope was picked even faster than his predecessor Francis.

Donald Trump reacts: ‘I saw the smoke but I haven’t seen the pope’

18:06 , Matt Watts

President Donald Trump was asked about the white smoke signaling that a new pope had been chosen. He offered little immediate reaction.

“I saw the smoke but I haven’t seen the pope,” Trump told reporters on his way out of a White House event with military mothers.

President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House in Washington (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) (AP)

Band appears alongside Swiss Guard after pope chosen

17:54

A marching band began to play while walking through the cheering crowds at the Vatican folloowing the news a new pope has been chosen.

Walking alongside them was the Swiss Guards, dressed in their blue and yellow striped uniform.

People in the crowd applauded and held up phones to capture the sight.

(AP)

In pictures: Celebratory scenes as crowds cheer ‘Long live the Pope!’

17:37

A joyous crowd in St. Peter’s Square cheered and applauded as the first puffs of smoke emerged from a small chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals have been holding their secret ballot.

“Long Live the Pope!” the crowds cheered in bright sunshine. “We have a pope!” said one sign held aloft.

New pope elected LIVE: New leader of Catholic Church chosen as white smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney

(Getty Images)

 

British-Nigerian Nursing Student Stabbed To Death In US Days Before Graduation

By
concoursemedia
-

A promising life was cut short in the United States as 23-year-old British-Nigerian Tamilore Odunsi was brutally stabbed to death inside her Houston apartment—just days before she was set to graduate as a nurse.

According to a Daily Mail report, Odunsi, who moved from London to Texas in 2022 to pursue a nursing degree, was found dead in the kitchen of her apartment with fatal stab wounds after police forced their way in.

Officers had been alerted by a family friend who couldn’t reach her.

But the horror didn’t stop there.

Inside the apartment, another man, believed to be a flat mate who had moved in only weeks earlier, was discovered in critical condition with knife injuries.

Reports say the two were complete strangers sharing a two-bedroom apartment. The motive and circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, but authorities suspect foul play.

Odunsi, known as “Tami Dollars” on TikTok, had amassed more than 30,000 followers and over three million likes. Her final post, dated April 21 — just three days before her death — showed her smiling in her room with the caption: “I’m ready”, referring to her long-awaited graduation.

In a heartbreaking GoFundMe appeal launched to repatriate her body to the UK, Tamilore’s sister, Georgina Odunsi, wrote:

“Tami was a beautiful soul, full of light, ambition, and kindness… She was just 23 years old. A devoted Christian, she found joy in her faith and was actively involved in her church community. She dreamed of making a difference in the lives of children through her work in healthcare.”

The fundraiser, which has already raised over £28,000 of its £40,000 goal, aims to give Tami a “peaceful and dignified farewell” back home in the UK.

“Tragically, Tami was murdered just days before she was set to graduate from university – an unimaginable loss at a moment that should have marked the beginning of a bright and promising future,” Georgina added.

Tamilore’s death has sparked outrage and sorrow across social media, with many calling for justice and a deeper probe into the circumstances surrounding her killing.

The Houston Police Department is yet to release further details on the suspect or possible charges.

SR

Mexico Arrests Alleged Drug Boss Linked To 43 Missing Students

By
Ayodeji Adelusi
-
Drug boss Allegedly arrested
On September 1, 2024, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador makes a speech at the El Zocalo Square in Mexico City at the presentation of his last government report. (Image courtesy of Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP)

Authorities stated on Friday that a suspected Drug boss who was reportedly connected to the disappearance of forty-three college students ten years ago was Allegedly arrested in Mexico following his release from prison in 2019.

El Gil, also known as Gildardo Lopez Astudillo, is a suspected Drug boss who is believed to be responsible for the 2014 disappearance and possible deaths of students from Ayotzinapa Teachers’ College.

About 35 kilometers (21 miles) north of the town of Iguala, where the students disappeared, in the southern city of Taxco, Guerrero state, Lopez Astudillo was taken into custody in September 2015.

A federal security source with knowledge of the case informed reporters on Friday that “Gildardo Lopez Astudillo was Allegedly arrested.” He asked that his name not be used because he was not permitted to speak to the media.

According to the source, Lopez Astudillo has been moved to Mexico State’s Altiplano maximum security jail.

The source stated that although the probe may be extended, he was detained on suspicion of “organized crime.”

Investigators think that the 43 students were abducted by the drug boss in cooperation with dishonest cops in September 2014 while they were on their way to a political demonstration in Mexico City.

Although the precise cause of their disappearance is still unknown, the government-appointed truth panel has declared the case to be a “state crime” and stated that the military was either directly or indirectly at fault.

Numerous suspects, including military members and a former attorney general who oversaw a contentious probe into the mass disappearance, have had their cases arrested or ordered to be detained.

Only a small number of the victims’ remains have been identified.

Family members of the missing students opposed Lopez Astudillo’s 2019 release after a court determined that the information against him was obtained unlawfully.

As family members are getting ready for protests to commemorate the anniversary of the students’ disappearance, the Drug boss has been allegedly arrested.

We attribute the decrease in DStv customers to Nigeria’s economy — Multichoice

By
Ayodeji Adelusi
-
DStv Subscriptions
Multichoice Group, citing economic issues in Nigeria and throughout Africa, estimates a nine percent decrease in active DStv subscribers. Inflation and currency devaluation are two of the factors. The business must navigate legal obstacles, such as fines, while raising prices and implementing cost-cutting measures.

In its annual report, Multichoice Group reported a notable 9% decrease in active customers, mostly due to a steep 13% decline in its Rest of Africa business. Economic factors such the removal of fuel subsidies, currency devaluation, and skyrocketing inflation caused Nigeria’s GDP to decline by 18%.

In response, the company implemented cost-cutting measures and dealt with regulatory issues, which included a N150 million punishment for disobeying a court order for pricing reductions.

These elements combined to create a complicated operating environment that had an impact on Multichoice’s subscriber base and bottom line.

Cholera Outbreak: 96 LGAs Record 1,141 Cases, 30 Deaths

By
Ayodeji Adelusi
-
cholera outbreak in nigeria
Beverages prepared with contaminated water and sold by street vendors, ice, and even commercial bottled water, have been implicated as vehicles of transmission.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted the public to the increasing trend of cholera cases across the country, as a total of 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera with 30 deaths have been reported from 96 LGAs in 30 states.

In a statement released by the center on Wednesday, it was said that ten states—Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos States—accounted for 90% of the cholera cases.

The Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other partners, along with the NCDC as the group’s leader, have reportedly been offering assistance to the impacted states through the multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group.

Before consuming, it was suggested to the public to make sure the water was boiled and kept in a clean, covered container.

Keeping your hands clean by periodically washing them with soap under running water is another piece of advise using hand sanitizer that contains alcohol In the absence of soap and clean water, make sure that food is completely cooked before ingesting it, and only eat raw foods like fruits and vegetables after giving them a good wash.

“Food should be fully warmed before consumption to prevent contamination from flies and improper handling after cooking or boiling water. It is not advisable for someone who has diarrhea to cook, serve, or carry water for others.

Steer clear of open defecation, careless trash disposal, improper waste disposal, and infrequent sewage clearing.

“Please do not self-medicate; instead, visit a healthcare facility immediately if you or anyone you know experiences sudden watery diarrhea,” the center cautioned the public.

“ABOUT CHOLERA”
The bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which is present in polluted water and food, is what causes cholera, an illness that is spread by food and water. Usually, the feces of diseased people pollute water. Drinking water can get contaminated at the source, on the way, or when being stored at home. Food may be contaminated by hands soiled while eating or preparing food.

Refreshments arranged with defiled water and sold by road merchants, ice, and, surprisingly, business filtered water, have been involved as vehicles of transmission, as have cooked vegetables and natural products renewed with untreated wastewater. Between infection and the onset of symptoms, two hours to five days pass. It is more likely to spread in places where there aren’t enough restrooms or clean water on a regular basis. The safety of water used for drinking and personal use is endangered by unsafe practices like open defecation and improper disposal of waste.

The Most At Risk Individuals Are:

  • People living in areas with restricted access to clean water, regardless of age.
  • Individuals who reside in places with inadequate hygiene and sanitation.
  • Individuals residing in impoverished neighborhoods lacking access to basic water and sanitary facilities.
  • Individuals who live in rural areas and get their drinking water from dangerous sources such as borehole or piped water.
  • Individuals who eat possibly infected fruits or food without properly cleaning and preparing them.
  • Those who don’t wash their hands when they should.
  • Natural or man-made disasters, such as floods, can cause population shifts and congested camps for refugees
  • Family members who provide at-home cholera care for ailing patients

Direct patient care is provided by healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and other health workers, in the absence of customary safety measures.

The symptoms of cholera

Cholera symptoms include abrupt onset, intense, painless, watery diarrhea (rice water stools), with or without vomiting. Frequent vomiting, nausea, and fever are possible side effects. Severe cases can cause substantial fluid loss from dehydration, which can result in mortality in a matter of hours. Nonetheless, the majority of infected individuals (about 80%) may merely exhibit minimal symptoms or none at all.

Cholera Treatment

If the sickness is found early on, it is easily treated. The majority of infected individuals can be effectively treated with timely oral rehydration solution (ORS) delivery to replenish lost electrolytes and fluids, along with the recommended antibiotics. Reconstituted with boiled or bottled water, the ORS solution is a powder. If an infected person does not get medical attention right away, cholera can be fatal.

Alcaraz Defeats Zverev To Win First French Open Title

By
Ayodeji Adelusi
-
alcaraz carlos
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz kisses the trophy after winning against Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles final match on Court Philippe-Chatrier on day fifteen of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Complex in Paris on June 9, 2024.

The 21-year-old overturned a 1-2 set deficit despite suffering cramps to win a thrilling match in 4 hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6:2. .

Alcaraz added the French Open crown to his Wimbledon titles, won last year against Novak Djokovic and at the 2022 US Open.

He will head to nextyear’s Australian Open with a chance to become the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam.

Fourth-seeded Zverev is still waiting for his first major title after settling a German lawsuit over domesticviolence allegations two days ago.

He also lost in five sets in his only previous Grand Slam final, when he blew a two-set lead to Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open.

Zverev had high hopes of finally getting across the line — he has also lost six Grand Slam semifinals — but Alcaraz was too strong in the key moments to tie the match at 5-5.

Zverev’s Nervy Start
Germany’s Alexander Zverev gestures after losing to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz at the end of their men’s singles final match on Court Philippe-Chatrier on day fifteen of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Complex in Paris on June 9, 2024.

Alcaraz,who said before the final that he wanted to join a list of his country’s men to win a title at Roland Garros,including his idol Rafael Nadal, collapsed in the sand in disbelief and celebrated becoming the eighth Spanish champion, with his head in his hands.

Zverev got off to a disastrous start, double-faulting on the first two points of the match and conceding abreak in the first game.

But Alcaraz was not spared the nerves of his first French Open final. He smashed a forehand shot into the stands in regulation but also double-faulted while getting the break back soonafter.

But the Spaniard didn’t take long to get going, breaking to zero in the fifth game to sink the first set.

The youngster had to fend off three break points in the first game of the 10-minute second set to hold atlove, but failed to avoid two more, another forehand hit into the crowd to go behind at 2-3. Suddenly

Zverev was fired up again, and Alcaraz struggled at the back of the field, where he conceded a double break with a double fault. Zverev finally ended the one-sided second set by serving to zero.

The German took twomore at the start of the third set to make it three consecutive service games. Afterwards Alcaraz celebrated with clenched fists for emerging unscathed from a tricky service game. One who had beendefending for a long time. Zverev’s serve was hit by increasingly strong winds, and Alcaraz’s return was surprised over the net. The Spaniard managed to keep the score at zero.

But a sharp passing shot from Zverev secured the break and prevented him from finishing the set.

Alcaraz’s spirit seemed to falter temporarily as he failed to take control of the match, eventually losing five straight games to lose the set.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after winning his men’s singles final match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev on Court Philippe-Chatrier on day fifteen of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Complex in Paris on June 9, 2024.

But Alcaraz didn’t give up without a fight, and in the fourth set, a running game that included a break led to a 2-0 lead with some great curling winners.

Just seconds earlier, Zverev had angrily challenged a clearly correct line call, drawing boos from the crowd.

The German was restless, and his serve began to abandon him. Alcaraz fought his way through the fourth set and fought off chances to decide it, but at 4-1 he had to take a medical timeout to treat apparent cramps.

Zverev had won 10 of his last 11 five-set matches at Roland Garros, but was broken by Alcaraz on a silver platter in the third game of the fifth set.

Alcaraz himself stumbled and fell behind in the next game, 0:40.

He appeared to double-fault on his second break point, but the chair umpire overruled the line judge’s decision despite Zverev’s angry protests, before Hawk-Eye replays showed the ball was out.

Alcaraz held on for a punch, but this proved to be the decisivemoment of the match.

Zverev was trailing by a double break in the seventh game as Alcaraz thrilled fans with an incredible winner before hitting a forehand shot down the line.

He sealed the historic victory with a thunderous forehand that Zverev couldn’t return.

AFP

Nationwide power outage as TCN confirms delibrate shutdown of National Grid by electricity workers union following indefinite strike over minimum wage.

By
Ayodeji Adelusi
-
power grid

Nigeria Plunged into Darkness as Labour Strike Shuts Down National Grid

Nigerians woke up to a rude shock this morning, June 3rd, 2024, as the national grid was shut down by striking labour unions. This has resulted in a nationwide blackout, crippling businesses and disrupting daily life across the country.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the shutdown, stating that members of the National Union of Electricity Workers (NUEE) forced control room operators off duty at critical substations. This disruption cascaded through the system, leading to a complete blackout at approximately 2:19 am.

The labour unions are reportedly on strike to compel the government to address two key issues:

  • A new minimum wage: Negotiations for an increased minimum wage have reached an impasse, prompting the unions to take action.
  • Electricity price hikes: The unions are also protesting recent increases in electricity tariffs for certain consumer groups.

The blackout has significant consequences:

  • Economic disruption: Businesses that rely on electricity will face setbacks.
  • Transportation: Airports and other transportation hubs may experience difficulties due to power outages.
  • Communication: Phone and internet services could be impacted in areas without backup generators.

The duration of the blackout remains uncertain. The TCN is working on restoring power, but the situation depends on how quickly the labour dispute is resolved.

Nigerians are closely following developments and hoping for a swift resolution to the labour dispute. We will keep you updated on any further information.

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