International

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Delegates from several countries staged a walkout at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address.

The protest echoed a similar demonstration during Netanyahu’s speech at the UNGA session last year.

While many diplomats left the chamber, some remained in the hall and applauded the Israeli prime minister. A section of those who stayed also chanted “Am Yisrael Chai,” which translates to “The people of Israel live”.

Netanyahu responded by attacking those who walked out, describing them as “moral cowards”.

“If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli leader also defended Israel’s military action against Iran, arguing that the operation was necessary to prevent a greater threat.

He said that if Israel had not carried out the strikes, “we’d all be dead”.

“Devastating Iran’s nuclear facilities was hard. It was very hard to do. But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make as prime minister,” he said.

Netanyahu further claimed that the collapse of the Iranian government was “only a matter of time”.

He said the Iranian people “will be free” one day.

The Israeli prime minister also criticised European countries over their decision to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

During the address, Netanyahu also criticised Turkish President Recep Erdoğan, whom he described as a “tyrant” who hosts Hamas leaders.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has embraced Islam in Doha, Qatar, where he currently plays club football.

A video circulating online shows the Nigerian international reciting the Shahadah, the Islamic declaration of faith, marking his reported conversion to Islam.

Troost-Ekong, who has captained Nigeria at international level, has attracted widespread attention from football fans following the development.

By Muhammad Abubakar

An international coalition of Catholic clergy known as Priests Against Genocide marched through the streets of Rome on Tuesday, calling on leaders of the Catholic Church to take a stronger stance against Israel’s war in Gaza.

The demonstrators urged Church authorities to speak more forcefully about the humanitarian crisis and suffering of civilians in Gaza. The march brought together Catholic priests from different countries who sought to draw greater attention to the conflict and its impact on the civilian population.

The protest comes amid continued international debate over the war in Gaza and calls for greater protection of civilians and humanitarian access.

CNN correspondent Christopher Lamb reported from Rome on the demonstration and the clergy’s demands for stronger action from Catholic Church leaders.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian academic at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, Dr Ayodele Odularu, has been found dead at her residence in the Eastern Cape Province.

Odularu, who was 51 years old, reportedly died on August 16, according to her brother, Gbadebo Odularu, who spoke with Punch’s Diaspora Tales.

A member of the deceased’s family, who spoke anonymously, said relatives did not believe her death was natural. The family member added that the circumstances surrounding her death remained unclear.

The family has consequently called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s death.

In a GoFundMe statement released by Gbadebo on behalf of the family, Odularu was remembered as a scholar who “dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities”.

The family further stated that “although her journey on earth ended too soon, the impact of her life continues through the people she inspired, the knowledge she shared, and the communities she hoped to serve”.

“Ayodele was far more than a sister. She was a cherished daughter, aunt, friend, mentor, scholar, and a source of encouragement, compassion, wisdom, and strength to everyone blessed to know her,” the statement reads.

The statement also described her personality and her contribution to academia.

“Her presence brought warmth into every room. She was known for her kindness, infectious laughter, generosity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. She had a rare ability to make people feel valued, heard, and inspired.

“Dr. Ayodele Odularu dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities.

“As an Independent Senior Researcher at the University of Fort Hare Community, she contributed meaningfully to academic research and the advancement of knowledge through her scholarly work.”

The University of Fort Hare held a memorial service in her honour on Thursday.

Her death comes at a time of heightened concern over attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The Federal Government has, since June, facilitated the evacuation of 1,716 Nigerians from South Africa amid reports of xenophobic attacks in the country.

The circumstances surrounding Odularu’s death remain subject to investigation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump’s administration has announced an immediate ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

The decision followed Trump’s criticism of the three media organisations over their coverage of his administration.

Trump expressed his displeasure in a social media post on Friday, accusing the outlets of publishing what he described as false reports about him, his government and the United States.

He wrote that the organisations were “‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” before adding, “Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” suggesting that further media restrictions could follow.

The White House announcement has raised questions about press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists to cover the US government.

Reporting from Washington, Al Jazeera correspondent Alan Fisher said the decision would likely face a legal challenge.

“This will be challenged, probably before the end of the day,” Fisher reported. “The United States has the First Amendment [of its Constitution] that says the government cannot restrict access to this sort of thing.”

Fisher noted that previous US presidents had also expressed anger over unfavourable media coverage and considered restricting access to the White House.

“Other presidents have been angry at the press coverage before. Linden B Johnson used to rail about it. Richard Nixon wondered whether or not he could ban certain people from the White House as well,” he said. “At every point they were told it’s not a good look.”

The development is expected to generate further debate over the relationship between the Trump administration and the American media, particularly concerning the limits of presidential authority and the First Amendment’s protection of press freedom.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump’s administration has announced an immediate ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, Al-Jazeera reports.

The decision followed Trump’s criticism of the three media organisations over their coverage of his administration.

Trump expressed his displeasure in a social media post on Friday, accusing the outlets of publishing what he described as false reports about him, his government and the United States.

He wrote that the organisations were “‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” before adding, “Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” suggesting that further media restrictions could follow.

The White House announcement has raised questions about press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists to cover the US government.

Reporting from Washington, Al Jazeera correspondent Alan Fisher said the decision would likely face a legal challenge.

“This will be challenged, probably before the end of the day,” Fisher reported. “The United States has the First Amendment [of its Constitution] that says the government cannot restrict access to this sort of thing.”

Fisher noted that previous US presidents had also expressed anger over unfavourable media coverage and considered restricting access to the White House.

“Other presidents have been angry at the press coverage before. Linden B Johnson used to rail about it. Richard Nixon wondered whether or not he could ban certain people from the White House as well,” he said. “At every point they were told it’s not a good look.”

The development is expected to generate further debate over the relationship between the Trump administration and the American media, particularly concerning the limits of presidential authority and the First Amendment’s protection of press freedom.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, has returned to Freetown after spending more than two years in Nigeria, following the withdrawal of treason charges filed against him.

Koroma left Nigeria on Sunday morning in the company of former Nigerian Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

The former Sierra Leonean president governed the country from 2007 to 2018. He faced treason charges over an unsuccessful coup attempt that occurred in November 2023.

Following the incident, an agreement was reportedly reached under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The arrangement allowed Koroma to relocate to Nigeria while proceedings against him were discontinued.

Koroma arrived in Nigeria in January 2024 and remained in the country until his return on Sunday.

The Sierra Leonean government announced in July that it had ended the criminal proceedings against the former president.

The office of the Attorney-General said the case was no longer before the court and confirmed that Koroma was free to return to Sierra Leone.

Vice-President Mohamed Jalloh also announced on Friday that Koroma would return to Sierra Leone as part of efforts to promote peace and national cohesion.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Magnus Eze, media aide to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the minister said negotiations involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders had helped resolve the issues that led to Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria.

“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The minister expressed appreciation to President Julius Bio, Koroma and the Sierra Leonean authorities for their cooperation and commitment to peace.

Jonathan also issued a separate statement in which he said discussions had promoted dialogue with Sierra Leonean authorities and helped establish the conditions required for Koroma’s safe and dignified return.

The former Nigerian president said he was pleased that Koroma had returned to Freetown and expressed hope that the development would usher in a period of renewed hope and reconciliation in Sierra Leone.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The United Nations has overwhelmingly backed a resolution titled “Correct the Map”: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting…, in a vote held on September 4, 2026.

The proposal received 164 votes in favour, while one country, the United States, voted against it. Six countries, including Georgia, Estonia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine, abstained.

The strong vote in favour indicates broad international support for efforts to address concerns over the way global cartographic representation is structured and to promote a more balanced portrayal of the world.

The vote highlights continuing debates within the international community over representation, geography and the ways in which maps shape perceptions of global power and identity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Global ride-hailing company Uber has announced the termination of its services in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026.

The company disclosed the decision in a statement issued by its spokesperson on Wednesday, citing changes in its business priorities and investment strategy across Africa.

Uber said the decision was not connected to the recent restrictions placed on ride-hailing companies at Nigerian airports by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

FAAN had in August limited the activities of ride-hailing operators at Nigerian airports before later allowing Bolt, one of Uber’s major competitors, to resume operations.

Uber said its decision to leave the two countries was specific to those markets and would not affect its activities in other parts of Africa.

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026. This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent,” the statement reads.

“Our immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members throughout this transition. Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity.”

The company also reiterated its long-term interest in the sub-Saharan African market, despite its withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda.

“We remain committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see strong growth and opportunity,” Uber said.

“We are focusing our investments on markets where we believe we can add the most value for drivers by providing earning opportunities at scale and enabling riders to go anywhere seamlessly.”

Uber said it had begun communication with employees, drivers and riders affected by the decision.

“We are committed to supporting affected employees through the transition and will communicate directly with them regarding the arrangements that apply to them,” the firm said.

The company also said active drivers had received communication as part of the transition process.

“We have been in touch with active drivers to extend a token of our appreciation as they transition over the next period.”

Uber said its customer support service would remain accessible for 21 days after the end of operations. The period is intended to address outstanding complaints and other issues linked to the transition.

The company’s departure comes after years of operational challenges in Nigeria. Its drivers staged protests in 2017, 2023 and 2025 over issues that included fares, commission rates and alleged poor treatment.

Uber entered the Nigerian market about 12 years ago as part of its expansion into Africa. Since its establishment in 2009, the company has withdrawn from 14 countries across Asia and Africa.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, ending a historic career with Argentina that spanned over two decades.

The 39-year-old captain, who led his nation to victory in the 2022 World Cup and played in a record-tying six World Cups, confirmed the decision in an emotional social media statement.

Messi wrote that he penned the letter just two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final but delayed its release following the death of his father—an event that ultimately solidified his conviction.

He retires with 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country, saying he has “nothing more to give” and that the time is right for a new generation to take over.