Author: damazah@gmail.com

Suleiman Bello Every presidency eventually encounters a defining moment — a controversy that crystallizes larger questions about leadership, credibility and the sincerity of its reform agenda. Such moments become political litmus tests. They reveal whether a government is prepared to live by the standards it proclaims or whether those standards apply only when politically convenient. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the continued controversy surrounding Bello Matawalle may become one of those defining moments. The issue is no longer merely about one minister. It is no longer simply about the rivalry between political actors in Zamfara State. Nor is it solely…

Artificial intelligence is changing from an auxiliary tool into an integral part of the infrastructure for science. Tasks that once demanded large, interdisciplinary teams, such as literature review, experimental design and model building, can increasingly be handled by smaller groups equipped with strong judgement and effective AI systems.The question is no longer whether AI will increase science production, but how it will reshape the questions that scientists choose to ask. For instance, a 2026 Nature study used a pretrained language model to identify AI-augmented research in 41 million natural-science papers (Q. Hao et al. Nature 649, 1237–1243; 2026). It found…

Jun 22, 2026, 08:13 PM ETIt’s another week of 2026 FIFA World Cup action, and we have some big teams playing today!First, Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Dallas on the back of Lionel Messi’s record-breaking brace.Next, it’s on to France versus Iraq in Philadelphia, Norway facing Senegal in New Jersey and, finally, Jordan against Algeria in Santa Clara, California.Enjoy all the features, news, video analysis and color from around the competition.

China Lion Film Distribution has acquired I Know Who You Are, the latest feature from veteran Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, for the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The specialty label will release it across those markets in early July — days after the film’s mainland debut. The deal covers all media rights, with exact dates by territory still to be set. I Know Who You Are opened in China on June 19, taking in about $9 million for third place on its first weekend. Adapted from Zhang Ce’s 1992 novella No Regrets Tracking — earlier the basis for a…

Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was at the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday as the anti-graft agency continues its investigation into the alleged diversion of derivation funds during his administration. According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), sources stated that Mr Okowa was seen at the EFCC’s Lagos Directorate 1 office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, in connection with the ongoing investigation. The former governor is being investigated over the alleged diversion of funds accruing to Delta State from the 13 per cent derivation allocation from the Federation Account…

The police command in Rivers State has suspended a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) following allegations of extortion and misconduct. The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Port Harcourt. Ms Agabe, an assistant superintendent of police, said the action followed reports circulating on social media alleging that the officer collected N500,000 from a suspect to secure his release from detention. According to the reports, a payment receipt indicated that the money was transferred to an Opay account bearing a name alleged to belong to the DPO. The reports also alleged that the officer arrested a mother…

Iran’s foreign ministry says it made “no new commitments” on nuclear inspections after talks in Switzerland.

Gold steadied after the US and Iran flagged early progress in negotiations to end the war that’s upended global markets and stoked inflation.

Apple rejected the suggestion its practices are anti-competitive, saying many customers rely on third-party alternatives.

Keir Starmer has finally bowed to intense pressure to stand down as British prime minister as he conceded that he was no longer the right man to lead the country, leaving Andy Burnham all but certain to succeed him.In an extraordinary day at Westminster, Starmer announced a timetable for his departure after months of growing discontent among Labour MPs and cabinet ministers, many unnerved by the threat from Reform UK before the next general election.As the newly elected MP for Makerfield made his way down by train to Westminster, it became increasingly likely Burnham would be crowned Labour leader without…