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Lagos-Born Tems Joins John Legend, Jennifer Hudson for Obama Presidential Center Opening in Chicago

Nigerian singer to perform alongside global stars as Obama Foundation opens new centre, with ceremony livestreamed worldwide

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Nigerian singer to perform alongside global stars as Obama Foundation opens new centre, with ceremony livestreamed worldwide

Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has been confirmed as a performer at the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, United States, on Tuesday, 18 June. The announcement places the Lagos-born artiste as the only Nigerian and one of a select group of international acts featured in the high-profile event.

According to the Obama Foundation, Tems will share the stage with world-renowned musicians including Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Common, The Roots, Eddie Vedder, Marc Anthony and U2’s The Edge. Young American actress Marsai Martin is also slated to participate in the ceremony. The opening event will be livestreamed globally from the Centre’s John Lewis Plaza.

Tems’ inclusion marks another significant milestone in her rapidly expanding international profile. Over the past four years, she has distinguished herself among Nigerian artistes making waves on the global scene. In 2022, Tems became the first African woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart when her collaboration ‘Wait For U’ with Future and Drake reached number one. She also performed at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar that same year.

The Chief Executive Officer of Obama Foundation, Valerie Jarrett, described the opening as a once-in-a-generation celebration of democracy and culture. “This Grand Opening ceremony will be unlike any other, filled with music, performances and hope,” Jarrett said during the announcement. Former First Lady Michelle Obama noted that establishing the centre on Chicago’s South Side represents a full circle moment for her community, transforming previously underutilised land into a hub for history and leadership. The centre will open to members of the public from Wednesday, 19 June with further activities scheduled through Juneteenth weekend.

Since her breakout success internationally, Tems has won a Grammy Award and received an Oscar nomination for her contribution to ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ soundtrack. She was also listed among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people globally. Her selection for this event alongside legends who have shaped popular music further solidifies her position as one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports.

As Nigerians continue to gain recognition on world stages across entertainment and other sectors, Tems’ performance at such a symbolic event underscores both her talent and Nigeria’s growing impact on global pop culture.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/tems-obama-presidential-center-opening-performers-2026061714253434250

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Saint Helena’s Jonathan Confirmed as World’s Oldest Living Land Animal at 194 Years

Guinness World Records recognises Seychelles giant tortoise, brought to Saint Helena in 1882, as oldest chelonian ever recorded

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June 17, 2026

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Guinness World Records recognises Seychelles giant tortoise, brought to Saint Helena in 1882, as oldest chelonian ever recorded

Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise residing at Plantation House on Saint Helena island, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal at an estimated age of 194. The announcement was made on Monday following fresh archival reviews and shell measurements confirming Jonathan’s maturity upon arrival in 1882.

According to historical records, Jonathan was transported from Seychelles to Saint Helena in the South Atlantic as a gift to the island’s governor. While no birth certificate exists due to the era, scientists conservatively estimate his hatching year as around 1832, based on photographs and his size when he arrived. In 2022, local authorities marked December 4th as his symbolic birthday. Jonathan has now outlived 31 governors of Saint Helena and features on the territory’s five-pence coin.

Jonathan’s longevity is remarkable even by tortoise standards and places him as a living witness to nearly two centuries of global history, including the reigns of eight British monarchs and forty United States presidents. He was already alive before the invention of the telephone or electric lightbulb, and during events such as the American Civil War. Residents of Saint Helena regard him as part of their cultural heritage.

Despite being blind and lacking a sense of smell due to old age, Jonathan remains active under the supervision of his longtime veterinarian Joe Hollins. He enjoys sunbathing on warm days and burrows into grass clippings for warmth during colder periods. A few years ago, a decline in his health led to the introduction of a specialised weekly diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which has since improved his condition.

With Jonathan continuing to thrive at Plantation House, conservationists say his story offers hope for efforts to protect endangered species worldwide. Local officials maintain regular veterinary care and public awareness campaigns about animal welfare on Saint Helena.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/jonathan-worlds-oldest-tortoise-2026061716510189921

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Saudi Arabia Completes Annual Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa in Mecca

Ceremony marks significant religious tradition as new black cloth adorns Kaaba ahead of Hajj pilgrimage

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June 17, 2026

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Ceremony marks significant religious tradition as new black cloth adorns Kaaba ahead of Hajj pilgrimage

Saudi Arabian authorities have completed the annual replacement of the Kiswa, the sacred black cloth covering the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. The event took place at the Grand Mosque, with a specialised team carrying out the change in preparation for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

The replacement process began after dawn prayers, with skilled technicians carefully removing the old Kiswa and draping the new one over the Kaaba’s structure. This tradition is observed every year ahead of Hajj, signifying spiritual renewal for millions of Muslims expected to converge on Mecca from across the world.

The Kiswa is made from high-quality black silk and embroidered with gold-plated Quranic inscriptions. Its production and installation are overseen by Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. The ceremony attracts attention from both local and international pilgrims who view it as a momentous occasion in Islam.

According to Saudi officials, preparations for this year’s Hajj are ongoing, with authorities emphasising their commitment to maintaining all religious rites and safety standards at the holy sites. The annual change of the Kiswa remains one of the most symbolic moments leading up to Hajj season.

With this year’s pilgrimage approaching, Nigerian pilgrims and others from around the globe are expected to witness the newly adorned Kaaba as they commence their rites in Mecca.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888471-saudi-arabia-completes-annual-replacement-of-holy-kaabas-kiswa.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Federal Government Denies Plans to Introduce New Telecoms and Fuel Taxes Nationwide

Presidency dismisses reports of proposed levies on fuel and telecoms, urges public to ignore speculation

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June 17, 2026

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Presidency dismisses reports of proposed levies on fuel and telecoms, urges public to ignore speculation

The Federal Government has debunked claims circulating online about plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications and fuel across Nigeria. The clarification was made on Wednesday, 17 June, following widespread reports alleging imminent policy changes affecting the cost of telecom services and petrol.

Authorities moved swiftly to address growing public concern as rumours about possible hikes in telecoms tariffs and fuel prices gained traction on social media. Many Nigerians had expressed fears that such taxes would worsen the economic burden already facing households amid high inflation.

The government’s position comes at a time when citizens are grappling with persistent increases in the prices of essential goods and services. With inflation rates remaining in double digits, any suggestion of additional taxes sparks anxiety among businesses and consumers alike. The telecoms sector, a major driver of Nigeria’s digital economy, would have been particularly affected by such fiscal moves.

Responding to the reports, the Presidency categorically stated there are no plans to impose new taxes on either fuel or telecommunications. Officials urged Nigerians to disregard unsubstantiated claims and assured that any significant changes in government tax policy would be communicated transparently through official channels. No opposition party or independent experts had issued statements as at press time.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to stabilising the economy without imposing extra hardship on citizens. Economic analysts say ongoing reforms should focus on improving tax compliance and widening the revenue base rather than introducing new levies in critical sectors.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/888467-fg-debunks-claims-of-plans-to-introduce-telecoms-fuel-taxes.html

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