Nigeria News (Standard)
AFRIMA Delegation Begins Stakeholder Engagement in Casablanca Ahead of 10th Music Awards
AFRIMA President Mike Dada leads six-day visit to assess venues, meet Moroccan officials and creative industry leaders
AFRIMA President Mike Dada leads six-day visit to assess venues, meet Moroccan officials and creative industry leaders
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has commenced a six-day strategic engagement in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of preparations for the 10th edition of the continent’s leading music awards. The delegation, led by AFRIMA President and Executive Producer Mike Dada, arrived in Morocco’s economic capital on Friday, June 21, to meet with key government officials, corporate partners, media houses and stakeholders in the creative sector.
During the visit, which runs from June 21 to June 26, the AFRIMA team will evaluate hospitality facilities, transportation systems and major event venues across Casablanca. This assessment forms part of AFRIMA’s broader continental stakeholder engagement programme designed to strengthen partnerships and determine the city’s readiness to host future editions of the prestigious awards.
The Casablanca engagement follows previous Road to 10th Edition activations held earlier this year in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. According to organisers, one of the main highlights will be a Creative and Media Soirée at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, June 23. The event aims to foster pan-African collaboration among Morocco’s music industry professionals and provide a platform for cultural exchange across the continent.
Speaking ahead of the engagements, AFRIMA Director of Brand Communications and Sponsorship Matlou Tsotetsi said the visit underscores AFRIMA’s commitment to building stronger pan-African partnerships through music. “Casablanca remains one of Africa’s most important cultural hubs,” Tsotetsi stated. She added that engaging directly with Moroccan stakeholders is critical for promoting unity in Africa’s creative industries.
The delegation is also scheduled to participate in ongoing music festivals and entertainment events across North Africa as part of efforts to experience Casablanca’s vibrant creative ecosystem. Partners supporting the visit include Big Time Morocco, Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMIC), WeCasablanca, Royal Air Maroc and AFRIMA Ambassador for Morocco Ahmed Soultan. Further updates on preparations for the landmark 10th edition are expected after conclusion of facility inspections and meetings with Moroccan authorities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.
According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.
Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.
SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.
The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”
Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.
The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.
Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.
Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.
Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.
As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.
