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Nigeria News (Standard)

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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3 months ago

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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)

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

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2026

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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/

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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

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2026

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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.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/us-strikes-in-nigeria-prevented-mass-killing-of-christians-trump/

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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

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2026

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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.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/891151-former-super-eagles-coach-adegboye-onigbinde-buried-in-modakeke.html

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