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PENGASSAN backs NUPENG, threatens shutdown of Dangote refinery

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has declared solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers in the push for the unionisation of tanker drivers and all employees of the Dangote refinery and its allied companies.

Recall that NUPENG had declared its intention to stop loading fuel today over allegations that the Dangote refinery planned to ban the drivers recruited for its 4,000 trucks from joining the union.

In a statement released on 7Monday, the association’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, said, “On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery.”

PENGASSAN warned it may be forced to take drastic action if the matter remains unresolved.

“Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests,” the association threatened.

PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of resisting unionisation since its inception despite several diplomatic interventions.

“We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the Association since its inception. All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result. It is with deep concern that PENGASSAN observes the increasing resistance to unionisation at the Dangote refinery, as the continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated going forward,” the statement read in part.

The union said it fully supported NUPENG’s demand for total unionisation across the refinery and its affiliates, saying this was in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation and in line with Nigerian labour laws.

It declared its firm support for NUPENG’s call for the full unionisation of not just petroleum tanker drivers but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies.

“The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace,” the statement added.

The union also urged urgent dialogue from all stakeholders to avert disruption.

It urged all stakeholders to engage in immediate and constructive dialogue to address the pressing issues.

“Failure to recognise and respect the rights of workers to unionise will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry.

“In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission. Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labour environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, a meeting of all stakeholders has been summoned in Abuja by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Muhammadu Dingyadi, to settle the crisis. (Punch)

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‘Bluey’ Movie gets August 2027 release date

Fans of everyone’s favorite blue heeler dog may just be a little more excited this afternoon as the Bluey movie unveils a release date.

The film version of the hit animation will launch August 6 2027, according to a Disney post on X in the past hour. “Hooray! The all-new feature length Bluey movie is coming only to cinemas on August 6, 2027!,” read the post.

The Bluey movie will no doubt be one of the biggest animated releases of 2027. It had long been teased and was confirmed late last year under a deal struck by Disney and BBC Studios. Disney has global theatrical and streaming rights. The Australian series chronicles the life of blue heeler dog, Bluey, and her family: Mom Chilli, Dad Bandit, and sister Bingo.

The film features returning voice talent Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Mum (Chilli) and Dad (Bandit). The show has captured the world’s imagination with its charming, funny, and relatable observations about everyday family life.

BBC Studios is financing and licensing the picture with theatrical distribution through Walt Disney Studios. The film is being supported by the Australian government through the Producer Offset and Screen Australia, and support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital and Visual Effects Incentive.

Written and directed by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, the film is a Ludo Studio production. Brumm recently announced that he was stepping away from the TV series to make the film although the TV series will continue without him. A video game was also announced by Nex Playground this morning.

“I’ve always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie. I want this to be an experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together,” Brumm said last December.

The movie is produced by Ludo Studio in collaboration with BBC Studios, the CG-animated feature is produced by Amber Naismith (Happy Feet) and co-directed by Richard Jeffery (Bluey, Series 1–3). Brumm is the executive producer, alongside Justine Flynn for BBC Studios, with Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson from Ludo Studio. For Disney, the film will be overseen by David Greenbaum, president of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, and his team. (Deadline)

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Shooting in occupied East Jerusalem kills six, Israeli authorities say

Six people have been killed in a shooting attack in occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities say, as the Israeli military’s punishing assault on besieged Gaza rages alongside an accelerated violent crackdown by the army and settlers in the occupied West Bank.

Paramedics said at least 12 people were injured and six were in “serious condition” after the shooting on Monday morning at Ramot Junction. Several others were “lightly injured by glass” and treated at the scene, Israel’s paramedic service, Magen David Adom, said.

Israeli police described the shooting as a suspected “terror attack”.

A security officer and a civilian shot and killed the perpetrators soon after the shooting began, police confirmed.

The police said the perpetrators arrived in a vehicle and opened fire at a bus station.

Israeli forces closed all checkpoints between East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank after the attack, sources told Al Jazeera.

After police said the perpetrators had come from the occupied West Bank, Israeli Army Radio reported Israeli forces imposed a military cordon on four villages in the Jerusalem governorate in the territory – Qatana, Biddu, Beit Inan and Beit Duqu – and conducted raids there.

The Israeli military said it had reinforced its forces in the wider Jerusalem area and was conducting a wide-ranging search for what it described as “accomplices” in the shooting.

Palestinians in the West Bank are preparing themselves to face collective punishment from Israel in retaliation for the attack, a Palestinian journalist said.

Speaking to Al Jazeera from the Aida refugee camp in the West Bank, Leila Warah said Palestinians were “very much on edge, waiting to see what is going to happen”. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces are pursuing the villages where the attackers hailed from, in what was a now standard Israeli response to such attacks, said Warah.

Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut – reporting from Amman, Jordan, because Al Jazeera is banned from East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Israel – said: “Israeli authorities are saying the two perpetrators are from an area in the occupied West Bank that is just west of occupied East Jerusalem. They say the two worked in tandem in this attack, that two gunmen boarded a bus – witnesses say one of them was dressed as a ticket inspector – and opened fire.”

“This attack took place near an illegal settlement of Ramot, just north of West Jerusalem, and if you look at where the Green Line is on a map, it actually bleeds into occupied East Jerusalem,” she added, referring to the generally recognised boundary between Israel and the West Bank. “These settlements are deemed illegal under international law and are buildings and structures that infringe on the rights of Palestinians and destroy territorial continuity for a future Palestinian state.”

“Israeli officials are now trying to wrap their heads around how exactly this happened, saying that they haven’t seen something like this happen in years, saying that the last shooting like this in greater Jerusalem was back in November 2023,” Salhut said.

Meanwhile, the Israel Hayom newspaper reported that Netanyahu informed judges that he would not attend his corruption trial session scheduled for Monday due to the security developments.

Both Netanyahu and far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have visited the scene of the shooting.

“We are in an intense war against terror on several fronts,” Netanyahu said there. “I want to send condolences to the families of the dead and to the wounded. A pursuit and encirclement of the villages from which the terrorists came is under way.”

In reaction to the shooting, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has “reiterated its firm position of rejecting and condemning any targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians”. Its presidential office said in a statement from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank that the PA denounces “all forms of violence and terrorism regardless of their source”.

Neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility for the shooting but have expressed “congratulations” for the attack.

Hamas said in a statement that the shooting was “a natural response to the crimes of the occupation and the genocide it wages against our people” and that it sends a clear message that Israel’s plans to “occupy and destroy Gaza City and desecrate Al-Aqsa Mosque will not pass without punishment”.

The group said Israel’s aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank “will not weaken the determination of our people and their resistance” and called for more attacks in occupied territory.

The al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, said in a short statement that the shooting was “a natural and legitimate response to the ongoing crimes of the Zionist enemy” in Palestinian territory.

The shooting most likely originated from the West Bank rather than from Hamas in Gaza, Israeli political analyst Ori Goldberg said.

Speaking from Tel Aviv, Goldberg told Al Jazeera he “seriously” doubted it had been ordered by Hamas.

If Hamas had carried out the attack, then it would mean Hamas was “trying to step up its resistance to what is beginning to look like a superimposed attempt to end the war”, he said, referring to comments from United States President Donald Trump’s administration that it is working on a solution to the war in Gaza.

Goldberg added that Israel has made some Palestinians feel that their only means of resistance is violence because Israel has done its utmost to ensure that they have no “sustainable model of politics”.

“Many Israelis ask where the Palestinian Nelson Mandela is at the moment, and the answer is either at a cemetery or in an Israeli prison. Israel has done everything it can to break any attempts on the part of the Palestinians to try and explore different paths, paths that are not violent like the ones we saw today,” he said, referring to the shooting.

Goldberg added that while Palestinians have also played a part in the failure of Palestinian politics, Israel is “by all means the stronger party” and bears most of the responsibility.

“Israel has done everything it can to break the Palestinian Authority, to arrest any semblance of a political leadership that might be amenable to a political process with Israel and to deny such a political process vehemently and repeatedly at all levels of the Israeli government,” he said. (AlJazeera)

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Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigns after election defeats

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced he is stepping down after less than a year in the role, following two major election losses.

The move comes a day before his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was expected to vote on whether to hold an internal leadership vote that could have forced him out.

The LDP has governed Japan for most of the past seven decades, but under Ishiba it lost its majority in the lower house for the first time in 15 years and then lost its majority in the upper house in July.

Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy and a key US ally, now faces a period of political uncertainty as tensions rise with China and regional insecurity mounts.

“Now that a conclusion has been reached in the negotiations concerning the US tariff measures, I believe this is precisely the appropriate time,” Ishiba said, referring to a deal signed last week to ease tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Japanese cars and other exports.

Until Sunday, he had resisted calls to resign, saying it was his responsibility to settle the dispute with Washington before stepping down.

“I have strongly believed that negotiations concerning the US tariff measures, which could be described as a national crisis, must be brought to a conclusion under our administration’s responsibility,” he said.

The 68-year-old said he would continue his responsibilities “to the people” until a successor was selected.

The LDP will now choose a new leader, who will become prime minister following a vote in parliament.

Ishiba, who took office in October 2024 promising to tackle rising prices, struggled to inspire confidence as the country faced economic headwinds, a cost-of-living crisis and fractious politics with the US.

Inflation, particularly the doubling of rice prices in the past year, was politically damaging.

Public support further slid after a series of controversies, including criticism of his decision to appoint only two women to his cabinet and handing out expensive gifts to party members. (BBC)

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New Zealand dad shot dead by police after years on the run with children

A father who had been on the run with his three children in New Zealand’s wilderness for nearly four years has been shot dead by police.

Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his children in late 2021, had evaded capture despite a nationwide search and multiple sightings over the years.

The case had gripped the country and remains one of New Zealand’s most enduring mysteries.

Phillips was killed in a shoot-out around 02:30 (14:30 GMT Sunday) on Monday, in which a police officer was seriously injured, authorities said.

Officers were responding to a reported robbery at a commercial property in Piopio, a small town in northern New Zealand, when Phillips and one of his children were spotted riding a quad bike.

Police officers then gave chase before laying road spikes to stop them. The bike hit the spikes and went off road.

When police reached the vehicle they were met with gunfire, Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers told reporters.

The first attending officer at the scene was shot in the head, and remains in a serious condition, police said.

A second patrol unit then engaged Phillips, who was shot and died at the scene. While the body had not been formally identified at the time of the announcement, police were confident it was Phillips.

The other two children were found later in the day at a remote campsite in dense bush. All three children are unharmed, Rogers said.

The child he was with, who has not been identified, had provided “crucial” information that helped them locate Phillips’ two other children later in the day.

It was unclear whether the children had been informed of their father’s death.

Police have notified their mother and Phillips’ parents that the children are safe, though they declined to comment on who will provide ongoing care.

The children’s mother, known only as Cat, told local media outlet RNZ she was “deeply relieved” that “this ordeal has come to an end” after missing her children dearly “every day for nearly four years.” But, she continued: “We are saddened by how events unfolded today.”

Authorities said Phillips had been evading capture since failing to appear in court in 2022.

Before they disappeared, Phillips and his children were living in Marokopa, a small rural town in the region of Waikato. Phillips, believed to be in his late-30s this year, had been described as an experienced hunter and bushman.

Police believe he took his children after losing legal custody of them.

Marokopa is an area surrounded by a very harsh landscape, a sweeping and rough coastline, dense bush and forested terrain with a network of caves spanning many kilometres.

Locals know Phillips as a bushman with survival skills that would have set him up for building shelters and foraging for food in the wilderness.

Still, there were signs that he got desperate for resources. Since 2023, there have been sightings of Phillips and his children at numerous break-ins at hardware and grocery shops.

Last October, a group of teenagers spotted them trekking through the bush and filmed the encounter. In the video, Phillips and the children were wearing camouflaged clothing and each was carrying their own packs.

The teenagers had briefly spoken to one of the children, asking if anyone knew they were there. The child had replied “only you” and kept walking, New Zealand’s 1News reported.

Last year, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Phillips over his suspected involvement in a bank robbery in Te Kuiti, a small town on the North Island.

Police said he had had an accomplice during the alleged incident.

In fact, over the years, many have wondered if Phillips got any help from the tight-knit community in Marokopa, a town where fewer than 100 people lived, and the question remains unanswered.

Phillips’s death comes less than a month after his family directly appealed to him to come home.

In an interview with local news website Stuff, his sister Rozzi said the family had been “ready to help [Phillips] walk through what you need to walk through”.

“I really want to see you and the kids and be part of your lives again,” she said then.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Luxon has described the turn of events as “sad and absolutely tragic”.

“This is not what anybody wanted to happen today. I think that is a consistent feeling from everybody across New Zealand,” he said in a weekly briefing on Monday.

Other New Zealanders are also concerned about how Phillips’s death would affect his children’s wellbeing.

Marlene McIsaac, a resident in the Waitomo district, says she wished there had been “a happier ending”. “For the kids, you know? The kids will be devastated,” she told 1News. (BBC)

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Gbajabiamila hails military, unveils 1,200-seater auditorium at Lagos Army Barracks

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila on Friday inaugurated a 1,200-capacity auditorium he facilitated at Abalti Army Barracks, Surulere, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that, the auditorium, named Bola Tinubu Hall, is one the projects facilitated by the Chief of Staff at the barracks.

At the inauguration, Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the military deserved better recognition and dividends of democracy even when they do not ask like the electorate.

He said, “The military has done so well in stabilising this country and this democracy.

“And that is why when you talk about dividends of democracy, normally it is the civilians, our people, our electorate that talk about and ask for dividends of democracy.

“But you guys don’t ask for it. It is given to you naturally because we understand the role you play in Nigeria.

“If you are doing that, it behoves on us, as elected officials, and unelected officials as I am now, to make sure that you live in a comfortable environment, that you operate within a comfortable environment that will make your work easier.

“That’s why we commission projects here on a regular basis. This is another one of them: over 1,000 capacity hall, it is furnished, fully air-conditioned, with an 80 kVA generator and it is ultra-modern.

“And why do we do that? We do that because the army, the military is an integral part of any democracy.”

According to him, without security, there cannot be democracy.

Gbajabiamila conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s leadership commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the officers and men of the military.

He expressed the President’s gratitude for the role the men and women in the military play, and for sacrificing, sometimes even paying the supreme sacrifice, to keep the country one.

According to him, the facility allows the military to host events, to do training and conferences as well as help to generate revenue.

Gbajabiamila added that he was working to pull down the old bungalows in the barracks and replace them with a multi-storey residential building, “which will be our next project for this barracks”.

He added that efforts had been made to build and inaugurate an ultra modern new residential building at the nearby police barracks, “Yours is coming, too”.

He added, “I want to thank you for all that you have been doing, not just in Surulere, but for what you’ve been doing for everyone, even outside Surulere.

“We thank you for how you have been able to maintain peace and security within Surulere

“The traditional role of the military, even constitutionally, is to protect the territorial integrity of our country, but sometimes you are called upon to step outside that traditional role to maintain internal security.

“And not once have you wavered in that call to duty. May God continue to bless you. May God continue to keep all of you.

“May you continue to serve your motherland dutifully, responsibly and with the same commitment and faith that Nigeria will continue to be one. Nigeria will continue to be strong.”

According to him, the nation’s democracy is growing and doing well, noting that the President has full commitment towards the welfare of the men and women in uniform.

“I have served many presidents, I have seen many presidents and I have worked with many presidents. They all have the same commitment towards our men and women in uniform. They all have commitment towards you.

“But I have not seen one that has the kind of commitment, the kind of passion, like President Bola Tinubu does for you,” he added.

Speaking, Mr Muiz Dosunmu, the Vice Chairman, Surulere Local Government, who described the council as the best in Nigeria, said that council had been relating peacefully with the Abalti Barracks community.

He said that the cooperation and collaboration between the two parties had facilitated many notable projects in the barracks.

“Surulere is leading in all facets: development, education, sports, health infrastructure. We have tried to be the best and people can see, we don’t need to blow our trumpet unnecessarily.

“We believe we can do more than we are doing and we promise to do more than what we are doing. We are not leaving any man behind, everybody is being carried along, involved and integrated, as advised by the chief of staff to the President.

“We keep promising that we will always be the vocal point of whatever is happening in Nigeria,” he said.

He applauded Gbajabiamila for doing his best not for the council alone ,but for the state and the country.

In his keynote address, Director of Nigeria Army on Corps, Lt.-Col. Michael Toriola, who described Gbajabiamila as a role model, philanthropist and a man with a good heart, commended the chief of staff vision and commitment to the welfare of the military.

Toriola applauded Gbajabiamila for building the Hall and other projects that had been put in place in the barracks out of his magnanimity.

“Sir, we appreciate you. This is a true reflection of your commitment to the well-being of officers, our family and men. It underscores the importance of creating an environment where we can perform and thrive.

“The completion of this facility (Bola Tinubu Hall) goes beyond mere infrastructure, it represents progress, professionalism and a deep pride in service.

“As we commission this gigantic hall today, may it stand as a lasting symbol of our shared commitment to excellence and service,” he said.

The event was attended by many APC leaders including a member representing Surulere Constituency I in the House of Assembly, Mr Desmond Elliot, officers and men of the Nigerian Army. (Nation)

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Temi Otedola sparks debate, drops father’s name, now Temiloluwa Ajibade

Temi Otedola, actress and daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola, has set social media abuzz after officially changing her surname to “Ajibade” on Instagram, following her marriage to Nigerian singer Mr Eazi (Oluwatosin Ajibade).

The couple, who tied the knot in a series of lavish weddings across Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland in 2025, showcased a blend of Nigerian tradition and global flair.

From the Yoruba wedding at her family’s Dubai residence to the intimate church ceremony in Iceland, their union was a celebration of heritage, family, and love, capped by Temi’s public adoption of her husband’s name.

This move, however, has reignited an old debate in Nigerian feminist circles, whether a woman should take her husband’s surname or keep her maiden name.

Back in August, feminist commentator Rachelle (@omo_kosoko) caused waves on X when she declared:

“To every girl who is considering getting married, you CAN absolutely keep your name after marriage, and I think you should. Four years married now, I have relocated, had a baby, held a joint account, travelled solo with my child and not one issue. Don’t let anyone lie to you.”

Her statement drew mixed reactions. Barça Principal (@BarcaPrincipal) challenged the sentiment, asking,

“If you were married into the family of a Dangote, Adenuga, Otedola, Adeleke, or so, would you prefer to still keep your father’s name as surname? Note: I’m not against keeping your surname, I just want to establish something with the question.”

Others offered a more neutral stance, with @innershift05 stressing,  “A name doesn’t hold a marriage together,  character, loyalty, and shared vision do. Keep your name or change it, what matters is building a union that can’t be broken.”

This exchange sparked a nationwide discourse on identity, culture, and the expectations placed on married women, a conversation that has now resurfaced with Temi Otedola’s decision.

During an emotional moment at the wedding, Femi Otedola, known for his business empire and larger-than-life presence, offered a piece of advice to his daughter, “You have to succumb to your husband; he’s your boss. Temi, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. You found a great guy. Very great guy. Blessed guy. He comes from a very decent family.”

His words, seen by some as traditional and by others as affectionate guidance, added more fuel to the ongoing cultural debate.

On X, the reactions came from all angles.

Some, like @_joelad, believed the entire uproar was unnecessary and rooted in overzealous feminism, stating that feminists were “doing too much” and that choice was what truly mattered, “If una neva mention feminists, your day never soft. Feminists are fighting for the right to choose. If she chose to take it, good for her. If she chose to keep ‘Otedola’, e still good. Any feminist who’s wailing is doing too much.”

Others praised the decision as a symbol of femininity and commitment.

@Mr_DaveChigozie applauded Temi’s move, calling it the kind of gesture men should expect in marriage, “Congratulations to her, that’s how feminine women move. They embrace their husband fully. As a man make sure you marry a woman that will embrace your surname fully.”

Some were more nuanced, like @WEB3_JUNKID, who recognised the traditional undertone but emphasised individual freedom, “Choosing to be submissive is nice, but everybody is entitled to their choices.”

Meanwhile,  @NihinlolaOlowe brought a historical and cultural perspective, reminding followers that surname changes after marriage are not a traditional African norm but a colonial influence:, “Changing surname after marriage is Western culture, not African. In Nigeria, it’s not compulsory by law. Temi Otedola chose to change hers; that’s her decision. Respect women’s choices, don’t insult them.”

On Instagram, the discourse became a mix of humour, class commentary, and cultural expectation.

King_Otega mocked the debate by hinting that only “poor man’s daughters” insist on keeping their maiden names, “Poor man daughter go say she must keep her papa name o.”

Similarly, Makanakiiil took a jab at critics, suggesting their resistance was rooted in envy or lack of legacy, “As she should!!! All of you poor masses saying you wouldn’t drop your father’s name, why not live and kpai with your father  Many of una no even dey proud of una papa name cos the man no get money.”

Some, however, struck a more neutral tone. Chubbitee simply defended personal choice, “That’s a choice she chose. Let others make their choices too.”

And for lucas_ugoh, the act symbolised devotion: “When a woman genuinely loves a man she respects and honours him .”

On Facebook, reactions mirrored the same class and cultural lines.

David Amto argued that the wealthy rarely complicate these matters, unlike those still struggling financially, “People with real wealth don’t make things hard on themselves, but you see poor man pikin with 1.2m net worth, them no dey rest.”

Divine Arthur proposed a middle path, suggesting Temi could have kept both names to honour both families, “If na me be her I for keep the two names oo, both her father’s own and her husband’s own.”

However, Esther Ndyip Tabat firmly reminded critics of tradition, “She didn’t end up with her father, please. Because even if she still carries her father’s name, her children  must and will bear her husband’s name, Ajibade.”

Temi’s choice reflects a reality many Nigerian women face, navigating tradition, personal identity, and societal expectations.

Should a woman take her husband’s surname? Does keeping your maiden name signal independence or disrespect? Does changing it mean submission or unity?

At its core, this debate isn’t about Temi Otedola alone; it’s about choice, culture, and the evolving meaning of marriage.

Whether a name holds the power to define a woman’s place in her home or not remains a deeply personal decision, one that, as this saga shows, the public will always have an opinion on. (Punch)

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Actress Wumi Toriola hospitalised after online backlash

Actress Wumi Toriola has been hospitalised following intense online criticism for her response to actor Afeez Owo’s comments about her movie character.

Wumi, via her Instagram page, shared a photo from her hospital bed, stating, “Internet dragging and ICU are siblings”.

In a subsequent post, Wumi expressed regret and promised to “do better next time,” asking her fans for well wishes for a quick recovery.

The incident began when Afeez Owo discussed Wumi’s acting style, sparking a heated exchange online.

Wumi’s fans have flooded her page with messages of encouragement and goodwill, wishing her a speedy recovery. (Nation)

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Sabalenka beats Anisimova to retain US Open title

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, on Saturday, successfully defended her US Open title with a thrilling 6-4 7-6 (7-3) win over Amanda Anisimova in New York, United States.

Sabalenka sealed a hard-fought victory against Anisimova at Flushing Meadows, making her the first woman to win the tournament in consecutive years since Serena Williams in 2014.

The Belarusian picked up the fourth Grand Slam title of her career as a result, all on hard courts – having now added two New York triumphs to her pair of Australian Open trophies.

Both women were looking to bury recent scar tissue, with Anisimova back in a major final 56 days after her Wimbledon whitewash, while Sabalenka suffered heart-breaking defeats at the Australian Open and French Open – forced to apologise after an ungracious press conference towards winner Coco Gauff at the latter.

Sabalenka also lost to Anisimova in the semi-finals at Wimbledon, putting her in the strange position of being by a distance the best player in the world but without a major trophy in 2025, but she quelled a fightback from her opponent to secure the silverware.

The set was threatening to run away from Anisimova in a similar fashion to Wimbledon, but she told herself above all this tournament to be brave and she powered winners into opposite corners to finally get on the board.

Having won one game, she quickly made that three in a row, the crowd greeting every winner with a huge cheer.

The American was dominating both the winner and error count and it was the latter that climbed again as Sabalenka responded with four games in a row to take the opening set.

Anisimova, who was struggling with the roof lighting on her ball toss, was too inconsistent to apply any solid pressure.

Anisimova slammed a ball down in frustration when a backhand pass from Sabalenka gave her another break in the third game of the second set and, although she fought back to level, the eighth seed’s serve was too much of a liability.

Sabalenka forged ahead again to lead 5-3 and soon found herself serving for the title.

Perhaps it was inevitable that it would not be straightforward. Anisimova somehow dug out a backhand lob that Sabalenka dumped into the net to give herself a chance to level and more huge hitting made it 5-5.

If there was a moment for the demons to resurface, it was now, but Sabalenka took the set to a tie-break, where she has been untouchable this season, and this time finished the job.

Anisimova’s final tally of 29 unforced errors, including seven double faults, was ultimately too many, but the American, who started the year ranked outside the top 30, will have the consolation of being a top-four player on Monday.

Reacting to her win, Sabalenka, who fell to her knees after clinching victory with an unreturnable serve and jumped up and down with her coaches in the stands in a scene of utter joy, said, “I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be there in my box.

“I’m going to reach a lot more finals and I don’t care where you are in the world I want you in my box.”

Also speaking after her loss, Anisimova, who was left in tears yet again after the heartbreak of her 6-0 6-0 drubbing in the Wimbledon final two months ago, said, “It’s been a great summer, losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard.

“I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”

She later admitted having problems seeing the ball with the glare of the roof causing her issues when serving.

“I haven’t played on the court during the day with the roof closed. It was literally white, and I couldn’t see the ball when I was serving the whole match.

“It started from the warm-up. I was like, ‘this is really going to be a problem for me’. I didn’t know what to do.

“There was no way of adjusting, because I could not see the ball when I was serving, and that was a huge shock to my system, because I knew if I can’t hold my serve, it was going to be very tough to stay in the match,” she said. (Punch)

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‎Alcaraz beats Sinner to win US Open, reclaims No.1 ranking

Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to win the US Open as loud boos — mixed with a smattering of cheers — greeted President Donald Trump at the final in New York.
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‎The 22-year-old Alcaraz won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to capture his second US Open crown and sixth Grand Slam title, avenging his lone defeat in a major final by Sinner at Wimbledon in July.
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‎Alcaraz will reclaim the world number one ranking from Sinner, returning to top spot for the first time since September 2023 after ending the Italian’s 27-match winning run at hard-court Grand Slams.
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‎”I tried my best today. I couldn’t do more,” said Sinner, who was also defeated by Alcaraz in an epic French Open final in June.
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‎Sinner’s defeat extends the longest drought without a successful men’s title defence of any Grand Slam in the Open era.
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‎No man has retained the US Open crown since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004 to 2008.
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‎Anticipation for the third straight Grand Slam final between the sport’s top two players assumed an even greater dimension with the presence of Trump.

‎It was the latest in a series of visits to major sporting events for the US leader after his trip to the NFL’s Super Bowl in February and the FIFA Club World Cup final in July.
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‎He appeared before the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner, waving to the crowd, which greeted him with a mix of cheers and boos. He was given a frostier reception later in the match though when shown again on the stadium’s big screens.
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‎A constellation of showbiz and sports icons turned out as well, with rock star Bruce Springsteen, fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger, actor Michael Douglas and basketball superstar Stephen Curry all on hand.

‎The start of the final was pushed back 30 minutes to allow fans additional time to enter Arthur Ashe Stadium as a result of tighter security measures in effect due to Trump’s attendance.
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‎Even then the 23,000-capacity venue was no more than three-quarters full when Alcaraz broke Sinner in the opening game of the match.
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‎As he did in the Wimbledon final, Alcaraz pinned Sinner on the back front early and broke a second time for a 5-2 lead before serving out to love.
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‎With hundreds of spectators still waiting to get in at the start of the second set, Alcaraz sought to hammer home his advantage.
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‎He created a break point but Sinner hung on and stalled Alcaraz’s momentum, belatedly ramping up his game and surging 3-1 ahead as the Spaniard suffered a brief dip on serve.

‎Sinner levelled the contest at a set apiece but Alcaraz stormed back with another break early in the third, wriggling out of a tight spot on serve with the help of a sensational baseline smash that sliced away from his rival for a 3-0 edge.
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‎He padded his lead with another break and quickly wrapped up the set, keeping his foot down to corner Sinner again to begin the fourth set.
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‎This time Sinner saved two break points but Alcaraz made another charge in the fifth game, delivering the decisive blow for an advantage he never relinquished as the Spaniard became only the fourth man to win multiple majors on hard court, grass and clay. (Punch)
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