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WBO champion Fabio Wardley rules out immediate fight with stablemate Moses Itauma

WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley has reiterated his stance against fighting stablemate Moses Itauma, citing their shared trainer and gym as reasons for the impossibility of such a bout at this stage of their careers. Wardley, who is set to defend his WBO title against Daniel Dubois this summer, stated that his position remains unchanged despite indications from the WBO's Gustavo Olivieri that Itauma could be designated as the mandatory challenger. Wardley emphasized that a fight with Itauma is "much further down the road" due to their current training arrangements. Both fighters are trained by Ben Davison and regularly spar together. Wardley's ambitions are currently focused on facing top names in the division like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua. Olivieri had previously mentioned that if the WBO committee votes, Itauma would be designated as the mandatory challenger, with the enforcement timeline yet to be determined, potentially immediately after the Wardley-Dubois fight or later. Itauma acknowledged the complications but left the door open for a potential fight, especially if Dubois wins. Itauma is preparing for a headline appearance at the O2 Arena on July 25, with his promoter Frank Warren promising a significant test. Itauma's recent victory over Jermaine Franklin, whom neither Anthony Joshua nor Dillian Whyte had stopped, drew considerable attention.

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US President Donald Trump announces three-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

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US President Donald Trump announces three-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, set to begin on Saturday, May 9th, and last through May 11th. Trump stated that he personally requested the truce, and both President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to it. He expressed hope that this ceasefire could lead to a long-term resolution to the conflict. The truce is also intended to include a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. This announcement follows a period of continued fighting, with both Russia and Ukraine trading attacks on Friday before Trump's statement. Ukraine had previously dismissed a unilateral two-day ceasefire announced by Russia for its May 9th World War II Victory Day, viewing it as a propaganda measure. Ukraine also stated that Moscow had ignored its earlier proposal for a short-term ceasefire. Despite the declared ceasefire, President Zelenskyy noted that the intensity of assault operations had not decreased, and Ukraine was responding in kind. Russia reported downing over 400 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine hailed a strike on an oil depot in Russia's Yaroslavl region and an air navigation center in Rostov-on-Don. President Putin convened a security council meeting, calling the strike an "act of a terrorist nature."

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Business

🇧🇫Lefaso.net·9 May 2026

Burkina Faso's Ministry of Agriculture and BRAKINA partner to boost maize production and reduce aflatoxins

Officials from Burkina Faso's Ministry of Agriculture, representatives from BRAKINA, technical partners, and producers reviewed a project aimed at improving the health quality of maize produced in the country. This pilot operation, initiated during the previous agricultural season, is a partnership between the Directorate General of Plant Production DGPV and BRAKINA. Its goal is to increase maize productivity and significantly reduce aflatoxin levels in local production. Aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by microscopic fungi that grow on poorly preserved cereals and pose health risks to consumers. Françoise Naon Zoungrana, a special advisor representing the Minister of Agriculture, emphasized maize's strategic importance in Burkina Faso's agricultural and food system, noting it is the second most important cereal after sorghum. She highlighted challenges such as soil degradation, climate change, pest attacks, and aflatoxin contamination, positioning the DGPV-BRAKINA partnership as a suitable response to improve the health quality of Burkinabe maize. The initiative aims to enhance both productivity and health quality, with BRAKINA praised for its "civic and patriotic" commitment to sustainable maize development. Project officials detailed actions from the 2025-2026 campaign, which saw 600 hectares cultivated with financial support from BRAKINA. Beneficiary producers received improved seeds Semax 5, Bondofa, Komsaya, fertilizers NPK, urea, phytosanitary products, Aflasaf

6 min read

Dagana Blessing empowers female beauty creatives through DB Experience

Beauty entrepreneur and bridal make-up artist, Dagana Blessing, created the DB Experience to empower young women with practical skills, mentorship, and business knowledge for Nigeria's beauty industry. The event attracted over 200 participants, focusing on bridal makeup training, branding, professionalism, and career development. Dagana's inspiration stemmed from a desire to provide opportunities for creatives lacking mentorship and industry guidance, noting that many talented makeup artists struggle with visibility and business growth. Participants received practical bridal makeup techniques, live demonstrations, and mentorship. Some attendees were selected for a three-month mentorship program. Dagana emphasized the importance of professionalism and discipline, stating that talent alone is insufficient for long-term success. She highlighted a gap between talent and structure in the bridal beauty industry, stressing the need for understanding branding, client management, and consistency. Plans are underway to expand The DB Experience through mentorship programs, collaborations, and empowerment initiatives for young creatives across the country.

2 min read

Federal Government begins repayment of power sector debts, Transcorp CEO says

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Federal Government begins repayment of power sector debts, Transcorp CEO says

Owen Omogiafo, the President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation Plc, announced that the Federal Government has started repaying longstanding debts owed to power generation companies. She described this as the most significant progress in resolving liquidity challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector. Omogiafo made these remarks during an interview with journalists at the company’s 20th Annual General Meeting in Abuja. She noted that Transafam has begun receiving payments, and Transcorp Power expects to start receiving payments later this year. Omogiafo commended the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for addressing the historical debt, which signals the early implementation of a N3.3tn repayment plan for generation companies and gas suppliers. Despite challenges like gas supply constraints and transmission infrastructure gaps, Transcorp Group reported a 33 percent increase in revenue to N544bn in the 2025 financial year, with profit before tax rising by 31 percent to N179.5bn and profit after tax growing by 44 percent to N135.9bn. The company’s total assets increased by 33 percent to about N1tn, and shareholders’ funds rose by 47 percent to N353bn. The Board proposed a total dividend of N2.00 per share for the 2025 financial year, amounting to over N20.32bn. Operationally, Transcorp Power Plc increased its average available capacity to 550 megawatts, and Transafam Power Limited increased its available capacity to 348MW. The hospitality segm

🇧🇫Lefaso.net·8 May 2026

Dakar to host first West African Economic Press International Forum in June 2026

Dakar, Senegal, will host the first edition of the West African Economic Press International Forum FIPE-UEMOA from June 24 to 26, 2026. This high-level regional meeting will focus on major economic issues in the sub-region. Under the theme "Innovating for the Economic Future of West Africa," the event will be held under the patronage of the UEMOA Commission President. It aims to establish a strategic dialogue framework among media, regional institutions, public decision-makers, and economic actors. The event is organized by the UEMOA Media Platform in partnership with the UEMOA Commission and several regional financial institutions, including BCEAO, BOAD, and BIDC. The forum intends to foster collective reflection on ongoing economic transformations in West Africa. Through this initiative, organizers seek to strengthen the role of economic media in disseminating strategic and reliable information to support regional development. Over three days, Dakar will bring together specialized journalists, government officials, representatives of community institutions, development banks, private sector actors, agricultural stakeholders, and entrepreneurs from African technological ecosystems. The objective is to create a regional platform capable of stimulating experience sharing, encouraging investments, and promoting economic integration in the West African space. Discussions will cover several major priorities for the sub-region, including economic policies and investment dynamics,

Sport News

WBO champion Fabio Wardley rules out immediate fight with stablemate Moses Itauma

2 min read

Nigeria targets overall victory at CAA African Athletics Championships in Accra

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria aims for overall victory at the CAA Senior African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, which starts on Monday. Technical director Gabriel Okon stated that the federation's goals extend beyond just providing competitive exposure for young athletes. Nigeria is sending a 45-athlete squad, comprising 25 women and 20 men, to the University of Ghana Sports Complex for the five-day championships from May 12 to 17. The team combines experienced performers with emerging talents. Okon emphasized the goal is to dominate the continent and secure remaining qualification spots for the 2026 World Athletics Championships. World record holder Tobi Amusan headlines the women’s squad, seeking a fourth African title in the 100m hurdles. She will be joined by Adaobi Tabugbo and Janet Sunday in that event. Sprint contender Rosemary Chukwuma will compete in the 100m and the 4x100m relay. Patience Okon-George will anchor the women’s 400m and relay squads. Long jumper Ruth Usoro and hammer specialist Oyesade Olatoye are also featured. The women’s squad does not include Ese Brume and Chioma Onyekwere. In the men’s category, sprint star Favour Ashe and Africa’s leading shot put athlete Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who is also pursuing a fourth continental title, will lead Nigeria’s challenge. The men’s relay squads will be anchored by Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli, and Chidi Okezie. The 100m team includes Enoch Adegoke and Chidera Ezeakor. Decathlon national record

Rangers and Rivers United lead tight NPFL title race with two games remaining

With only two games left in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, the title race is intensely competitive, primarily between Enugu Rangers and Rivers United. Eight-time champions Rangers currently lead the table with 62 points from 36 matches, while Rivers United are close behind with 61 points. Rangers recently regained control with a 2-0 win over Bayelsa United. Rivers United, despite having previously held a seven-point lead, remain confident, with coach Finidi George stating the title is still within reach after their 3-0 victory against Abia Warriors. Rangers coach Fidelis Ikechukwu has also emphasized the importance of his team's mentality. The narrow point difference means any slip-up could be decisive. Beyond the top two, Ikorodu City, with 58 points, and Shooting Stars, with 57 points, are mathematically still in contention, making it a theoretical four-horse race, though their chances depend on the top teams faltering significantly. The final two rounds promise a dramatic conclusion to the season.

3 min read

Super Falcons face difficulty securing friendly matches for 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu stated that Nigeria is encountering challenges in arranging friendly matches for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. According to Madugu, several African nations are unwilling to play against the reigning continental champions. He informed Brila FM that the Nigeria Football Federation has contacted over five countries for warm-up fixtures but has not yet finalized any agreements. Madugu indicated that the reluctance stems from opposing coaching staff rather than the federations, as coaches reportedly refuse to face the Super Falcons. Nigeria is preparing to defend their title, having won a record 10th WAFCON crown in Morocco last year. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.

1 min read

Technology

🇹🇳Business News·8 May 2026

Doctors On Call initiative to train 10,000 Nigerians in emergency response and telehealth

Adejobi Adeloye, Founder of the Doctors On Call Health Support Initiative, announced plans to train 10,000 Nigerians in emergency response, telehealth coordination, and healthcare support services. This initiative aims to strengthen emergency medical intervention and reduce preventable deaths across Nigeria. The announcement was made in Abuja during the unveiling of the “NovaDOC Integrated Emergency Response and Digital Health Ecosystem,” a new healthcare initiative designed to improve emergency response to road crashes, trauma cases, and other medical emergencies. The training program will equip participants with practical emergency response skills and create employment opportunities. Additionally, 1,000 certified facilitators will be produced to sustain nationwide emergency response training through the initiative’s digital learning platform. The NovaDOC ecosystem was developed to address gaps in Nigeria’s emergency healthcare system, particularly delayed responses in rural communities and along highways. The system combines emergency medical kits, telehealth services, emergency alerts, and responder coordination. Four categories of emergency healthcare kits—Car Kit, Wall Kit, Mall Kit, and Plane Kit—are tailored for different environments, equipped with life-saving supplies and linked to the NovaDOC platform. The digital platform will connect emergency responders, healthcare facilities, and Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora for real-time consultations and guid

3 min read

IMF warns AI could trigger global financial crisis through cyberattacks

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IMF warns AI could trigger global financial crisis through cyberattacks

The International Monetary Fund IMF has issued a serious warning that artificial intelligence AI could be the catalyst for the next major global financial crisis. In a note published on May 7, 2026, and through various statements in Washington, the IMF highlighted the exponential increase in risks posed by AI-powered cyberattacks. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that the international community currently lacks the collective means to protect the global monetary system from such massive attacks, urging central banks to cooperate urgently. The IMF is particularly concerned about the collapse of technical barriers that previously limited sophisticated cyberattacks. Powerful AI tools could soon enable less skilled actors or criminal groups to launch offensives capable of destabilizing entire financial infrastructures. One specific concern is "Claude Mythos Preview," an AI model developed by Anthropic, which is reportedly capable of detecting and exploiting IT vulnerabilities at unprecedented speed and scale. Its performance has caused a shockwave in cybersecurity circles and among high-level American financial authorities, leading to a crisis meeting in Washington. The IMF fears that a localized attack could become systemic because the global financial system relies on extreme technological concentration, including shared cloud providers, software infrastructures, digital platforms, and potentially AI models. A single vulnerability could simultaneously compromis

BCEAO conference in Dakar addresses challenges and opportunities of crypto-assets and digital innovations for monetary and financial stability

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🇨🇮Abidjan.net·8 May 2026

BCEAO conference in Dakar addresses challenges and opportunities of crypto-assets and digital innovations for monetary and financial stability

The Central Bank of West African States BCEAO hosted an international conference in Dakar on May 8, 2026, focusing on the opportunities and challenges presented by crypto-assets and digital innovations for monetary and financial stability. This event follows similar conferences in 2024 and 2025 on climate change and artificial intelligence, respectively. The conference aims to analyze the implications of these digital advancements and establish appropriate regulatory frameworks. Jean Claude Kassi Brou, Governor of the BCEAO, highlighted that crypto-assets, digital payment platforms, and the increasing digitalization of financial services are reshaping financial intermediation and challenging traditional regulatory and supervisory frameworks. He emphasized that while these tools are powerful drivers of modernization, they also introduce risks and vulnerabilities, calling for rigorous international dialogue on emerging digital finance issues. The BCEAO has initiated structural actions to support this transformation. Cheikh Diba, the Senegalese Minister of Finance and Budget, noted that these innovations offer unprecedented opportunities but also demand increased collective responsibility to address complex challenges related to regulation, security, and stability. He identified key risks such as the growth of shadow banking, excessive volatility in crypto-asset markets, fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, cyberattacks, and operational vulnerabilities. Diba expressed o

🇿🇼NewsDay Zimbabwe·8 May 2026

Toyota-Suzuki alliance reshapes global automotive landscape through badge engineering

The strategic alliance between Toyota Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation, formalized around 2017 with cross-shareholding by 2019, is transforming the automotive industry in Africa, India, and Europe. This partnership addresses the high costs of electrification, autonomous driving technology, and maintaining profit margins in the compact car segment. Suzuki, known for its cost-effective small cars, benefits from access to Toyota's hybrid and fuel-cell technology, allowing it to meet strict emission standards, particularly in Europe, without extensive research and development. Toyota, a global powerhouse, leverages Suzuki's expertise in affordable engineering to penetrate emerging markets with rebadged models like the Toyota Starlet and Vitz, capturing first-time buyers and utilizing Suzuki's production capacity in India. This "badge engineering" approach, where existing vehicles are sold under different brand names with minor cosmetic changes, allows both companies to achieve economies of scale and reduce development costs. For consumers, this collaboration ensures the continued availability of affordable, high-quality vehicles and access to broader service networks and spare parts. The alliance is seen as a blueprint for the future of the automotive industry, where brands cooperate in manufacturing while competing in showrooms.

Travel

🇬🇦Gabon Review·8 May 2026

Yusuf BabaTunde, CEO of Mapleby Holding Inc., discusses his journey from deportation to Canadian citizenship and global entrepreneurship

Yusuf BabaTunde, Chief Executive Officer of Mapleby Holding Inc., shared his experiences pursuing his dream of living abroad and building his business. Growing up in Lagos, he was inspired by neighbors who migrated overseas. Despite his love for Nigeria, he desired to live part of his life outside the country. His first attempt to travel after secondary school to the UK was unsuccessful. While studying Computer Science at Olabisi Onabanjo University, he saved money from a car dealing business. Before his National Youth Service Corps program, he secured a Japanese visa, but upon arrival in Tokyo, he was deported the same day at age 25. He was questioned about the purpose of his visit, and immigration officers were not convinced he was a businessman. This experience left him heartbroken and anxious for two years, almost leading to depression. His elder brother, who won a US Visa Lottery in 1995 and sponsored his Japan trip, continued to support his travel aspirations, funding attempts for German, Turkish, Qatari, and Canadian visas, all of which initially failed. BabaTunde focused on education and work, obtaining a Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. In 2012, he joined Etisalat as a graduate trainee engineer. In 2013, he obtained a US visiting visa, spending 10 days there before returning to Nigeria to work. He later secured a loan from Etisalat in 2015 to pursue postgraduate studies in Canada, where he eventually gained a work permit, permanent residency, and citi

8 min read

🇸🇳SeneNews·8 May 2026

Senegalese Hajj pilgrims begin departures with new organizational improvements

The first flight of Senegalese pilgrims for the Hajj is scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026, initiating departures that will continue until May 18. Approximately 11,000 pilgrims, managed by private tour operators, are part of the 12,860 quota allocated to Senegal. General Mamadou Gaye, the general delegate for pilgrimage to the holy sites of Islam, announced enhanced health measures, including a team of 82 doctors across various specialties to support pilgrims throughout their journey. This year introduces several organizational innovations, including about fifteen reforms aimed at modernizing pilgrimage governance. These reforms include pre-financing through the Islamic Bank to cover accommodation, catering, and transport costs in advance, and the establishment of six regional hubs in Senegal to streamline administrative and logistical processes for pilgrims. General Mamadou Gaye stated that these reforms are expected to significantly improve the travel and stay experience for Senegalese pilgrims in Mecca.

1 min read

Gabon seeks to boost ecotourism through diplomatic talks with Spain and South Africa

On May 7, 2026, Gabon's Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts, Professor Marcelle Ibinga épse Itsitsa, held diplomatic meetings with the ambassadors of Spain and South Africa to Gabon. The discussions focused on strengthening tourism cooperation, promoting ecotourism, attracting foreign investment, and improving air connectivity. These efforts are part of Gabon's strategy to establish itself as a leading sustainable tourism destination. During her meeting with Rafael Chaves Beardo, the Spanish Ambassador, Minister Itsitsa highlighted Gabon's natural and cultural assets, seeking to encourage Spanish entrepreneurs and investors in the tourism sector. Discussions also covered diversifying tourism offerings and mechanisms to facilitate foreign investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure and services. With Ncumisa Notutela-Mthabela, the South African Ambassador, talks broadened to include ecotourism, biodiversity, and national parks. Ambassador Notutela-Mthabela noted the natural resource similarities between the two countries, stating that both Gabon and South Africa possess significant national parks, biodiversity, and natural resources. Both parties expressed their intention to deepen tourism cooperation to attract more international investors and visitors, also addressing air connectivity as a crucial factor for developing tourism and economic flows. These diplomatic engagements underscore the Gabonese government's ambition to position Gabon as a key ecotourism

🇿🇦The Citizen·8 May 2026

Nelson Mandela Bay nature reserves closed due to severe weather, ostriches perish in floods

Severe weather in the Eastern Cape has led to the closure of all municipal nature reserves in Nelson Mandela Bay until further notice. This decision was made due to extensive damage to hiking trails, fallen trees, unstable ground conditions, and flooded bridges. Visitors are advised to avoid these closed reserves. The South African Weather Service issued a level 8 warning for severe weather on Sunday, May 3, 2026, affecting communities in the Overberg, Garden Route, Central Karoo, and Cape Winelands. A social worker in the Western Cape tragically died after a tree fell on her car. Babalwa Lobishe, a councillor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, conducted an oversight visit to assess bridge conditions and water levels for potential evacuations. Jaco Londt, MEC of Social Development in the Western Cape, expressed condolences for the social worker's death. Acting Premier Ivan Meyer and disaster management officials met to discuss the response to the severe weather. Although the weather warning has decreased to level 2, dangers remain due to prior flood damage, with concerns about road flooding, infrastructure damage, and mudslides. The Mossel Bay Municipality closed access to a low water bridge on Vleesbaai Road due to high water volumes, and a man was rescued after getting stuck in debris there. The Wolwedans Dam is overflowing at 101.15% capacity, and residents are urged to avoid river banks. Ostriches were rescued in Volmoed, though many did not survive. Approximately 12

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