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Jude Bellingham acquires 1% stake in Birmingham Phoenix cricket team
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has purchased a 1% stake in the cricket franchise Birmingham Phoenix. This investment, valued at approximately £800,000, gives the England international a minority ownership position in The Hundred side. Birmingham Phoenix competes in The Hundred, a short-format competition designed to expand cricket's appeal. The franchise recently saw American investment firm Knighthead Capital Management acquire a 49% stake for £48 million, with Warwickshire County Cricket Club retaining a 51% share. Bellingham, 21, has a background in cricket, having played at Hagley Cricket Club, and has expressed admiration for England Test captain Ben Stokes. His investment is part of a growing trend of high-profile athletes, including NFL legend Tom Brady, investing in global sports franchises, particularly in cricket competitions like The Hundred.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The National Rescue Movement NRM has stated it will not merge with the All Progressives Congress APC or any other political party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party plans to focus on selecting its own candidates, including a presidential flagbearer, through its internal electoral process. Speaking in Abuja, NRM National Chairman Prince Chinedu Obi affirmed the party is not considering political alliances. Obi also noted that recent court rulings, including one by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, have resolved internal disputes, strengthening unity within the NRM. He emphasized the party's stability and its commitment to supporting qualified aspirants for elective offices, prioritizing competence. Obi stated that the NRM is prepared to address Nigeria's current challenges.
The Federal Government of Nigeria is hosting a three-day Western African Sub-Regional Ministerial and Technical Advisory Committee consultation in Abuja, focusing on the Africa Water Vision 2063 and its first implementation plan for 2026–2033. The event, convened by the African Ministers’ Council on Water AMCOW in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, brings together ministers, technical experts, development partners, and regional stakeholders to enhance water governance and service delivery across West Africa. Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation and AMCOW Vice President for West Africa, emphasized Nigeria's commitment to strengthening water and sanitation systems, aligning national programs with continental development goals. He highlighted that water security is crucial for economic growth, public health, and climate resilience, noting that Africa's water systems are under strain from rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate variability. The consultation aims to define measurable targets, strengthen financing frameworks, and identify priority investment areas to accelerate access to safe drinking water and sanitation services. Segun Babarinde, Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee, described the consultation as a key step in translating continental aspirations into practical programs. Dr. Nyambe Nyambe of the African Union Commission stressed the need to protect water resources and pre
Must ReadAvocats Sans Frontières France, also known as Lawyers Without Borders, has expressed concern over a recent data breach at the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC, warning that it could undermine the privacy rights of Nigerian entrepreneurs. The organization's Country Director, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, signed a statement on Tuesday, following the CAC's public notice on April 15 confirming a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to its information systems. The CAC stated it activated response protocols and is working with the National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA and other stakeholders to assess the breach's scope, implementing containment measures and additional safeguards. ASF France alleges the breach, linked to "ByteToBreach," compromised sensitive personal data, including handwritten signatures, national identity documents, and passport photographs. The organization described this as a violation of the constitutional right to privacy and a breach of obligations under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. It criticized the CAC's handling of the situation, citing inadequate disclosure and lack of clarity, particularly regarding the number of affected individuals and characterizing system disruptions as "scheduled maintenance," which could erode public trust. ASF France also noted the CAC's failure to fully comply with data protection law provisions requiring direct notification of affected individuals in high-risk breaches. Concerns were
Global pop star Rihanna and her daughter Rocki Irish Mayers have made their first public appearance together, gracing the cover of W Magazine's Pop Issue. Rocki, born in September 2025, wore a bespoke Dior Haute Couture nappy and headpiece for the shoot, alongside her mother who was dressed in a purple hat and black trench coat. Rihanna shared the moment on Instagram, celebrating her daughter's magazine debut. Rocki is the third child for Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky, who also have two sons, Rza and Riot. Rihanna, known for her music, fashion, and business ventures, has won multiple awards, including nine Grammy Awards.