Author: Nouman Ali

A milestone medical surgery will be recorded in the country today.

A team of experts on the United States, United Kingdom and Europe are in the country to perform robotic surgery.

This will take place at the newly established Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre located within the revamped Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri

An elated Governor Hope Uzodimma who announced the historic development during a pre-procedure briefing at the Government House Owerri ,described the achievement as a testament to strategic state investments by the state government to revolutionize local medical care.

He disclosed that the landmark operation will be led by a UK-based consultant robotic and laparoscopic surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, an indigene of Imo State.

Uzodimma emphasized that the state-of-the-art facility at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre was built not just for advanced patient care but as a hub for continuous skill transfer to local healthcare workers

‘Our plan has never been to acquire sophisticated medical equipment and leave it idle. Equipment must be matched with competence, and technology must be matched with training,’ Uzodimma stated.

He highlighted that robotic-assisted techniques offer superior precision, minimal invasiveness, reduced blood loss, and significantly faster recovery times for patients.

The Robotics and Oncology Centre, he said, is part of a broader upgrade to the Imo Specialist Hospital Complex, which now boasts expanded Intensive Care Units (ICU), advanced diagnostic facilities, modern surgical theatres, neonatal care, and specialized oncology departments.

To ensure equitable access to these high-end medical services, the governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to expanding coverage through the Imo Health Insurance Scheme.

‘The real measure of success will be in the patients treated, the skills transferred, the specialists developed, the lives improved, and the confidence that our people build in our local healthcare system,’ Uzodimma noted, adding that this milestone is just the beginning of Imo State’s journey toward becoming a premier destination for specialized medical care.

Robotic surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive operation where a doctor uses a computer console to control robotic arms. The machine does not act on its own; it translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise actions inside tiny cuts.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations, Bamikole Omisore, has commended the people of Ile-Ife for their support for the governor in the just-concluded Osun State governorship election.

Omisore, in a statement on Friday, said the four local government areas that make up the Ife Federal Constituency collectively delivered 75,758 votes to Adeleke.

He described the result as a demonstration of the people’s confidence in the governor’s leadership during his first term.

According to him, Ife East recorded 27,201 votes, Ife Central 21,171, Ife North 13,879 and Ife South 13,507 votes for Adeleke.

Omisore attributed the result to what he described as Adeleke’s performance and growing political support in the ancient city, particularly in Ife East, where the governor’s margin, according to him, rose from a deficit of 1,282 votes in 2022 to 27,201 votes on August 15.

‘This unified support of 75,758 votes from all zones of Ile-Ife demonstrates the people’s confidence in Governor Adeleke’s vision and leadership,’ Omisore said.

‘The victory we are celebrating is not Ile-Ife’s alone. It belongs to all the sons and daughters of Osun State who believed in Governor Adeleke’s vision and worked tirelessly to deliver this mandate,’ he added.

The governor’s aide also commended youths, students, traders, farmers, professionals, political leaders and community elders in Ile-Ife for their contributions to the election.

He commended the traditional institution in Ile-Ife, particularly the Ooni of Ife, for what he described as its contribution to a peaceful and orderly electoral process.

Omisore expressed optimism that Adeleke would use his second term to implement projects and policies aimed at improving infrastructure, economic opportunities and youth empowerment in Ile-Ife.

He urged residents of Ile-Ife and Osun State to sustain the unity displayed during the election, stressing that the mandate had placed a responsibility on the re-elected administration to deliver on its promises.

The US Open will offer the biggest prize fund in Grand Slam history with a total of $108 million (£79.2m) on offer – marking a 20% increase on last year.

The singles’ champions will receive $5.5m (£4.03m) each in a 10% increase on 2025.

First-round losers will take home $140,000 (£102,667) – which is $30,000 and 27% more than last year.

The prize pool includes a $2m (£1.47m) contribution to a welfare fund, which leading players have been demanding from all the Grand Slams.

The four Grand Slam tournaments have also jointly announced the formation of a Grand Slam Player Council. This was another key request from players, some of who limited media appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon to 15 minutes to highlight their grievances.

Their other main demand is for each Grand Slam to dedicate 16% of its revenue to prize money, with the figure rising to 22% by 2030.

It is possible the US Open has become the first Slam to hit that target, but the US Tennis Association (USTA) has not yet published its financial statement for 2025.

Player representatives have also not seen the figures. However, if you allow for 10% growth to the $559.7m (£410.5m) the US Open generated in revenue in 2024, then prize money of $98.5m would have be in line with player expectations.

The USTA says the financial statement will be published before the start of the main draw.

Chief executive Craig Tiley, who previously headed up Tennis Australia, described the offer as ‘a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes’.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, yesterday arraigned two men before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over the alleged unlawful supply of bank access credentials.

The defendants, Gideon Bakpa Aghogho and Oscar Ebere Chukwuebuka, were arraigned alongside a third suspect, identified as Scott, who is at large, before Justice F.N. Ogazi.

They face an eight-count charge on the alleged unlawful supply of access credentials to a bank database.

The charges were brought under Sections 27 and 28(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

The EFCC alleged that between July 24 and 26 this year, the defendants conspired to supply Aghogho’s access code to the bank system through a local administrative credential known as ITSD.

According to the prosecution, the credentials,which could grant access to the bank’s Virtual Center Platform, were allegedly supplied to facilitate the commission of an offence.

In another count, the commission alleged that Aghogho, between April and May, last year, without authorisation disclosed access credentials, including the bank’s server IP and domain credentials, to gain access to a bank’s database.

The prosecution further alleged that the disclosure was made in exchange for $15,000.

Aghogho pleaded not guilty to the charges, while Chukwuebuka pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them.

Following Aghogho’s plea, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, asked the court to fix a date for trial and sought an order remanding him in a correctional facility.

In respect of Chukwuebuka, the prosecution asked the court to allow it to review the facts of the case following his guilty plea.

Justice Ogazi adjourned the matter until August 27, this year, for a review of the facts and other proceedings.

The judge also ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional centre pending the next hearing.

Nigerian musician and professional keyboardist Temitope Adeoye, popularly known as Temi Comic, brought Afro-fusion to the Nigerian Cultural Day celebration in Plymouth, United Kingdom.

The event, organised by Toskel Community Heritage and Culture CIC on August 8, 2026, brought together members of the Nigerian community and other participants to celebrate Nigerian music, heritage and cultural identity in the diaspora.

Temi Comic was among the performers at the event, where he shared the stage with veteran Nigerian musician Jesse King ‘Buga’ in a performance that blended contemporary musical expression with traditional African influences.

His performance showcased the keyboard’s versatility beyond conventional harmonic accompaniment, incorporating melodic phrases, rhythmic accents, and harmonic textures.

Playing alongside Buga, whose style draws from contemporary highlife, Afro-jazz, and traditional African influences, Temi Comic adopted a collaborative approach, responding to the music and complementing the vocalist.

‘Playing alongside Buga was a very special experience for me. There is so much history and culture in his music, so as a keyboardist you have to listen carefully and understand where the music wants to go,’ he said.

He described the performance as an opportunity to learn from an established musician while exploring the connection between different generations of African musicians.

‘What I enjoyed most was the musical communication. Sometimes you don’t need many words between musicians. You listen, you respond, and you allow the music to lead you. Playing with Buga reminded me of that,’ he said.

Temi Comic said his approach was centred on supporting the vocalist and other band members rather than dominating the performance.

‘For me, playing with an experienced artist like Buga is about listening. You cannot just play because you know how to play. You have to understand the artist, understand the rhythm and know when your sound should come forward and when it should step back,’ he said.

He described the collaboration as evidence of music’s ability to bridge generational differences and create opportunities for younger musicians to connect with established practitioners.

‘It was rewarding because you realise that music has no generational gap. When the rhythm is right, and everybody understands the language, experience and youth can meet naturally,’ he said.

Reflecting on the performance, Temi Comic said working with Buga reinforced the importance of continuous learning among musicians.

‘I left the performance feeling inspired. Performing with Buga showed me that there is always more to learn, especially when you are working with someone who has carried African music for so many years,’ he said.

The Nigerian Cultural Day also highlighted the role of cultural events in preserving and promoting Nigerian identity among communities in the diaspora.

For Temi Comic, the performance demonstrated how contemporary musicians can engage with African musical traditions while introducing new sounds and approaches, highlighting the ability of Nigerian music to evolve across generations and borders without losing its cultural roots.

Brazil will stage the opening game and final of the 2027 Women’s World Cup at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana?Stadium, according to the match schedule unveiled for the 32-team tournament.

The hosts kick off the event on June 24 in a fitting opening to the first Women’s World Cup held in South America, ?with the Maracana – one of the game’s most famous venues ?and the site of Brazil’s heartbreak defeat by Uruguay ?in the 1950 men’s World Cup decider – also hosting the July ?25 final.

FIFA confirmed that all eight host cities will stage at least ?seven matches and a minimum of one knockout game.

Brasilia, Porto Alegre, Recife and Salvador will stage matches through to the last 16, while Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, ?Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo will hold the quarter-finals.

Sao Paulo ?and Rio will host the semi-finals.

‘I already have goose bumps thinking about the incredible , ?colour and energy that Brazilian fans will bring to the tournament as they welcome the world to eight vibrant host cities,’ FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

The Maracana will become only the ?third stadium to ?host both a ?men’s and women’s World Cup final, following Stockholm’s Rasunda Stadium and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

‘Each host ?city will add its own unique flavour, making this ?a ?colourful, joyful and unforgettable celebration,’ former Brazil captain Aline Pellegrino said.

‘The world’s best players will feel that energy from the stands and they will ?give ?it back on the pitch through moments ?and performances that will inspire girls and boys around the world.’

The final schedule will ?be published later this year.

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), which coordinated the re-election campaign of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has thanked residents of the state for their support that secured the governor’s victory at the polls.

The council, in a statement jointly signed on Friday by its Director-General, Senator Lere Oyewumi, and Secretary, Prince Bola Ajao, also appreciated traditional rulers for their prayers and support throughout the election period.

The council said the victory reflected the people’s confidence in what it described as the Imole vision and their desire for continued development and good governance in the state.

It said, ‘We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the good people of Osun State for the confidence, support, prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment demonstrated throughout our journey.

‘The victory we celebrate today belongs, first and foremost, to God Almighty and to the good people of Osun State. It is a testament to the strength of your faith in the Imole vision and your determination to see Osun continue on the path of progress, development, and good governance.’

The council also commended traditional rulers for their counsel, prayers and contributions to their communities.

‘To our Royal Fathers and Traditional Rulers, we salute your wisdom, dignity, and invaluable counsel. Your leadership remains a pillar of our communities, and we deeply appreciate your prayers and support,’ it said.

Religious leaders were also recognised for their prayers, guidance and commitment to peace, unity and the wellbeing of Osun State.

The council said the victory belonged to all residents of the state, including those in the diaspora, and urged them to remain united.

‘To every citizen of Osun State-at home and in the diaspora, we see and value you. You will never be taken for granted. This moment belongs to all of us,’ it said.

The council acknowledged that the campaign was not without challenges but said the outcome demonstrated the importance of collective support for a shared vision.

It stressed, however, that the electoral victory should be viewed as a renewed responsibility to serve the people.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we are conscious that victory itself is not the destination. It is a renewed responsibility to serve, to listen, to unite, and to deliver on the aspirations of the people,’ the council said.

It pledged that the trust placed in the administration would not be taken for granted.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending persistent power outages, by setting a target of increasing electricity supply to about 3.5 gigawatts (GW).

He spoke at the Lagos State High-Level Strategic Power town hall meeting held to examine the state’s electricity challenges and develop practical solutions to improve generation, transmission and distribution.

The engagement brought together key stakeholders across the electricity value chain, including regulators, distribution companies, transmission operators, investors, asset managers and representatives of the Federal Government.

Speaking at the event, Special Adviser to the President on Power and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reset and Restoration, Dr Rilwan Babalola, said the challenge facing Lagos and Nigeria was no longer simply about generating more electricity, but building a functional and sustainable electricity market.

Babalola said the country must move away from a system in which government continuously acted as buyer, guarantor and absorber of losses across the electricity value chain.

He said the proposed Clean Lagos Electricity Market (CLEM) could provide a model for converting Lagos’ huge electricity demand into a structured and investible market through demand aggregation, bilateral contracting, open access, payment assurance and transparent settlement.

He said the proposed initial 500MW CLEM project must first demonstrate that electricity could be reliably delivered, properly metered and paid for before the model was expanded.

Babalola said stakeholders must establish the location of demand and customers, sources of electricity and gas, the capacity of the network to deliver the power, appropriate tariffs and a transparent payment system for generators, network operators and gas suppliers.

He highlighted the opportunities created by the decentralisation of the electricity sector following constitutional amendments and the Electricity Act, which allow states to establish and regulate their electricity markets.

He, however, cautioned against fragmentation, stressing the need for coordination between state electricity markets, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), interstate electricity trading and national transmission network.

Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the town hall was convened to end what he described as the ‘culture of blackout’ in Lagos.

Ogunleye said the state had conducted studies and assembled critical stakeholders to identify the challenges affecting electricity supply and agree on practical solutions.

He disclosed that Lagos currently receives less than one gigawatt from the national grid, despite the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) having the capacity to transmit about 3.5GW.

The commissioner said the state was working to secure an additional 2GW, with the ultimate objective of moving towards 3.5GW of electricity supply.

He said achieving the target would enable more electricity feeders to operate and improve power supply to homes, businesses and industries across the state.

Ogunleye added that newly-inaugurated substations would strengthen the state’s electricity infrastructure, while the government would work with distribution companies to monitor selected feeders and measure improvements in supply.

On electricity tariffs, he said consumers should not be made to ‘pay for darkness’, stressing that improved metering and infrastructure must accompany any tariff increase.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), Temitope George, identified inadequate generation and transmission capacity, energy theft, vandalism and non-payment of electricity bills as some of the major challenges confronting the sector.

George said electricity demand in Lagos, which had previously exceeded 1,500MW, had recently fallen below 1,000MW.

She urged consumers to pay for electricity consumed, warning that non-payment distorted the electricity market and ultimately affected the ability of other consumers to enjoy reliable supply.

The regulator also disclosed that the state was restructuring its existing Independent Power Projects to make them bankable without placing excessive pressure on government finances.

George said Lagos was also exploring embedded power generation to complement electricity from the national grid and reduce dependence on the national system.

She said the ongoing decentralisation of the electricity sector should lead to a more efficient electricity market in Lagos.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer in the June 20 Ekiti State governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general election.

He made his position known yesterday when he visited Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.

Oluyede informed the governor of his decision to work for Tinubu’s victory in the January 2027 presidential election.

He also discussed with Governor Oyebanji issues relating to the development and progress of Ekiti State, as the governor prepares to begin his second term on October 16.

Receiving Oluyede, Governor Oyebanji praised him for an act of statesmanship and his commitment to the progress of Ekiti State and national development.

Oyebanji expressed appreciation for Oluyede’s decision to support President Tinubu, saying his gesture demonstrated a shared commitment to the development of Ekiti and Nigeria.

Nigerian filmmaker and media consultant Akorede Adebowale, popularly known as Obj, has announced his intention to contest a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adebowale, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the entertainment and media industry, is the National Secretary of the TAMPAN Guild of Directors.

He is seeking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket to represent Iwajowa Local Government Area in the Oyo State House of Assembly.

The filmmaker said his decision to enter politics was driven by a desire to contribute to human capital development, particularly through talent discovery, development and deployment within his constituency.

Adebowale also pledged to prioritise his constituents’ welfare and social security if elected.

‘I want to bring Human Capital Development in the area of Talent discovery, Development and Deployment. The most important thing for me is my people; their social security and wellbeing are secure under my leadership,’ he said.