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Coco Gauff became the first player to win her first nine hard-court finals as she defeated Jessica Pegula in straight sets to claim the Wuhan Open title.

The 21-year-old world number three triumphed 6-4, 7-5 against her American compatriot, earning her 11th career singles title.

‘I’d like to thank my team-it was a great Asian swing,’ Gauff said during her victory speech.

‘I’m going to call JC [her coach Jean-Christophe Faurel] out here; he originally didn’t want me to come because I had a tough US Open, but I had to prove him wrong. I’m a very stubborn person, so maybe he said that on purpose to motivate me.’

The French Open champion, making her second appearance at the Wuhan Open, trailed 3-0 in the second set but fought back to level and eventually won four straight games to seal the match.

At 5-4, Pegula had the chance to force a deciding set on serve but was broken emphatically by a determined Gauff.

‘You’re the three-set queen,’ Gauff told Pegula on court. ‘I was determined not to let you get there today because I felt the odds would be in your favour in the third set.’

Pegula had played final-set deciders in all eight of her previous matches at the Wuhan Open, while Gauff maintained her flawless record of straight-set victories.

‘It’s an honour to play you as a friend and fellow American in the final,’ Pegula said graciously. ‘It was our first final together, and it was a lot of fun to share that moment.’

The youngest case diagnosed with early arthritis was a 28-year-old corporate professional. Doctors warn that long hours of sitting, lack of movement, and poor lifestyle habits are quietly damaging young joints, and awareness is the only way to stop it before it’s too late.

A decade ago, arthritis was largely an ‘after-40 conversation.’ Today, orthopaedic clinics are witnessing an alarming increase in the number of patients in their late 20s and 30s presenting with persistent joint pain, stiffness or swelling. The culprits? Long hours at desks, minimal movement, and digital habits that keep people glued to screens.

Dr Ashis Acharya, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, says, ‘In my OPD, there’s an increase in the number of cases of joint pains in younger adults. The reasons vary from inappropriate physical activities, injuries, and early signs of arthritis. Over the past five years, there has been a noticeable rise in arthritis cases among individuals under 40, with women generally at higher risk than men.’

Modern work culture has made ‘sitting all day’ the new normal and the new threat. ‘Joints are meant to move; when they don’t, cartilage loses its lubrication, causing stiffness and microinflammation,’ explains Dr Acharya. Prolonged sitting puts uneven pressure on knees, hips, and the spine, while weak muscles fail to offer adequate support.

A study of IT professionals in India found that nearly 68% reported musculoskeletal issues related to screen time and long sitting hours. ‘Our bodies were designed for balance, but the digital grind rarely allows it,’ Dr Acharya notes. ‘Young professionals are paying the price in joint pain.’

EARLY SIGNS WE OFTEN IGNORE

Arthritis doesn’t strike overnight. It starts with subtle stiffness in the morning, knees that click while climbing stairs, or a dull ache after a long day’s work. ‘Early arthritis doesn’t arrive with an announcement,’ says Dr Acharya: ‘It slips in quietly. Morning stiffness lasting over 20 minutes, or pain that improves with movement, are early red flags.’

Ignoring these mild symptoms often leads to irreversible cartilage damage. By the time pain becomes part of daily life, joint degeneration may already be underway. Experts stress the importance of listening to these early warning signs and seeking medical advice before it’s too late.

WHEN GENETICS AND LIFESTYLE COLLIDE

Genetics and previous joint injuries play a role, but lifestyle choices often decide the pace of degeneration. ‘Genetics sets the baseline, but modern habits decide how fast the play unfolds,’ says Dr Acharya. Obesity, for instance, multiplies the load on knees and hips. Every extra kilo adds four times the stress on the joints.

Those with older sports injuries, like ACL tears, are also at higher risk if they skip proper rehabilitation. The good news? ‘Strength training, posture correction, weight control, and anti-inflammatory diets can significantly slow or even prevent arthritis progression,’ Dr Acharya adds.

A WAKE-UP CALL FOR THE YOUNG WORKFORCE

The youngest case, Dr Acharya diagnosed with early arthritis, was a 28-year-old corporate professional. ‘These individuals are working long hours, sitting through the day, and missing out on daily movement,’ he says. ‘We need to raise awareness and put preventive measures in place before it’s too late.’

Doctors warn that without timely lifestyle correction, today’s 30-somethings could be battling mobility issues by their 40s. The message is clear: arthritis is no longer an old-age disease; it’s a lifestyle warning.

President Bola Tinubu left Abuja on Sunday for Rome, Italy, to attend a meeting on counter-terrorism known as the Aqaba Process.

According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Aqaba Process was started in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan. It is jointly led by Jordan and Italy and focuses on tackling security problems in West Africa.

The meeting, which begins on October 14, will bring together presidents, government officials, military and intelligence leaders from Africa, as well as international organisations.

They will discuss how to deal with the spread of terrorism, organised crime, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Participants will share ideas and work together to find solutions to security challenges across borders.

They will also discuss ways to stop terrorist propaganda and online radicalisation.

President Tinubu will take part in the main sessions and hold private meetings with other leaders to find better ways to improve regional security.

He is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed, and other government officials.

Leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area have passed a vote of confidence in the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The party leaders commended the governor’s leadership, stating that it has put Edo State on a path of progress and prosperity, while also inspiring trust and optimism among the citizens.

This declaration was made in a communiqué read by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonyima, following a meeting of APC stakeholders held at his residence in Ikpoba-Okha on Saturday.

The communiqué highlighted several developmental initiatives introduced under Governor Okpebholo’s administration, including the construction of a flyover bridge and multiple road infrastructure projects, as evidence of his commitment to improving the lives of Edo residents.

It further praised what it described as the governor’s ‘relentless efforts’ to enhance critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the economy-particularly in the area of job creation.

‘These initiatives have not only improved living conditions but have also fostered a sense of unity and empowerment among the people,’ the communiqué noted.

It concluded with a message of solidarity: ‘As you continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities before you, please be assured that you have our unwavering support.’

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has opened up on the feud between herself and fellow colleague Tiwa Savage.

While speaking with Gbemi and Toolz on the Offair show, Tiwa Savage revealed that the misunderstanding began after a diss track was released.

She stated that she was accused of gatekeeping opportunities for other female artistes.

‘If you do something to me, I will let you know. I don’t have to let you know online. Like the whole shade thing, I’m not going to pretend like you and I are cool in a salon when you did a diss track. That was painful, and I didn’t know where it was coming from. Till today, maybe I need to have a conversation with Shay. I heard that they thought I blocked their bag. How? If you’ve heard from anybody that I tried to block your bag, mention the person so I can address it,’ she stated.

In a decisive move toward health sector sustainability, the Lagos State Government has convened a three-day High-Level Stakeholders’ Validation Meeting to review and validate findings from the HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Cost of Doing Business Assessment and Transition Plan.

The engagement, organised in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and development partners, marks a critical step in Lagos State’s efforts to secure long-term financing for essential health programmes.

Held at Amber Residence, GRA Ikeja, the meeting brought together representatives from government ministries, development agencies, civil society, and the private sector to evaluate the financial realities of delivering HIV, TB, and malaria services and to design a sustainable transition framework as donor funding continues to decline globally.

Delivering the welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff, Mr. Kadiri Semiu Oluwasanu, said the initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to ensuring Lagos State maintains momentum in tackling infectious diseases despite global funding shifts.

‘The Cost of Doing Business allows us to understand, with clarity and precision, what it truly costs to deliver quality health services,’ he explained.

‘Transition planning ensures that we move confidently from dependency to transparency, from government-driven interventions to locally-owned and efficiently managed programmes.’

Kadiri described the validation process as a pivotal moment for redefining accountability and local ownership in health financing, noting that Lagos has consistently led Nigeria’s response to infectious diseases through its strong health infrastructure and multi-sectoral partnerships.

He also lauded the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, for steering the state’s HIV response with strategic foresight, while appreciating development partners such as the Global Fund for their continued collaboration.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Animashaun reaffirmed the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to embedding health in the broader agenda of social and economic development under the Health and Environment pillar of the THEMES Plus Agenda.

‘This engagement ensures that health remains not just an outcome, but a driver of productivity, stability, and human capital development,’ she said.

‘Over the next three days, we have the opportunity to validate findings, harmonise perspectives, and define actionable steps to secure the future of HIV, TB, and malaria services in Lagos.’

Throughout the sessions, stakeholders examined the cost implications of sustaining disease control programmes within business environments and proposed mechanisms for integrating the Cost of Doing Business framework into state planning and budgeting. The consensus was clear: sustainability must be embedded within policy, institutional, and financial systems.

Participants called for continuous advocacy, capacity building, and policy reforms to institutionalise long-term funding strategies, while also urging stronger private sector engagement in addressing the economic impact of health challenges on productivity.

At the close of deliberations, stakeholders commended LSACA, NACA, and development partners for their collaborative efforts, pledging continued support for policies and initiatives that strengthen public health, economic resilience, and sustainable development in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdul’aziz Maituraka, has predicted victory of the party at all levels during the 2027 General Elections.

Maituraka expressed his confidence at a meeting with youths groups, widows’ associations, former Councillors, and other APC supporters in Katsina on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that Maituraka is a Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President and also Special Adviser to Gov. Dikko Radda.

He further affirmed that President Bola Tinubu would win the presidential election and Radda would secure re-election as the Governor of Katsina State.

Maituraka also applauded the role of women in the 2023 general elections, describing them as ‘promise keepers’.

‘Women contributed to the APC 2023 general elections’ victory, we encourage them to still do the same come 2027. What APC did in Nigeria can be widely seen by the citizens.

‘Don’t be deceived by the opposition. APC should be supported by all women in Katsina State. Radda is the best choice for Katsina.

‘The Katsina State Government had indeed played a significant role in taming insecurity. We have a good plan for the women to thrive in businesses,’ Maituraka said.

He, therefore, solicited the support and commitment of women, youths and groups to ensure the repeat of their support like they did in 2023.

According to him, their support will enable the candidates of the party to continue with the good work already in progress in the state and the nation as a whole.

The ‘Brain Trust’ (Èdè wa ni – ? Gbe L’árug?), a Yoruba socio-cultural group, has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising the Yoruba language and preserving its cultural heritage.

A statement on Sunday by Mr Olushola Macaulay, Director of the Project, said the commitment was made during the group’s inaugural meeting on Saturday.

Macaulay said the meeting recorded strong commitments from distinguished personalities, leaders, scholars and advocates.

He said members pledged to deploy their expertise, influence and resources to ensure the success of the initiative.

‘Today marks a turning point in our collective effort to preserve the Yoruba language and the rich cultural heritage it embodies,’ he said.

Macaulay added that the passion and strategic vision shown by members had exceeded expectations.

He said the Brain Trust would leverage its collective influence to engage traditional rulers, political leaders, business moguls and cultural icons across Yorubaland.

‘This strategic approach aims to create a groundswell of support that becomes a pan-Yoruba movement,’ he said.

The statement also quoted Dr Sharon Omotoso, a member of the group, as saying that the success of the initiative required the active participation of cultural leaders.

‘Our commitment is to open doors at the highest levels of Yoruba society to ensure that the project receives the recognition and support it deserves,’ she said.

Macaulay said the meeting also marked a major milestone with the approval of the official logo and brand identity for the Yoruba Language Preservation Project.

He said the logo, which features the talking drum, cock and a book, was unanimously endorsed as a symbol of the project’s mission.

Mr Paul Emokhare, a member of the group and media expert, said the logo captured the essence of Yoruba heritage while pointing toward the future.

Also, Mrs AnikeadeFunke Treasure-Akintoye, a prominent media personality, pledged to use her media connections to promote the project across traditional and digital platforms.

‘I am fully committed to using every media resource at my disposal to amplify this critical initiative,’ she said.

‘This is not just a project; it is a movement that requires visibility, engagement and sustained public conversation,’ she added.

Similarly, Mr Babatunde Tiamiyu, General Manager of Pensioners’ 106.7 FM, said the initiative was the most comprehensive effort to preserve the Yoruba language in a generation.

The Yoruba Language Preservation Project (Èdè wa ni – ? Gbe L’árug?) aims to revitalise and safeguard the Yoruba language and cultural heritage among adolescents aged 15 to 18.

It adopts a reality show-inspired format that engages youths from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and parts of Kogi, Kwara and Edo States in language learning and cultural activities.

According to the statement, the project combines education, cultural immersion, mentorship and media coverage to raise public awareness about the importance of language preservation.

Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final qualifying match on Sunday night.

The decisive encounter, played before a roaring home crowd, saw the Black Stars struggle to break down a resilient Comoros defence throughout the first half.

Despite dominating possession, Ghana’s attacking efforts were repeatedly frustrated by the visitors’ compact formation and disciplined defending.

However, just two minutes into the second half, star midfielder Mohammed Kudus produced the moment that mattered.

The West Ham United playmaker latched onto a clever through ball from Thomas Partey and slotted home past goalkeeper Youssouf Bourhane to hand Ghana the crucial breakthrough in the 47th minute.

The goal lifted the atmosphere in the stadium and allowed Ghana to dictate the tempo, though Comoros continued to threaten on the counter.

Coach Otto Addo made tactical substitutions to consolidate the lead, introducing Joseph Paintsil, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Collins Bonsu Baah to maintain energy and defensive balance.

Comoros, who had earlier stunned several higher-ranked teams in the qualifiers, pushed for a late equaliser, but Ghana’s backline, marshalled by Alexander Djiku and Daniel Amartey, held firm until the final whistle.

The narrow victory was enough to confirm Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

It marks the Black Stars’ return to football’s biggest stage, further reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.

With this result, Ghana finish top of their qualification group I with 25 points, six ahead of Madagascar and will now begin preparations for the global showpiece, where fans will once again expect them to emulate or even surpass their famous 2010 quarter-final run in South Africa.

Tragedy occurred late Friday night in Kogi when ten passengers perished in a road crash along the Obajana-Lokoja highway.

According to officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 11 others were seriously injured.

FRSC said the accident which involved a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number KTG 100YL occurred around 11:30 p.m. on October 10 near Apamaru.

The vehicle was said to be carrying 21 male passengers when it lost control due to excessive speeding and wrongful overtaking.

Preliminary investigations by FRSC officers confirmed that the driver was attempting to overtake another vehicle when he lost control, leading to the fatal crash.

A statement signed by the corps spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide on Saturday, said ‘All 10 victims died on the spot, while 11 others sustained serious injuries, including deep cuts, fractures, and bruises.’

The injured passengers were rushed to Fisayo Hospital in Obajana for treatment while remains of the deceased were handed over to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, as they were all Muslims.

The Sarikin Hausawa of Obajana coordinated the burial rites otherwise called Janasa.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, in the statement, expressed deep sorrow and issued a strong call for increased passenger vigilance, especially during night journeys.

He called on commercial vehicle operators to adhere strictly to road safety regulations, emphasising that the corps will intensify its enforcement on overloading and advocacy to discourage night journey across critical corridors in Nigeria.

He implored passengers to speak out and caution drivers whose actions endanger lives, noting that silence in the face of recklessness is complicity in tragedy.

He emphasised that there are too many dangers associated with night travel.

He urged commercial drivers to strictly adhere to safety regulations.