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Why I left Nollywood to raise my children abroad – Bukky Wright

Veteran Nollywood actress, Bukky Wright has explained why she stepped away from the Nigerian movie industry, saying she chose to focus on raising her children instead of continuing her acting career.

Speaking during an appearance on The Morayo Show, the 59-year-old actress said she relocated abroad because her children were living outside Nigeria and needed her support while growing up.

Wright, who returned to the screen in January 2025 with a role in Something About the Briggs after years away from acting, said she has no regrets about her decision and would make the same choice again.

‘I left the country many years ago because of my children, and I would do it over and over again if I had to. I think I need to apologise for leaving without letting my fans know, but mama duty called,’ she said.

The actress said being present for her children was more important than pursuing her career at the time.

‘My children were abroad, and we all know how difficult it can be for boys to be without a mother’s love. So, I was ready to leave everything behind for them because they are my future.’

Speaking about her return to Nollywood, Wright said she decided to revive her 2008 film Omotara Johnson after receiving repeated requests from fans.

‘My fans asked for the sequel to Omotara Johnson. They wanted it, so I decided to bring it back,’ she said.

She also revealed that she kept her return to acting private until filming had been completed.

‘I didn’t tell anybody I was coming back. A lot of people didn’t know I was shooting because I kept everything to myself. I’ve learnt that when you keep things close to your heart, they manifest better, and that really worked for me.

‘…It’s the return of Omotara Johnson and the return of Bukky Wright, and I’m here to stay.’

Moment Two Lawyers Stepped Up To Plead For Wontumi

The ‘Criminal Division 4’ of the Law Court Complex in Accra was filled to capacity last Monday when it delivered its judgment in the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for permitting others to mine on his company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

By the time the court handed Chairman Wontumi a 20-year jail sentence and a GHS120,000 fine, there was not a single empty space left in the courtroom.

Lawyers filled the Bar, curious onlookers and the overflow of lawyers filled the gallery while another group of lawyers occupied the chairs provided for accused persons.

Security was unusually tighter than before as police officers patrolled the courtroom and the corridor to ensure nothing untoward happened as the court delivered its judgment in what some describe as a politically charged case.

One moment that caught the attention of many in the courtroom, though, was when two private legal practitioners stepped in to plead on behalf of Chairman Wontumi, urging the court to hand him the barest minimum sentence. None of the lawyers are part of his legal team.

The lawyers stepped in when they realised that Charles Boakye, a seemingly younger lawyer who held the brief of Wontumi’s substantive counsel, Samuel Atta-Akyea, was somehow struggling to convince the court.

Mr. Boakye was able to establish the fact that Wontumi, who at that point had already been convicted, has a family that depended on him and longer sentence would negatively impact on them.

But it appeared his fellow learned colleagues in the courtroom were not convinced with his advocacy, and many of them were seen signalling to each other, while others thought he was not hitting the nail on the head.

That was when Bernard Owiredu Donkor, a private legal practitioner, stood up to address the court as a ‘friend of the court.’

The trial judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, noticing the lawyer’s desire to step in urged him to hold on until Mr. Boakye was done with his submission.

By the time Mr. Boakye was done, it was obvious a sizeable number of those in the courtroom were not convinced he was able to persuade the judge to consider a shorter sentence.

Mr. Donkor then got his chance. He said the man before the court ‘is no mean person but a very established business owner.’

He said Chairman Wontumi’s businesses span across real estate, media and chain supply, and they employ thousands of young Ghanaians.

‘As has been established in your judgment, he’s not only a mere owner of these businesses but the directing mind to these businesses as well. His being around is very crucial for the successes of his businesses which employ thousands of Ghanaian youth,’ he said.

Mr. Donkor further pointed out that the collapse or lack of progress in Chairman Wontumi’s businesses will not only affect him as the owner but will directly and indirectly affect the thousands of people who depend on his businesses.

‘The nation is at a critical moment where youth unemployment is very high and therefore, if the court is dealing with a person like Mr. Antwi Boasiako, whose visions and ideas have led to the establishment of businesses which employ a lot Ghanaians, in my humble opinion, the court cannot be oblivious to this and many indeed will be affected should he not find favour with the court today,’ he advocated.

Mr. Donkor, therefore, pleaded with the court to ‘consider this circumstance to pass on the barest minimum of sanctions.’

Another lawyer, Paul Asibi Abariga, acting as ‘a friend of the court’, associated himself with his colleague and urged the court to consider the fact that Chairman Wontumi was very regular during the trial and never missed any sitting.

‘We invite you to exercise your overriding discretion given to you by the Constitution in favour of the accused person in handing over the barest minimum of sentences so he could come out quickly and reconcile,’ he prayed.

Justice Kocuvie-Tay took plea mitigation into consideration and handed Wontumi a 20-year jail term instead of the maximum 25, and fined him GHS120,000, in default of which he will serve additional three years.

His company, Akonta Mining Limited, was also fined GHS180,000 for its role in unlawfully assigning the concession to a third party.

African judges pledge commitment for AfCFTA’s success

Chief Judges drawn from countries across the African continent have resolved to collaborate and support measures aimed at ensuring the success of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through an efficient, reliable and predictable dispute resolution system.

They agreed to explore ways to harmonize disputes resolution mechanisms in the continent with a view to making it easier and faster to resolve commercial disputes.

The resolutions formed part of the decisions taken at the third Africa Chief Justices’ Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya between June 18 and 19.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the African judicial leaders were of the view that commercial confidence depends largely on legal certainty.

They emphasised how structured Alternative Disputes Resolution could enhance commercial justice, protect the business environment and support the AfCFTA.

In her contribution, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun urged called on African judiciaries to proactively prepare for emerging challenges to disputes resolution in the continent.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who served as Co-Chair of the session on ‘Financial sector disputes, tax certainty and ADR: Building commercial confidence in Africa, noted that AfCFTA represents one of the most ambitious economic integration projects in modern history.

The CJN, who stressed the importance of a proactive Judiciary to the success of AfCFTA, warned that its success would depend, not only on trade protocols, tariff reductions and economic policies, but also on the strength and reliability of the institutions that support commerce.

Justice Kekere-Ekun urged her colleagues to examine how judiciaries in the continent, central banks, tax administrations and ADR institutions could work together to reduce uncertainty, prevent disputes, strengthen investor confidence and support the realization of AfCFTA’s objectives.

She envisaged the growth of intra-African trade to inevitably generate cross-border tax disputes; foreign exchange disputes; banking and payment system disputes; digital commerce disputes; enforcement of arbitral awards; recognition of foreign judgments; and disputes arising from regional supply chains.

The CJN, who said ‘African Judiciaries must proactively prepare for these emerging realities,’ challenged African judicial leaders on the importance of disputes prevention mechanism.

She stated that modern commercial justice must move beyond the traditional focus on disputes resolution after conflicts arise.

‘The most successful commercial systems are not those that generate the highest volumes of litigation but those that reduce the need for litigation,’ she added.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who stressed the importance of ADR, cautioned against seeing ADR as merely an alternative procedure.

She said ADR should rather be considered as a strategic tool for reducing transaction costs, preserving commercial relationships, enhancing investor confidence, reducing court congestion, improving ease of doing business and strengthening commercial certainty.

Sharing the Nigerian experiences, Justice Kekere-Ekun cited the recent decision by the Nigerian Supreme Court in the case of EMTS v. AFDIN Ventures Ltd. and Ors. (2026), which reaffirmed important principles of commercial certainty, including respect for arbitration agreements; recognition that consent may be inferred from conduct; judicial restraint from re-litigating arbitral disputes on the merits; and the importance of finality in arbitral awards.

According to her, the decision reinforced Nigeria’s position as an arbitration-supportive jurisdiction.

She identified timely resolution of tax disputes as an important factor in ensuring certainty and recommended Nigerian tax disputes resolution mechanism which she said ‘offers useful example of institutional reforms that support commercial certainty.’

Justice Kekere-Ekun recommended the Nigeria’s Tax Appeal Tribunal model, which she described as one of Nigeria’s most significant innovations.

According to Mr. Soniyi, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s message to his brother justices is clear: building an African commercial environment in which investors, businesses, regulators and citizens can transact across borders with confidence, secure in the knowledge that their rights will be protected and their obligations fairly enforced.

The summit advanced the goals of the African Chief Justices Alternative Dispute Resolution Forum (ACJADRF) to harmonize jurisprudence and establish common enforcement standards across the continent.

The CJN was, on the last day of the summit, nominated by the Chief Justice of Kenya as the Vice Chairperson of the Africa Chief Justice ADR Forum with effect from August 1, 2026. The nomination was ratified by the forum.

Yobe intensifies reforms to attract local, foreign Investors

The Yobe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a business-friendly environment and attracting investments to accelerate economic growth and industrial development across the state.

Deputy Governor Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana stated this on Tuesday while presiding over the fifth meeting of the Yobe State Ease of Doing Business Council at the Government House, Damaturu.

Gubana said the administration remained committed to implementing policies that would accelerate industrialisation, promote clean energy, create sustainable employment opportunities and consolidate Governor Mai Mala Buni’s vision of positioning Yobe as a leading destination for business, innovation and investment in northern Nigeria.

He said the government would continue to provide the enabling environment needed for businesses to thrive while strengthening reforms aimed at improving the state’s investment climate.

The council deliberated on the Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP) 2026, which is designed to improve the ease of doing business in the state through reforms in key sectors.

Discussions focused on measures to create a more business-friendly environment by strengthening land administration, improving infrastructure and expanding access to finance for businesses and investors.

The meeting also commended officials of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) for their engagement with stakeholders during the 2026 Sub-National Engagement and Reform Tour held in Damaturu.

Council members resolved to review the outcomes of the PEBEC town hall meeting with government agencies, private sector operators and other stakeholders, with a view to implementing recommendations that would further enhance the state’s business environment.

Speaking on behalf of the council, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Kaigama Umar Yusufari, said the council reiterated that the state would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, attracting both local and foreign investments, and creating an investor-friendly ecosystem capable of driving sustainable economic development.

PHLPost clarifies: No valid ID required to apply for a Postal ID

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) clarified that Filipinos do not need an existing valid government-issued ID to apply for a Postal ID.

Applicants only need to submit a Birth Certificate, a Barangay Certificate or other acceptable proof of address, and a duly accomplished Postal ID application form. These have long been the standard requirements for first-time applicants.

Applicants who are unable to present a Barangay Certificate may instead submit other accepted proof of address, such as a recent electricity, water, internet, or other utility bill reflecting their name and current residential address.

PHLPost issued the clarification to reinforce public awareness of the Postal ID application requirements and address the misconception that applicants must already possess another valid government-issued ID before they can obtain one.

‘The Postal ID has always been intended to make it easier for Filipinos to establish their identity, especially those applying for their first government-issued ID,’ said Postmaster General and CEO Maximo C. Sta. Maria III. ‘By presenting a Birth Certificate and proof of address, eligible applicants can already begin the process of securing a trusted government-issued ID.’

As one of the country’s most accessible government-issued identification cards, the Postal ID is especially beneficial for first-time ID holders, students, job seekers, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and individuals in underserved communities.

Widely accepted in both public and private transactions, the Postal ID may be used for opening bank accounts, applying for a passport, claiming parcels, sending and receiving mail, and processing various legal and financial transactions.

Lagos begins free maternal, child health week, warns against quacks

THE Lagos State Government on Monday commenced the first round of the 2026 Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week, urging residents to embrace preventive healthcare and avoid unqualified healthcare providers.

The exercise, which will run from July 20 to 24, will provide free healthcare services at all public primary healthcare centres and designated outreach sites across the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at improving the health of mothers, children, adolescents and families.

She said residents would benefit from free services including Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, routine immunisation, antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, nutrition counselling, tuberculosis screening, HIV counselling and testing, growth monitoring and health education.

The First Lady also expressed concern over rising social vices, disclosing that more than 4,000 rape cases were reported in Lagos in 2025, while drug abuse among adolescents continued to increase.

She urged residents to report cases of domestic and sexual violence through the state’s toll-free line, 08000333333, assuring that the government remained committed to protecting vulnerable persons and prosecuting offenders.

Sanwo-Olu also warned pregnant women against seeking care from unqualified birth attendants, saying patronage of quacks had continued to result in avoidable complications and deaths.

‘Our pregnant women should stop seeking services from quacks. I call on the Traditional Medicine Board, law enforcement agencies and community leaders to strengthen monitoring efforts and bring these criminals to justice,’ she said.

Highlighting achievements recorded during the previous round of the programme, she disclosed that over 4.19 million children received Vitamin A supplements, 4.36 million children were dewormed, more than 17,500 pregnant women and nursing mothers accessed antenatal and postnatal services, while over 216,900 women and men benefited from family planning services.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, described the MNCAH+N Week as one of Lagos State’s flagship public health initiatives, noting that the programme was originally developed by Lagos before its adoption nationwide by the National Council on Health in 2010.

According to her, this year’s exercise targets children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and adolescents, while preventive healthcare services will also be available for men.

She noted that maternal and child mortality remained a major public health concern despite progress recorded over the years and urged residents who had defaulted in routine healthcare to take advantage of the free outreach.

Ogunyemi also appreciated development partners including UNICEF, UNFPA, the Gates Foundation and Agrim Pharmaceuticals for supporting the programme.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide, urged residents to become ambassadors of healthy living by encouraging neighbours and relatives to patronise government health facilities.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Kehinde Almaroof-Oluyede, said the council was strengthening primary healthcare through investments in infrastructure, emergency response and routine public health interventions.

UNICEF Lagos Chief of Office, Celine Lafoucriere, commended the Lagos State Government for sustaining investments in child nutrition and maternal health, noting that Lagos is home to about three million children under the age of five.

She said UNICEF supported the current campaign with Vitamin A capsules, micronutrient supplements and community mobilisation, while urging the state to ensure a successful second round of the programme before the end of November.

The first round of the 2026 MNCAH+N Week will run until July 24, with free services available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at public primary healthcare facilities and designated centres across the state.

JAMAICA-CRIME- Child protection agency horrified by rape and murder of 10 year old girl

Jamaica’s Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says it is ‘horrified and deeply saddened’ by the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl whose body was found along a dirt track in the northern parish of Trelawny earlier this week.

The child has been identified as Shani Coke, also known as ‘Kaja.’

The agency said the tragedy is another painful reminder that too many Jamaican children continue to be victims of horrific violence at the hands of adults who should be protecting them.

‘Every child has the right to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment where they are protected, valued and given the opportunity to realise their full potential,’ the CPFSA said.

Chief Executive Officer Laurette Adams-Thomas expressed condolences to Shani’s family and the wider Troy community, saying the agency is mourning alongside them.

‘Each time a child is abused or murdered, our society has failed,’ Adams-Thomas said.

According to police, Shani was walking home from a nearby shop shortly after midday on Tuesday when she was abducted. Her body was later discovered by a farmer searching for one of his cows after hearing unusual sounds coming from nearby bushes.

Following the discovery, an angry mob attacked a father and son after accusing the son of raping and killing the child. Police said the son was beaten, chopped and stoned to death, while his father was also assaulted and remains hospitalized.

Adams-Thomas condemned the mob killing, saying ‘jungle justice’ is not an appropriate response.

She said CPFSA first responders are in the community assessing whether other children connected to the family require immediate protection and evaluating the psychosocial needs of the victim’s relatives. The agency said it stands ready to provide support and continues to work closely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force as investigations continue.

The CPFSA is urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to cooperate with the police.

Panitchaphon keeps Thai hopes alive

Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul kept the Thai hopes alive in Changzhou after the 21-year-old rising star booked his berth in the last 16 of the US$2 million BWF China Open on Wednesday.

Panitchaphon is the only Thai player left in the men’s singles event after Kunlavut Vitidsarn suffered a shock early exit on Wednesday in the season’s final Super 1000 tournament.

Panitchaphon edged Koki Watanabe of Japan in two tough games, 21-19, 21-19, to advance to the last 16 after 43 minutes. Awaiting the Thai star in the last 16 on Thursday is home favourite and world No.1 Shi Yuqi of China.

Shi came through his first round match when his Singaporean opponent Jason Teh retired with an injury during the second game on Tuesday.

Meanwhile world No.2 Kunlavut suffered a shock loss in his opening match against the 30th-ranked Rasmus Gemke of Denmark, 21-13, 8-21, 21-19 in 71 minutes.

The loss continues a poor spell for the Thai star, who lost to Yushi Tanaka — another opponent he should have beaten — in the quarter-finals of the Japan Open last week. Kunlavut won his only title this year at the season-opening Malaysia Open back in January.

The Thai contingent suffered more blows as both Supanida Katethong and Pornpawee Chochuwong crashed out in the opening round of the women’s singles event.

Supanida tamely lost to Akane Yamaguchi 21-13, 21-1 — her 10th consecutive loss against the Japanese — while Pornpawee, the eighth seed, retired during her first round match against Huang Yu-hsun of Taiwan.

Women’s singles player Pitchamon Opatniputh and mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran were scheduled to play their first round matches later on Wednesday.

Also on Thursday, Ratchanok Intanon and Busanan Ongbamrungphan, who both needed three games to overcome their first round opponents on Tuesday, will play Nguyen Thuy Linh of Vietnam and sixth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia respectively.

Mixed doubles pair Pakkapon Teeraratsakul/Sapsiree Taerattanachai will take on sixth seeds Tom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France while women’s doubles players Benyapa Aimsaard/Nuntakarn Aimsaard will play either Kim Hye-Jeong/Kong Hee-Yong of South Korea or Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma/Meilysa Trias Puspitasari of Indonesia.

FULL LIST: Top 10 African footballers at 2026 World Cup

Africa’s record 10 representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced several standout performances, with players from across the continent leaving a lasting impression on football’s biggest stage.

From prolific goalscorers to commanding midfielders and inspirational goalkeepers, African stars played key roles for their respective nations throughout the tournament.

Based on performances recognised by FIFA and other football rankings, here are the top 10 African performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

1. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)

Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr finished as Africa’s leading scorer at the tournament after an outstanding campaign. The Crystal Palace forward netted four goals and consistently troubled defenders with his pace, direct running and attacking intelligence.

2. Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)

Yoane Wissa played a pivotal role in DR Congo’s historic World Cup campaign. The Newcastle United forward returned from injury to score three goals, including a decisive brace that helped the Leopards reach the knockout stage for the first time.

3. Yan Diomande (Côte d’Ivoire)

Teenage winger Yan Diomande emerged as one of the tournament’s brightest young talents. The RB Leipzig star impressed with his pace, dribbling ability and creativity as Côte d’Ivoire advanced to the knockout rounds.

4. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)

Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi once again showcased his quality on the biggest stage. His creativity, goals and overall influence were instrumental in the Atlas Lions’ deep run in the competition.

5. Vozinha (Cape Verde)

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha became one of the tournament’s biggest revelations. The 40-year-old produced a series of outstanding performances, including a memorable display against Spain, earning global acclaim.

6. Ismael Saibari (Morocco)

Morocco’s Ismael Saibari enjoyed a breakthrough World Cup, becoming one of Africa’s leading scorers and making history by scoring in all three group-stage matches.

7. Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire)

Amad Diallo lived up to expectations with several influential displays for Côte d’Ivoire, contributing important goals while providing creativity and attacking energy.

8. Pape Gueye (Senegal)

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye impressed with his all-action performances, combining defensive discipline with attacking contributions to establish himself among the tournament’s standout midfielders.

9. Emam Ashour (Egypt)

Egypt midfielder Emam Ashour emerged as one of the Pharaohs’ key performers, scoring crucial goals and playing a central role in the team’s impressive run to the Round of 16.

10. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza announced himself on the world stage with a string of eye-catching performances. The 20-year-old’s dribbling ability, composure and creativity stood out despite Algeria’s early exit.

Heavy rain causes flooding in Pattaya

Pattaya City was partially flooded after more than an hour of heavy rain early Thursday morning.

Flooding was reported on a road parallel to a railway from Soi Khao Talo to Soi Khao Noi at 5am. It became impassable for motorcycles and passenger cars as water was between 10 and 70 centimetres deep. Many vehicles broke down there.

Local officials placed steel barricades to close the road.

Flooding was also reported on sections of major roads in Chon Buri, including Sukhumvit Road and the Bueng Bypass, disrupting travel towards Pattaya and Rayong.

There are flood-prone areas in Pattaya as many parts of the city are low-lying. However, flood drainage normally finishes quickly.

Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet wrote in a recent social media post that work is continuing to replace many old drainage pipes that are only 60cm in diameter.

Work has already been completed at more than half of the 20 chronic flooding spots that officials have identified, he said.