Category: Auto Guid

Celebrated British artist, David Hockney, has died at the age of 88.

His publicist, Erica Bolton, confirmed that the renowned artist died peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 11, 2026, about one month before his 89th birthday.

“The celebrated British artist David Hockney, one of the most important figures in contemporary art in both the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away peacefully at home on 11 June 2026, one month short of his 89th birthday,” Bolton said in a statement.

Hockney was widely regarded as one of Britain’s most influential modern artists and a major figure in the Pop Art movement.

He rose to prominence in the 1960s with works that became central to English pop art.

His paintings of swimming pools and swimmers, particularly those inspired by life in California, became some of his most recognisable works.

Apart from pool scenes, Hockney also painted gardens, countryside landscapes, portraits of people close to him, and several self-portraits during his long career.

In recent years, the artist had battled health challenges and was said to have had full-time carers at his home.

He suffered a minor stroke in 2013 but continued to work and exhibit.

His latest exhibition paid tribute to members of his inner circle, including portraits of Thomas Mupfupi, one of his carers, and Jack Ransome, who makes his glasses.

Hockney’s death brings to an end a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades and left a lasting mark on contemporary art.

By Adeyemi Adeleye

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has paid glowing tributes to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, cautioning against actions capable of scuttling Nigeria’s democracy.

The party noted that the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today, urging Nigerians to remain united in preserving democracy.

The APC Chairman in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said this in a statement issued on Friday to commemorate Democracy Day.

Ojelabi said June 12 remained a powerful symbol of sacrifice, patriotism and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people.

He paid glowing tributes to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other democracy activists.

“Today, we pay solemn tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, GCFR, the symbol of the June 12 struggle, whose sacrifice remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey. We also honour the memory of the late Kudirat Abiola and countless pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students, women, civil society advocates and ordinary Nigerians. Their sacrifices remain the bedrock of the democratic freedoms we enjoy today, and their legacy continues to inspire our collective pursuit of justice, freedom, national unity and progress.” he said.

The APC chairman also commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

He said the decision corrected a historical injustice and immortalised the heroes of the democratic struggle.

“The APC Lagos State Chapter salutes former President Muhammadu Buhari for his historic decision to officially recognise June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. That courageous decision corrected a long-standing historical injustice and permanently aligned our national democratic celebration with the true symbol of the Nigerian people’s democratic struggle. It also accorded deserved national honours to Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other heroes of democracy,” he said.

Ojelabi praised President Bola Tinubu for his role in the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate.

He said Tinubu remained one of the foremost champions of democratic governance in Nigeria.

Ojelabi said: “We also salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,, a foremost democrat and one of the leading figures in the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate. His courage during the darkest days of military rule and his contributions to the pro-democracy movement have earned him a distinguished place in Nigeria’s democratic history. Today, under his leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is pursuing bold reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and expanding economic opportunities.”

The APC chairman called on Nigerians, particularly party members and stakeholders, to uphold the values of peace, unity and mutual respect.

He said unity remained critical to preserving democratic gains and ensuring national progress.

“As we commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, the party calls on all members, leaders, stakeholders and supporters to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, discipline, loyalty and mutual respect. We must not allow personal interests or temporary disagreements to undermine the unity that has remained our greatest strength. Let us remain united in purpose and focused on the greater objective of advancing the progress and prosperity of Lagos State and Nigeria.”

Ojelabi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to deepening democracy, promoting good governance and supporting policies aimed at national development.

He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of June 12 heroes in building a stronger, more prosperous and united country

By Bashir Bello

A 30-year-old transporter, Muhammad Abubakar, who was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) with four RPG tubes, three AK-47 and two empty magazines in Kano has confessed that he knew the guns were meant for robbery.

Abubakar made the confession after he was paraded by DSS operatives at the State Command of the Service in Kano on Friday.

DSS said the suspect, a transporter, was arrested while on errand to transport four RPG tubes, three AK-47 and two empty magazines to a destination in Funtua, Katsina State.

“The suspect confessed that he was to be settled, N450,000 upon delivery of the items, before he was arrested.

The Service said Abubakar was arrested in Gezawa Local Government area of Kano State following Intelligence tip off.

The transporter, according to DSS, confessed during interrogation that he collected the items from one Bello in Maigatari border area, in Jigawa state, for onward delivery in the insecurity prone area.

Speaking to journalists, Abubakr, who claimed it was the first time he was transporting such deadly cargoes expressed regret over his action.

He added that one Bello gave him the weapons for transportation to Funtua.

“I hail from Mokwa in Niger State, from where I transport passengers to Kano and return to Abuja or Mokwa.

“Recently, one Bello pressurised me to help him transport some guns from Maigatari.

“I didn’t know him, we only spoke on the phone. That was the first time we met and my first engagement with him.

“Initially, I told him I was not going, but, after one week of mounting pressure on me, I went to him yesterday, and he brought out the guns.

“I was arrested on the way while transporting the guns to Funtua,” the suspect said.

The suspect added that he could not remember the name of the person he was to deliver the guns to, but he was given the person’s telephone number

“I know the guns are meant for robbery, but I was destined to be arrested in this circumstance.

“We agreed he will pay me N450,000 upon delivery,” the suspect said.

DSS said the suspect will be prosecuted, while efforts were ongoing with other sister security agencies to trail his accomplice.

(NAN

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team will this weekend embark on the South East Edition of the National Media inspection of projects.

Tunde Rahman, Director, Media and Publicity, Renewed Hope Ambassador who announced this in a statement on Friday said the tour of legacy projects undertaken by the President Bola Tinubu government in the South-East zone will take off from Ebonyi State on Saturday June 13, 2026, and end in Imo State on June 17th.

According to the statement, the five-day media engagement will bring together over 50 editors and journalists from across Nigeria for an extensive tour designed to showcase the achievements, ongoing projects, and developmental strides of the administration of President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added that aspects of the tour will include project inspections, stakeholder engagements, media interactions, and strategic discussions on national development.

Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Imo states in the South-East geopolitical zone will be covered during the tour.

The Renewed Hope National Media Tour remains a unique platform for promoting factual reporting, strengthening government-media relations, and providing Nigerians with firsthand information on the impact of policies and programmes being implemented across the country.

The tour had earlier taken over 70 editors and government officials to the North-West zone.

Federal Government’s legacy intervention projects like the Kaduna-Kano- Katsina -Maradi railway projects, Kebbi corridor of the Sokoto-Badagry highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, Kaduna Western Bypass, irrigation project in Jigawa and the ecological intervention projects in Wujuwuju-Jakara area in Kano among others were inspected in the North-West.

TSpeaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has facilitated the release of 21 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

The intervention involved the payment of N17.506 million to cover fines and other financial obligations that had prevented the inmates from regaining their freedom.

Speaking during a visit to the facility on Friday, Abbas said most of the beneficiaries were serving sentences linked to minor offences but had remained in custody because they could not afford court-imposed fines.

He expressed concern over the situation, noting that some inmates had spent extended periods behind bars over relatively small sums.

According to him, it was troubling that certain inmates were still incarcerated because they could not pay fines of less than N100,000.

Explaining the purpose of the visit, the Speaker said he deliberately chose to spend Democracy Day with inmates and correctional personnel in order to assess conditions within the facility.

“I have chosen to celebrate Democracy Day by visiting places of this nature to see with my own eyes how inmates are faring and how personnel are running the facility.”

Abbas praised the management of the custodial centre, saying the environment was well maintained despite operational challenges.

“What I have seen is quite gladdening. There is improvement in the cleanliness of the facility and the morale of staff is high. The inmates also appear to be in good health.”

He said findings from the inspection would be presented to the National Assembly to support future interventions through budgetary allocations.

The Speaker identified the facility’s clinic, school and vocational training centre as areas requiring immediate attention.

He noted that the clinic was in poor condition and required urgent rehabilitation to improve healthcare services available to inmates.

Abbas also called for the renovation of the centre’s school to provide a more suitable environment for educational programmes, while promising support for the upgrade of the skills acquisition centre to strengthen vocational training and improve the prospects of inmates after their release.

As part of the visit, he donated 21 motorcycles to personnel of the custodial centre to ease transportation difficulties and improve staff welfare.

He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting reforms and initiatives aimed at improving correctional facilities and enhancing the welfare of both inmates and correctional officers nationwide.

In a separate intervention, Abbas distributed 1,000 motorcycles to primary and secondary school teachers across Zaria Federal Constituency to assist their mobility and ease transportation challenges.

Africa’s Fortnite streamer, Toxin_Ace, is leveraging his growing influence in the gaming world to mentor aspiring players and accelerate the development of esports across the continent.

Known for his exceptional Fortnite skills, engaging content, and strong community presence, Toxin_Ace has emerged as one of Africa’s most recognizable gaming personalities. While his competitive achievements have earned him widespread acclaim, his efforts to educate, inspire, and support upcoming gamers are increasingly defining his impact on the African esports landscape.

Widely regarded as one of the continent’s most successful Fortnite players, Toxin_Ace has built a reputation for combining technical excellence with entertaining gameplay. His performances are often marked by strategic precision, quick decision-making, and an ability to thrive under pressure, qualities that have helped him attract a loyal and rapidly growing audience.

However, beyond his achievements in competition, Toxin_Ace has positioned himself as an educator within the gaming community. Through regular live streams on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, he provides viewers with a blend of entertainment and practical learning opportunities.

“I want my streams to be fun to watch, but also teach new players and people trying to go pro a few things,” he said.

His broadcasts frequently feature gameplay breakdowns, tactical insights, and tips designed to help players improve their performance and better understand the competitive side of Fortnite.

Toxin_Ace has also become a vocal advocate for the growth of esports in Africa. Using his platform to promote gaming as a viable career path, he encourages young Africans to develop their skills and pursue opportunities within the rapidly expanding industry.

“I use my streams to encourage other African gamers to get into esports and get better at playing,” he explained.

As esports continues to gain traction globally, industry observers believe influential creators like Toxin_Ace are playing a crucial role in ensuring African talent receives greater visibility and access to professional opportunities.

Part of his appeal lies in his accessibility and genuine connection with his audience. Unlike many high-profile gaming personalities, Toxin_Ace maintains active engagement with his followers, regularly interacting with fans across social media platforms and offering guidance to newcomers.

“I talk to them on social media, keep things positive, and help out new players,” he said.

This hands-on approach has helped him foster an inclusive gaming community where aspiring players feel supported and encouraged to develop their abilities.

Discussing what sets him apart from others, Toxin_Ace pointed to his ability to adapt quickly and think creatively, qualities he believes have contributed significantly to his success.

“Everyone is special in his or her own way. However, I must say that I can easily decode any beat a producer makes and I can easily adapt,” he said, drawing comparisons between his creative instincts and his approach to gaming.

As his influence continues to expand, Toxin_Ace is increasingly being viewed as more than a successful gamer. Through a combination of elite performance, educational content, and community-building efforts, he is helping to redefine what it means to be a professional esports personality in Africa.

His journey reflects the growing opportunities available within the gaming industry and highlights the potential for African talent to compete and succeed on the global stage. With Fortnite’s popularity continuing to rise across the continent, Toxin_Ace remains at the forefront of a movement that is inspiring a new generation of gamers and contributing to the long-term growth of African esports.

Through his dedication to competition, mentorship, and community development, Toxin_Ace is not only building his own legacy but also helping shape the future of gaming in Africa.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure that the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are peaceful, transparent and credible.

The President made the appeal on Friday during his Democracy Day address to the nation, warning that public confidence in democracy depends largely on the integrity of the electoral process.

With both states preparing to head to the polls in the coming days, Tinubu stressed the need for all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that voters are allowed to freely exercise their constitutional rights.

“In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process,” the President said.

Tinubu used the occasion of Nigeria’s 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic rule to reflect on the country’s democratic journey since the return to civilian governance in 1999.

According to him, Nigeria has successfully sustained peaceful transfers of power through the ballot box and resolved political disputes through democratic institutions rather than violence.

The President also called on the National Assembly, the judiciary, the media and civil society organisations to continue safeguarding democratic institutions and strengthening public trust in governance.

“To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” he stated.

Tinubu further appealed to young Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process, urging them to build their future in the country through innovation, enterprise and voting.

“Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he said.

The President described June 12 as a defining chapter in Nigeria’s history and urged citizens to remain committed to unity, democratic governance and national development.

He expressed optimism that the upcoming elections would further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic credentials and reinforce public confidence in the country’s electoral system.

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report says the ongoing conflict in the Middle-East is expected to slow global economic growth to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A statement from the bank’s Online Media Briefing Centre on Thursday noted that this was as higher energy prices, rising inflation and increased borrowing costs weigh on economies worldwide

The report projected global growth to decline to 2.5 per cent in 2026 from 2.9 per cent in 2025, with growth forecasts for about two-thirds of economies downgraded from its January assessment.

It said global growth would improve slightly to 2.8 per cent in 2027 but remain 0.4 percentage points below the average growth rate recorded during the 2010s.

The report noted that weak growth in developing economies had stalled progress toward advanced economic income levels.

According to the report, developing economies, excluding China and India, are on course to experience nearly a decade without meaningful progress in closing their per capita income gap with advanced economies by 2028.

It quoted World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga, as saying “developing countries have faced a series of challenges over the past decade.

“The impact differs by country, but the basic test is the same: protect people and preserve stability today, without giving up on growth and jobs tomorrow.

“Our job is to help countries steady the ship, keep reforms moving, and emerge on the other side.”

It said the World Bank was providing liquidity support where needed, and remained prepared to offer additional financing, guarantees and private-sector solutions should economic pressures intensify.

The report attributed much of the current economic strain to disruptions in global energy markets following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

It projected Brent crude oil prices to average 94 dollars per barrel in 2026, representing a 36 per cent increase over 2025 levels, assuming the worst disruptions ease by July.

The report also forecasts significant increases in fertiliser prices, warning that higher input costs would further drive up global food prices.

“As a result, global inflation is expected to rise to 4.0 per cent this year, up from 3.3 per cent in 2025.”

It warned that risks to the outlook remained substantial.

“If energy supply disruptions become more severe and trigger financial stress, global growth could fall further to 1.3 per cent in 2026, while inflation could rise to 4.4 per cent.”

The report said growth in developing economies was projected to drop to a post pandemic low of 3.6 per cent in 2026 from 4.4 per cent in 2025 before recovering to 4.2 per cent in 2027.

It said Gulf economies directly affected by the conflict would suffer the largest setback, with growth expected to drop from 3.9 per cent in 2025 to near zero in 2026.

“However, growth in those economies is forecast to rebound to about five per cent during 2027 and 2028 as trade resumes and reconstruction spending begins.”

The report said the bank had made between 50 billion and 60 billion dollars available through existing financing instruments to help developing countries manage the crisis.

It said the support package includes 25 billion dollars in pre-arranged financing for social safety nets, fiscal support and liquidity assistance for businesses and farms.

According to the report, more than 30 countries are already working with the World Bank to strengthen preparedness and facilitate rapid responses under the response plan.

It said the bank could increase support to between 80 billion and 100 billion dollars over a 15-month period if the conflict and its economic consequences persisted.

Regionally, the report said South Asia was expected to remain the fastest-growing area in 2026, although growth is projected to slow from seven per cent in 2025 to 6.3 per cent.

It said Sub-Saharan Africa was also expected to experience slower growth, largely due to inflationary pressures, including rising food prices linked to fertiliser shortages and higher costs.

Ayhan Kose, the World Bank’s Deputy Chief Economist and Director of the Prospects Group, said the crisis also presented an opportunity for policy reforms.

“The conflict has taken a toll on global activity, but every crisis also brings an opportunity.

“This moment should be used to strengthen policy frameworks, invest in infrastructure, accelerate business-enabling reforms, and mobilise private capital to support job creation at scale,” the report added.NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted and sentenced five men, including a Nigerien citizen to 25-years’ imprisonment each for terrorism offences.

Justice Binta Nyako handed down the judgment after the convicts pleaded guilty to the four-count charge preferred against them by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The convicts are Yusuf Mohammed (aka Bature), Goni Ibrahim Bindi (aka Goni Mutuwa), Sani Tulur (aka Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim and Musa Alhaji Adamu (aka Gado Banufe).

After their guilty plea, the prosecution sought to tender items recovered from the defendants.

With the court’s permission, the prosecution tendered a forwarding letter, accompanied with the investigation report and the statements of the defendants.

The prosecution also tendered 15 units of AK 103 rifles complete with its magazines and 1434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, to which the defence raised no objection.

Justice Nyako admitted the items as exhibits and proceeded to convict the defendants.

The judge then asked the defendants to make a plea of allocutus each, which they did.

The prosecution, therefore, applied that a Volkswagen car, used in transporting arms and ammunition, be forfeited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In her judgment, Justice Nyako found the defendants guilty as charged and convicted them.

She sentenced them to 25 years each on count one.

On counts two and three, she sentenced the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants to seven years jail term each while, on count four, only the 1st defendant bagged 25 years imprisonment.

The judge ordered that the sentences shall run concurrently, beginning from the date of their arrest.

She ordered that the convicts should serve their terms of improvement in a place designated by the Minister of Interior.

Justice Nyako equally ordered that the exhibits recovered from them be forfeited to the Federal Government.

In count one, the convicts between April 23 and April 24 were alleged to have committed the offence.

They were alleged to have jointly conspired “to render assistance to a terrorist by agreeing and intentionally playing various roles towards conveying 15 AK 103 rifles as well as about 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from Diffa region, Republic of Niger, to one Malam Ahmad.”

Ahmad is said to be a member of the Boko Haram terrorist group based in Borgu LGA of Niger State.

The offence is contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts.

(NAN)

Olori Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, has been appointed Special Envoy and Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the World Investment Summit (WIS) Group through the Presidency.

This move is expected to strengthen global investment advocacy and promote sustainable economic development across emerging markets.

The appointment was formally conferred on the Queen in Abuja on Monday by former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of the World Investment Summit Group, Yakubu Dogara.

The World Investment Summit Abuja 2026 is a Presidency-backed international investment conference convened under the Renewed Hope Transformation Agenda.

According to Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, the appointment reflects the organisation’s confidence in Olori Temitope’s leadership, influence, and commitment to advancing development initiatives through cultural diplomacy and international engagement.

He described the Queen as a distinguished representative of Nigeria’s cultural heritage whose profile and public service credentials make her well-suited to advance the objectives of the World Investment Summit.

“Her Regal Majesty represents the very best of Nigeria. She embodies integrity, compassion, cultural diplomacy, and visionary leadership. We are confident that her role as Special Envoy will strengthen global engagement and attract meaningful investments that can drive economic transformation,” Dogara said.

According to him, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most strategic investment destinations, with vast opportunities in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, technology, creative industries, and the rapidly expanding digital economy.

The World Investment Summit is an international platform that brings together governments, investors, development partners, financial institutions, corporate leaders, innovators, and policymakers to promote cross-border investments and economic cooperation.

The 2026 edition of the summit is scheduled to be held in Abuja from 14 to 16 October. It is projected to attract more than 8,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, diplomats, multinational business executives, sovereign wealth fund managers, development finance institutions, investment promotion agencies, academics, and international media organisations.

Organisers said the summit will focus on unlocking investments in critical sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, climate finance, infrastructure, digital transformation, public-private partnerships, and emerging technologies.

The event is expected to provide a high-level platform for policy dialogue, investment facilitation, and strategic partnerships to accelerate sustainable development and strengthen capital flows into developing economies.

The organisers also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to host the global gathering, citing the country’s position as Africa’s largest economy, its strategic role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and ongoing reforms designed to improve the investment climate.

Projected outcomes of the summit include major investment commitments, expanded public-private partnerships, enhanced technology transfer, climate finance mobilisation, and stronger frameworks for investment governance and economic competitiveness.

In her acceptance remarks, Olori Temitope, who is also the Deputy Convener of Hopealives Initiative for Africa (HAI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) of the Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed appreciation to the World Investment Summit Group for the honour and pledged to use the platform to advance investment promotion, economic co-operation, and sustainable development.

“I am deeply honoured by this appointment and the trust placed in me. I will strive to be a worthy ambassador of the World Investment Summit Group and a strong advocate for initiatives that foster economic growth and global partnerships,” she said.

The Queen described Nigeria as a country rich in opportunities, noting its abundant resources, entrepreneurial population, and growing market potential.

She called on investors worldwide to explore opportunities across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, stressing that strategic investments would drive job creation, innovation, business growth, and inclusive development.

“Nigeria is a nation of great opportunities. We welcome investors from around the world to partner with us in unlocking the enormous potential that exists across our economy. Together, we can build sustainable prosperity and create lasting value for future generations,” she added.

Industry observers say the appointment could further elevate the profile of the World Investment Summit Group while leveraging the influence of traditional institutions and cultural diplomacy to attract investments and drive sustainable development across Nigeria, Africa, and the broader global community.