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Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has urged fans to be patient with manager Ruben Amorim, insisting the Portuguese tactician deserves at least three years to prove he’s the right man for the job.

Amorim, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in November last year, has endured a turbulent spell at Old Trafford. United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their worst campaign since 1974 when the club was relegated.

Despite spending over £200 million on new signings in the summer, the Red Devils have already suffered three league defeats this season and were embarrassingly knocked out of the EFL Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town. Rumours swirled last week that Amorim’s job was on the line, but Ratcliffe dismissed such claims, describing the coach as a ‘good guy’ who simply needs time.

‘He has not had the best of seasons,’ Ratcliffe said on The Business podcast by The Times.

‘Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.’

The Ineos billionaire, who controls major football decisions at the club despite owning just under 30%, also took a swipe at the media for demanding instant success. ‘The press, sometimes I don’t understand,’ Ratcliffe said.

‘They want overnight success. They think it’s a light switch you flick it and everything’s fine tomorrow. You can’t run Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions.’

Ratcliffe further defended the Glazer family, often criticised by fans, describing them as ‘passionate’ about the club.

When asked if the Glazers could force Amorim’s dismissal, he replied firmly:

‘That’s not going to happen.’

Amorim, 40, has faced heavy criticism for sticking to his 3-4-2-1 formation, but Ratcliffe appears determined to back his manager – at least for now.

Researchers said Medics have successfully transplanted a pig liver into a human in a world first. The patient, a 71-year-old man, lived for almost half a year after the procedure.

The man’s own liver had irreversible scarring caused by a hepatitis B infection and liver cancer.

As a result, he was not eligible for a human liver transplant.

This is the first time that a liver from a genetically-modified pig has been transplanted in a human for ‘therapeutic purposes’.

Two cases have previously been reported in brain dead patients as part of preparatory work.

Writing in the Journal of Hepatology, researchers said they have found that genetically modified pig livers can support key metabolic and synthetic functions in humans.

Scientists in China described how they implanted an ‘auxiliary graft’ from a genetically modified Diannan miniature pig, these gene edits were designed to enhance organ compatibility.

For the first month, medics found that the graft functioned effectively.

But on day 38, the graft was removed following complications linked to the transplant a condition called xenotransplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (xTMA).

Researchers reported that treatment resolved the xTMA, but in spite of this the patient died 171 days after the transplant.

‘This case proves that a genetically engineered pig liver can function in a human for an extended period,’ said lead investigator Dr Beicheng Sun, from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in China’s Anhui Province.

‘It is a pivotal step forward, demonstrating both the promise and the remaining hurdles, particularly regarding coagulation dysregulation and immune complications, that must be overcome.’

In an accompanying editorial, Dr Heiner Wedemeyer, co-editor of the Journal, said: ‘This report is a landmark in hepatology,it shows that a genetically modified porcine liver can engraft and deliver key hepatic functions in a human recipient.

‘At the same time, it highlights the biological and ethical challenges that remain before such approaches can be translated into wider clinical use.

‘Xenotransplantation may open completely new paths for patients with acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. A new era of transplant hepatology has started.’

When a human receives an organ, tissue or cells from an animal, it is known as a xenotransplant.

Pigs are the most promising donor animals due to the availability of pig, gene-editing technology, plus their size and similarities to human organs.

Overcoming the rejection of pig organs by the human immune system has been a complex challenge for more than four decades.

But gene-editing technology and new techniques to suppress the immune system have shown promise in several recent experiments.

The first person in the world to have a heart transplant from a genetically modified pig was David Bennett.

The operation took place in 2022 and the 57-year-old died two months after the procedure, which took place at the University of Maryland Medical Centre in the U.S.

The first recipient of a genetically-modified pig kidney transplant died nearly two months after he underwent the procedure.

Richard Slayman had the transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2024 at the age of 62.

The Nigerian government on Wednesday faulted moves by the US Senate to designate Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern (CPC)’ over alleged massacre of Christians in the country.

US Senator, Ted Cruz had introduced a bill, the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, to the US senate to sanction Nigerian officials allegedly complicit in such acts on Sept. 9

The bill in the US Senate seek to designate Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern (CPC),’, that is as a nation engaged in severe violations of religious freedom under IRFA and to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials under Executive Order 13818 (Global Magnitsky) and related authorities.

However, the Federal Government and Nigeria’s House of Representatives faulted the claim of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

The House of Representatives resolution was taken after a motion of urgent national importance was moved by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, raising alarm over the consequences of such move by US Senate.

Moving the motion, Kalu described Nigeria as country with respect for rights to worship and human dignity and protection.

He dismissed insinuations that the security lapses in the country were hinged on religious acrimony and violations.

He noted that the Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion and bars adoption of a state religion.

He said that the house should therefore reject outrightly narratives that frame Nigeria’s security crisis as a singularly religious conflict or as state-sponsored persecution.

The Deputy Speaker however reaffirmed Nigeria’s constitutional protections for freedom of religion and belief.

Contributing, the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvhere blamed the move by the US Senate on some Nigerians who have deliberately chosen to de-market the country.

Ihonvhere called on the lawmakers to ensure that such mis-informations and false narratives were dismissed by presenting facts to the US Senate.

Similarly, Rep. Wole Oke called for urgent moves to rewrite the false narratives against Nigeria and nip in the bud any move by US to sanction Nigeria.

In the same vein, Rep. Ahmed Jaha, representing Chibok Federal Constituency of Borno State, stressed the need for the lawmakers to protect the international image of Nigeria.

Jaha who commended the deputy speaker for moving the motion, called for amendments in the motion. Adopting the motion, the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas referred it to the committees on Foreign Affairs, and Police for further legislative actions.

False and baseless

Also, Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris described claim by that Christians were being killed in the country as being peddled by Ted Cruz as ‘ignorant, false and baseless.’

Idris, in a statement on Wednesday said the allegation by Cruz is not a reflection of what is happening in Nigeria as he also questioned the figures being bandied by the Senator as number of Christians killed in the country.

‘This is not true. This is not the reflection of what is on the ground. I mean it’s false where you say over 20,000 churches have been burned. It’s also false if you say 52,000 (Christians killed),’ Idris said.

‘Where did he get those numbers from? I think this is absolutely absurd. It’s not supported by any facts whatsoever. The Nigerian government rejects that.’

The MinisteR also said contrary to the claim of the Senator, no Nigerian official or institution supports or colludes with violent extremists in any form.

‘No Nigerian officials will willingly, deliberately indulge in the act of siding with violent extremists to target any particular religion in this country. This is absolutely false.’

Idris also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and coexistence.

‘Nigeria is a multi-faith country, meaning that it’s a country that has multiple religions. We have Christians, we have Muslims, we even have those who don’t believe in any of these two religions. Nigeria is a very tolerant country. The government of Nigeria is committed to ensuring that there is religious freedom in this country.’

He, however, acknowledged the challenges of violent extremism that affect all Nigerians regardless of faith

‘It’s unfortunate, sadly, that some of these extremists have killed a number of Christians and a number of Muslims almost everywhere where this violent extremism has support. So, it’s not true.

‘We find that to be very unfortunate. It’s despicable, it’s not right. This is absolutely false to say that there is a calculated or a deliberate attempt to kill a particular religious group; it’s not correct, and we find that really very, very unfortunate.’

Idris reassured Nigerians and the international community that the security forces remain committed to combating terrorism and banditry in all forms.

He added that Nigeria’s security forces will continue to protect every Nigerian without discrimination.

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has said that the choice of who would succeed him in 2027 rests solely with the people of the state, not with political godfathers or entitlement claims.

Makinde said this on Thursday in Ibadan while flagging off the zonal stakeholders’ consultative forum and engagement meeting on the 2026 Budget.

According to the governor, the decision of who becomes the next governor of Oyo state rest on all eligible voters in the state. ‘Oyo State has gone beyond the era of politics based on entitlement or propaganda.

Rather, the people of the state are now more politically enlightened and they will only support leaders who present credible plans and demonstrate capacity for development,’ he said.

Makinde, while reflecting on his own experience before coming into office in 2019, noted that leadership must be about accountability and not entitlement.

He recalled that many people doubted his capability when he first sought the governorship position, because he had not held any political office. ‘In 2018, when I was consulting to become governor, there was no yardstick to measure me. I had never been a councillor or a local government chairman, but l asked the people to trust me and judge me by my actions’, he said.

The governor urged political leaders to focus on policies and projects that directly impact the lives of citizens rather than engaging in political theatrics. He said his administration’s approach to challenges has been to present a clear roadmap for Oyo State’s development, ‘one that people can read, evaluate, and hold us accountable to.’

Makinde expressed optimism that the people of the state would continue to support leaders who prioritise progress, inclusivity, and the wellbeing of citizens over personal ambition.

Speaking on the 7th Stakeholders Consultative Forum, the governor said that his administration would continue to consult and engage with residents of the state on the making of the state’s annual budgets, with a view to knowing their aspirations and prioritising their needs.

He maintained that the stakeholders’ engagement was to enable his government to serve the residents of the state better through a bottom-up approach to development, noting that his administration began the tradition in 2019.

According to him, his government first separated the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning from the Ministry of Finance in order to ensure a better management of the state’s resources and to avoid discrepancies. He stated that the stakeholders’ engagement had resulted into better budget performances and economic development of the state.

Makinde reiterated that his government would continue to serve the interests of the people of the state by putting in place institutions that would ensure that the environment was safe and ready to attract investments.

He added that the state was growing rapidly and that this development had stopped rural-urban migration, with the constructions of Moniya-Iseyin Road, Iseyin-Ogbomoso Road, Oyo-Iseyin Road, among other infrastructural projects, which have opened rural communities.

About 20 operatives of the Amotekun Corps in Osun State have been arrested by a squad of the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the killings that occurred in Akinlalu, a community in Ife North Local Government Area, last week.

The operatives were reportedly picked up on Wednesday by a police team said to have been deployed from Abuja.

They were arrested at the Amotekun Operation Base in Oke Fia, Osogbo, and the Ife Central Division in Ile-Ife. Sources said the police sealed off both locations after making the arrests. However, when journalists visited the Corps’ headquarters in the Powerline area of Osogbo around 7:40 p.m., the premises remained open.

Confirming the arrests, Osun Amotekun spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu, said the police stormed two of their operational bases and took away several officers.

‘Some policemen came, but they didn’t seal our headquarters. They raided our Oke-Fia base and the Ife Central Command. They also arrested about 20 of our operatives. The policemen said it was in connection with the Akinlalu incident, but we don’t know where they took them,’ Idowu stated.

Efforts to reach Osun Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, for confirmation were unsuccessful as his phone lines were unreachable at press time. The arrests come days after the alleged assassination attempt on the Osun State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Mr. Isaac Omoyele. According to Amotekun officials, Omoyele was attacked by gunmen along Ikirun Road in Osogbo on Monday night.

Omoyele said he narrowly escaped after gunmen opened fire on his vehicle around 10:05 p.m., riddling it with bullets. The attack was reported at the Ota-Efun Police Division.

Ojelabi, however, said the police had yet to begin an investigation, insisting that Omoyele must provide his bullet-riddled vehicle and other evidence before an inquiry could commence.

The latest development follows the Akinlalu incident, where Amotekun operatives were accused of killing three residents – Ibrahim Oyebamiji (26), Sefiu Oyebamiji, and Abiola Olutayo – during a raid on the community. Others injured in the attack were identified as Adeagbo Kadijat (22), Oke-Ila Oyebamiji (60), and Fayomi Toheeb (19).

Although Amotekun authorities admitted their operatives killed three people, they claimed it happened during a gun battle with hoodlums who had earlier seized two rifles from their officers.

Following public outrage, the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Oyewusi, led a delegation to the Alakinla of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, assuring the community that justice would be served.

‘We appeal to the youths to remain calm and allow the investigation to take its course. The state government and the police have already begun an inquiry, and justice will be delivered,’ he said.

Popular Afrobeat artiste and social activist Uptown the Maskking has shared powerful advice for creatives seeking to stay relevant, fulfilled, and financially independent in today’s evolving creative industry.

Speaking on the importance of versatility and innovation, Uptown encouraged artists to tap into their inner energy and explore multiple creative paths rather than limiting themselves to one field.

‘Creatives should tap into their inner energies to stay relevant, purposeful, and prosperous,’ he said. ‘Don’t let the norm gatekeep your progress. Multiplying your creative gifts could be your primary source of success.’

He urged artists not to focus on a single stream of creativity, noting that diversification can open doors to new opportunities.

‘You can evolve from music to fashion to culture to build a fortune,’ Uptown explained. ‘Look at Kanye West, who became a billionaire not from music but from fashion and culture. Or Issa Rae, who moved from producing YouTube skits to building a beauty empire. As a creative, don’t stick to one lane-diversify to expand your entrepreneurial prowess. Nobody will tell you this because they don’t teach it in school.’

The Afrobeat star also encouraged young creatives to overcome self-doubt and embrace innovation.

‘It’s time to forget about self-doubt and find inspiration,’ he said. ‘Combining ideas can change the course of your creative history. Go and maximize your potential.’

Addressing the struggles faced by many young Nigerian creatives, Uptown noted that lack of direction, mentorship, and institutional support often leads to frustration and unfulfilled dreams.

‘Many young creatives in Nigeria are left with broken dreams because they can’t find purpose and fulfillment, even though it’s close to them,’ he said. ‘They’re simply lacking a viewfinder. Who are your mentors? You need people who will help you rediscover yourself.’

He acknowledged that challenges such as uncertainty, limited resources, and fear of failure are common, but urged creatives not to allow these obstacles to deter them.

‘Don’t let distractions set you back,’ Uptown advised. ‘Look at the bigger picture with innovation and spark-those are the keys to creativity. Do art for the love of it, or you’ll drown in overthinking and stagnation.’

Finally, he emphasized the importance of collaboration and team-building for long-term success.

‘Focus on scaling up,’ he said. ‘Learn to build a team of passionate and enthusiastic people with clearly defined roles. That’s how you meet operational targets and achieve commercial viability.’

Through his message, Uptown the Maskking continues to inspire a new generation of African creatives to dream bigger, diversify boldly, and turn their passion into sustainable success.

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups using his name and image to promote online businesses and commercial ventures.

In a statement posted on his verified X account on Thursday, Obi condemned what he described as the ‘fraudulent and deceptive’ use of his identity for personal and financial gain.

‘Despite earlier clarifications issued by my aides, some persons have continued to exploit my identity for personal and commercial gain, thereby misleading unsuspecting members of the public,’ Obi said. The former Anambra State governor stated clearly that he has no connection whatsoever with any online endorsements or promotional activities linked to his name. ‘At no time have I authorised any individual, business, or online platform to use my name, image, or identity for commercial purposes or profit-making ventures,’ he added.

Obi, who was the Labour Party’s flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election, urged Nigerians to ignore any adverts or online content suggesting his involvement in business deals.

‘The general public is therefore strongly advised to disregard these false claims and exercise utmost caution when encountering any online content that purports to represent or involve me in business dealings,’ he warned. He also assured that all authentic information regarding his activities and engagements would only be released through his verified official channels.

The Lagos State Government has given all developers and occupants within the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo area of the state, a two-week deadline to regularize their building approvals with the ministry for Physical Planning and Urban Development

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide said this while restating zero tolerance for illegal and unapproved buildings within the Trade Fair Complex.

Olumide who said such developments pose serious risks to public safety rejected claims that recent demolition were inspired by ethnic considerations.

The Lagos state government had recently demolished illegal structures in different parts of the state including around the trade fair complex.

But the demolition exercise around the trade fair area had been perceived as targeting particular ethnic group by some aggrieved residents.

While rejecting the claim, Olumide said that the government’s enforcement was backed by the Supreme Court judgment of 2003, which empowers states to control physical developments within their territories, except in areas under exclusive federal use.

He also said that the state government’s stance was in line with its mandate to ensure a safe, orderly and sustainable physical environment, as provided by the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992 and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019.

The commissioner therefore gave all developers and occupants within the trade fair complex a two-week deadline to regularise their building approvals with the ministry.

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According to him, the exercise at the trade fair complex is not about land ownership or title but about ensuring that all buildings have valid planning permits.

He cautioned some political actors, especially those from the south-east, against misrepresenting facts and using ethnic sentiments to discredit the government’s enforcement efforts.

The commissioner stressed that the ongoing action was not targeted at any group but part of a wider exercise to maintain order and public safety across Lagos.

Olumide listed places where illegal structures had also been removed to include Pelewura Market, Bombata Market, LSDPC Ilasan Estate, Otumara in Ebute Metta, Alaba Rago, and Oluwole Market.

According to him, these areas are largely occupied by different ethnic groups.

He noted that other states such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo had also carried out similar demolitions to enforce urban renewal and flood control measures without ethnic bias.

‘It is therefore wrong for anyone to attach ethnic meaning to the enforcement in Lagos. The actions of the state government are always guided by law,’ he said.

Vigilantes operatives have arrested two suspects, Abayo David and David Bori, both from Itedo-Ijowa, Isanlu, Yagba East LGA of Kogi State allegedly for providing logistics and supplying food to bandits terrorizing their community and environs.

This was confirmed in a Facebook post by the Chief Press Secretary to the Yagba West LGA Chairman, Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday on Wednesday. The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday at about 4:00 a.m. during a routine patrol conducted by members of the Local Government Hunters and Vigilantes.

The operation marks a crucial breakthrough in the local authorities’ efforts to combat those facilitating and supporting criminal activities within the community.

The timely intervention of the security forces has been hailed as a proactive measure in the fight against banditry and related crimes that have plagued the area. Babarinde Sunday, stated, ‘This arrest is a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against those aiding and abetting insecurity in our communities..

‘We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities and will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten our peace.’

The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover further details about their operations and any potential connections to larger criminal networks.

It was gathered that in addition to the arrest of the two suspects, their parents were summoned to the palace of the Aro of Itedo Ijowa for interrogations by the traditional council.

Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the police have rescued Mrs. Ladi Abel, wife of a senior immigration officer, who was abducted along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The 45-year-old was kidnapped on Monday while heading to the Trade Fair Complex in Ojoo, Lagos, to buy goods.

According to the NIS Public Relations Officer at the Seme Border Command, Isaac Elijah, Mrs. Abel was rescued around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday at No. 47, Ogunleye Street, a swampy area in Ibereko, Badagry.

He explained that the kidnappers escaped moments before security operatives closed in on them, after officers began a coordinated search from house to house in the area.

‘It took the efforts of about 20 immigration officers, 25 police officers, and some good people of the Ibereko community to rescue the victim,’ Elijah said.

‘The DPO of Badagry Police Station, CSP Folajimi Akosile, led the operation that busted the syndicate’s hideout. Unfortunately, none of the suspects was arrested as they fled before we arrived.’

The victim’s husband, CSI Abel Mada, revealed that he had already paid N2.5 million out of the N3 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers before his wife was freed. ‘They were shouting at my wife, so I first sent N500,000 and later N2 million that same evening. They insisted I must complete the balance of N500,000 before they release her.

‘I was still struggling to raise the balance when I got a call that she had been rescued by the police and immigration at Ibereko,’ he said.

Their daughter, Naomi Abel, recounted that her mother was abducted near the Torikoh bus stop in Badagry while travelling in a commercial bus.

‘The kidnappers were operating in two buses. They entered the vehicle, blew a white substance, and made everyone unconscious,’ Naomi said.

‘About 15 people were taken to their hideout in Ibereko. They released victims one by one after collecting ransom. My mother said some of those kidnapped were actually working with the gang.’

She expressed gratitude to the security operatives and members of the Ibereko community for their swift action in rescuing her mother.