Author: starconnect
By SCM International Desk I Tuesday, August 18, 2026 SYDNEY — A public library in Sydney, Australia, has pulled a critical work examining Western media coverage of the war in Gaza from its shelves following a complaint, sparking a fresh debate over free speech, public library obligations, and the boundaries of political discourse surrounding Israel and Palestine. The decision by Waverley Council to remove How to Sell a Genocide: The Media’s Complicity in the Destruction of Gaza, a book by American media analyst Adam Johnson, from Waverley Library in Bondi Junction came after a patron raised…
By Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, August 18, 2026 WASHINGTON — In an era marked by geopolitical friction and deep societal divides, the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate, Arthur Sze, is proposing a surprisingly tactile remedy to bridge cultural gaps: inviting everyday Americans to step into the shoes of literary translators. Starting this September, Sze will embark on a four-city national tour for his signature project, “Words Bridging Worlds.” Announced Monday by the Library of Congress, the initiative aims to demystify foreign-language poetry by equipping audiences—regardless of their multilingual fluency—with the tools to translate international works into English. ”We live…
By SCM International Desk I Tuesday, August 18, 2026 LUSAKA — Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second term in office after winning roughly 60 percent of the vote, defeating his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, by a margin exceeding one million votes. The announcement followed a closely watched voting process monitored across the southern African nation. According to the updates provided by the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Hichilema successfully built on his initial 2021 presidential victory to retain the executive office for another five-year term. Hichilema, who originally came to power amidst a severe debt crisis, anchored…
By Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, August 18, 2026 IKIRE, OSUN STATE — In a swift response to the political violence recorded on the eve of the Osun State Governorship election, the Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Akogun Lere Oyewunmi, has conducted an on-the-spot assessment and inspection of several vandalized residences belonging to leaders of the Accord party across the state. The high-level inspection covered several affected communities across Irewole Local Government Area and neighboring localities, including Ikire and Ikoyi. Among the residences inspected were those of Hon. Ambali Taye Kondo in Ikoyi; Hon. Owodunni Abiodun (Wocco); and Hon. Taofeeq…
By Blaise Udunze I Monday, August 17, 2026 LAGOS, Nigeria – Three years after the removal of the fuel subsidy and the adjustment of the foreign-exchange regime, Nigeria’s revenue and external positions have improved significantly. After escaping the fiscal cliff as touted, but with the United States questioning the country’s fiscal transparency, the harder question is whether these gains can be translated into an economy worthy of the sacrifice Nigerians have endured. Three years later, Nigeria’s economic story is more complicated. On one hand, the numbers indicate a significant expansion in the government’s revenue-generating capacity and…
By Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, August 17, 2026 ABUJA – President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON on Monday inaugurated the Federation’s newly-composed Fact-finding Committee on Nigeria Football Setbacks, urging the members to do a thorough job with sincerity of purpose and diligence. Following the senior women national team, Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, the NFF had on Friday last week set up a Fact-finding Committee to unravel the root cause of Nigeria’s dismal showing in international competitions of recent, with specific reference to the Falcons’…
Admin I Monday, August 17,2026 PORT HARCOURT – The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has charged youths to leverage the tools of Artificial Intelligence, AI, to create enterprises and generate sustainable livelihoods in the Niger Delta region. Giving a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the NDDC Artificial Intelligence Training and Capacity Building for Innovative Opportunities in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer urged the youths to go beyond the Niger Delta creeks and create new possibilities. Oguku, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev Obegha Oworibo,…
By SCM Sports Desk I Monday, August 18, 2026 ABUJA — In a major restructuring move following a dismal continental outing, the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has ordered the entire technical crew of the Super Falcons to step down with immediate effect. The announcement was made official on Monday via a concise statement posted across the federation’s official digital handles, including its official account on X (formerly Twitter). ”The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has asked members of the technical crew of the @NGSuper_Falcons to step down with immediate effect,” the federation…
By Admin I Monday, August 18,2026 LAGOS – As Nigerian consumers continue to seek smarter ways to maximize value from their everyday spending, Verve, Africa’s leading domestic payment card and token brand, has launched the 2026 edition of its National Consumer Promotion campaign, called the Verve Goodlife 7.0 Promo. This Promo is offering cardholders enhanced cashback, exclusive lifestyle rewards, and the opportunity to win a brand-new car. Running from August through November 2026, the Promo reinforces Verve’s commitment to reward customer loyalty by turning everyday card usage into meaningful rewards and experiences. Cardholders can earn 15% cashback at…
Hayden Panettiere