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Tom Felton Returns to Draco Malfoy Role in New Stage Production

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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British performer Tom Felton, widely recognized for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in the iconic “Harry Potter” films, is bringing the role back to life—this time, under the spotlight of live theatre.

He made the announcement on Thursday via Instagram, appearing alongside the official accounts linked to the wizarding world and the stage production in a collaborative post.

A short video clip posted to Instagram, captioned “Guess who’s back,” shows Felton dressed in character once again—donning a sleek black ensemble, wand tucked away, rings on his fingers, and sporting his trademark long blond hair. In classic fashion, he quips, “scared, Potter?”

“The blonde hair came back on and I immediately started crying for some reason,” Felton told the “Today” show on Thursday.

“It’s such a huge part of my childhood. It’s like me going back to high school,” he continued.

He first stepped into Draco’s shoes as a young actor, taking on the role of Harry Potter’s schoolyard nemesis.

Now 37, Felton reflected on the experience of returning to the magical world as surreal. He described it as a moment that made him feel like he had to “pinch” himself to believe it was real. “I keep thinking I’m dreaming.”

According to Felton, the theatrical production picks up the narrative after the events of the final film, showcasing an older Draco and Harry as parents whose children are about to start their own journey at Hogwarts.

“When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all – with the power to change the past and future forever,” a synopsis reads on the theater production’s website.

“I let go of that character 16 years ago and now getting the chance to step back in his shoes as a father this time, in a new story – I get to meet Draco as an adult, which is very exciting,” Felton said.

Audiences can see the performance at New York City’s Lyric Theatre, with the show set to run from November 11 through March 22. Early access to ticket sales begins on Tuesday.

First premiering in London in 2016, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” eventually made its way to the U.S. stage. The acclaimed production has garnered multiple honors, including major theatre awards on both sides of the Atlantic.

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, Dies at 89

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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Nigeria mourns the loss of Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed away in Abuja on Friday at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State. Justice Uwais, a revered jurist, served as CJN from 1995 to 2006, leaving a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s judiciary and democratic reforms.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Mohammed Uwais began his education at Native Authority Elementary School in Kaduna and later attended Barewa College, graduating in 1957. He briefly worked as a Publicity Assistant in the Ministry of Information, Kaduna, before pursuing a law degree at the University of London. In 1963, he was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, laying the foundation for his illustrious legal career.

Legal Career and Rise to Chief Justice

Uwais started as a Pupil State Counsel in Northern Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice, rising to Solicitor-General of North-Central State by 1971. Appointed a High Court Judge in 1974, he served briefly as Acting Chief Judge of Kaduna State in 1976 before joining the Federal Court of Appeal in 1977. In 1979, at age 43, he became a Supreme Court Justice, serving for 27 years—the longest tenure in the court’s history. As CJN from 1995 to 2006, he championed judicial independence, notably administering the oath of office to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, marking Nigeria’s return to democracy.

Personal Life

Justice Uwais was married to Mrs. Maryam Uwais, a respected lawyer and human rights advocate who served as Special Adviser on National Social Investment Programmes under President Muhammadu Buhari. The couple had four children: Zainab, Aisha, Hafsat, and Aminu. Known for his humility and integrity, Uwais was a private yet inspiring figure, admired by peers and mentees like Dr. Kayode Ajulo, who recalled his commanding presence in court.

Legacy and Accomplishments

Uwais’ tenure as CJN strengthened judicial integrity, earning the judiciary the “Man of the Year” title in 2006. Post-retirement, he chaired the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, producing the 2008 Uwais Report, which proposed key electoral reforms, including an independent electoral offences commission. His judicial decisions, documented in Uwais Through Cases, remain influential. In 2024, Ahmadu Bello University awarded him a Doctor of Laws (LL.D) Honoris Causa for his contributions to Nigeria’s legal system.

Impacts

Justice Uwais played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic transition, stabilizing the judiciary during military and civilian regimes. The Uwais Report’s recommendations, such as electronic voting and INEC reforms, continue to shape electoral policy debates. His mentorship inspired legal luminaries like Chidi Odinkalu, and his commitment to justice earned him widespread respect as a statesman. President Bola Tinubu described him as a “jurist of exceptional integrity” whose work advanced Nigeria’s democracy.

Tributes and Funeral

Tributes have poured in from legal, political, and civil society leaders. Posts on X from figures like @ChidiOdinkalu praised his mentorship and legacy. His funeral took place after Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja on June 6, 2025, per Islamic rites. Justice Uwais’ contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary and democracy will endure, inspiring future generations to uphold justice and integrity.

AEDC Pledges to Settle Workers’ Entitlements Amid Strike Threat

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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0

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), responsible for electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, has committed to addressing the grievances of its workers following threats of industrial action that could plunge these regions into darkness.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) issued separate strike notices on June 3 and 4, 2025, citing unresolved labor issues, including 16 months of unremitted pension deductions, non-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage, and lack of promotions for over a decade.

The unions also highlighted the collapse of health services due to unpaid hospital bills, non-remittance of 10 months of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes, and non-payment of 2024 productivity bonuses, despite workers generating over N95 billion in revenue in the past 90 days.

In response, AEDC’s Managing Director, Chijioke Okwuokenye, on June 5, 2025, pledged to settle all legitimate allowances promptly, emphasizing the company’s commitment to staff welfare.

“Management has been engaging constructively with the union representatives regarding the notice of industrial action. We are committed to ensuring that all legitimate allowances owed to staff are settled promptly, subject to our financial processes and regulatory compliance,” Okwuokenye stated.

He added, “We have already initiated dialogue with the union leadership to address their concerns transparently and to seek a mutually agreeable resolution. Our employees are at the heart of all we do, and their well-being is paramount.”

The unions’ frustration stems from a November 27, 2024, agreement to suspend a prior strike after AEDC promised to address these issues, including non-confirmation of acting appointments, refusal to convert ad-hoc staff to permanent status, and undue board interference in daily operations.

NUEE’s Assistant General Secretary, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, noted in a letter that workers have faced “precarious work conditions,” leading to significant staff deaths due to stress.

“We have significantly lost a huge number of members to death owing to pressure and precarious work conditions,” the letter read, signaling readiness to resume the suspended action without further notice.

SSAEAC, in a letter signed by Deputy General Secretary Rosemary Odeh, gave a two-week ultimatum, warning that failure to act would disrupt operations.

“The tremendous improvement in cash collections of over N98 billion in the last three months was made possible through the dedication of the entire workforce,” Odeh stated, underscoring the workers’ contributions.

AEDC’s assurance follows a history of labor tensions, with a 2021 strike causing widespread outages until federal intervention secured a 21-day payment commitment.

The current situation remains critical, as the unions have mobilized workers across AEDC’s franchise areas for potential action.

Okwuokenye expressed optimism, saying, “We are confident that, through continued negotiation, we will avert any disruption to our operations.”

However, union leaders remain skeptical, with NUEE’s Zonal Organising Secretary, Ayodele Kolade, previously warning, “If there is no immediate implementation of our demands, this picketing will escalate into a complete shutdown.”

As dialogue continues, residents of Abuja and the affected states await a resolution to avoid a looming blackout.

WHO Urges Immediate Safeguarding Of Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital In Gaza

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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The World Health Organization has raised a red flag over the rapidly deteriorating healthcare situation in Gaza, warning that the region’s medical infrastructure is on the brink of collapse. Nasser Medical Complex, a vital referral hub, and Al-Amal Hospital are now facing imminent shutdown. In northern Gaza, not a single hospital remains operational.

These two facilities in Khan Younis—the only public hospitals still active in the area—are serving a displaced and densely packed population. Should they become non-operational, countless people would be left without access to urgent medical care.

Though no direct evacuation orders have been given for patients or staff, both hospitals are situated within or adjacent to the zone designated for evacuation on 2 June. Health authorities have been informed by Israeli officials that the access roads leading to these facilities will be blocked. This would make it nearly impossible for patients and medical teams to enter or exit, rendering both hospitals effectively cut off. Any further deterioration could result in the total collapse of services, due to safety concerns, lack of mobility, and inability to deliver medical supplies or relocate patients.

Currently, Nasser and Al-Amal are stretched far beyond their normal capacity, receiving a steady stream of critically injured people. Yet, both facilities are facing a severe lack of crucial medicines and supplies. If these hospitals go out of service, it would jeopardize care for individuals requiring surgeries, intensive treatment, transfusions, cancer management, and dialysis support.

The shutdown of both hospitals would remove nearly 500 beds from Gaza’s already strained healthcare network, slashing the total number of functioning beds to under 1,400. That’s about 40% fewer than what was available before the conflict began—despite serving a population of 2 million people.

Healthcare infrastructure in Gaza has suffered repeated blows over an extended period. This destruction must stop. For more than 20 months, medical workers and aid organizations have managed to keep some semblance of care available despite daunting conditions. Yet continuous bombardments, restricted humanitarian aid, and lack of access have relentlessly undermined what remains of the healthcare system.

“WHO calls for urgent protection of Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital to ensure they remain accessible, functional and safe from attacks and hostilities. Patients seeking refuge and care to save their lives must not risk losing them trying to reach hospitals. Hospitals must never be militarized or targeted.”

The organization also insists that life-saving medicines and critical medical supplies be allowed into Gaza without delay, using every available route to deliver them.

“WHO calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.”

Chad Suspends U.S. Visas in Retaliation to Trump’s Travel Ban

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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3

Chad has announced a suspension of visa issuance to U.S. citizens, a direct response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s reinstated travel ban affecting 12 countries, including Chad. 

President Mahamat Idriss Deby made the announcement on Thursday, signaling that Chad would respond with “reciprocity” after being included in a list of nations accused by Trump of having “deficient” vetting systems and refusing to repatriate their nationals who overstay in the U.S.

“Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has his dignity and pride,” Deby said, referencing a recent $400 million luxury plane gift from Qatar. Trump’s revived policy targets Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, with additional restrictions set for several others starting Monday at 12:01 a.m.

The ban has stirred responses across the African continent. In the Republic of Congo, government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla described the move as a result of a “misunderstanding” related to an armed attack wrongly linked to the country. 

“Obviously, Congo is not a terrorist country, is not home to any terrorist, is not known to have a terrorist vocation. So we think that this is a misunderstanding and I believe that in the coming hours, the competent diplomatic services of the government will contact the American authorities here,” he said.

In Sierra Leone, which faces heightened restrictions, Information Minister Chernor Bah expressed readiness to cooperate with Washington. “We will work with U.S. authorities to ensure progress,” he added.

FG, Japan in Talks Over ¥15bn Food Security Loan

By
Yemisi Lanre-Idowu
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0

The Federal Government is ramping up negotiations with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expedite a ¥15bn (approximately $110 million) emergency loan aimed at boosting food security across Nigeria. 

This was revealed in a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Coordinating Ministry of the Economy on Wednesday, following a high-level meeting involving Finance Minister Wale Edun, Agriculture Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, and senior JICA officials.

“The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, today met with senior representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency to advance the implementation of the Food Security Emergency Loan Support Programme,” the ministry said in the statement.

The loan is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural production systems, especially as the rainy season gets underway, with the ministers emphasizing the need for swift execution to benefit farmers and rural communities. “The JPY 15bn facility (approximately $110m) aims to support Nigeria’s food production systems and enhance resilience amid ongoing global supply challenges,” the ministry added.

JICA expressed continued commitment to the programme but called for formal clarification on implementation changes. “JICA welcomed the government’s commitment to delivery and requested formal clarification on proposed implementation adjustments. It was jointly agreed that core production activities would proceed immediately under the existing framework, while additional components, such as aggregation and financing, would be reviewed in line with the original loan agreement,” the statement read.

This development comes as President Bola Tinubu seeks legislative approval for a broader $21.5 billion external borrowing plan under the 2025–2026 framework, which includes the ¥15bn JICA loan and a €51 million grant to fund key development initiatives. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria currently owes JICA $53.31 million. If the new loan is finalized, the debt will increase to $163.31 million.

Trump – Musk Feud: What Are The Issues?

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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0

Once allies who traded mutual praise and political synergy, President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk are now caught in one of the most visible and tense political fallouts in recent U.S. history. What began as a policy disagreement over government spending has gradually turned into a deeply personal and public confrontation — marked by harsh accusations, threats to business partnerships, and a flood of online statements.

The Issues at Hand

At the center of this rift lies the Trump-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping piece of legislation combining tax relief with massive increases in defense and immigration enforcement spending.

Musk, having just departed a cost-cutting advisory role in the administration, took to his platform X (formerly Twitter) to call the bill a “disgusting abomination” that would “massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion.”

This marked Musk’s first serious public break with Trump, whom he had supported both financially (with more than $250 million in campaign donations) and strategically through policy involvement.

Tensions deepened when it became apparent that the bill also contained provisions eliminating certain tax breaks — including electric vehicle incentives — which could impact Tesla. But sources close to Musk also revealed additional frustration stemming from the government’s rejection of a proposal to shift U.S. air traffic infrastructure to Musk’s satellite network, Starlink.
From there, the friction escalated quickly.

Trump responded swiftly, using Truth Social to mock Musk’s mental state and hint at removing his companies from lucrative federal contracts. He implied that Musk had become unstable after being denied influence over the infrastructure bill. “Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave,” Trump wrote. “He just went CRAZY!”

But it was Musk who delivered a shock to the system.

On Thursday afternoon, Musk stunned observers by posting:
“Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”
The implications of the post were explosive — and unsubstantiated. No evidence was provided, and Musk has not explained how he would have access to unreleased files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking charges.

Nonetheless, the accusation marked a new, highly personal phase in the feud, described by one West Wing aide as “a total divorce.”

Social Media Reactions

The internet, predictably, erupted. Here are some notable posts on X
Bill Ackman (@BillAckman)

“I support @realDonaldTrump and @elonmusk and they should make peace for the benefit of our great country.
We are much stronger together than apart.”

Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11)

“President Trump built this movement over 10 years. His supporters are NOT going anywhere.
I hope Elon and Trump reconcile and do so privately. It would be good for the country and the world if they do.”

Sen. JD Vance (@JDVance)

“President Trump has done more than any person in my lifetime to earn the trust of the movement he leads. I’m proud to stand beside him.”

The Implications

This public clash between two of the most influential figures in business and politics could have serious ripple effects.
From a business standpoint, Tesla’s stock experienced a sharp decline, falling 14.2% on Thursday, which erased about $152 billion from the company’s market capitalization. This downturn reflects investor concern over potential political and regulatory fallout from the feud.

Trump’s suggestion that the federal government review SpaceX and Tesla contracts raises concerns for national security projects and the future of commercial space launches — particularly those involving NASA partnerships and defense-related satellite infrastructure.

On the political side, the Republican Party is now facing pressure to choose between two prominent power brokers. While some lawmakers remain firmly behind Trump, others quietly acknowledge Musk’s influence, especially among younger voters and tech-minded conservatives.
And from the public’s perspective, there are growing concerns about how much power is concentrated in the hands of individuals who can stir national conversations — or derail legislative agendas — with a single post.

What’s Next?

Despite public calls for peace from figures like Bill Ackman, the future of the Trump–Musk relationship remains uncertain.
Musk has already stepped back from at least one controversial threat, to decommission the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, following a calming post from a user on X. “Good advice,” he replied. “Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.”
Still, insiders on both sides believe this rupture won’t heal easily. “We thought this might happen around August,” one Trump aide said privately. “It just came earlier than expected.”

One thing is clear: this dispute is no longer about a spending bill. It has become a test of influence, loyalty, and the balance of power between political leadership and billionaire clout in America’s public life.

Akwa Ibom Governor Officially Dumps PDP for APC

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Naija News, the defection took place on Friday during a high-profile ceremony in Uyo, the state capital. The event was attended by key figures of the APC, including the Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and several other party governors and chieftains.

In his address, Governor Eno stated that his move to the APC was made from a position of strength, not weakness. He emphasized the importance of aligning Akwa Ibom with federal-level politics for better synergy and development.

“We’re not joining the APC from a position of weakness, but from a position of strength. We’re bringing value to Akwa Ibom State. We’ve come into the APC with a ministry of reconciliation,” Eno said.

He explained that the decision followed comprehensive consultations with stakeholders and constituents across the state.

“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” he added.

Eno confirmed that he had formally submitted his resignation to the PDP leadership at all levels — ward, state, and national — before making his public declaration.

With this move, Umo Eno becomes the second PDP governor to switch allegiance to the APC under the current administration. The first was Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who defected on April 23, 2025.

Ex-OPEC President Prof. Jibril Aminu, Dies at 85

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

Professor Jibril Aminu, a distinguished Nigerian diplomat, eminent medical scholar, and former Minister of Education and Petroleum, has passed away in Abuja at the age of 85.

According to the family, the former President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), and one-time President of the OPEC Conference, died on Thursday, June 5, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

His funeral prayer will be held at 2:00 p.m. today at the Abuja National Mosque. His body will then be flown to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, and later to his hometown in Song Local Government Area for burial.

Prof. Aminu, a trained cardiologist, earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965, where he was recognized as the best graduating student at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. He later obtained a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London in 1972.

He served Nigeria in numerous high-profile roles, including as the country’s Ambassador to the United States (1999–2003) and as Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011). Earlier, he was appointed as Federal Minister of Education and subsequently Federal Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1989 and 1992.

In 1991, while serving as Petroleum Minister, Prof. Aminu became President of OPEC and also led the OPEC Conference until 1992.

His passing marks the end of an era for a man whose contributions to Nigeria’s medical, educational, and petroleum sectors were both historic and impactful.

Ghana’s Gold Production to Hit 5.1 Million Ounces in 2025

By
Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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0

Ghana’s gold production is expected to rise by 6.25% in 2025, reaching 5.1 million ounces, up from a record-setting 4.8 million ounces in 2024, according to the Ghana Chamber of Mines. This projected growth is being fueled by robust artisanal mining activity and the launch of new large-scale mining operations, which are helping to offset declining output from older mines.

The forecast, detailed in the Chamber’s annual report, follows an impressive 19.3% year-on-year increase in gold production in 2024, further cementing Ghana’s position as Africa’s top gold producer, ahead of South Africa and Mali.

Rising global gold prices have boosted Ghana’s export earnings and supported the cedi, aiding the country’s recovery from a prolonged economic downturn. In addition to gold, Ghana also ranks among the continent’s leading exporters of cocoa and crude oil.

Michael Akafia, President of the Chamber of Mines, highlighted that the increase in 2025 will be largely driven by higher production from Newmont’s Ahafo South Mine and Shandong Gold’s Namdini Mine.

Small-scale miners played a critical role in 2024, contributing a record 39.4% of total gold output. However, uncertainties lie ahead due to regulatory changes. In response, the government launched GoldBod, a new agency tasked with streamlining gold purchases from artisanal miners, increasing their earnings, and reducing illegal smuggling. Additionally, the withholding tax on domestic gold purchases has been abolished.

Godwin Armah, General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, praised the reforms and projected a 30% to 40% increase in small-scale output in 2024, thanks to improved policies. Nonetheless, the Chamber anticipates that small-scale production in 2025 will range between 1.5 million and 2 million ounces, slightly below 2024’s 1.9 million ounces.

Despite artisanal mining’s growth—much of which remains unregulated (70–80%)—concerns persist over environmental harm and its impact on cocoa farmlands.

Some large-scale mines, including Perseus Mining’s Edikan Mine, Gold Fields’ Damang and Tarkwa mines, and Zijin Mining’s Akyem Mine, are projected to see output decline, which may limit overall industry growth. Akafia emphasized the urgent need for increased exploration investments to sustain Ghana’s gold dominance.

Beyond gold, Ghana’s mining sector is also showing strong potential in other minerals:

  • Manganese output is expected to climb from 5 million to 8 million tonnes,
  • Bauxite production is projected to rise from 1.7 million to 2 million tonnes, and
  • Diamond output is forecast to increase from 330,000 to 400,000 carats by 2025.
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