Former President Donald Trump’s selection of JD Vance as his running mate has led to a surge in sales for “Hillbilly Elegy,” his best-selling memoir that came out in 2016.
A spokesperson for HarperCollins told newsmen that more than 650,000 copies have been sold since Trump’s announcement on July 15. The total includes physical books, audio books and e-books.
“We are printing hundreds of thousands of copies to fill the demand at our retail partners,” the publisher announced Thursday.
Vance’s book already had sold more than 3 million copies before Trump chose him for the Republican ticket. “Hillbilly Elegy,” which Ron Howard adapted into a feature film released in 2020, tells of Vance’s childhood in Ohio and his family’s roots in rural Kentucky.
Publisher Plans Massive ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ Reprints To Meet Demand For JD Vance’s Book
Hagher Urges Leaders To Engage Nigerian Writers In Nation Building
Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, a former presidential aspirant of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has called on political leaders at all levels to engage Nigerian writers in building an egalitarian and progressive nation.
The literary icon made the call in an interview Newsmen on the sideline of the July edition of the monthly “Reading and Writers Dialogue” on Saturday in Abuja.
The Reading and Writers Dialogue is a flagship programme of the Abuja chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
It brings together authors, literary enthusiasts, and then discusses the works of a selected Guest Author.
The July edition of the dialogue, with the theme, “The Writer As A Double-Edged Sword; Can Build and Can Destroy”, featured Hagher as the Guest Writer.
Hagher, a former Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada and Mexico, said literary works are timeless and veritable instruments for driving narratives and desired changes all over the world.
He urged leaders to constructively engage Nigeria writers for national re-orientation, especially as the nation was grappling with challenges that threaten its development and unity.
“The writers are very powerful instruments of nation-building, and all over the world people understand that the writer is the conscience of the nation.
“They are the repository of collective wisdom and have special skills and talents to raise consciousness.Thank God that today there is an explosion of writing, which is also available on social media.
“One of the writer’s responsibility is to tell the truth to power, if people in power will listen to the writers, they can never go wrong, that is why they should be properly engaged.
“We need to have many more writers who are writing about Nigeria instead of investing their energy and writing about how great their tribes and customs are.
“We need to build a Nigeria that is proud of its diversity, we need to build a Nigeria where the elites are selfless and less greedy,” he said.
Arc. Chukwudi Eze, Chairman, ANA Abuja chapter, lauded Hagher for his contribution to nation building both as a public servant and a literary giant, especially in advocacy for better leadership.
He urged Nigerian authors to use their writings to build and not to destroy, thus taking the written craft to its rightful position as a force for positive change and growth.
“I do not know if you have up to four Nigerians like Hagher, not only as a scholar of excellence, which makes him attain the position of a professor, but as a selfless public servant.
“He has a remarkable pedigree as a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a Federal Minister for Health and later for Power and Steel, a Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico and later Canada.
“He is also a distinguished Professor of the written and spoken art, whose literary works are critically acclaimed across the globe,” he said.
According to EZE, ANA is positioned as a platform where literary discussions are used to positively shape socio-political and cultural developments and as a springboard for emerging authors.
“ANA Abuja strives to focus on the young ones for them to appreciate themselves in context with their nation. And for them to be able to express themselves through their writing skills,” he said.
NAN reports that the highpoint of the July Reading and Writers Dialogue was a discussion panel which featured literary icons, including Prof. Udenta Udenta, Salamatu Sule and Abubakar Adam Ibrahim.
The panel examined the character of the writer as a ‘double-edged sword’, through historical and empirical evidence.
Other activities for the day included spoken word ,songs, poetry and other presentations by students, and the presentation of awards.
Paris Olympics: Super Falcon’s Oshoala In For Crucial Tie Against Spain
As Nigeria’s Super Falconsile out against world champions Spain Sunday in a Paris Olympics Group C matchday two clash, Asisat Oshoala may be given the nod to start ahead of Chiwendu Ihezuo.
Spain, who are also the reigning UEFA Women’s Nations League queens, will be the favourite to power to victory in their first-ever clash with Nigeria.
While the Spaniards, making their maiden appearance at the Olympics, carved out a fine 2-1 win over Japan on Thursday, Nigeria stumbled to a tough 1-0 defeat to Brazil.
Mexico-based Ihezuo got Coach Randy Waldrum’s nod to start as the centre forward on matchday one.
However, after an underwhelming performance, she will probably make room for Oshoala, who surprisingly did not make it off the bench at any point last time out.
A former Barcelona star, Oshoala has the confidence, quality, and star name to trouble Spain’s defence and provide that efficiency the Falcons lacked against the Brazilians.
The Super Falcons will be desperate to earn a positive result against La Roja as another loss could all but confirm their elimination from the Olympics.
Tinubu Sends Best Wishes To Team Nigeria
As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games officially opened on Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent his warm wishes to Team Nigeria, consisting of 88 athletes who will be representing the country in 12 sports.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, Tinubu expressed his full support for the athletes, assuring them of the backing of over 200 million Nigerians who will be praying and cheering them.
The President specifically mentioned his excitement to watch Nigeria’s flagbearer, Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100 metres hurdles, and other athletes compete with honour and dedication on the international stage.
Tinubu urged the athletes to exhibit the values of resilience, courage, respect, self-control, and good sportsmanship that Nigerians are known for.
The statement read, “On behalf of all Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu sends his best wishes to Team Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“A total of 88 Team Nigeria athletes, including 63 women and 25 men, are proudly flying Nigeria’s flag in 12 sports at the Paris Olympics.
“The President assures these bold and courageous ambassadors representing the country of his full support and that of over 200 million Nigerians back home, praying and cheering for their success.
Nigeria Protests: FG Tightens Security At Borders Nationwide
The Federal Government has stepped up border security in preparation for the anticipated nationwide protests against government mismanagement. Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has issued a directive to all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOs) to heighten security measures.
According to Service spokesman DCI Kenneth Udo, the heightened security aims to prevent foreign individuals from entering Nigeria to participate in the demonstrations.
The directive emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and enhanced surveillance in light of the planned protests.
“The Comptroller-General has stressed the importance of securing the nation’s borders and preventing any external interference in the protests,” the statement said.
Officers, particularly those in charge of border commands, are instructed to remain alert and professional.
The order also includes a temporary suspension of all leave applications for immigration officers to ensure maximum staffing and operational effectiveness during the protests.
The Comptroller-General assured Nigerians of the Immigration Service’s readiness to protect the nation’s borders and support national security.
Falcons Working Hard To Make Nigeria Proud–Ajibade
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade says the team will keep striving to make Nigeria proud at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The Atletico Madrid forward spoke after Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil in the Group C opening game at Stade Matmut-Atlantique, Bordeaux. She hailed the team’s overall performance against the South Americans, relishing the opportunity to captain the team at the Olympics.
“I give all the glory to God for being able to play and captain the team at the Olympics. This is a privilege that I am eternally grateful for and do not take for granted. Blessed. I am incredibly proud of the team for the effort we showed, but it just was not our day. We will keep working hard to achieve our goals and make the country proud. Thank you for all your support,” said the former FC Robo Queens of Lagos player.
After losing their opening game, the Super Falcons now must up the ante to come out unscathed in the second game against Spain on Monday, July 29. A win against the Spaniards will revive their qualification hopes; a loss will leave them on the cusp of exit, while a draw gives fighting chances to progress from the group ahead of the last match at the same venue on Wednesday, July 31.
n the group’s second game on Sunday, Brazil will be aiming for their second win against Japan, who lost 2-1 to Spain in their opening game at Parc des Princes in Paris. A win for Japan and Nigeria will automatically throw the group open, as all three teams will be tied on three points.
The Super Falcons put up a virtuoso display against Brazil but were largely undone by their inability to put the ball at the back of the net.
The game’s decisive moment came in the first half when Gabriela Nunes Da Silva unleashed a ferocious strike that proved to be the only goal of the contest.
A positive start by Randy Waldrum women saw Chiwendu Ihezuo miss Nigeria’s best chance of the game as the Super Falcons played second fiddle all through the encounter after plenty of attacking intent.
Nigeria had three big chances in quick succession, one of which was led by Ajibade, Nigeria’s best player, beating her marker before crossing for Ihezuo, whose header was saved by Brazil’s goalkeeper.
It was the Super Falcons’ best chance, and Ihezuo, who was favoured to start by a Nigerian legend, should have scored. However, the Samba Girls took control after those threatening moments, going on to control the game en route to another win against the 11-time African champions.
This result extends Brazil’s unbeaten run against Nigeria to four matches, continuing the Super Falcons’ struggles against the Samba Girls.
Canadian Women’s Soccer Team Loses Six Points, Coach Banned Over Drone Scandal
Canada women football team laboured in vain in their 2-1 defeat of New Zealand last Thursday as FIFA this Saturday has taken a disciplinary action ducting six points from the team and banning their coach, Bev Priestman for a year.
This is sequel to a drone spying scandal that has tainted their gold medal defence.
Priestman, who has coached the team since 2020, and Canadian officials Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander have been banned from any soccer-related activity for one year for “offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play”, FIFA said.
New Zealand complained that Canadian staff flew drones over their training sessions before their opening fixture at the Olympics, which the Canada won 2-1.
The incident caused Priestman and the other officials involved to be suspended by Canada Soccer, the sport’s national governing body, and sent home from the Games.
There was no immediate comment from Canada Soccer or the Canadian Olympic Committee.
On Friday, former Canadian team players, Christine Sinclair and Stephanie Labbe said players had never been shown drone footage during their time on the team.
Canada are scheduled to play France on Sunday and take on Colombia on Wednesday. The top two teams in each group and the two best 3rd-ranked teams qualify for the Olympic quarter-finals.
Paris 2024: Nigeria Battle Spain In Survival Match in Nantes
Just at it was 26 years ago in the City of Nantes, France, Spain were overwhelming favourites as contenders for the title and were expected to beat Nigeria who at the time were undergoing ‘no-win’ streak’ so also it is now.
But contrary to expectations, Nigeria inflicted severe pains on Spain.
A repeat of this is what is expected of the Super Falcons as they face the overwhelming opponents, Spain on the same Stade de la Beaujoire.
Twenty six years ago, Nigeria won 3-2. Sports Village Square correspondent who witnessed the what was one of the major upsets in World Cup history has already taken accommodation just three minute walking distance to the theatre of dream, the Stade de la Beaujoire.
A win by the Super Falcons will put them on the path of possible qualification for the quarter-finals. A loss will be a huge set-back.
According to a release by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nigeria’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade is quoted as saying: “We missed quite a few chances against Brazil, and they took their chance. We will do our best to take our chances against Spain on Sunday.”
Kick off is 6pm local time
Team Nigeria’s Day Schedule At Paris 2024 Olympics Sunday
Team Nigeria will feature in three events today as the Paris 2024 gathers momentum. The events are boxing, football and table tennis. Except for the women’s football duel athe will hold in Nantes, the other two will be in Paris.
BOXING
Arena Paris Nord
10:48 – Preliminaries Round of 16
Olaitan Adam Olaore (NGR) vs Aibeck Oralbay (KAZ)
FOOTBALL
La Beaujoire Stadium, Nantes18:00 – Women’s Group C
Spain vs Nigeria
TABLE TENNIS
South Paris Arena 421:00 – Women’s Singles
Offiong Edem (NGR) vs Bruna Takahashi (BRA)
Nigerian Boxer, Ogunsemilore Provisionally Suspended
Nigerian lightweight boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore was provisionally suspended on Saturday after she tested positive for a banned substance ahead of her opening fight at the Paris Olympics, the International Testing Agency said.
Ogunsemilore tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic on WADA’s prohibited list, in an out-of-competition doping control collected on Thursday.
“The athlete has been informed of the case and has been provisionally suspended until the resolution of the matter in line with the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Olympic Committee Anti-Doping Rules,” the ITA said.
“This means that the athlete is prevented from competing, training, coaching, or participating in any activity, during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
“The athlete has the right to challenge the imposition of the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport – Anti-Doping Division. The athlete also has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample.”
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and African Games champion had been due to take on Taiwan’s Wu Shih Yi in a round of 16 bout on Tuesday.
