INFORMED LENS MEDIA REPORT

The designer of the Nigerian flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. His son, Akinkunmi Akinwumi Samuel, shared the news of his father's demise on Facebook. He wrote, "Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly you lived a life with a landmark. Continue to rest on, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R) Great Man has gone." Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi designed the Nigerian flag, which features two green stripes flanking a white stripe in the middle. This flag was officially adopted on October 1, 1960, when Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. It is a symbol of the nation's identity and sovereignty. In recognition of his contributions, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi was honored with the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) Award by former President Goodluck Jonathan. His legacy lives on through the enduring national symbol he created, and he will be remembered for his significant role in Nigeria's history.

Apple has officially announced its upcoming product launch event scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The event will likely feature the introduction of the latest iPhone models, Apple Watches, and possibly other devices. The event invitation features the Apple logo at the top, adorned with grains of sand in various shades of gray, blue, and silver. These colors are believed to be a hint at the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro, which is rumored to be available in black, silver, gray, and dark blue variants. Below the logo, the invitation includes the word "Wonderlust," adding an element of intrigue. The event is set to begin at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Apple's website. It is expected that the event will also be available for streaming on YouTube and through the Apple TV app. As usual, Apple's product launch events generate significant anticipation and excitement among tech enthusiasts, as they provide a first look at the company's latest innov...

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has taken action against its presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for alleged anti-party activities. The suspension of Kwankwaso and the NWC is for a period of six months. The BoT has also appointed new national officers, with Dr. Agbo Major as the acting National Chairman and Mr. Ogini Olaposi as the acting National Secretary, along with 18 others. The decision to suspend Kwankwaso and the NWC was reached during a special general assembly meeting held at the Rockview Hotels in Apapa, Lagos. The suspension was reportedly put to a voice vote by party members. According to the Secretary of the BoT, Babayo Muhammed Abdulahi, Kwankwaso was accused of engaging in unauthorized discussions and activities with various political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the pr...

Rwanda has recently announced a five-year partnership with the German football club, Bayern Munich, aimed at promoting tourism in Rwanda and establishing a football academy. Under this partnership, the "Visit Rwanda" logo will be displayed on the illuminated panels around the pitch at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena, which has a seating capacity of 75,000. The deal signifies Rwanda's growing presence in European football, following previous sponsorships with London club Arsenal and partnership with Paris Saint-Germain in France. Furthermore, Bayern Munich has committed to establishing a football academy in Rwanda, furthering the development of the sport in the country. The exact financial details of the partnership have not been disclosed. Rwanda's Minister of Sport, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, expressed excitement about the partnership and the prospects it brings for the development of football in Rwanda. She emphasized the importance of this collaboration in advanc...

Team Nigeria has experienced another medalless outing at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, marking the 11th time in 19 editions that the country's contingent has failed to secure a medal. The nation's hopes for medals were primarily placed on the performances of long jumper Ese Brume and sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan. Ese Brume had previously secured a bronze medal in 2019, ending two consecutive medalless championships in 2015 and 2017. She played a vital role in bringing Nigeria to the podium twice in Oregon, USA, three years later, upgrading her 2019 bronze to silver. Tobi Amusan joined the podium in Oregon after finishing fourth in 2019, and her appearance at the World Athletics Championships in 2022 marked a historic moment. She made history by becoming the first Nigerian to set a world outdoor record, running the 100m hurdles in 12.12 seconds during the semifinals of the event in Oregon. Despite the absence of medals in Budapest, the dedication and achi...

In a significant move aimed at curbing the cost of governance in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has issued directives to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The directive stipulates that visas for government officials planning to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will not be processed unless they can provide clear evidence of their direct participation in the official UNGA schedule of activities. This directive is part of a broader initiative to streamline government spending and prioritize essential expenditures in Nigeria. By restricting travel for government officials to UNGA events in which they are directly involved, the government aims to make a more cost-effective use of resources. The United Nations General Assembly is a crucial global forum where world leaders gather to discuss pressing global issues. President Tinubu's directive reflects his administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility and the efficient allocation of public...

Chinese President Xi Jinping has embarked on a trip to South Africa, where he is scheduled to pay a state visit and participate in the 15th BRICS summit. This journey marks his second foreign visit of the year, following a visit to Russia in March. Xi's official departure from Beijing was reported by the Xinhua News Agency. His visit to South Africa encompasses the BRICS summit, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—a group of nations seeking to establish a counterweight to Western influence. The summit is slated to take place from Tuesday to Thursday. Prominent leaders attending the summit include former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, will participate via videoconference. Xi Jinping's vis...

Manchester United has officially revealed that Mason Greenwood will be departing from the club, concluding a prolonged internal investigation into the player's situation. Initially, a decision regarding Greenwood's future was expected prior to the opening day of the Premier League season, particularly ahead of the Wolves match. However, the club opted to delay their decision, leading to an extended investigation that extended into the start of the campaign. The investigation initiated by Manchester United aimed to conduct its inquiries independently, with the goal of determining the appropriate course of action regarding Greenwood. This investigation stemmed from an announcement by Greater Manchester Police on February 2, which stated that Greenwood would no longer face criminal proceedings. Notably, charges against Greenwood, including those related to attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, and assault, were dropped in February. Throughout the legal pro...

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is gearing up to unveil the web version of Threads, its direct competitor to X (formerly known as Twitter). The absence of a web version has been a source of frustration for users since Threads' inception as a short-form posting service. Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, recently confirmed that the company was diligently working on incorporating this feature, along with much-needed search functionality (currently limited to username searches). He had mentioned that these updates would be ready in the "next few weeks." However, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that while the launch is imminent, the exact timeline remains tentative, and plans could potentially change. Threads' lead, Adam Mosseri, had also acknowledged that the platform had been internally testing an early version for a brief period. He noted that some refinements were necessary before a wide release. Threads made a swift entry into the social media scene, resemb...

 Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34. Renowned as one of the standout young talents in English football, Walcott revealed his decision on Friday, marking the conclusion of an illustrious 18-year senior career. Throughout his remarkable journey, Walcott graced the field in over 560 club matches, representing Southampton, the club where he initiated and concluded his career, Arsenal, and Everton. A testament to his skill and dedication, he notched an impressive total of 129 goals. Walcott's trajectory in the sport was marked by noteworthy milestones. Despite controversy surrounding his inclusion in England's 2006 World Cup squad under manager Sven-Goran Eriksson without prior international experience, he eventually emerged as the youngest player to don the England senior men's jersey. Furthermore, he achieved the feat of securing a hat-trick for the national team at the tender age of 19. Refle...

Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins has announced his impending resignation, scheduled for later this week, alongside the entire government. The move comes as Karins aims to address internal challenges and reconfigure the current coalition government. Karins, the leader of the liberal-conservative New Unity party, has been advocating for a broader coalition that includes the Alliance of Farmers and Greens and the left-leaning Progressives. However, his efforts have faced resistance from his current coalition partners—the conservative National Alliance and the center-right electoral alliance United List. The trigger for Karins' decision was the rejection of his proposed Cabinet reshuffle by his coalition partners. Last week, both the National Alliance and United List declined to approve Karins' selections for ministerial positions and policy initiatives, including work and welfare policies crucial for economic growth. In a statement, Karins expressed frustration that the coa...

Promising Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo is on the cusp of becoming a part of the Chelsea squad, having successfully completed the crucial phase of his medical examinations. The tests, which commenced at 9am UK time, have been concluded, clearing the path for the young talent's next step. Caicedo is now poised to officially ink a contract that will tie him to Chelsea until June 2031, with an additional option for extension until 2032. The completion of this contractual formality marks a significant milestone in the Ecuadorian's journey towards donning the Chelsea blue. In a bid to swiftly introduce their latest acquisition to fans and followers, Chelsea has not only expedited the medical process but also wrapped up media obligations for Moisés Caicedo. The club is determined to unveil him as their latest signing in the very near future. The midfielder's imminent arrival adds a fresh layer of anticipation to Chelsea's ranks, with fans eager to witness his potential...

 Uchenna Kanu, the talented Super Falcons forward, introduces a foundation empowering girls' potential through education and scholarships. Reflecting on her 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup experience, Kanu's journey becomes a beacon of inspiration for young dreamers.. The football prodigy, widely known for her prowess on the field, has taken the plunge into philanthropy, establishing a foundation aimed at nurturing the boundless potential of young girls.  Kanu's newly launched foundation is nothing short of a beacon of hope for young girls seeking to conquer hurdles and rise above limitations. The foundation's core objective revolves around providing a solid platform for girls to unlock their true potential. Central to this mission is an exciting initiative to sponsor deserving young ladies on scholarships to prestigious institutions in the United States of America. By breaking down barriers to education and providing opportunities that were once just a distant dream, Uchen...

Salma Paralluelo has etched her name into Women's World Cup history by firing Spain into the semi-finals with a breathtaking goal. At the tender age of 19, Paralluelo's remarkable achievement not only secures Spain's advancement but also crowns her as the youngest ever scorer in the prestigious tournament. Her meteoric rise as a rising star within the Spanish team unveils a boundless potential that is set to illuminate the footballing world for years to come. As the Spanish squad basks in the glory of this triumph, it is undeniable that Paralluelo's presence on the pitch will continue to be a cornerstone of their aspirations. Amidst the exhilarating cheers and celebrations, a heartfelt salute is in order for both Paralluelo and the entire Spanish contingent. This historic accomplishment is a testament to their unwavering dedication and unwavering spirit, embodying the essence of sportsmanship and excellence."

 In a stunning turn of events, Liverpool Football Club has made a decisive move to secure the services of the highly sought-after talent, Moisés Caicedo. A late-night bid of a staggering £110 million package fee has been officially submitted, sending shockwaves through the footballing world. Sources indicate that Brighton, the Ecuadorian midfielder's current club, is on the brink of accepting this record-breaking bid. The allure of the highest bidder has evidently swayed Brighton's decision-making, bringing Liverpool to the forefront of this exhilarating transfer saga While rival Chelsea has yet to match this audacious proposal, it seems increasingly likely that Caicedo will soon be donning the iconic Liverpool jersey. With personal terms now being carefully ironed out, all signs point towards a monumental deal that is expected to be inked and sealed by Friday. Football aficionados and Reds supporters alike are on tenterhooks as the countdown to Caicedo's potential Anfield ...

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Nigeria's national women's basketball team, affectionately known as D'Tigress, clinched their fourth consecutive African title at the 2023 FIBA Women's Afrobasket tournament. The D'Tigress squad showcased their prowess on the court, securing an 84-74 victory over their Senegalese counterparts in a high-stakes final. This monumental triumph on Saturday not only cements their dominance in the realm of African basketball but also etches their names in the annals of sports history. With this win, D'Tigress becomes only the second team ever, following Senegal, to achieve the remarkable feat of clinching four consecutive titles.  The victory is particularly sweet for the Nigerian Ladies, as it puts an end to a 12-year title drought that persisted until 2017 when they were crowned champions. Since then, D'Tigress has displayed unwavering excellence, replicating their success in 2019, 2021, and now, in 2023. The jou...

In an intriguing twist of events, Inter Milan has once again set its sights on the promising talent of Folarin Balogun from Arsenal, as the club intensifies its efforts to bolster its roster. Following the unfortunate collapse of the Scamacca deal, Inter has swiftly shifted its attention back to Balogun, a player who has garnered significant interest and approval from the club's esteemed board members. This development marks the dawn of a fresh phase of negotiations between the two clubs, as they engage in a renewed bid to secure the services of the highly regarded striker. Balogun's prowess and potential have not gone unnoticed, making him an attractive prospect for Inter Milan's forward line. The decision to revisit discussions with Arsenal underscores Inter's unwavering determination to acquire a player of Balogun's caliber, who could potentially add a new dimension to their offensive strategies on the pitch. The setback involving the Scamacca deal has only serve...

In an upcoming fixture set to unfold at Lang Park, Brisbane, the Super Falcons are geared up to face England in the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the next stage of the tournament. The highly anticipated clash between the Super Falcons and England is set to take place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The battle for supremacy will unfold at Lang Park, Brisbane, with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the coveted quarter-finals. England's impeccable performance in the tournament thus far has garnered attention, having triumphed over their opponents in Australia and New Zealand, with a remarkable goal tally of eight, while only conceding once. Their recent dominating victory over China, with a resounding 6-1 scoreline, further solidified their status as strong contenders for the women's world cup  While acknowledging the formidable challenge that lies ahead against the reigning Europe...

 Former Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan has been found guilty of corruption by a court in the country and has been sentenced to three years in prison, as reported by state TV. In the court's ruling, Judge Humayun Dilawar stated, "His involvement in dishonest activities has been unequivocally proven. He deliberately and intentionally concealed the advantages he gained from the national treasury, thereby engaging in corrupt practices." The verdict stems from Khan's involvement in the sale and false declaration of receiving state gifts valued at over 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000, €576,000) during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. Imran Khan's legal representative, Intazar Hussain, informed Reuters that Khan has been apprehended and removed from his residence in Lahore, a city in the eastern region of Pakistan. The court has decreed that he will serve his prison term at Adyala Central Jail in Rawalpindi. In anticipation of his arrest, Kha...