"Finance Minister Wale Edun Recuperating in Abuja, No Plans for Replacement" — Presidency. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is recovering at his Abuja residence after falling ill, senior Presidency sources confirmed on Sunday.  Contrary to reports, officials insist his condition is not stroke-related and that President Bola Tinubu has no plans to replace him. A senior government official told The PUNCH that while Edun’s illness is “a bit serious,” he remains in Nigeria under the care of local doctors. “He’s indisposed but not suffering from a stroke,” the source said, adding that Edun might seek treatment abroad only if necessary. Earlier reports had claimed that Edun’s condition was “very serious” and that the President had begun discreet consultations to find a replacement. However, multiple Presidency insiders dismissed those claims, emphasizing that the minister is still in his home and being monitored closely. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga also confirmed Edun’s situation, stating: “Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill, but he’s in Nigeria and recuperating.” In Edun’s absence, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, beginning Monday, October 13. The delegation will also include Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite. Meanwhile, President Tinubu departed Abuja for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting, which focuses on security issues in West Africa. Edun, a seasoned economist and banker, was appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy on August 21, 2023.

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Ajaokuta Steel Company Will Not Work — Billionaire Dangote Declares, cites reasons. The President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has dismissed the viability of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, insisting it cannot function. Speaking with newsmen, Dangote stressed that no nation can thrive without a steel industry, but maintained that Ajaokuta cannot deliver on that role. He said, “There is no nation that you can build without a steel industry and honestly within us here, Ajaokuta Steel Company will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves and keep being passionate about it, but it’s not possible.” Drawing comparisons, he added: “It’s like you now, if you remember those vehicles we used to produce for Volkswagen, Igala. If you bring Igala now, will you compare it with the current Kia? No. Things have changed.” Dangote recounted his recent experience in Italy, saying: “I was waiting for my driver in Italy and we didn’t see him on Tuesday and my assistant called an Uber going to a restaurant. The guy was nice to us and gave us mint but I said no thank you. I said this vehicle is nice and he said no it’s Tesla electric and our electricity is very expensive here. I said what does it cost you? He said about €20 to fully charge to run 500km.” According to him, the world has moved on and Nigeria must adapt: “Things have changed and all of us have to keep changing or you will become archaic, it’s like you going to the grave yards to try being a dead person or you go hospital to bring somebody from his dying bed to run 100 meters, it’s impossible.” Dangote also took a swipe at Nigerians’ travel habits: “I love Nigerians because it’s only Nigerians who would rush to the airport without having a confirmed booking and he would make much noise.”

Giorgio Armani To Be Buried Monday In Private Ceremony Legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who died on September 4, 2025, at age 91, will be buried on Monday in a private family ceremony in the medieval village of Rivalta, near Milan. Thousands of mourners paid their respects over the weekend as Armani’s coffin lay in state at the Armani Theatre in Milan. The Armani company announced it will close all its shops in Italy on Monday afternoon in his honour, while Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala declared a day of mourning. Tributes have poured in from Hollywood stars, political leaders, and global icons for the man who transformed modern fashion. 📌 Ref: AFP #GiorgioArmani #FashionIcon #Italy #Milan #BreakingNews

UN human rights experts have warned that recent oil asset sales in Nigeria by Shell, Eni, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies violate international law, citing a lack of transparency and failure to ensure cleanup of decades of pollution. In letters to the companies and governments of Nigeria, the UK, US, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, the UN stressed that divestments without remediation risk worsening human rights abuses in the Niger Delta. The experts urged urgent cleanup, compensation, and accountability for historic environmental damage. #NigerDelta #OilPollution #UNHumanRights

“Kanye Was Right”: Kim Kardashian Faces Backlash as 12-Year-Old Daughter North West Wears Corset American reality star Kim Kardashian has once again found herself at the center of controversy after her daughter, North West, stepped out in a bold outfit during their trip to Italy. North, just 12 years old, wore a strapless black corset paired with a skirt and chunky platform boots. While the look drew attention for its fashion-forward edge, it quickly ignited backlash online. Critics argued that the corset was inappropriate for her age, sparking fresh debates about parenting in the spotlight. Many social media users pointed back to Kanye West’s previous concerns about how North should be portrayed publicly, with some saying this incident proves “Kanye was right.” On the other hand, supporters defended Kim, claiming North is simply expressing her fashion creativity like many children of celebrities. As of now, Kim Kardashian has not publicly addressed the criticism, but the incident has rekindled conversations about celebrity parenting, fashion boundaries, and childhood exposure in Hollywood. “Kim Kardashian faces backlash as 12-year-old North West wears

Newsbrief: 17-Year-Old Cyclist Dies After Junior Vuelta Crash Spanish teenager Ivan Melendez Luque has died after a major crash involving about 20 riders during the queen stage of the Junior Tour of Spain between Langa de Duero and Laguna Negra. Eighteen riders were hospitalised in Soria, three in serious condition, but doctors later confirmed Luque, who rode for the Tenerife team, succumbed to his injuries. Organisers have cancelled the remainder of the race, with tributes held in Aranda del Duero. The International Cycling Union (UCI) expressed condolences, describing the loss as “deeply saddening.” Luque becomes the second junior cyclist to die in competition this year after Italy’s Samuele Privitera. #IvanLuque #Cycling #Spain #JuniorVuelta

Football: Victor Boniface’s agent, on his way to Italy today for talks with AC Milan. Club to club agreement done for initial loan move with €30m buy option clause from Leverkusen.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: UEFA have sanctioned Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski with a fine of 5,000 euros each for violating the Anti-doping Regulations after the game against Inter in Italy

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye Banned for Two Months Over Illegal Betting in Italy. Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month suspension by Italian football authorities after being found guilty of illegal betting. According to Football Italia, the Nigerian international, currently playing for Serie A side Udinese was initially at risk of a four-year ban for sporting fraud. However, the disciplinary commission downgraded the charge, sparing him a lengthier punishment. The case stems from a March 11, 2024, Serie A match between Udinese and Lazio, where Okoye was booked for time-wasting in the 64th minute with his team leading 2–1. The yellow card triggered suspicions after an unusual spike in bets, mainly from the Udine area—predicted he would receive a booking. The bets, placed at odds of 8/1, reportedly yielded over €120,000 in winnings. Following an investigation involving Okoye and three others, the matter was brought before Italy’s disciplinary panel in June 2025. While a potential sporting fra¥d charge loomed, the final ruling focused solely on illegal betting. Okoye’s suspension begins on August 18, 2025, and he is expected to miss six Serie A matches, including Udinese’s Coppa Italia tie against Carrarese. He will be eligible to return on October 19. The 24-year-old has made 18 appearances for Nigeria and joined Udinese from Watford in 2023.

Mountain Biker Andreas Tonelli Dies in Tragic Fall from over 600 feet Italian Alps. Professional mountain biker Andreas Tonelli has died after falling over 600 feet while riding near Piz Duleda in the Italian Alps on Tuesday, July 15. He was 48. According to Italian outlet L’Unione Sarda, Tonelli had set out alone on a challenging route in the Vallunga area above Val Gardena but failed to return by nightfall. Authorities were alerted around 9:00 p.m., and his body was later discovered at 1:00 a.m. by a rescue helicopter crew in a steep ravine. His remains were recovered the following day. The Carabinieri, Italy’s national police, are investigating the incident. Tonelli had posted a final Instagram Story at 7:15 p.m. that evening, smiling with his bike on his shoulders after reaching 9,530 feet on the Piz Duleda peak in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The story has since been deleted. Originally from South Tyrol, Tonelli grew up in the Dolomites and later left an office job to pursue extreme mountain biking full-time. He gained a following on social media by sharing daring stunts and breathtaking alpine rides. Outdoor brand Norrøna, which had named Tonelli an ambassador, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. “It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that professional mountain biker, true gentleman, and Norrøna ambassador Andreas Tonelli lost his life in a biking accident,” the company wrote. “We will remember his big smile and his deep love for mountain biking, for nature, and for the friendships forged out there.” Fans flooded the tribute post with condolences. “It was an honor for me to share the greatest adventure of our lives with him on Cerro Mercedario this year. We will miss you, Andreas❤️,” one wrote. Another added: “Andreas was among the most positive and passionate humans I’ve ever met. My thoughts are with his family and close ones.” In a past interview with Norrøna, Tonelli named the Dolomites and Norway’s Lofoten Islands as his favorite places in the world.

Malabugate: Ex-AGF Adoke knocks Obasanjo, Buhari, others over alleged persecution Source: The Nation Nigeria Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Mohammed Bello Adoke, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of causing his eight year travails over the oil deal that is now generally called Malabugate. Adoke also listed former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, of playing roles in his “unjust persecution.” The Malabu oil deal scandal centres on the 2011 acquisition of OPL 245 (an oil block said to hold nine billion barrels of crude) by Royal Dutch Shell and Italy’s Eni for US $1.3 billion.