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Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele Reveals First Person To Congratulate Him For Beating Yamal

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has disclosed who was the first to congratulate him on winning this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The Frenchman recently won the award ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in Paris after recording the highest points.

The 28-year-old spoke with L’Equipe as he disclosed that Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi was the first person who congratulate him for his achievement.

He also added revealed that the likes of Luis Suarez and Xavi also congratulated him.

“Messi congratulated me first, he sent me a message directly,” Dembele said via @ReshadFCB (as reported by Sportskeeda).

“Xavi and Luis Suárez also sent me their congratulations. They were all very happy for me.”

Dembele and Messi were former Barcelona teammates in the past during their time at Camp Nou.

The former Dortmund star won the treble in the 2024-25 season with PSG, scoring 33 goals and registering 13 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for the club.

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Entertainment News

Why My Mother Remained Celibate For 20 Years After Divorcing Fela – Yeni Kuti Opens Up

Yeni Kuti, the Nigerian dancer and singer, has shared insights into the personal life of her late mother, Remilekun Anikulapo-Kuti, who was formerly married to Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.

Speaking during a live programme on TVC, Yeni explained that her mother chose not to remarry or pursue another relationship after her union with Fela ended.

She said Remilekun lived celibately for more than twenty years until her passing in 2002.

According to Yeni, Remilekun’s decision was rooted in her deep affection for Fela, even after leaving his home in 1981.

During that time, she reportedly faced health challenges, including a battle with cancer, yet still held onto her devotion to the music legend.

She said: “We have to break it down into parts; firstly, sex is very important in marriage, secondly, celibacy is a matter of choice.

“My mummy moved out of my father’s house in 1981, and she died in 2002. From 1981 till she died, she never met another man; she was celibate during that period. I knew, but I could never understand.

“She got cancer in between and she went for a check up, when the doctor asked why she isn’t using it, that it’s closing up, she said, ‘Fela is the only man for me.”

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I Would Have Been Dead If Not For My Wife – Football Legend, Wayne Rooney Confesses

English football legend Wayne Rooney has admitted that he believes he might not be alive today if not for his wife, Coleen, who helped him overcome his struggles with alcohol.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former England and Manchester United star told his friend and former teammate Rio Ferdinand that at the peak of his career, he would “drink for two days straight.”

Recalling that period, the 39-year-old said his routine was: “come training and at the weekend I’d score two goals and then I’d go back and go and drink for two days straight again.”

He credited his wife with stepping in to manage his behavior. “She helped me control that massively and managed me because I needed managing,” Rooney said, adding, “I honestly believe, if she weren’t there, I’d be dead.”

Rooney recalled meeting Coleen when they were secondary school students in Liverpool and marrying her in 2008 after six years of dating. He noted that she saw his issues early on.

“When I was 17, she could see, she knew my mind and she knew I was a bit out there,” he said. “I loved my football, obsessed with football, but also I loved a night out or whatever, going out. She’s seen it very early on and she’s controlled that. Well, not controlled, but helped me control that massively.”

Rooney also revealed that during his time playing for Manchester United, he would attempt to hide his drinking sessions from manager Sir Alex Ferguson by chewing gum and using eye drops.

The couple, who have four children, have faced several public incidents related to Rooney’s infidelity and alcohol use, for which he has issued public apologies. He was famously arrested for drink-driving in Cheshire in 2017, pleading guilty, and was subsequently banned from driving for two years and fined by his then-team, Everton. He was also arrested for “public intoxication” in the US a year later and paid a fine.

Having recently left his role as head coach at Plymouth Argyle, Rooney now hosts his own BBC podcast and works as a pundit on Match Of The Day.

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Stop Agreeing With People Just Because You You Don’t Want To Upset Them – Dayo Amusa

Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has advised people to quit always saying yes to others and stop living solely to please them.

The actress, who is contesting for the position of Vice President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Southwest, shared this on her Instagram page.

She said that people should not agree to things just to avoid upsetting others, stressing that such habits only leave them drained while others enjoy peace at their expense.

Amusa explained that individuals must learn to protect their time and happiness instead of sacrificing them for people who do not value their wellbeing.

She advised that it is not wrong to walk away from those who cannot respect boundaries and that no one should feel guilty for making decisions that put their own lives first.

She further stated that the world does not owe anyone, adding that people are products of their choices and not their circumstances.

She encouraged her followers to stop complaining, take responsibility for their lives, and believe in their inner strength to overcome challenges.

According to her, a determined mind and the right circle of people can help anyone rise above difficulties.

She maintained that no person, situation, or circumstance should be allowed to define an individual, and urged everyone to boldly take charge of their lives.

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Fuel Price Hike Looms As Dangote Refinery Suspends Petrol Sale In Naira

Fuel prices in Nigeria may soar as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery prepares to suspend petrol sales in naira.

The development was communicated to customers in a notice made available to journalists on Saturday.

According to the notice signed by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the decision would take effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025, citing the exhaustion of its crude-for-naira allocation as the reason.

Part of the notice read, “We write to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been selling petroleum products in excess of our Naira-Crude allocations and, consequently, we are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.

“Kindly note that this suspension of Naira sales for PMS will be effective from Sunday, 28th of September, 2025. We will provide further updates regarding the resumption of supply once the situation has been resolved.

“All customers with PMS transactions in Naira who would like a refund of their current payments should formally request the processing of their refund.”

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New Olubadan Ladoja Asks Tinubu For Creation Of Ibadan State Before 2027

The 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the creation of the State of Ibadan before 2027.

He made the call during his coronation after receiving his staff of office at an event attended by Tinubu and other dignitaries, including Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde.

Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch said, “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”

Governor Makinde, speaking at the occasion, described the emergence of Ladoja as the 44th traditional leader of the ancient city as a source of pride to the people of Ibadan.

He said, “It is a great honour to join in celebrating the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions.”

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the coronation took place at the revered Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area. Before this, the monarch received the symbolic Akoko leaf, an essential rite of passage, at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, marking his traditional induction.

The ceremonial honour — the official presentation of the staff and instrument of office — was conducted by Governor Seyi Makinde at Mapo Hall, sealing Ladoja’s transition into his royal role.

Governor Makinde made an early return from his scheduled leave to personally attend and supervise the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

At the Oyo State House of Assembly plenary session held on Thursday, Deputy Speaker Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi, standing in for Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, formally read and acknowledged the governor’s letter of resumption.

In October last year, SaharaReporters reported that, in an unprecedented move, a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution to create new Oyo and Ibadan States passed the second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, sponsored by Akeem Adeyemi, the son of the late Alaafin Adeyemi, alongside six others, seeks to create Oyo State and Ibadan State.

Details of the bill showed that Oyo State would have Oyo town as its capital, while Ibadan State would have Ibadan city as its capital.

The constitution alteration bill was passed for a second reading during same plenary.

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Entertainment News

Portable Reacts As Lookalike Allegedly Poses As Him at Shows (Video)

Singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has broken his silence following reports that his lookalike allegedly perform his songs at shows.
Reacting in a trending video, Zazu crooner said he is aware of the situation but warned that people should stop tagging him whenever they see the fake performer.
According to him, nobody can be like him.
The controversial singer added that if anyone catches the impersonator, they are free to deal with him as they like, but he should not be dragged into it..
Watch video below

Here

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BBNaija 10: Why I Never Got Along With Isabella – Thelma Lawson

Evicted Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Thelma Lawson has opened up on why she failed to get along with fellow contestant Isabella.
She spoke following her shock eviction last Saturday night alongside Bright Morgan.
In her post-show interview, she stated that the misunderstanding stemmed from her closeness with Kayinkunmi, a housemate she already knew before the competition.
According to her, Isabella mistook her bond with Kayinkunmi for something romantic and began to view her as a threat.
“It’s unfortunate that Isabella and I never really became friends. I genuinely looked forward to connecting with her because she is a mother to a 14 year old son.
“I wanted to learn life from her perspective. But things changed because Kayinkunmi who is my friend outside the house was also in the game,” Thelma explained.
Thelma stated that the tension worsened after she picked Kayinkunmi as her deputy during her tenure as Head of House.
She added that Isabella’s reaction immediately after her deputy choice signaled the strain in their relationship.
 
“Her reaction that night showed me she had taken it too far. I felt it wasn’t the right moment for a conversation,” she said.
Thelma clarified that she deliberately kept the depth of her pre-existing friendship with Kayinkunmi private, insisting it was unnecessary to announce it to everyone.
“Kayinkunmi is my friend and that was why I chose him as deputy. I didn’t want anyone using us for highlights that’s why I only explained to those who directly asked me.
 
“Unfortunately by the time Isabella realized there was nothing between us, the damage had already been done,” she said.
The reality star concluded that while she had hoped for a genuine friendship with Isabella, the misunderstanding created a rift that was never repaired during their time in the house.
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Things To Know About 44th Olubadan Of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja

Oba Rashidi Ladoja was officially installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in 2025, marking a significant milestone in both the traditional and political history of Nigeria’s largest indigenous city.

These are some key facts about the newly-crowned Oyo traditional leader

1. Rashidi Ladoja served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

His tenure was marked by both political achievements and controversies, including an impeachment (later overturned by the courts).
2. Aged Politician Turned Monarch

Born on September 25, 1944, Oba Ladoja ascended the throne at age 81, bringing decades of experience in politics, business, and traditional leadership.

3. Highly Educated

He studied Chemical Engineering at the prestigious University of Liège in Belgium.

He is fluent in multiple languages, including French, and has had a successful professional career before politics.

4. Accomplished Businessman

Before entering politics, Ladoja worked with several multinational companies, including Total Nigeria, and later ventured into private business, particularly in oil and gas and shipping.

5. Long Journey Through the Ibadan Chieftaincy System

Oba Ladoja began his journey to the throne over 32 years ago, following the traditional Olubadan succession line, which is rotational and seniority-based.

He held various titles, including Jagun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and Otun Olubadan, before becoming Olubadan in 2025.
6. Defender of Ibadan Traditional Institution
Ladoja strongly opposed the controversial 2017 chieftaincy review introduced by ex-Governor Abiola Ajimobi, which sought to elevate multiple Ibadan chiefs to the status of “kings”.

He went to court to defend the integrity and structure of the Ibadan traditional system and won.

7. Known for Calm Demeanor and Bridge-Building

Ladoja is widely respected for his moderation, diplomacy, and ability to navigate complex political and social situations.

As Olubadan, he is expected to play a stabilising role in Ibadanland and Oyo State politics.

8. He Succeeds Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin

Oba Ladoja was installed as the 44th Olubadan following the passing of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who reigned from 2024 until his death on July 7, 2025.

***

Source: The Punch

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Facebook, Instagram Users to Pay £2.99 For Monthly Subscription

Users of Facebook and Instagram in the United Kingdom, UK will soon start paying a monthly fee.

This would make it possible for them to access the platform advert free.

According to BBC, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it would start notifying users about the development in the coming weeks.

According to the report, EU users are expected to pay a fee starting from €5.99 (£5) a month to see no ads.
But the proposed monthly subscriptions will start from £2.99 a month for UK users.
“It will give people in the UK a clear choice about whether their data is used for personalised advertising, while preserving the free access and value that the ads-supported internet creates for people, businesses and platforms,” Meta said.
However, it was learnt that the UK users may have no option to not pay and see “less personalised” adverts.
Meta had added the feature for EU users after regulators raised concerns.
Recall that the Information Commissioner’s Office, ICO, the UK’s data watchdog, had published guidance for firms about ad-free subscriptions earlier this year.

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