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Sir David Beckham hugs Brooklyn in adorable OBE throwback as he delivers ultimate snub

By in Entertainment News, News

In a sweet resurfaced moment from his OBE, Brooklyn Beckham embraced his football legend father, David Beckham, who had brutally snubbed his knighthood celebrations.

A throwback moment of Sir David Beckham celebrating his OBE with his eldest son, Brooklyn, has emerged following his bittersweet knighthood.The football icon was officially made a Sir today by King Charles as he celebrated with his nearest and dearest.

However, his son Brooklyn failed to attend the once-in-a-lifetime celebrations with his famous dad, mum Lady Victoria and siblings Romeo, Cruz and Harper. It follows months of reports of a family fallout, with the aspiring chef choosing to distance himself from the Beckhams.

The rumour rift came to light when Brooklyn snubbed David’s 50th birthday celebrations in May, with him then missing out on his siblings’ birthdays and family events. Brooklyn even renewed his vows to wife Nicola Peltz over the summer with just her family present.

READ MORE: David Beckham makes incredible vow to public as he is knightedREAD MORE: Victoria Beckham breaks silence on David’s knighthood as admits she’s ‘never felt prouder’

Brooklyn missed seeing David receive his long-awaited knighthood at a ceremony at Windsor Castle, adding yet another blow. However, there has been a reoccurring touching moment between the father and son.

Brooklyn and David both attended the family celebration and were elevated to the rank of Officer of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. After sharing the title with his wife Victoria, the England ace made his way to a family reception at the Connaught Hotel.

In their 2003 documentary, they reunited with their families to celebrate. Before Victoria asked, “Where’s Brooklyn?” as David hugged his mother Sandra and little Romeo, Victoria entered the room and gave Romeo a hug.

David also inquired, “Where is he?” and quipped, “Wow, how smart you look, I guess.” Look at you, Victoria said to him. The Queenie was seen by Mummy.

Unfortunately, Brooklyn was absent when the King presented David with his knighthood. When the knighthood was announced, he remained quiet over the summer, and David’s family emailed him hysterically.

Instead, the aspiring chef quickly promoted pretzel pita chips on Instagram, which irked many followers. Brooklyn was “thrilled” for his dad, according to one source, who still prefers to keep “no contact” with his family for the time being.

Brooklyn was last publicly pictured with his whole family during their 2024 Christmas celebrations, but it seems like their relationship has since unravelled. Earlier this month, both David and Victoria liked one of Brooklyn’s Instagram videos showing him cooking buttermilk pancakes, which fans interpreted as a quiet olive branch.

However, Brooklyn does not appear to have returned the favour. His brother Romeo gushed over David following the knighthood as he shared on social media: “No one deserves this more than you, love you so much xxx Congrats Sir dad.”

Victoria praised Cruz and the Windsor Castle family, while Cruz also shared photos of the family. Thankful for this occasion and for my incredible team who worked so hard to realize the vision.

David wore the first ever tailored menswear piece from Victoria’s own fashion brand, which featured sweet detailing including a label that featured the date and SDB, in reference to his new initials Sir David Beckham.

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John Nwabueze Appointed As Tax Ombudsman

By in News, Nigeria News

According to the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, the Federal Government has appointed Dr. John Nwabueze as its tax ombudsman.

Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday, claiming that the appointment is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to implement comprehensive and sustainable reforms in the tax and revenue administration framework.

The new position brings extensive professional and public service experience, including Dr. John Nwabueze from Delta State’s Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Prior to his appointment, he held positions as the managing partner of a reputable tax advisory firm, technical advisor to the Federal Capital Territory’s Joint Senate Committees, technical advisor to the Chief Economic Advisor to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other significant positions in both the public and private sectors.

Read more about Tinubu’s new $1.15 trillion domestic loan to finance the deficit for 2025.

Nwabueze holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics and accounting from the University of Jos, Nigeria, as well as a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) degree from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA, and a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington, D.C.

The statement read, “President Tinubu congratulates Nwabueze on this appointment and expresses confidence in his ability to carry out his duties with the highest degree of professionalism,” the statement read.

The Tax Ombudsman was established to improve transparency and accountability within the tax system, foster trust in the administration of taxes, and establish a system for fair and impartial resolution of disputes between revenue authorities and taxpayers.

In accordance with current laws and regulations, the Office is tasked with receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints involving taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues.

Barton’s posts scared me, commentator Ward tells jury

By in News, Sports News
PA Media Joey Barton has swept back greying brown hair. He wears sunglasses and had has a red, white and blue tricolour style scarf.PA Media

Lucy Ward, a TV football commentator, claimed Joey Barton’s social media posts made her “physically scared” and intimidated.

With messages on X about Ms Ward, fellow football pundit Eni Aluko, and broadcaster Jeremy Vine, former Manchester City player Mr. Barton is alleged to have “crossed the line between free speech and a crime.”

Mr. Barton, 43, is charged with 12 counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with the intent to cause distress or anxiety, which he denies. He is accused of having 2. 7 million followers on the platform.

Ms. Ward testified that she “knew he would get to me at one point” because, in addition to Mr. Barton’s general view, he did not like women making comments on men’s football.

When asked about the post, she responded, “Intimidated,” as per prosecutor Peter Wright KC. Being the subject of someone else’s abuse was very unpleasant.

I’m attempting to do my job. One of the few women who does it already overcomes many barriers. With that occurring, it’s challenging to do your job.

I couldn’t really figure out why I was being called that because Fred and Rose West tortured, sexually abused, and murdered children. It initially was extremely harsh, but it obviously kept going.

I was getting to the point where I was physically scared, really. It was constant harassment, or bullying, in my opinion.

PA Media Lucy Ward with blond bobbed hair arrives at Liverpool Crown Court wearing a dog tooth patterned jacket and black roll neck jumper.PA Media

Later, Widnes, Cheshire resident Mr. Barton superimposed her face and Ms. Aluko’s on to a picture of the Wests.

Before beginning her 20-year broadcasting career, Ms. Ward, who played women’s football for Leeds United before taking over as head of education and welfare, told the court, “I just thought this is going to explode in a really negative way.

You don’t want to be compared to someone who tortured, sexually abused, and killed children because I’m in the public eye, I’m always at games, and I’m one of them.

You can only offer your own expertise on the men’s game if you were in the men’s game, according to Simon Csoka KC, who is defending.

Not necessarily, Ms. Ward said. Football is a game.

If you know what you’re talking about, you don’t need to have done it.

There is a significant difference between the men’s and women’s games, according to Mr. Csoka.

The women win things, Ms. Ward said to cheers in the court.

You get what Mr. Csoka meant when he said, “You know what that means when you say that someone is murdering the commentary.”

Yes, it’s not very pleasant, said Ms. Ward.

You “understood what was being said,” Mr. Csoka said.

‘Horrific’

You understand what that analogy was, Mr. Csoka said, “Although the image of your face and Eni Aluko’s face are superimposed on Fred and Rose West’s image is undoubtedly unpleasant.”

“Unless you have been on the receiving end of it, I think,” Ms. Ward said. It is horrifying.

After the pair had previously exchanged “friendly, supportive” private messages, the court later learned that Ms. Aluko was “astounded” by Mr. Barton’s post, which compared her to the Wests.

Chelsea and Juventus international footballer, who played for England before, claimed that they exchanged messages between 2017 and 2020.

“I would have anticipated that if he had made a comment about my punditry, he might have messaged me and said it. However, she said, that he did that in front of as many people as possible to get as much attention as possible, all while promoting a podcast.

She claimed to the court that her comments about him had left her feeling “completely intimidated and depressed,” adding that she had been unable to leave my house for “about a week.”

The alleged crimes, which were reported to have occurred between January and March of last year, are denied by Mr. Barton.

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Gov Radda Presents ₦897.9bn 2026 ‘People’s Budget’ To Katsina Assembly

By in News, Nigeria News

The House of Assembly received the 2026 Appropriation Bill worth $897.9 billion on Tuesday from Katsina governor Dikko Radda, who described it as “the most participatory and people-focused budget in the state’s history.”

The Governor explained to lawmakers at the assembly complex that the administration’s “Building Your Future III” budget was intended to strengthen its commitment to community-based development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security.

Every project, program, and initiative encapsulated in this budget is intended to significantly improve the lives of our citizens. The governor declared that “we are steadfast in making sure that the advantages of governance reach every corner of our state, whether it is rural or urban.”

He claimed that a thorough ward-level consultation that involved 71, 384 people from 316 wards was the start of the 2026 budget. He claimed that the process made sure that community voices were taken into account when formulating budgets.

The participatory budgeting process involved 6, 649 households, and our administration personally managed it for 361 communities. The first time in Katsina’s history that citizens’ priorities are the foundation of a state budget, said Randa to the audience.

The 2026 budget saw education receive the largest sectoral allocation of ₦156.3 billion, followed by Works and Housing (₦117.1bn), Agriculture and Livestock (₦78.6bn), Health (₦67.5bn), Water Resources (₦62.8bn), and Environment (₦53.8bn).

The governor’s claim that nearly 60% of the total budget is made up of these top six ministries, which shows how the administration prioritizes human capital and infrastructure renewal.

Governor Radda reiterated Katsina’s intention to launch a secondary school management board in order to improve student outcomes and keep its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most progressive states in terms of education.

Because the future of Katsina depends on a educated generation, he said, “We are investing in teachers, schools, and facilities.”

READ ALSO: Radda Approves ₦677.6m For 2024/2025 Bursary, Scholarships

Governor Radda pointed out that the 2026 budget allocates 730.1 billion (81.2%) to capital expenditure and 167.7 billion (18.68%) to recurrent costs, a strategic change from previous years’ efforts to accelerate physical development. The budget’s overall size is up 29.7% from the budget for 2025.

This fiscal proposal is both prudent and disciplined. Our goal is to prevent implementation gaps and maintain fiscal balance while promoting sustainable growth, he said.

The governor cited farmer-focused policies, including subsidized seeds, fertilizer, mechanization, and irrigation support, as the reason Katsina had a “bumper harvest season” in his 2025 speech on the government’s performance.

He also reaffirmed the security commitment of his government, noting the success of the Community Watch Corps, the recruitment of 100 volunteers, and the continued cooperation with federal security agencies.

Many local governments have been restored to peace thanks to our community-driven approach to security. He continued, “We are still committed to protecting lives and livelihoods.”

The governor claimed that all the crucial sectors have performed better with the 2025 budget than the previous year’s budget.

Governor Radda thanked Katsina’s development partners for their technical and financial support, including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, FCDO, ISDB, AFDB, and a number of NGOs.

He also praised lawmakers and civil servants for their “unwavering partnership in shaping a brighter Katsina.”

The oversight of the legislature continues to be a pillar of our democracy. We are creating a state that listens, acts, and delivers, he said.

Governor Radda pledged accountability and transparency in the implementation of the budget and urged the Assembly to pass it quickly.

By submitting a budget that reflects the aspirations of our citizens, we have fulfilled our constitutional obligation. He continued, “I have faith that this Honourable House will act quickly so that we can continue providing effective services to our citizens.”

The governor was commended for what he called a “detailed and visionary presentation” of the 2026 budget by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasir Daura, in a response.

Your Excellency has ensured that our citizens’ benefit continues to grow while making sure that public resources are properly utilized. According to the Speaker, many once-familiarized communities have since resurrected confidence and stability.

Speaker Yahaya praised the governor’s empowerment initiatives for young people, women, and vulnerable groups, noting how they reduced poverty and promoted governance confidence.

He assured that the House would give each allocation “serious and patriotic attention,” and that committees would “adjust” it to keep it realistic, person-oriented, and in line with the “Building Your Future” blueprint.

The Speaker pledged that “This Honourable House reaffirms its loyalty to the people and is ready to work with the Executive to ensure the budget’s timely passage and effective implementation.”

Hunger crisis deepens in South Sudan amid conflict, floods, monitor says

By in News, World News

A global hunger monitor predicts that more than 7.55 million people in South Sudan will be afflicted with malnutrition during the April-to-July lean season, which is typically when food supplies are lowest.

A UN-backed food security watchdog, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), issued the stark warning on Tuesday, predicting that as conflict between rival political factions grows and global aid funding decreases, hunger will increase significantly.

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The assessment comes as Salva Kiir’s suspension of his main political rival and First Vice President Riek Machar, who is facing treason charges, leaves the nation on the verge of a new civil war.

The IPC reported that about 5.97 million South Sudanese people are currently suffering from acute malnutrition, accounting for 42 percent of the population.

In Luakpiny Nasir and Fangak, where there is persistent conflict and flooding, some 28, 000 people are already categorized as living in catastrophic conditions, the most severe category under the IPC.

According to the report, six counties are projected to experience the most severe acute malnutrition in 2026, primarily as a result of a cholera outbreak that has spread throughout the country.

By June 2026, it said, 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women and more than 2.1 million children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition.

According to the IPC report, “South Sudan’s high level of acute food insecurity is of great concern and necessitates an immediate and extensive response to save lives.”

According to the report, humanitarian access is still one of the most pressing issues. According to the report, in many areas of the nation, months of insecurities, looting, and flooding have forced communities to be separated for months.

The South Sudanese country director for the World Food Programme, Mary-Ellen McGroarty, called the trend “alarming.”

“The persistent levels of hunger are deeply troubling. People have made the first steps toward recovery in nations where there has been peace and actors have consistently had access to both resources and resources. Although this improvement is encouraging, continued improvement must be made in all affected communities.

A series of crises resulted in the hunger emergency. Almost 2, 000 people have been killed and more than 445, 000 have been displaced by ongoing fighting between government forces and militias affiliated with Machar this year, according to figures from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

South Sudan has experienced a range of humanitarian emergencies as a result of its ongoing political instability, fragile peace agreements, and civil war since its independence in 2011.

A civil war along ethnic lines broke out within two years of independence when Machar, a Nuer, was dismissed by President Kiir from the country’s second-largest community.

Arsenal’s Dowman becomes youngest Champions League player at 15

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty

Max Dowman, a substitute for Max in the 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, has become the youngest player to play in a Champions League game.

The forward, who was 15 years and 308 days old, broke the record set by Youssoufa Moukoko when the German played for Borussia Dortmund against Zenit for 16 years and 18 days.

In the 72nd minute, Dowman replaced Leandro Trossard in the absence of Dowman, whose record-breaking league run-off was set in 1903, as Arsenal recorded its 10th win in a row and eighth clean sheet in a row.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta praised the team’s performance, saying: “Max, at 15, immediately looked on and won free kicks. It doesn’t get any harder than this competition.”

He plays in a way that makes people very eye contact. He masters precisely timing the ball’s movement. There is a significant player there.

Six days prior to Dowman becoming the youngest Arsenal player to start a game since winning the EFL Cup against Brighton, he made a landmark.

    • five days ago

Who is the teenage prodigy of Arsenal?

Since he was 14 years old, Dowman has joined the first team for a warm-weather camp in Dubai in January 2024. He has been training with Arsenal’s first-team squad.

In the second half of last year, Arteta lacked attacking options due to the injuries of several key players, and supporters were already calling for the Englishman to get a chance.

Dowman, who won the Under-17s European Championship with England in May, is no stranger to setting records.

He also became England Under-19s’ youngest goalscorer last month.

So it should come as no surprise that he has been included in Arteta’s plans this term as the Gunners battle for success on four fronts.

Arsenal has taken steps to ensure both his career advancement and safeguarding with a player with such high potential competing in senior football.

In addition to these, he is given opportunities to get changed, his education is strongly prioritized, and his team-mates give him good support in an adult team setting.

Arteta and the club have taken caution in guiding Dowman’s development.

Who are the other young Champions League players?

Celestine Babayaro in action for ChelseaAFP via Images courtesy of Getty

Moukoko broke the 26-year mark by becoming the youngest player in the world’s elite competition five years ago.

Celestine Babayaro, a former Chelsea full-back, was the youngest player at the age of 16 years and 86 days when he first competed for Anderlecht at Steaua Bucharest in November 1994.

Lamine Yamal started for Barcelona in September 2023, starting against Antwerp with a time of 16 years and 68 days, second on the list.

Champions League players’ youngest:

1. Max Dowman (Arsenal) – 15 years and 308 days, 4 November 2025

2 Youssoufa Moukoko – 16 years 18 days, 8 December 2020

3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – 16 years and 68 days, 19 Sept 2023

4. Celestine Babayaro (Anderlecht) – 16 years and 86 days, 23 Nov 1994

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