Iconic Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says the suffering of ordinary Nigerians is what worries her most about the country’s current economic situation.
Chimamanda , lamented that the ongoing hardship has reduced many middle-class Nigerians, who were previously managing to get by, to the point of begging.
In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, Adichie stated that the most important political judgment one can make is based on how ordinary citizens are faring.
“Life has become so hard in Nigeria, and me I can see it. For example, people who were formerly kind of securely middle class, not that life was rosy for them, but they got by—are now people who beg and are in need. That worries me greatly”, Adichie said.
“The level of suffering, how expensive food has become… I think the biggest political judgment one can make is about the lives of ordinary people.
” People talk about the stock market. Personally, I don’t really care about those sorts of things. What I care about is: that person earning minimum wage, how is that person getting on in this economy? It’s the suffering that worries me the most. And it’s terrible. “
While not excusing crime, the writer noted that when life becomes difficult, people often begin to consider actions they wouldn’t ordinarily contemplate.
” It’s not to excuse crime, but I think when life gets very hard, even people who before would not have considered certain things suddenly are willing to, and that’s dangerous to society, “she said.
READ ALSO:  , Quitting Writing Was Never An Option Despite Earlier Rejections – Chimamanda
Adichie also spoke on her writing career, saying that despite receiving as many as 25 rejections for her debut novel,  , Purple Hibiscus, she never considered giving up.
She emphasised that she would have continued writing even if she had never been published.
According to Chimamanda, writing is a divine gift, something she considers spiritual and believes to be her primary purpose on earth.
” The thought of quitting writing is never an option for me because writing is my vocation. Writing is really what I believe I am here to do, it’s a bit spiritual.
Melanie Brown MBE, a singer, and her husband Rory McPhee have performed “I do” once more in a stunning ceremony in Morocco, which was very different from her most recent engagement.
Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor, Daniel Bird
The couple had a spiritual ceremony in Morocco (Image: Getty Images)
Rory McPhee and Melanie Brown MBE have once more wed. Just a few weeks ago, Rory, the icon of the Spice Girls and hair stylist, tied the knot at St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is renowned for its iconic ceremony.
However, the musician, 50, and Rory, 37, tied the knot in Morocco last night in a ceremony that was both glamorous and paid tribute to their fiery roots. Melanie’s three children from previous relationships, Rory’s family, her sister Danielle Brown, and Rory’s family were among the couple’s closest friends and family.
Also on the guest list was Melanie’s Spice Girls bandmate, Melanie C, who had been unable to attend the St Paul’s ceremony due to work commitments as part of her huge tour. Speaking of the weekend, Melanie C said: “What a weekend!” The singer previously said her second ceremony would be “sexy”. Now, the Mirror can reveal an exclusive insight into Melanie and Rory’s second wedding. It comes after Taylor Swift sparks engagement rumours as fans spot Travis Kelce’s lock screen.
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Melanie Brown and Rory McPhee have tied the knot for the second time(Image: Supplied)
In collaboration with Evelie and Justin Alexander, Mel’s stunning wedding dress glowed red crystals under the Marrakech sunshine. The Selman Hotel, their favorite location, where the couple wed once more, was where they tied the knot. Melanie chose something a little spicier, reflecting on her personal style, than her regal white gown from London.
Melanie’s wedding dress designer, Caroline Black from Evelie Bridal, previously guided the musician’s search for the ideal Josephine Scott dress for their UK wedding. She chose American designer Justin Alexander to reflect her current lifestyle because she works on America’s Got Talent in Leeds and the US.
Caroline, the owner of Evelie Bridal, said: “We focused on trying Justin Alexander gowns with a little extra sparkle for Mel’s Morocco wedding dress. Although it had to feel bold and easy to move in, Mell enjoyed the idea of a red dress.
Their second ceremony was very different to their UK wedding(Image: GC Images)
We had a variety of dresses she tried on at Evelie South Kensington, and we exchanged ideas with Justin Alexander and his design team. The initial design developed after a number of discussions and sketches. Mell gave us honest feedback on both her preferences and her shortcomings, which led to a beautiful final product. It was a pleasure working with her and Justin Alexander to bring her vision to life because Mel had such a clear sense of what she wanted.
The jaw-dropping, sheer gown, which oozed glamour and flares, was created by Melanie and Caroline in collaboration with Creative Director Justin Warshaw and Chief of Design Terri Hilferty. The bodice and skirt have a mesmerizing floating effect thanks to hand-fitted red crystals and bulge beads, which completely transform the silhouette. Six artisans created the team, which took 850 hours to complete.
Red crystal detailing eventually dispersed across the corset of her dress, eventually dispersing along the sweetheart neckline. The asymmetrical waistline detailing also added a dimension. A daring side split, in true Mel B fashion, revealed her toned legs and a skirt of crystal beads that were dispersed along her.
The back also featured a lace-up corset and red ribbons, which helped her build a formidable physique before eventually erupting into a magical cathedral-length train. The Moroccan-inspired veil, which was custom-draped in mocha tulle and accented with red crystals, completed the musician’s look. The dress and the warm-toned veil seamlessly combine, giving a radiant, skin-toned glow. Crystals finish the look by accenting the veil’s crown and cascade delicately down the back drape. Additionally, additional sparkle is scattered throughout the train.
Rory, Melanie’s husband, chose Alexander McQueen from the UK and a traditional black tie outfit for the St. Paul’s ceremony, which had previously been done with tartan and a kilt.
We had a great time working with Mel, according to Justin Warshaw, CEO and Creative Director of Justin Alexander, when he spoke about the design. Every meeting was filled with creative ideas and laughter, and the spirit is woven into the garments we created.
“Co-creating these dresses together felt like a true celebration of her love story and personal style,” according to the designer, who expressed her joy and trust in the process.
Given that both countries have recently been engaged in conflicts with their respective regional foes, Pakistan and Iran have signed agreements promising to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion and commit to working more closely to combat the threat of “terrorism.”
During the two-day visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, agreements were signed in various sectors, including energy and trade.
In a joint press briefing, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated, “We have set a target of $10 billion in trade and hope to achieve it as soon as possible.”
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the United Nations’ charter, which supports Iran’s right to a nuclear arsenal for peaceful purposes, and condemned Israel’s aggression against Iran. He claimed there was “no justification” for the 12-day June conflict, in which US military intervention was carried out on Israel’s behalf.
He declared that the two nations would take decisive action to end “terrorism” and promote regional prosperity. Before a ceasefire, Pakistan and its regional rival India were about to launch their fifth full-fledged conflict earlier this year, which saw heavy and deadly aerial combats.
The Iranian president expressed his “deep conviction” that we can quickly increase the volume of our trade relations from the current $3 billion to the $10 billion goal.
He thanked Iran for its support, both from the government and the populace, “during the Zionist regime’s and the US’s 12-day terrorist agression.”
According to Institute of Business Administration analyst Ammar Habib Khan, Iran and Pakistan’s informal trade are likely to grow more than the bilateral trade goal, which the two countries have agreed to achieve.
He told Al Jazeera from Karachi, “Discussions have been held on how to formalize the informal trade that is already occurring, whether it is oil, gas, or something else.”
The analyst claimed that Pakistan’s return to normal relations with Iran might cause the country to establish a trade ring.
He claimed that this route would be both efficient and practical.
Pezeshkian made his two-day visit to Pakistan on Saturday along with a high-level delegation that included ministers of foreign affairs and defense.
Tense ties
To combat security threats, Pezeshkian advocated for better border control and cooperation.
Sharif responded that Islamabad and Tehran share a common position against “terrorism,” and neither country would permit any such activity in Pakistan or Iran.
To promote peace and development in the region, Sharif remarked, “We must protect our borders and take strict measures against terrorism.”
Relations between Pakistan and Iran have frequently been strained, particularly in the wake of international tensions that became worse when both sides launched tit-for-tat missile attacks in January 2024.
According to Kamal Hyder, who is reporting from Islamabad for Al Jazeera, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to work together to stop either side from waging hostility.
He claimed that they both agreed to have more border control between the two nations.
According to Hyder, the parties also discussed Pakistan’s role as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran, among other nations attempting to saunter tensions between rival countries.
The two nations have maintained diplomatic relations despite the strains.
In light of the growing hostility with India, the Iranian foreign minister traveled to Pakistan in May. Pakistan defended Iran’s right to self-defense and condemned US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities during the Iran-Israel conflict.
The leaders of Pakistan and Iran also demanded that Israel’s attacks in the region and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has pushed for better pay for sports coaches in Nigeria. Ajbade-Rasseedat
At the church’s annual Thanksgiving service, which took place at its national headquarters in Ebute-Meta, Lagos State, the reknowned octogenarian cleric made this statement on Sunday.
Pastor Adeboye expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for awarding each of the 24 Super Falcons players the naira equivalent of $100, 000 for their tenth consecutive gold victory at Morocco’s 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The President also announced the award of the technical team, including Falcons head coach Justin Madugu, the naira equivalent of $50, 000. He also stated that each player would receive a three-bedroom apartment.
At the presentation of the WAFCON trophy to the President on Monday, July 28, 2025, are President Bola Tinubu, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, and President Bola Tinubu.
Adeboye, who praised the President’s gesture during his sermon on Sunday, said coaches should not receive less compensation than players because players depend on coaches’ experience, direction, and technical know-how.
He said, “Overcomers will receive gifts when they go through the scriptures, as you will find in Revelation 2: 17.”
So, I wasn’t surprised when the President made the gift-giving decision for the Falcons. When they said each will get a $100, 000, I said, ‘ Wow! ‘
“In our days, a handshake was all we had.” Additionally, they will receive a house in addition to the money. Then they received honors.
“I appreciate the President’s gifts to the Falcons.” I don’t quite agree with the coaches because the team won’t succeed without them, but I do think they should. However, I’m not interested in controversies. God’s blessing on the coaches.
After winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final football game against Morocco at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on July 26, 2025, the Super Falcons of Nigeria celebrate with the trophy on the podium. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP)
Adeboye, a former boxer in his youth, recalled how his coach routinely guided him and his fellow competitors in 1960.
“I had a coach who gave us a difficult time back in 1960.” We eventually confronted him, unsure if we were receiving military training.
Lando Norris’ one-stop approach saw Lando Norris win the Hungarian Grand Prix from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, slashing the Australian’s Formula One lead to nine points heading into the summer break.
At the finish line, Piastri stopped twice and closed a 12-second gap to just 0. 6 with a thrilling chase to the chequered flag and a near-collision while Norris completed 39 of the 70 laps at the Hungaroring on a single set of hard tyres.
For Mercedes, George Russell earned his fifth podium of the season by a distant third, 20 seconds off the mark.
“I’m dead. I’m dead. The third-placed Piastri was second, and Norris gasped, “it was tough,” and he eventually fell to fifth place after being forced to start.
“We weren’t really planning on the one stop,” according to the driver, who was “kind of our only choice” after the first lap.
I doubted that it would result in a victory. I anticipated that it might lead to second place.
Lando Norris of Great Britain, driving the #4 McLaren MCL39 Mercedes, salutes the Grand Prix in Hungary [Getty Images]
Norris won the fifth race of the season, surpassing Piastri’s six, for third straight. McLaren also won the seventh of its previous seven one-twos.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari struggled fourth after starting in the lead but was penalized for five seconds for erratic driving as Russell challenged him.
Fernando Alonso finished fifth for Aston Martin, one place behind Gabriel Bortoleto, a Brazilian rookie, in sixth place, in Sauber.
The top 10 scoring positions for Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and reigning champion Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Max Verstappen, and Lance Stroll, who finished seventh, were held by Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and eight-time champion in Hungary, placed 12th for Ferrari, finishing there.
Six laps after the chequered flag, the leaders lapped the Briton.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is in command of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Ali Carter defeated world number two Kyren Wilson 11-9 to claim the second-place finish at the Shanghai Masters.
After the pair were tied at 9-9, the 33-year-old, who also won the tournament ten years earlier, managed to win two straight frames in a tense finale.
Wilson won the first major competition of the new year’s season, earning a sum of 210, 000.
After Mark Allen withdrew for personal reasons, Carter, who won the event in 2010, only participated in the tournament as a late call-up.
Carter, 46, had broken the previous record by scoring 140 and 90 to make it level again, but Wilson’s 126-run runaway victory was sealed by a clearance of 57.
In Sheffield in April, the 2024 world champion’s Crucible defense defeated Lei Peifan in the first round.
