The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has pledged support for the relocation of the town’s Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church  memorial park, which was constructed in Owo in honor of the victims of the massacre on June 5, 2022, to a different location.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa met with stakeholders in Akure, where all the issues surrounding the incident were addressed and resolved, according to a statement released by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, governor’s chief press secretary, on Friday.
The church leaders, led by Dr. Jude Arogundade, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, and Bishop Stephen Fagbemi, the bishop of Owo Diocese, attended the meeting, which took place in the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office.
The Olowo-in-Council, his deputy, Bishop Ayodeji Komolafe, and other church leaders also represented the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Read more about Why Owo Memorial Park Was Demolished by the Ondo government.
Dr. Olayide Adelami, the deputy governor of the state, and other top state government officials are also present.
The governor disclosed that a team of government representatives has been appointed to coordinate construction of a new cenotaph in an area that is respectful of the church and the Owo people.
Governor Aiyedatiwa cautioned all parties involved in the demolition to refrain from using language and narratives that might enrage the populace and cause the community to lose respect for law and order.
The church has accepted the relocation of Memorial Park and will support the committee that will find a suitable location for a new cenotaph, according to Bishop Arogundade and other leaders who spoke at the meeting.
The church leaders pledged to continue treating the Owo, Olowo, and Olowo-in-Council with the respect they deserve while stressing that the Owo community has been very accommodating to the Catholic Church for decades as the first church to emigrate there.
The Most Rev., the Catholic diocese’s most recent bishop, signed a statement expressing the Catholic diocese’s commitment to the Catholic diocese. Arogundade’s daughter, Jane, expressed disappointment with the destruction.
The demolition was deemed a “violation of our shared respect for the dignity of life and the memory of the” 41 brothers and sisters who were unlawfully murdered on June 2, 2022, according to the statement.
The state government had legitimately acquired and developed the site, and it had been made a memorial park in honor of the victims.
The WHO claims that crucial information has “not been provided” despite ongoing and insufficient efforts to pin down the source of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After an expert group investigating the virus’ origins reached an unsatisfying conclusion in its final report released on Friday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “all hypotheses must remain on the table” to determine the origin of the virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2.
In order to prevent future pandemics, Tedros urged China and any other nation that has information about COVID-19 to openly disclose it in order to protect the world from future pandemics.
Millions of people died worldwide as a result of the global pandemic, which started in 2020. Countries have implemented lockdowns to combat the spread of the virus. Information from Wuhan, China, as the first cases were discovered in late 2019, is thought to be essential for preventing future pandemies.
A panel of 27 independent international experts called SAGO (World Health Organization Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens) was founded in 2021 by Tedros.
The group’s chair, Marietjie Venter, stated on Friday that the majority of scientific evidence supports the theory that humans and animals ate the new coronavirus.
Despite numerous requests for more in-depth information from the Chinese government, SAGO was unable to obtain the necessary data after more than three years of work.
Therefore, she stated that this hypothesis could not be investigated or excluded, but that it was deemed to be incredibly speculative, based on political beliefs, and not supported by any scientific evidence.
Venter added that there was no proof COVID had been manipulated in a lab and that there had never been any signs of it spreading before December 2019 anywhere outside of China.
On May 29, 2025, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are stored in boxes at the Miami, Florida, hospital.
“Remains unconclusive.”
A group of WHO experts traveled to Wuhan in 2021 to examine the virus’ origins alongside Chinese counterparts.
Their joint report by the end of March that year determined that the most likely explanation was an intermediate animal that transported bats to humans.
A lab leak was “extremely unlikely,” they claimed at the time.
However, that investigation was criticized for being lenient with the lab-leak theory and for lacking transparency and access.
SAGO was then launched.
According to the SAGO report, “the weight of the available evidence suggests zoonotic [a disease that spreads between animals and humans] spillover… either directly from bats or through an intermediate host.”
The origins of SARS-CoV-2 entering human populations will remain elusive until more scientific evidence is made, Venter said.
Understanding the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and how it sparked a pandemic is necessary to save lives and livelihoods, she added.
Disgraced rapper and music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial has come to an end as the prosecution and defence read out their closing statements as the jury deliberates
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs could face life in prison if found guilty(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ closing statements have been made in his sex trafficking trial. The disgraced rapper, 55, is currently facing a number of serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.
His trial started last month after he was arrested in September last year. Combs strongly denies all allegations made against him. He has been in prison since his arrest, and a number of bail requests have been rejected.
On Thursday, the prosecution completed their closing arguments. Today, the defence team delivered theirs, followed by the government’s rebuttal. The case will then go to the jury.
Combs watched on as the statements were read(Image: AP)
Among them, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo said of his client: “He obviously had a drug problem. No question.”
Moving on to one of the government’s two sex-trafficking charges, he said: “The evidence, I think, is overwhelming that Cassie [Ventura] wanted to do this.” He said Ventura and Combs were “validly swingers.”
Article continues below
He then said his client is “the only man in America” being put on trial for making home-made pornography. Agnifilo then joked: “I’m under the impression this is a popular thing nowadays.”
And of Jane Doe’s stance, he said she may now be “regretting that she made a choice” to join in with the freak-offs. He said: ” “Regret is not the same as intent at the time.”
Lead attorney Agnifilo’s said of the transportation for prostitution counts that Combs wasn’t paying men to have sex with his then-girlfriends. Instead, he says the singer was paying them for their time.
And he also argued prosecutors failed to provide enough evidence to prove the racketeering charge against Combs. “Nobody came into this courtroom and said I was a member of an enterprise and let me tell you how it worked,” said Agnifilo.
In his closing argument, Agnifilo pleaded with the jury: “Do the right thing”. “He’s not a racketeer … he’s none of these things,” Agnifilo claimed. “He sits here innocent,” he added as he asked jurors to return Combs, who has been held without bail since his arrest last year, “to his family who have been waiting for him.”
Assistant US attorney Christy Slavik told the court: “Over the last several weeks, you’ve learned a lot about Sean Combs. He’s the leader of a criminal enterprise. He doesn’t take no for an answer. And now you know about many crimes he committed with members of his enterprise.”
She said charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy were supported by proof that over two decades, Combs kidnapped one of his employees, committed arson by trying to blow up a car, engaged in forced labour, bribed a security officer and carried out the “brutal crimes at the heart of this case”.
Prosecutor Slavik said Combs “again and again forced, threatened and manipulated” former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a former girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym Jane into “having sex with escorts for his own entertainment.”
“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” she said. “He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law.” She said Combs “counted on silence and shame” to enable and prolong his abuse.
Sean Combs (L) and singer Cassie Ventura(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The prosecutor continued and said Combs used a “small army” of employees to harm women and cover it up. The theory of racketeering law is that “when someone commits crime as part of a group, they’re more powerful and dangerous,” she said.
“The defendant was a powerful man, but he became more powerful and dangerous because of his inner circle, his businesses — the enterprise.” Combs and his inner circle “committed hundreds of racketeering acts,” she said.
As Ms Slavik spoke, Combs sat with his head down and his chair pushed back a few feet from the defence table. He was wearing a light-coloured sweater over a white button-down shirt and khakis.
Defence lawyers have argued that Combs was involved in domestic violence but committed no federal crimes. They built their case for acquittal through lengthy cross-examinations of most of the government’s 34 witnesses.
Some witnesses testified only in response to subpoenas and made it clear to the jury that they didn’t want to be there. Combs’ lawyers contend there was no racketeering conspiracy because none of his employees agreed to be part of any conspiracy.
Judge Arun Subramanian told jurors their deliberation can start next week.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
Chiamaka Nnadozie, a goalkeeper for the Super Falcons, has been signed for free from Paris FC by Brighton and Hove Albion.
Nnadozie is anticipated to leave the club on July 1st, according to her contract with the French side.
The club’s official X page on Friday reads, “We are delighted to announce the signing of Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, subject to the usual regulatory processes.”
Under the usual regulatory procedures, we are pleased to announce the signing of Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Between 2022 and 2025, the Paris FC goalkeeper, who was twice the CAF goalkeeper of the year, made 16 European appearances.
After having surgery, Sir David Beckham’s wife Victoria Beckham has since returned home and shared a report on the retired football player. Following earlier reports that he was hospitalized, this comes.
David, 50, is seen in a hospital bed with his arm in a sling, according to Victoria, 51, who shared a photo of him this morning. He broke his wrist more than 20 years ago during a football game, according to reports that he had surgery to fix it.
After her post, Victoria has now suggested that he be returning home from the hospital after the apparent procedure. She shared this evening’s video of David posing in front of their kitchen on Instagram.
After revealing that he was in a hospital, Victoria Beckham shared footage of David Beckham, pictured, at home in a sling (@victoriabeckham/instagram) tonight.
At a store with lettuce and cucumbers on top, David is still wearing a sling and bandaging on his arm. As Victoria says in front of the camera, “So this weekend’s vegetable content,” he is seen looking at the produce.
In the clip, Victoria states, “Look – he’s overperforming on the cucumber front.” Before his wife continues to say, “Look at this!,” David appears unimpressed. Then she begins to say, “Are they all from the..?”
Then, David is able to say, “I’m not sure you can say that, darling,” as she is said. However, he is later seen grinning at his wife while holding up one of the cucumbers. As the footage ends, Victoria can be heard laughing.
David’s recovery from an undisclosed health issue was earlier announced by Victoria. He was seen wearing a gown and a sling in a hospital bed, according to her photo. This morning, she wrote, “Get well soon, Daddy.”
He had surgery on a wrist injury, according to the woman who had posted a picture of him lying in a hospital bed this morning (victoriabeckham/Instagram).
Later, she shared a photo that appeared to show him a gift he had been receiving while he was being hospitalized. A bracelet with the words “get well soon” in a message to her husband was featured in the photo.
In her post this morning, Victoria gave no details about why her husband was in a hospital. However, it has since been reported that he recently underwent wrist surgery.
A source informed the Mirror that David had ‘secret’ surgery to repair a broken wrist after learning about the news. Prior to his retirement as a football player, he is said to have suffered the injury during a friendly match against South Africa in 2003.
According to the source, “It had been giving him problems recently, so he wanted to have it fixed.” He was informed at the time that he would soon leave the hospital.
The source also suggested that David “hoped” to arrive in the US in time for Inter Miami’s upcoming game. On Sunday, his team will face his former club Paris Saint-Germain in a match of the FIFA Club World Cup.
This story, do you like? Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for more latest news and gossip.
Rod Stewart’s 90-minute set at Worthy Farm on Sunday is said to have cost the rocker £300,000, and he will get another epic Glastonbury Festival performance.
Rod Stewart will perform live at Glastonbury.
As backstage requests go, it’s usually all about the booze, drugs and girls for most rockers. But not so for Sir Rod Stewart.
Taking to the Pyramid stage on Sunday afternoon at Glastonbury for the coveted Legends slot, the star is adopting a slightly less rock ‘n roll approach. In fact, the 80-year-old is taking his trusted personal trainer with him to Worthy Farm to ensure he is in tip-top shape for the show.
With an estimated 100,000 watching him at Worthy Farm – and millions more on the TV – the rocker knows the stakes are high. Especially so after suffering a bad bout of flu which saw him cancel a string of shows in Las Vegas.
Secrets of Rod Stewart’s Glasto set after the rocker’s ‘military style’ build-up(Image: Getty Images)
According to insiders, Rod has exerted great effort, with one declaring, “He is fully-fit and ready to go.” It was a no-brainer to have them at the festival because his trainer does amazing things.
The actor went to great lengths to make sure the show runs smoothly. The star has been taking vocal rest to make sure his raspy voice is firing on all cylinders, despite swimming lengths in his pool four times per week.
Continue reading the article.
Rod is a chatterbox, but he knows he needs to preserve what is his most valuable asset, his voice, says our mole. “It’s been quite difficult.
Rod’s entire band has been performing at a secret location this week, according to insiders, and Rod is back at his best. Although Rod has promised to deliver a 90-minute set that includes Maggie May, Sailing, and Downtrain Train, the set list is kept a close knit secret.
Rod Stewart will perform on Sunday(Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)
Three special guests have been pencilled in with the pick of the bunch being Rolling Stones guitarist and old pal Ronnie Wood for an incredible Faces reunion. Sir Rod – who admits he can’t remember playing the festival last in 2002 – may even pay an emotional tribute to Ukraine during the set.
The singer may perform his 1991 anti-war song Rhythm of My Heart, which features an image of an Ukrainian flag, while also residing among refugees from the country in the UK.
It remains to be seen what makes the cut because Rod is adding the finishing touches to the slightly shorter set than his typical Vegas shows, according to a source.
Wife Penny has been a constant observer of the band’s movements during rehearsals. In fact, Stewart’s entire family is fully immersed in the festival spirit.
Three of Rod’s children, including Ruby and Alastair, 19, are camping while the band, Penny, and the band are staying at a £1000-a-night hotel in Bath. The teenager, who had to purchase his own tickets because Glastonbury doesn’t offer any freebies, appears to be following his father when it comes to getting a knee-up.
Alastair Stewart shared scenes from Glastonbury on his social media(Image: Instagram/ @alastairwstewart)
On Friday morning, he was spotted partying with friends in the festival’s hedonistic Shangri-La neighborhood until 5am. According to a source, “Rod is quite content to let the kids continue their education and is delighted that they are enjoying the festival.”
However, his children are staying at the ultra-lavish Pop-Up Hotel, which is located just outside the festival gates, rather than having to leave for a tent afterwards. One of its 10-person suites, which includes a restaurant, a pool, a full-size swimming pool, and a helipad, costs just under £30, 000 for the duration of the festival.
Although it’s unknown if Sir Rod is paying the tab for the entire Legends performance, he is already paying an incredible £300,000. This includes private jet travel from the US, as well as the arrival of all of his band, who are also using premium economy.
The set and all the necessary equipment must be transported, too. It’s no wonder he doesn’t even touch the sides with his $120,000 in earnings.
He doesn’t mind, says a source, “but it’s such a prestigious opportunity, and he’s running at a big loss.”
Unlike Neil Young who has banned the BBC from live-streaming his Saturday headline slot, Rod’s set will be live-streamed by the BBC and is a flagship plank of their wall-to-wall coverage. But Neil and Rod will at least have one thing in common other than musical pedigree……model railways.
Rod frequently takes parts of his model railway set on tour with him to practice them, frequently booking additional hotel rooms to place them on a large table. He can at least talk to Saturday night headliner Neil about the subject while he keeps the trains at home this time.
Penny Lancaster and Rod Stewart(Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Rod will hope that Neil will attend on Sunday, according to a source. Both of them are train-obsessed.
Rod will receive a massage as well as a static bike to warm his limbs up before the performance as opposed to backstage trains. Rod’s rider typically consists of four bottles of Coca-cola and a large bottle of rum before any performances.
According to a source, “Rod is getting a little more booze this time around, but the intention is to bring the party back to the hotel after that.” However, Rod may continue to be present on the site but there are always chances that he will want to leave.
The performance, which Rod is expected to perform side of the stage while Penny is expected to be there in a number of flamboyant outfits, is expected to feature.
She added, “She is Rod’s biggest fan at the best of times and is just bursting with pride that he will be one of Glastonbury’s biggest draws”
Do you believe I’m attractive? Penny undoubtedly does…
