Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has responded to a viral video showing him lying on a street in an apparent distressed state, insisting that he is fine and asking Nigerians to stop focusing on his personal life.   The clip, which circulated widely across social media, showed the actor dressed in a black shirt, blue jeans and red sneakers, appearing disoriented while speaking to himself as passers-by gathered around him. In the footage, onlookers were seen discussing his condition, with one woman calling for urgent intervention and urging the public to assist. Responding in a follow-up video, Anuku dismissed concerns surrounding the clip and said public attention should be directed towards more pressing national issues. “You all need to face the government and leave me alone. I am good. Do your thing and leave me alone,” the actor said. He also questioned why many Nigerians appeared deeply invested in his private life, stressing that he did not need the intense scrutiny. This is not the first time the actor has been at the centre of public concern. In 2022, similar footage surfaced showing him in tattered clothing roaming the streets, triggering widespread reactions. At the time, Anuku later clarified that the footage was from a movie set and accused those behind its circulation of attempting to damage his reputation. The latest development has again sparked conversations on social media, with many expressing concern over the veteran actor’s wellbeing.

Former Chikelue Iloenyosi and ex-Super Eagles defender Chikelue Iloenyosi has been re-elected as Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), securing another four-year term after a unanimous victory at the association’s elective congress.   According to Channels Television, Iloenyosi polled all 23 votes cast by accredited delegates, emerging unopposed in the chairmanship election and earning full endorsement from the congress. Chairman of the electoral committee, Uche Okeke, announced the result and declared Iloenyosi winner. In the vice-chairmanship race, Johnson Ifejika defeated incumbent Aniekwenam by 19 votes to four. Board members were also elected to represent Anambra State’s three senatorial districts. For Anambra Central, Ralph George and Obi Moneke emerged victorious. Michael Igboka and Emmanuel Azubuike Okeke secured seats for Anambra North, while Michael Mbaezue, Donatus Ezeokafor and Ijeoma Nwosu (Rtd) will represent Anambra South. Representing the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Muhamed Ameenu praised the peaceful conduct of the congress and urged the newly elected officials to remain committed to football development in the state. In his acceptance speech, Iloenyosi thanked delegates for their confidence and pledged to run an inclusive administration focused on uniting stakeholders across Anambra football. He also promised to work closely with the Anambra State Government and sports writers to strengthen grassroots football development and restore the state’s relevance in Nigerian football. Delegates from the 21 local government areas, alongside representatives of the Coaches Association and Players’ Union, participated in the congress, which concluded with the presentation of certificates of return to successful candidates.

Wildfires in southern France have forced the evacuation of nearly 3,000 people as firefighters battle fast-spreading blazes fuelled by extreme heat and dry weather.   According to Punch, citing AFP, the fires broke out in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer before spreading to Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday, prompting emergency evacuations of tourists and residents. Authorities said around half of those evacuated were staying in three campsites within the affected areas. Regional official Pierre Regnault de La Mothe confirmed that two firefighters sustained minor injuries during efforts to contain the fires. Emergency responders deployed 200 firefighters alongside four water-bombing aircraft to tackle the flames. “We are mobilising a large network of volunteers,” the official said. The fires come after a severe heatwave swept across France in June, lasting 11 days and pushing temperatures above 40°C in several regions. The World Meteorological Organization recently warned that extreme heat is increasing wildfire risks while also impacting public health, agriculture, ecosystems and infrastructure. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 1,200 firefighters had been mobilised since Wednesday to combat forest fires nationwide. He warned that weather conditions remain highly unfavourable, raising concerns about further outbreaks. Meanwhile, Météo-France has forecast another spell of elevated temperatures next week, although conditions are not expected to be as extreme as June’s heatwave. The worsening wildfire situation has also intensified political pressure, with some French politicians criticising the government’s response to rising temperatures and climate-related emergencies.

As Benue State marked its 50th anniversary with grand celebrations in Makurdi, concerns over insecurity, governance and development have continued to dominate public discourse.   In a commentary published by TheCable, journalist and public affairs analyst Yemi Itodo argued that the state’s golden jubilee came at a difficult time, with many residents grappling with insecurity, displacement and economic hardship. The anniversary event drew prominent dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, governors, ministers and traditional rulers. Despite the high-profile attendance, Itodo questioned what tangible achievements were being celebrated under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration. He noted the absence of major infrastructure projects, industrial hubs, modern healthcare facilities and agricultural processing centres that could showcase meaningful progress. The article highlighted worsening security concerns across Benue State, where repeated attacks by armed groups have displaced communities and forced many farmers away from their lands. This, Itodo argued, directly undermines the state’s long-standing reputation as Nigeria’s food basket. He also raised concerns over governance and political divisions, pointing to allegations of exclusion of the Idoma community from key government appointments and growing tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress. These disputes reportedly involve key figures such as George Akume and other party stakeholders. According to the commentary, Benue’s real progress should be measured not by ceremonies or public relations displays, but by improved security, functioning infrastructure, economic growth and inclusive governance. The article concluded that while the anniversary celebrations may have ended, many residents remain focused on pressing challenges, including insecurity, unemployment and displacement. For many citizens, the true celebration of Benue at 50 will only come when peace, development and stability become realities across the state.