Headline

British-Nigerian Personality Unveils Podcast To Empower Young Adults

Published

1 year ago

January 3, 2025

British-Nigerian media personality Amanda Dara said her podcast, ‘Open Up,’ will empower young adults, particularly Gen Z, with valuable insights on navigating life’s challenges.

A statement made available to The PUNCH on Friday explained that the innovative audio and video diary offers an unfiltered look into life, capturing the complexities, struggles, and triumphs people face.

Co-produced by Head of Video at Pulse Nigeria, Kelvin Ayo Elamah, she said, “Open Up aims to foster open conversations about vulnerability, self-empowerment, and overcoming personal struggles. Each episode features thought leaders and inspiring individuals who share their experiences, offering guidance to young adults, especially Gen Z.”

Amanda believed that her podcast would connect people through vulnerability, creating a safe space for sharing truths and inspiring healing and growth.

“Listeners will find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. By opening up about our imperfections and vulnerabilities, we can foster a community of support and encouragement. My hope is that, through this podcast, individuals will feel empowered to share their own stories, sparking a ripple effect of healing and understanding,” she added.

While reflecting on her journey, she said, “I stumbled into the media scene, to be honest.

“After studying Computer Information Systems in the university, I knew I wanted a career that would keep me inspired and connected to people. Media felt like the perfect fit.

“The Open Up podcast is God-inspired; It’s an expression of my talent with a clear agenda: to share real, raw experiences that help others. Each episode highlights the role of God in our personal lives and unique stories.”

Amanda Dara, a seasoned TV host, and entrepreneur, brings nearly a decade of experience to the table.

The statement added that with notable guests such as Venita Akpofure, OluShola Olaleye, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, and Jay Paul, “Open Up” is poised to inspire millions worldwide.

It added that Amanda’s short-term goal is to reach 1 million viewers and listeners by December 2025, with a long-term goal of inspiring millions globally.

Headline

Indian Court Denies Bail To Nigerian Man Over Drug Charges

Published

1 hour ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

A court in India has denied bail to a 44-year-old Nigerian national, Cristian Soporuchukwu, who is currently facing drug trafficking charges in the country.

Cristian Soporuchukwu initially entered India on a business visa but was later arrested over allegations of involvement in the sale of hard drugs.

Reports indicated that after arriving in India, Soporuchukwu travelled through Goa, Delhi, and Mumbai, where he allegedly established links with suspected drug traffickers.

He was accused of purchasing MDMA crystals and distributing them to college students and information technology workers.

According to reports, operatives of the Beguru Police arrested Cristian Soporuchukwu in April 2025 for allegedly selling MDMA crystals around Begur Lake and the AECS Layout Road area.

The New Indian Express reported that the High Court of Karnataka subsequently dismissed the Nigerian’s bail application.

“The anti-narcotics wing seized about 1 kg of MDMA crystals, a pocket weighing machine, 10 zip-lock covers, a mobile phone and a scooter from him,” the report stated.

Justice V. Srishananda, while ruling on the bail application, reportedly held that errors relating to the grounds of arrest could not automatically justify bail in serious narcotics-related offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, NDPS, Act.

The court further noted that Cristian Soporuchukwu had allegedly overstayed his visa in India, according to the report.

Headline

Strait Of Hormuz: US Announces Sanctions Against Iran

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The United States Treasury has announced sanctions against Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority.

Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said this in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement extended the threat of sanctions to anyone paying the fees, saying they may be providing support to and receiving services from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, and therefore may be exposed to sanctions risk.

“The Iranian military’s latest attempt to extort global maritime trade is proof that Economic Fury has left the regime desperate for cash.

“Treasury has deprived the Iranian regime of revenue for their weapons programs, terrorist proxies, and nuclear ambitions,” Bessent said.

Bessent added that the US has succeeded in disrupting tens of billions of dollars’ worth of revenue from being accessible to Tehran.

Headline

US Launches New Airstrikes On Iran

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The United States has launched new airstrikes in southern Iran.

The strike shot down four one-way attack drones that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz and then a ground control site.

A US official revealed that American forces struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone.

The official described the strikes as purely defensive, saying the US intended to maintain the ceasefire.

Report says this is the second time in three days that the US has carried out self-defense strikes against Iranian military targets in southern Iran.

Recall that on Monday the US carried out airstrikes against Iranian missile locations and boats that US Central Command said were preparing to launch mines in the Strait of Hormuz.