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PFN Reacts As Catholic Church Set To Bless Same-s*x Union
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2 years agoon
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Editor
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has reacted to the planned approval of same-s*x marriages by Catholic Church, saying it would maintain a dignified silence on the matter.
The Vatican had published a letter by Pope Francis addressed to a group of cardinals who asked him for clarity on same-s*x union.
The Pontiff reiterated that though the church only recognised marriage as a union between a man and a woman, but could open the door for blessings of individuals in same-s*x unions.
READ ALSO: Catholic Church Set To Approve Same-s*x Marriages
The pope said “pastoral charity” required patience and understanding, adding that priests should not become judges “who only deny, reject and exclude”.
He said a blessing requested was a plea for God’s help to live a better life, even in situations that were “not morally acceptable”.
The religious leader said priests should not only treat people as sinners because they might not fully be at fault for their situations.
Pope Francis suggested that blessing gay unions should not become an official rule but should be decided case by case “because the life of the church runs on channels beyond norms”.
Contacted, the Administrative Secretary of the PFN, Pastor Akinwale Akinola said: “You know he (Pope) is a Catholic and every bloc has its ideology. The PFN will just maintain a dignified silence for now.
”If you remember when the Church of England endorsed same-sex marriage, there were agreements and disagreement among themselves; the Anglican Church in Nigeria refused to comment on it.
”The former Anglican Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Bishop Peter Akinola, was silent on it and did not say anything.”
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Ex-World Boxing Champion, Ricky Hatton, Is Dead
Published
2 hours agoon
September 14, 2025By
Editor
Former world boxing champion, Ricky Hatton, has died at the age of 46.
Hatton’s body was found at his home in Manchester on Sunday.
Speaking on the incident, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said, “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today (Sunday) where they found the body of a 46-year-old man.
“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances,” the spokesperson said.
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Hatton, who won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an esteemed 15-year career, last fought professionally in 2012.
He earned notable world title wins over Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio.
Hatton, who announced his comeback in July was scheduled to fight Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on 2 December in Dubai.
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Nigerians Who Have Broken Guinness World Records
Published
1 day agoon
September 13, 2025By
Editor
Over the years, Nigerians have made their mark on the global stage by setting and breaking Guinness World Records across diverse fields.
Here are ten Nigerians who have earned a place in the Guinness World Records:
1. Hilda Baci – Longest Cooking Marathon
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci captured national and international attention in May 2023 after cooking for 100 hours, setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Though her record was later surpassed, Baci has remained at the forefront of culinary challenges.
At the time of writing this report, Baci is attempting to cook the largest pot of Jollof rice in collaboration with a food brand.
2. Tunde Onakoya – Longest Chess Marathon
Chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, etched his name in history on April 17, 2025, after playing non-stop chess for 64 hours in New York, USA. His successful attempt came a year after an earlier effort, which, though unsuccessful in breaking the record, raised over $100,000 for his charity initiative. The 64-hour duration was symbolic, representing the total number of squares on a chessboard.
READ ALSO:Drama As Hilda Baci’s Jollof Pot Falls After GWR Attempt
3. Ojumola Bello – Longest Acting Marathon
Nollywood actress
Ojumola Bello made history in September 2024 when she completed 139 hours and 19 minutes of non-stop acting. The marathon, held at Pent View Hotel in Ikorodu, ran from September 22 to 27, making her the first Nigerian actress to secure such a feat in the global records.
4. Helen Williams – Longest Handmade Wig
Helen Williams is a professional wig maker based in Lagos who turned her craft into a world-class achievement. At just 31, she entered the Guinness World Records in July 2023 with the longest handmade wig, measuring 351.28 metres longer than the Eiffel Tower. Her record reflects not only skill and creativity but also Nigeria’s growing influence in the global beauty and fashion industry.
5. Divine Ikubor (REMA)
Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, is a Nigerian Afrobeats star whose global rise has redefined the country’s music scene. In May 2023, he made history as the first artist to top the MENA charts, earning a Guinness World Records title. His breakout hit Calm Down, released on February 11, 2022, quickly became one of the fastest songs to surpass 100 million streams on Spotify, cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential young artists.
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6. Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau – Longest Dance Party
Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, is Nigeria’s most celebrated dancer, choreographer, and fitness coach. She rose to international fame in 2006 after leading a team to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dance party during the Nokia Silverbird Danceathon. Today, she remains a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and a role model for young African performers.
7. Wizkid – One Billion Streams
Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognized musicians, came to the Guinness World Record spotlight when he featured on Drake’s hit single One Dance, which became the first track to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. The song was released on December 16, 2016.
One Dance marked a significant moment in global music, further solidifying Wizkid’s place in the international music scene. With the song, Wizkid became the first Afrobeats artist to achieve one billion streams on Spotify.
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8. Lucy Ejike – Heaviest Powerlifter
Lucy Ejike is a decorated Nigerian Paralympian and one of the country’s most celebrated powerlifters. She made history at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games by lifting 142 kg in the -61 kg category, setting a Guinness World Record for the heaviest powerlift by a female athlete in that division. Her dominance in the sport stretches back to the Athens 2004 Paralympics, where her 127.5 kg lift in the -44 kg class secured gold and established a record that still stands today.
9. Fela Kuti – Most Studio Albums Recorded By A Solo Artist
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, holds a Guinness World Records title for the most studio albums recorded by a solo artist. Between 1969 and 1992, he released 46 albums over a 23-year career, leaving behind a body of work that continues to shape global music and political activism.
10. Adeoye Ajibola – Paralympic Athletes
Adeoye Ajibola, a Nigerian Paralympic sprinter, made history at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games when he ran the men’s 100 metres in 10.72 seconds. Competing in the T46 classification for athletes with limb impairments, he set a Guinness World Records mark and remains celebrated as one of Nigeria’s greatest Paralympic athletes.
11. Joy Onaolapo – Paralympic powerlifter
Joy Onaolapo was a Nigerian Paralympic powerlifter who delivered an unforgettable performance at the London 2012 Games. On September 1, she won a gold medal in the women’s -52 kg category after lifting 131 kg, a feat that secured her place in the Guinness World Records, among Nigeria’s sporting legends and inspired future generations of para-athletes.
Headline
What To Know About Albania’s AI Minister, Diella
Published
1 day agoon
September 13, 2025By
Editor
Albania’s government has introduced Diella, an AI-generated virtual cabinet member tasked with public procurement. A world-first move that’s already drawing big praise and big questions.
Nigerian Tribune reports that Prime Minister Edi Rama unveiled Diella on Friday as a virtual member of the government, describing her as a cabinet member “not present physically but created virtually,” adding that she would help ensure public tenders remain free of corruption while making government operations more efficient and transparent.
Below are ten most important, sourced facts and the key open questions to watch out for.
1. Diella as an AI
Diella is a computer system presented as an animated avatar (shown in traditional Albanian dress) and introduced by Prime Minister Edi Rama as a cabinet “member” created by AI rather than a flesh-and-blood minister.
2. Official role and timing
The government
appointed Diella to take responsibility for public procurement when the new cabinet was presented in mid-September 2025. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Edi Rama.
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3. Where Diella came from
Diella evolved from a virtual assistant on the government e-Albania portal (AKSHI’s platform). The system was developed by Albania’s National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI) and expanded into a cabinet-level AI.
4. What the government promises
Officials say Diella will make public procurement “100% free of corruption” by removing political discretion from awarding tenders and applying algorithmic decision-making. That is the reform pitch from PM Rama.
READ ALSO:Ghana Jails Three Nigerians For 96 Years Over Car Theft
5. Legal and constitutional controversy
The appointment has sparked immediate debate. The presidency and opposition have expressed concern about constitutionality and who is accountable for ministerial decisions; some opposition figures have called the move political theatre.
6. Practical authority and human oversight unclear
Reports say procurement responsibilities are intended to be transferred gradually, but the government has not (publicly) published the full operational rules, human-in-the-loop safeguards, or the audit framework that would show who can override or audit Diella’s decisions.
That lack of detail is a major practical question.
7. Tech partnerships and the avatar
News reports say Diella was developed by Albania’s AI lab at AKSHI and Associated Press reports mention collaboration with Microsoft; the avatar’s likeness and voice have also been linked to a local actress in public reporting.
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8. Innovation vs. democratic/ethical worries.
Domestic and international reaction is mixed. Supporters call it bold tech innovation to fight endemic corruption; critics warn about democratic accountability, potential for hidden biases, and the optics of “putting AI in power.” International outlets have also shown interest in how Diella will be deployed and analysts are watching closely.
9. Top technical and governance risks to watch
Key risks flagged by observers: how decisions will be explained to losing bidders; whether procurement datasets contain historical bias; who is responsible if the system is manipulated or hacked; and whether legal frameworks allow algorithmic substitution for political decision-making.
These issues drive both legal challenges and practical audit needs.
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