Maria Adeleke, Author at Citybuzz News

UCL: Ødegaard Seals Arsenal’s 1st Win With Napoli Stunner

September 9, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Martin Ødegaard struck in the 75th minute as Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Napoli in their Champions League league-phase opener. The Arsenal captain, on Wednesday night, curled a left-footed effort from outside the box that went in off the far post, assisted by substitute Christos Tzolis, to give the Gunners a deserved lead after they had dominated for long periods. Arsenal controlled possession and created the clearer chances throughout, firing in more than 20 shots. Napoli, missing key players including Scott McTominay, struggled to break down a solid Arsenal defence under Massimiliano Allegri. After four minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle. Mikel Arteta shook hands with Allegri, who then walked straight down the tunnel. The result gives Arsenal a strong start to their European campaign following last season’s runners-up finish. Arsenal, Napoli find breakthroughArsenal dominated the contest from the outset, registering a club-record 13 shots in the first half of a Champions League away fixture. Clear openings went begging, however, with Mikel Merino’s early header straight at Alex Meret, Bukayo Saka blazing over when clean through just before the interval, and Piero Hincapié somehow directing the ball over the bar from close range early in the second half. The introduction of substitutes, including Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke, added fresh impetus. Madueke himself spurned a late one-on-one opportunity that would have made the scoreline more comfortable. Despite the wastefulness in front of goal, the visitors’ control never seriously wavered, and David Raya was rarely tested as Arsenal claimed a hard-earned clean sheet on the road. The result extends Arsenal’s perfect start to the season across all competitions and provides an ideal platform as they turn their attention to Saturday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland. A post match report on the club website stated, “After the first of four successive away games, we’re back in action on Saturday night when we make the long trip to Sunderland, before we turn our attention to the Carabao Cup and a third-round tie with Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Tuesday. “Then we finish off before the international break with a meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, September 19.”

Makinde Campaign Condemns Alleged Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue••• Accuses APC of Desperation to Silence Opposition Ahead of 2027

September 9, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

IBADAN — The campaign organisation of the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, has condemned the alleged obstruction of the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State. The campaign, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Anthony Ehilebo, described the incident as “unwarranted” and alleged that it was part of attempts to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was reportedly in Benue on Tuesday to visit families affected by the killings in Yelwata when his convoy was allegedly obstructed by suspected state-sponsored thugs. The Makinde campaign described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, alleging that the development represented a new dimension in what it characterised as the ruling All Progressives Congress’ efforts to stifle opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections. The campaign further linked the incident to Obi’s participation in the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office on Monday, September 7, 2026, where he joined other opposition figures to express solidarity with Makinde. According to the statement, the ruling APC was “seriously afraid and completely rattled” by recent political developments, which it alleged had resulted in the use of intimidation, harassment and obstruction against opposition leaders. The campaign also faulted the explanation reportedly attributed to the Benue State Government that Obi did not obtain prior permission before visiting the state. It argued that Nigerian citizens have constitutional rights to move freely within the country and associate with others without seeking permission from state authorities. The statement cited Sections 40 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which provide for freedom of assembly and association as well as freedom of movement, respectively. The campaign said, “Every Nigerian, whether presidential candidate or not, has a constitutionally guaranteed right to enter, live, and move freely within any state in Nigeria to conduct his or her legitimate activity without any prior permission or notice.” It argued that roadblocks and the alleged deployment of thugs to obstruct opposition candidates were inconsistent with the principles of a constitutional democracy. The campaign consequently called on the Nigeria Police Force to commence a full investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice. It said such action was necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Makinde campaign reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process, stressing that the reported incident would not deter it from participating in legitimate political activities. “We remain committed to a peaceful electoral process, but it is important to state that we shall not be deterred nor cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible,” the statement added

Over 1,500 Food Enthusiasts, Artistes To Storm Ibadan For Chops’N’Chill 4.0

September 9, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

No fewer than 1,500 food lovers, chefs, creatives, entrepreneurs and entertainment enthusiasts are expected to converge on Ibadan, Oyo State, for the Ibadanchops’N’Chill culinary, entertainment and lifestyle festival. The organisers said between 1,500 and 2,000 people were expected at the event, which is designed to celebrate Nigerian food culture, emerging culinary talents and the creativity of young people in the food and hospitality industry. The convener of Ibadanchops’N’Chill, Chinwendu Fetus, popularly known as Chef Wendy, disclosed this in a statement issued ahead of the event. She said the festival would be held under the theme, “Empowering Young Chefs, Celebrating Nigerian Flavours,” adding that the event would combine culinary competition, live entertainment, networking and lifestyle experiences. According to Chef Wendy, the festival is intended to create a vibrant platform where food lovers can enjoy Nigerian flavours while young chefs get the opportunity to showcase their skills before a live audience. One of the major attractions of the event will be a live performance by Fuji musician, Alhaji Taye Currency. The popular Fuji artiste is expected to headline the entertainment segment, adding a musical dimension to the culinary and lifestyle activities planned for the festival. The culinary competition will also feature established professionals in the food industry, with Chef Amaka, Chef Dee and Chef T expected to serve as judges. Chef Wendy said the judges would assess the competing chefs while sharing their expertise and professional experiences with the participants. She explained that the competition was designed to encourage creativity, build confidence and provide young chefs with valuable exposure within the food and hospitality industry. The convener said the festival was not solely about entertainment but was also created to support the growth of young culinary talents and food entrepreneurs. She said participants would be able to demonstrate their culinary abilities, connect with established professionals, interact with potential customers and build relationships with other players in the sector. According to her, the initiative would help draw attention to emerging talents whose creativity and innovation are contributing to the development of Nigeria’s culinary industry. Chef Wendy, who is the founder of Wendy’s Kitchen and Wendy’s Culinary Hub, said her experience in the culinary space had strengthened her commitment to creating platforms that promote food creativity and provide opportunities for young chefs. She said Ibadanchops’N’Chill was conceived as an avenue to bring together different segments of the culinary and creative industries while celebrating the richness and diversity of Nigerian food. The event, she added, would create opportunities for networking, collaboration and cultural exchange among chefs, food entrepreneurs, creatives, influencers, media personalities and members of the public. Chef Wendy noted that the growth of Nigeria’s food and hospitality industry had created opportunities for young people, stressing the need for platforms that could help them gain visibility and develop professionally. She said the festival would place Nigerian flavours and culinary creativity at the centre of a memorable public experience. She called on food lovers, chefs, creatives, media organisations, industry stakeholders and members of the public to attend the event and support the emerging culinary talents.

Anti-FGM Activist Fatimah Gbemisola Reportedly Attacked, Goes Missing

October 8, 2026October 15, 2024 by Maria Adeleke

An anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) activist, Fatimah Olaitan Gbemisola, has reportedly gone missing after allegedly being attacked by hoodlums during a peaceful protest in Ibadan, Oyo State. Fatimah and other activists and volunteers were reportedly attacked in September 2024 along Government Secretariat Road, Ibadan, while protesting against FGM and other issues affecting women and girls. According to accounts from witnesses, the attackers were armed with sticks, cudgels, machetes and other weapons. They reportedly descended on the protesters while chanting threats against Fatimah and members of her group. Several activists and volunteers were said to have been injured during the attack, while some others were reportedly killed. Fatimah was also allegedly stabbed during the incident. She was reportedly rescued by some volunteers and passers-by, who helped move her away from the scene and took her to a hospital for treatment. Second Attack at Radio Station The activist was reportedly attacked again in October 2024 at the premises of Fresh FM, where she had gone to speak about FGM, forced early marriage, the rights of the girl-child and the previous month’s protest. According to the account, an angry crowd had gathered outside the radio station. Fatimah was reportedly moved out through the back of the premises to prevent her from being confronted by the mob. The incident was said to have heightened concerns over her safety. Activist Reportedly Missing Since the second incident, Fatimah has reportedly kept a low profile and has been difficult to reach. Information obtained from some of her friends and fellow activists indicates that she could not be located as of the time of filing this report. There are also claims that she has faced opposition from some members of her family, traditionalists and religious groups because of her activism. However, the claims concerning threats against her, the reported deaths during the 2024 protest and her current whereabouts could not be independently verified at the time of publication. Fatimah’s reported case highlights the risks faced by activists campaigning against harmful traditional practices, particularly when such campaigns challenge deeply held cultural or religious beliefs. Efforts to establish Fatimah’s current whereabouts and obtain an official account of the reported attacks are ongoing.

UCL: Ødegaard Seals Arsenal’s 1st Win With Napoli Stunner

Makinde Campaign Condemns Alleged Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue••• Accuses APC of Desperation to Silence Opposition Ahead of 2027

Over 1,500 Food Enthusiasts, Artistes To Storm Ibadan For Chops’N’Chill 4.0

Anti-FGM Activist Fatimah Gbemisola Reportedly Attacked, Goes Missing

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