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World Leaks

Uganda Airlines launches direct flight from Entebbe to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja 

Uganda Airlines, the national carrier of Uganda, officially commenced direct flights from Entebbe International Airport to Abuja on Friday, September 13. The announcement was made through a post on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The maiden flight took just three hours, substantially improving from the previous …

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Naira hits N1,665/$ as dollar shortages persist in Black Market

The local currency exceeded the N1,160 threshold against the US dollar despite a significant decline in the dollar index during the week’s last trading session. The naira was valued as low as N1,670 against the haven currency on the black market in major Nigerian cities. Market fundamentals attribute such fluctuation to seasonality. The Nigerian upper …

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‘AMAZING,’ shoppers cry as they race to Primark to get their new stylish range – it’s a bargain & perfect for Autumn

AS temperatures begin to drop in the UK, fashion enthusiasts are eager to refresh their wardrobes with stylish autumnal attire. 

This has led to a shopping frenzy at Primark, where customers are flocking to snap up the latest range of affordable seasonal fashion.

a woman wearing a plaid jacket and skirt is leaning against a red car
Primark
Rita Ora’s latest autumn range is her fifth collaboration with the high street retailer.[/caption]

The retail store, which is known for selling fashionable items at bargain prices, has just had the new range of Rita Ora’s collection landing in stores. 

Speaking excitedly about the new arrivals, Anywhere singer Rita, 33, said: “So proud and excited that my latest collection with Primark is available now!

“Each of these collections excites me more than the last.

“I’ve spent the last year really curating a range of timeless trending and hero pieces to suit every season.

“This one is giving preppy, it’s giving Clueless, it’s giving eclectic Grandpa.”

Primark bosses added: “Rita’s style school has arrived! The best part? No exams, just first-class fashion for AW24 and beyond.”

The collection showcases a buckle pleated midi skirt with a check design priced at £22, an oversized polo sweatshirt for £14, and a pleated mini skirt also available for £14.

There’s also a variety of knitted vests for the “grandpacore” look.

Curious about grandpacore? Also referred to as ‘eclectic grandpa’, this rising trend takes inspiration from the typical attire of a grandfather, as the name implies.

The Primark TikTok account in Basildon, Essex showed off the new collection in a video on their account. 

They captioned it: “OBSSESSED with the new Rita Ora autumn winter range. It’s giving cute, preppy, cosy.”

The video wooley ear muffs for £5, a fleece-lined trapper hat, for £8, and gold hoop earrings for £3.50. 

The video attracted attention from fashion fans, with some rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts. 

One wrote: “This looks like the best clothing she has brought out yet.

a blue mannequin wearing a white shirt and a hat that says ellesse
There’s also a variety of knitted vests for the ‘grandpacore’ look
tiktok.com/@primarkbasildon
a woman is holding a pair of ear warmers in her hand
They are selling ear muffs for £5 and hats for £8
tiktok.com/@primarkbasildon

“Can’t wait to go get a few bits I’ve seen on this post.”

The Primark account replied: “It’s AMAZING.” 

Rita Ora unveiled her debut Primark collection in September last year, giving fashion enthusiasts the chance to emulate her “famous style for less.”

Her latest autumn range is her fifth collaboration with the high street retailer.

Why is Primark the place to go to for bargains?

JUST how does Primark do it? Continue delivering on-trend items at such incredible prices? According to bosses, it's down to four points.

  • They “sell a lot of items” – Thanks to that, they are able to make savings by buying in bulk for their 191 UK stores
  • They “do very little advertising”
  • While their clothes offer the “latest trends”, they “don’t use expensive hangers, tags or labels”.
  • And lastly, they try to be “as efficient as possible when transporting products from factories to stores”. This includes things like asking “suppliers to pack our t-shirts so they are ready to go straight on shelf”.

For more information about how Primark keeps their costs so low, and are able to deliver such amazing bargains, visit the Primark website.

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Premier League legend, 36, welcomes first child with stunning model partner, 28, as Messi’s wife sends congratulations

MANCHESTER CITY legend Sergio Aguero’s stunning girlfriend Sofia Calzetti has given birth to their first child.

The 36-year-old, who had to retire from football nearly three years ago because of a heart condition, confirmed yesterday he had become a father for the second time.

a black and white photo of a man and woman holding a baby 's hand
Instagram @soficalzetti
Sergio Aguero posted a snap of his baby daughter clutching his finger[/caption]
a man is holding a newborn baby in a hospital
Instagram @aguerobenja19
The Man City legend welcomed his second child to the world[/caption]
a man and a pregnant woman pose for a picture in front of a mirror
Instagram @soficalzetti
Sofia Calzetti is Aguero’s girlfriend[/caption]
a woman in a black dress with flowers in her hair
Instagram @soficalzetti
The beauty works as a model[/caption]

He posted a picture of his newborn daughter Olivia clutching the happy couple’s fingers.

Aguero wrote along the snap on his social media: “September 13 2024. Welcome Olivia. We cannot express in words so much happiness.”

His model partner posted a congratulation messages they had received from friends and family along with more photos showing the ex-Argentina international cradling his baby.

Aguero revealed in March he was expecting a child with Sofia, 28.

His Instagram post at the time showed the loved-up duo holding each other by the hand with two pictures of the ultrasound showing their baby in her womb.

The post was captioned: “Immense excitement. We’re waiting for you little girl.”

On Tuesday, heavily-pregnant Sofia published a selfie photo showing her practising yoga at the couple’s home in Miami alongside an emotional message which said: “Last yoga class with my little one inside me.

“Such strong emotions I can’t find the words to explain them.

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“In days or hours, perhaps, she will change my life for ever. I am going to begin to live what I dreamt of all my life, being a mummy.”

One of the first to congratulate them was Sergio’s 15-year-old son Benji, whose mum Gianinna was one of Diego Maradona’s two daughters with his wife Claudia Villafane.

Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo wrote “congratulations” on the couple’s Instagrams alongside several heart emojis.

Aguero announced his retirement from professional football at an emotional press conference in December 2021.

The five-time Premier League winner was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat days after he was taken to hospital clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems and dizziness during a game for Barcelona.

He signed for Barca after becoming Man City‘s record goalscorer during his decade in England.

Aguero took a massive pay cut to join the Catalan giants after being offered the chance to team up with close pal Messi.

But he played only five games for Barca with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Who are these famous footballers?

a woman sits on a yoga mat next to a pool
Instagram @soficalzetti
Sofia kept her 824,000 followers up to date with her pregnancy[/caption]
a man wearing a shirt that says ' abercrombie & fitch ' on it stands next to a woman
Instagram @soficalzetti
Aguero and Sofia have been together since 2019[/caption]
a woman in a red swimsuit sits in a chair on a deck
Instagram @soficalzetti
She reconciled with Aguero shortly after rumours emerged that they had broken up[/caption]
a man and woman are posing for a picture on a green carpet that says the best
Getty
Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo congratulated the couple[/caption]

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Lauren Goodger’s tearful podcast about Mark Wright ‘didn’t go down well’ with Michelle Keegan

LAUREN Goodger addressed the heartbreak of her split with Mark Wright as she laid bare her emotions from more than 10 years ago – yet her stark words are said to have ruffled feathers in his home life.

Reports now suggest Michelle Keegan, 37, who married TOWIE alumni Mark, also 37, nine years ago, is less than impressed at Lauren dredging up memories from the past.

a woman in a leopard print shirt is asking if she should stop loving her first love
Instagram/ @needtotalk / @paulcbrunson
Lauren Goodger is said to have ruffled feathers in ex Mark Wright’s home life[/caption]
a man and a woman posing for a picture with a watermark that says ' telegraph ' on it
It came after she told how her TOWIE ex had ‘broken her’ in a new podcast
Rex
a man and a woman holding a book titled the only way is essex
Getty - Contributor
Mark and Lauren split 12 years ago[/caption]
a man and a woman standing next to a boat in the water
Instagram
Mark’s wife Michelle Keegan is said to be less than impressed about Lauren dredging up the past on a podcast[/caption]

Earlier this week, we reported how Lauren, also 37, had confessed the romance with Mark had “broken her” in a candid chat.

Lauren, who also starred in TOWIE, told how she felt she was “never going to love anybody else” as she raked over her past emotions in Celebs Go Dating star Paul C Brunson’s podcast, We Need To Talk.

Former ITVBe stars Lauren and Mark acrimoniously ended their eight-year relationship on the reality show back in 2012, with Mark later marrying Our Girl actress Michelle in 2015.

After the stark confessions a source has revealed the words didn’t go down well in the Wright household.

They told OK! Magazine: “It’s not that Michelle can’t sympathise with Lauren or is cross with her, she doesn’t know her at all, but she doesn’t like what she reads when Lauren talks about her.

“Mark also gets annoyed and he’s very protective of his wife and family.

“He doesn’t like them being brought up by Lauren, especially as it was so long ago.

“It’s ancient history for him.”

The Sun has gone to Michelle’s reps for comment.

Lauren has always been open in addressing her “heartache” – and recently addressed Mark’s alleged cheating ways during their time together.

Lauren previously compared the pair’s ill-fated relationship to that of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

In the podcast chat, Lauren opened up on the dynamics of her relationship with her ex.

Lauren said: “I hurt him, he hurt me. We had that chat and I knew I was never going to see him again.”

Paul then asked: “Were you still in love with him?” to which Lauren candidly replied: “Really honest, I don’t think that sort of love from childhood goes away.

Mark Wright's career timeline

Since rising to fame over a decade ago as a reality TV star, popular personality Mark Wright has gone on to enjoy a successful career.

  • The Only Way is Essex (2010-2011, regular): Mark was an original Towie cast member from its October 2010 launch and spanning series 1-3. He left the programme in 2011 but has returned for a handful of cameos.
  • I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here (2011): After leaving Towie, Mark signed up for the famed ITV jungle. He finished in second place behind McFly star Dougie Poynter.
  • Heart (2012-2017; 2019 – present): Mark first joined radio station Heart in 2012, leaving five years later to pursue work in the United States. He made a return to the station in July 2019.
  • Strictly Come Dancing (2014): The star took to the Strictly ballroom in 2014, finishing fourth behind Caroline Flack, Simon Webbe and Frankie Bridge.
  • The Dengineers (2015-2017): Mark was a co-presenter of the children’s programme for its first two series. After his departure, later hosts have included Joe Swash and Meryl Fernandes.
  • Extra (2017-2020): Mark was an entertainment reporter for this US outlet for three years.
  • The Bachelor UK (2019): A revived UK iteration of the popular American dating show. Mark’s version of the programme aired on Channel 5.
  • The Challenge UK (2023): Another UK rendition of an American format, this aired on Channel 5 in February 2023.
  • Clean It, Fix It (2024 – present): Mark has joined the popular BBC daytime show from its fourth series onwards.

“Obviously he’s moved on with his life and he’s got to respect that and I respect that, but I would love to say ‘hey how are you? All good?’

“We don’t speak. How can he been seen chatting to me, if someone took a photo of that or said something it could cause a lot of trouble, more than what it is.”

In a separate clip, Lauren says the attention on hers and Mark’s relationship “broke her.”

It came as Mark was reportedly left furious over Lauren’s return to Towie earlier this year.

a man and woman are posing for a picture on a red carpet
Rex
Mark is said to be hugely ‘protective’ of his wife of nine years[/caption]
a woman in a leopard print shirt says " him again "
Instagram/ @needtotalk / @paulcbrunson
He was said to be ‘furious’ when Lauren re-joined TOWIE[/caption]

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We’re left to freeze in England’s coldest town as winter fuel allowance is scrapped… while train drivers enjoy pay hike

PENSIONERS living in England’s coldest town are bracing themselves for a freezing winter after Sir Keir Starmer’s government scrapped their winter fuel allowance.

Many of the elderly in Newport, Shropshire, say the cruel cut will leave them having to choose between “food or fuel” this winter.

a woman holds a hot water bottle in front of a wall that says love
Nigel Iskander
Retired nurse Eleme Te with her hot water bottle[/caption]
an elderly woman sits in a chair with a newspaper on her lap that says free trade
Nigel Iskander
Joyce Rigeway is feeling the cold already[/caption]
a store front with ageuk written on it
Nigel Iskander
Newport in Shropshire is historically the coldest town in England[/caption]
a black and white photo of children walking through the snow
Children walked to school through snow drifts in 1982
Rex

Weather scientists believe the town – where a record low temperature of -26.1C was recorded on January 10, 1982 – gets so chilly because it is land-locked and therefore does not benefit from the relatively warm sea air.

So news of Labour’s decision to reduce the number of people who can receive the much-needed winter fuel allowance has left the town’s 3,353 OAPs feeling out in the cold.

One local, Eleme Te, was just three months into her retirement from a life spent in nursing when the bombshell dropped – and now wishes she still had the extra income her job provided.

The 68-year-old, who graduated as a nurse in 1981 and since 2001 worked in a Shropshire nursing home before retiring in April this year, fumed: “I didn’t realise that the Government was not going to pay out the winter fuel allowance when I gave up my job.

“If only I’d known. It’s a terrible decision and it is going to make things extremely difficult for me.

“I’m already obsessed with watching my electric and gas bills every month because I’m worried about costs – and that’s during the summer months.

“It’s not been too bad at the moment, around £30 a month, but I know worse is ahead.

“As a nurse, I’ve seen what happens when people get too cold. They can become hypothermic very quickly and when that happens, it’s incredibly dangerous. If they get too cold, it’s very scary.

“I’m actually dreading the winter, especially if we have a cold one, which is likely because of where we live.

“If it gets even slightly cold, I’m literally going to have to choose between food or fuel some days.

“There’s no way I’m going to be able to afford both.”

One piece of advice she offers to other pensioners is to always sleep with a hot water bottle.

“Even though it’s September, I’m already using one,” she said. “I hate getting cold.

“I have three kids who will come and help if I get stuck, but they don’t live nearby – one’s in Liverpool, another’s in London and the other lives in New Zealand.”

New low

No place in England has recorded a temperature lower than the minus 26.1 seen in Newport, Shropshire.

The second lowest on record was in 1981 just 14 miles away in Shawbury, Shropshire, at minus 25.2.

In January and February, the average low temperature in Newport is two degrees, so the heating has to be on in the evening.

Another local resident, Nora Bates, 89, said: “I’m absolutely speechless that a working class party can do this to OAPs.

As a nurse, I’ve seen what happens when people get too cold

Eleme Te

“Pensioners aren’t in the position of being able to go out and earn a bit of extra money, we are entirely dependent on what the Government hands out.

“I try to put away a bit every month towards heating bills but it’s a worry.

“We can’t afford to get old because we feel every nuance of the weather.”

Frozen out

a man sits on a mobility scooter in front of an opticians store
Nigel Iskander
Ray Knight lost his leg and is worried about friends losing their support[/caption]
a black and white photo of a snowy field with a sign pointing to leebotwood church stretton
SWNS
Heavy snow in country lanes in Shropshire taken on January 10, 1982, when temperatures dropped below -26c.[/caption]

When Shropshire suffered its record freeze in 1982, there were 10ft high snow drifts blocking the roads.

It was so bad that even fire crews ended up trapped in the cab of their engine for eight hours.

Locals will be praying there is no repeat this winter.

Newport resident Joseph Clayton, who is 93 and a retired carpenter and joiner, said: “Politicians – it’s promises, promises, promises, but they don’t keep their promises do they.

“It’s a very nasty thing to do to pensioners.

“They blame the last government for a big black hole, but if I had my way, I’d put them all in a big black hole for all the use they are.

“They take it off us because we can’t fight back. It’s outrageous.

“How can they pay those enormous rises to the train drivers and leave us old folk literally out in the cold?

“It’s just not right. We need to be able to stay warm in the winter, not looking over our shoulder to see if we can pay the bills.”

It’s a very nasty thing to do to pensioners

Joseph Clayton

Joyce Rigeway, 88, has been living in her present house in Newport for the last 16 years and used to work at Chad Valley toy factory making teddy bears.

She questions why well-off enough people were given the winter fuel allowance under the previous government.

She said: “I’m not sure it should have been introduced in the first place.

“People can be so greedy and want everything put in their lap and I’m not sure the country can afford that.

“I’m all in favour of helping out those who can’t help themselves but not willy-nilly.

“But I did notice it’s getting colder because the heating came on yesterday afternoon.

“I’ve had to make do ever since my husband died in 1999. He was a painter and decorator and I do my best to look after myself.

“But I do have the luxury of having two wonderful sons who always keep an eye on me.”

Lost allowance by £2

But others are worried about how they will cope.

Retired cleaner Molly, in her late 60s, said: “One of the ladies I clean for found she was £2 over the limit to get pension credit.

“She was very upset, it’s just not fair.

“It’s heartbreaking to see what some old folk go through.

“Why can’t this Labour government be more compassionate?”

Ray Knight, 81, is an ex parish councillor. He was in Newport High Street on his mobility scooter when we caught up with him.

He said: “If they slashed the overseas aid budget by half, they would have solved their so called black hole .. problem solved.

How much is the winter fuel payment?

PAYMENTS last year were worth between £300 and £600, depending on your specific circumstances.

This is because the amount included a “Pensioner Cost of Living Payment” – between £150 and £300. 

This year, it will be worth £200 for eligible households or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80.

That means you could receive up to £300 in free cash, depending on your circumstances.

Most payments are made automatically in November or December.

You’ll get a letter telling you:

  • How much you’ll get
  • Which bank account it will be paid into

If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 29, 2025, you must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.

“But no, this is typical Labour tactics taking money from those who can’t fight back.

“I lost my leg due to a medical condition in 1981. This means I do get pension credit, but I’ve had to lose a leg to get it. 

“I’m very cross that this decision to stop the winter fuel payment is going to affect so many of my pensioner friends and colleagues.

“It’s going to be a long cold winter and I can see the hospitals that are already under pressure being full of old folks who will get ill as a result of this callous government action.

“Trouble is the politicians don’t care about old folk. They’d rather give money to train drivers and the like who are already on a big wage than look after OAPs who have worked all their lives and contributed to this country every day.

“Now this government feels they can ignore their needs but not the powerful unions.”

They’d rather give money to train drivers

Ray Knight

Some help is on hand for the worse off pensioners in the town.

A helper at Newport Cottage Care Centre, who did not want to be identified, said: “This place is a lifesaver for lots of OAPs who come here to keep warm and get a fantastic three-course dinner.

“Scraping the winter fuel allowance is going to impact so many of the people who come here.

“If they couldn’t come here, I dread to think how some of them would cope now.

“I can’t believe that the Labour government has made this their priority in the first few months of being in office.”

an elderly man sits in a chair with his hands on his knees
Nigel Iskander
Retired carpenter Joseph Clayton calls the cut “nasty”[/caption]
a blue sign on a brick wall says newport cottage care centre
Nigel Iskander
OAPs visit this centre to get fed and keep warm[/caption]

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Tinubu and the Challenges of Visionary Leadership

By Keem Abdul There’s a famous Hollywood movie titled, ‘The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner.’ Based on a short story of that title by the English writer Alan Sillitoe, it talks about delinquent young man who takes to long-distance running in order to free himself from the pressures and expectations of his society – and […]

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Ginny & Georgia Season 3 Adds 2 New Characters As Filming Officially Wraps

Ginny & Georgia has completed filming for season 3 and added two new members to the cast. The series has been a hit for Netflix, with seasons 1 and 2 being watched more than any other title on the streaming platform from January-June 2023, with this success leading to a season 3 and season 4 …

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