Blueprint Newspapers

06/08/2025

Chelsea Unveil New Signings at Stamford Bridge as Fans Celebrate

Chelsea Football Club on Wednesday officially unveiled their latest signings for the 2025/2026 season at Stamford Bridge, drawing excitement from supporters and media alike.

Among the newly presented players were Liam Delap, Dário Essugo, Estêvão, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, João Pedro, and Mamadou Sarr, each stepping forward in the club’s new home kit and sharing their ambitions to contribute immediately to the squad.

Club head coach Enzo Maresca—officially appointed by Chelsea on 3 June 2024 with a five‑year contract beginning 1 July 2024—oversaw the presentation at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca, whose rise included guiding Leicester City to Championship promotion and serving as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, is firmly in place as Chelsea’s current manager.

06/08/2025

Ghana is in mourning following the tragic death of eight senior government officials and military personnel in a helicopter crash in the southern Ashanti region on Wednesday

Ghana is in mourning following the tragic death of eight senior government officials and military personnel in a helicopter crash in the southern Ashanti region on Wednesday.

06/08/2025

NEMA Warns Imo Communities to Prepare for Possible Flood Evacuation

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning to residents in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, urging them to get ready for potential evacuation as flood levels continue to rise.

The warning followed a joint flood assessment conducted by NEMA and the Federal Fire Service, Owerri Unit, after locals raised concerns over increasing water levels. The inspection team, led by Assistant Chief Search and Rescue Officer, Mr. Nweze Innocent, visited Abacheke community and found floodwaters gradually entering homes and farmland.

Mr. Innocent, accompanied by the Secretary to the Traditional Ruler, Mr. Nwabuchi Eminent, noted that some parts of the area were already affected, prompting farmers to begin harvesting crops prematurely to avoid total loss.

In Ogboru village, floodwaters have already disrupted major facilities such as the Abacheke Primary Health Centre, The Apostolic Church, Salzan Industries, and the local primary school, which has been closed in anticipation of further flooding. A similar situation was found in Udekpunata village, where farmlands and houses are also being overtaken.

NEMA identified 28 vulnerable villages—including Ogboru, Olutu, Ipo, Edeakamaya, Ogbede, and Okishipai—and advised residents to prepare to relocate to safer areas. With forecasts indicating a likely increase in flooding, the agency stressed the need for heightened community awareness and readiness.

Mr. Nwabuchi recalled the damage caused by the 2022 floods, which submerged entire communities and led to the setup of an IDP camp in Ogboru. He added that local leaders are now stepping up efforts to educate residents, discourage building on flood paths, and encourage prompt evacuation if necessary.

06/08/2025

Lawmaker Threatens to Sue WAEC Over Withheld Results of 192,089 Candidates

Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to release the withheld results of 192,089 candidates accused of examination malpractice.

Ogah warned that if WAEC fails to release the results within the stipulated time, he will initiate legal proceedings against the examination body.

WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, had on Monday announced the release of the 2025 WASSCE results, disclosing that 9.75% of the results were withheld due to suspected malpractice.

In response, Ogah expressed concern, stating that withholding results after students have written both WAEC and JAMB exams could hinder their chances of securing university admission.

“It is unfortunate that after students write their exams, WAEC withholds their results over unverified allegations. Their supervisors and examiners monitor the exams, yet no evidence is presented, and students are left stranded,” Ogah said.

He argued that such practices are unfair and do not occur in other West African countries like Ghana.

“If malpractice truly occurred, it should have been addressed during the exams, not afterward when students are already seeking admission,” he added.

Ogah urged WAEC to act swiftly to release the results or face legal consequences for what he termed “abuse of office” and “sabotage.”

06/08/2025

Bobrisky Criticizes UK Men Over Lifestyle Choices

Popular Nigerian social media personality, Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju, known as Bobrisky, has expressed disapproval of the financial lifestyle of men in the United Kingdom.

In a recent Instagram post, Bobrisky claimed that many UK men live below his standards, often sharing apartments and splitting bills — habits he finds unappealing.

He added that any man interested in him should present himself in luxury fashion, including high-end designer outfits and accessories.

“If I, as a woman, can wear a Presidential Rolex, then any man approaching me should be able to match that energy,” he stated.

06/08/2025

Sowore Honours Police Summons with Travel Bag, Personal Essentials

Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday appeared at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters carrying a travel bag filled with personal items, including toothpaste, soap, clothes, and books. His action followed a summons from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit.

The police had invited Sowore in a letter dated August 5 over a petition accusing him of forgery and criminal defamation.

Ahead of his appearance, Sowore had announced he would comply with the summons and urged fellow activists and citizens to accompany him in solidarity. He arrived at the facility around 12:16 p.m. alongside his legal representatives, A.K. Musa and Marshal Abubakar, and a group of supporters chanting slogans critical of the government and Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun.

His symbolic travel bag suggested he was ready for possible detention.

06/08/2025

FG Approves ₦4.2 Billion for 158 TETFund Research Projects, Announces 18 Innovation Hubs

By Muhammad Malami Aminu

The Federal Government has approved ₦4.249 billion in grants for 158 research projects across Nigerian tertiary institutions under the TETFund National Research Fund (NRF) 2024 cycle.

The announcement was made by Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, during a press briefing in Abuja.

Key Highlights
• Total Funding: ₦4.249 billion for 158 research projects.
• Proposals Received: 6,944; only the highest-ranking submissions were funded.

Research Breakdown by Theme

Research Area Approved Amount (₦)
Science, Engineering, Tech, Innovation 2,349,951,630.43
Humanities & Social Sciences 1,028,966,204.32
Cross‑Cutting Research 870,708,982.94

Top Institutions Funded
• Federal University of Technology, Minna – 15 projects, ₦400 million+
• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – 13 projects, ₦359.8 million
• FUTA, Akure – 12 projects, ₦341.6 million
• FUT Owerri – 11 projects, ₦256.4 million
• ATBU Bauchi – 10 projects, ₦273.4 million
• University of Ilorin – 8 projects, ₦220.5 million

Highlighted Research Initiatives

Projects approved focus on innovation-driven solutions targeting Nigeria’s needs:
• Sustainable eco‑friendly housing systems
• Hybrid plant‑based cubic fertilizers
• AI‑powered Internet of Medical Things for war‑zone health monitoring
• Intelligent aerial robotics for precision farming
• Smart energy metering systems

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hubs Across Nigeria
• 18 Innovation Hubs approved to be established across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
• Lab facilities to include electronics, 3D printing, laser tech, product design, robotics, AI, and more.

2025 Innovation Hub Funding (Partial List)
• ₦1 billion each to: Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, University of Ibadan
• ₦750 million each to: Federal Polytechnic Bida; Taraba State Polytechnic; Adamawa State Polytechnic; Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic; Kano State Polytechnic; Auchi Polytechnic; Bayelsa State Polytechnic; Federal Polytechnic Ede; Rufus Giwa Polytechnic; College of Education (Technical) Kabba; Enugu State College of Education.

This major intervention is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pushing TETFund to transition Nigeria’s tertiary education system from academic theory to practical, innovation-led national development. By bridging research and entrepreneurship, the government aims to tackle issues in health, agriculture, energy, and technology effectively.

The ₦4.2 billion NRF grant, coupled with new Innovation Hubs, offers a transformative opportunity for Nigerian tertiary institutions—positioning them to generate practical solutions, empower young innovators, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development agenda.

06/08/2025

Reality TV Star Ka3na Speaks on Heartbreak and Challenges of Single Parenting After Husband’s Death

Former Big Brother Naija Season 5 housemate, Ka3na Jones, has shared a deeply personal account of her journey through grief and single parenting following the death of her husband, whom she fondly called Mr. Jones.

In an emotional post on Instagram on Wednesday, the reality star and entrepreneur reflected on the pain, exhaustion, and emotional toll of raising her daughter alone while grappling with the sudden loss of her partner.

“Nobody ever tells you, ‘Hey Katie, this amazing man you’re about to marry only has five more years to live… Or, don’t rush into having kids. He’s going to die and leave you a widow and a single mother in your prime,’” she wrote.

Despite the heartache, Ka3na said she wouldn’t change the decision to have her daughter.

“Would I have done anything differently if I knew? Honestly, no. Because I can’t imagine my world right now without my baby girl,” she said.

However, she admitted the demands of single motherhood have been overwhelming.

“Do I wish someone would just look at me and say, ‘Katie, take a break… I got this’? Absolutely! I. Am. Tired.”

06/08/2025

Revealed: How Manchester United Funded Sesko Signing

Manchester United’s move for Benjamin Šeško was made possible through a combination of cost savings, structured payments, and unexpected windfalls.

Key factors included:
• £12.75 million saved in wages following Marcus Rashford’s exit.
• Staggered payment plans agreed for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.
• £21 million generated from sell-on clauses.
• Compensation from Chelsea over Jadon Sancho.
• Reduced operational costs after significant job cuts at the club.

The financial maneuvering allowed United to secure the Slovenian striker without breaching their transfer budget constraints.

06/08/2025

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, at its retail outlets barely 48 hours after a recent price hike

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, at its retail outlets barely 48 hours after a recent price hike.

06/08/2025

VIDEO: Esther Okoronkwo Back in Training After WAFCON Triumph with Super Falcons

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has resumed training for the first time since helping Nigeria clinch the 2025 WAFCON title.

06/08/2025

Kaduna approves six-month maternity leave to promote exclusive breastfeeding for civil servants.

Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe announced this during the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week event, also launching the ‘First 1,000 Days of Life’ initiative to boost child health and nutrition.

The policy aims to improve infant health, reduce childhood diseases, and support mothers with crèche facilities at the health ministry.