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Wole Soyinka’s Reflections and Cultural Exchange Programme

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Soyinka
Wole Soyinka's Reflections and Cultural Exchange Programme

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka expressed surprise at reaching the age of 90 during the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme at his residence in Abeokuta. Answering questions from over 383 students, Soyinka reflected on his life and career, emphasizing that he never expected to live this long when he was younger.

The programme, attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, included celebrations of Soyinka’s 90th birthday, marked by scholarships and laptops awarded to outstanding students in an essay competition. Soyinka, born on July 13, 1934, thanked the governor for his efforts in preserving the environment around his home and contributing to the community’s development.

Reflecting on his life’s choices, Soyinka addressed his decision to become a writer and his activism during Nigeria’s military era, clarifying an incident at a radio station where he intervened to protect public interest. He urged Nigerians to introspect and take responsibility for societal issues like crime rather than solely criticizing the government.

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Governor Abiodun praised Soyinka as an exemplary figure whose cultural exchange programme promotes education and cultural understanding among youth. He emphasized the importance of engaging young people in nation-building and advocating for good governance, aligning with Soyinka’s values of justice, freedom, and excellence in the arts.

The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme, spanning over 14 years, continues to uphold Soyinka’s legacy by fostering unity and understanding through essay competitions, advocacy, and performing arts. Governor Abiodun highlighted its role in nurturing future leaders who embody Soyinka’s principles and contribute positively to society.

Overall, the event underscored Soyinka’s enduring impact as a global citizen and celebrated his lifelong dedication to education, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of a just world.

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Bodycam Footage Reveals Final Moments Before Arrested Man Became Unresponsive

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Bodycam footage played during proceedings has revealed the interaction between police officers and a man identified as Henry Nowak in the moments before he became unresponsive while being detained.

In the video, an officer is heard asking Nowak where he had allegedly been stabbed. The officer then adds: “Don’t think you have, mate.”

As officers move to place him in handcuffs, Nowak repeatedly tells them, “I can’t breathe,” making the statement three more times during the arrest.

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One officer is then heard saying: “He says he’s been stabbed, so let’s just check him.” The footage appears to show the officer briefly lifting Nowak’s shirt near his waistline before he is left lying on his side.

A female officer subsequently asks: “Where do you think he’s been stabbed? In the face?”

Another officer responds: “He hasn’t been stabbed.”

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Shortly afterwards, Nowak, who appears to be unresponsive in the footage, is informed that he is under arrest on suspicion of assault.

The footage forms part of the evidence being examined as investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Stephen Fry Seeks Damages After Serious Fall at London Tech Conference

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Stephen Fry Seeks Damages After Serious Fall at London Tech Conference

Stephen Fry has launched legal action against the organisers of a technology conference after suffering serious injuries when he fell off a stage following a keynote speech in London.

The broadcaster, actor and author is seeking up to £100,000 in damages after the accident at the CogX Festival, which took place at The O2 Arena in September 2023.

Sir Stephen, 68, said he sustained multiple injuries in the fall, including fractures to his leg, hip, pelvis and several ribs. He had been speaking at the event after being invited to deliver a keynote address focused on artificial intelligence.

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Describing the incident at the time, he said: “So I broke my right leg in a couple of places and my hip and pelvis in four places and a bunch of ribs.”

He added that he felt fortunate the injuries were not even more severe, saying he had “praised my lucky stars” that he did not damage his spine or suffer a skull injury.

According to court documents filed on his behalf, Fry is bringing a personal injury claim against CogX Festival Ltd and Blonstein Events Ltd.

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The filing states that after finishing his presentation and while leaving the stage through the backstage area, he fell approximately two metres from the stage onto the concrete floor below.

“The Claimant brings a claim for damages for personal injuries sustained on 14 September 2023 at the O2 Arena, London, whilst attending the CogX Festival where he had been engaged to deliver a talk on Artificial Intelligence,” the court documents state.

The legal action is focused on the circumstances surrounding the fall and whether sufficient safety measures were in place backstage at the venue.

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Neither CogX Festival Ltd nor Blonstein Events Ltd has publicly responded to the claim so far.

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Israeli Soldiers Punished Over Vandalism of Jesus Statue in Lebanon

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Israeli soldiers punished over vandalism of Jesus statue in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has disciplined soldiers involved in the vandalism of a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon, following widespread condemnation of the incident.

According to the IDF, the soldier who struck the statue with a sledgehammer, along with another who photographed the act, will each serve 30 days of military detention and be removed from combat duties. The military added that six additional soldiers present at the scene, who failed to intervene or report the incident, will face separate disciplinary action.

The incident occurred in the village of Debel, where an image of the damaged statue circulated widely online, sparking outrage both locally and internationally.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened” by the act, as criticism mounted over the conduct of the troops.

In a statement, the IDF said its internal inquiry found the soldiers’ actions “completely deviated from IDF orders and values” and expressed “deep regret” over what happened. It added that the damaged statue had since been replaced in coordination with the local community.

The military emphasised that its operations in Lebanon are directed solely against militant groups, including Hezbollah, and not against civilians or religious sites.

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Local leaders strongly condemned the act. Father Fadi Flaifel, head of the village’s congregation, described it as a desecration of a sacred symbol, saying it violated principles of respect and human rights.

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