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Upperhill News is committed to promoting accurate information on African stories, issues relating to the Girl-child, gender-based violence, health, politics, sports as well as national and international events of public interest.

  • Tinubu confers OON honour, gifts three bedroom apartments, N4.5bn to triumphant Super Falcons


    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours, cash gifts, and houses on the victorious Super Falcons, following their historic feat at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

    In a grand reception held at the State House, Abuja, organised in recognition of their record 10th continental title, Tinubu, while receiving the players and coaching crew at the Villa, conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each member of the victorious squad.

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President said also approved the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment for each player and members of the coaching team.

    The President also announced monetary rewards, approving the Naira equivalent of $100,000 (approximately N153 million) for each player and $50,000 (N75.6 million), for each member of the coaching crew, totalling a whooping N4,503,600,000.

    “I hereby confer on the players, the 11 man technical team with national honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

    “Additionally, I have I directed the allocation of three bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.

    “Then there is the cash award of the Naira equivalent of $100,000 US dollars each 24 players and the naira equivalent of $50,000 to the 11-man technical crew.

    “You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.

    “You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,” Tinubu said amidst cheers from the jubilant team.

    The President recounted the emotional moments of the final match, emohasising how the team’s performance lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.

    “Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.

    “Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.

    “But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.

    “But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.

    ”She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,” he stated.

    Assuring the team of his administration’s unflinching support and commitment to sports development,  the President pledged that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.

    “Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a collective gesture from the 36 state governors, pledging N10 million to each member of the team as a way of appreciating their historic 10th record win of the competition.

  • American smoky plane forced passengers evacuation after landing gear issue

    In a frantic scene caught on camera, passengers were forced to evacuate from an American Airlines aircraft about to take off from Denver International Airport due to an issue with the plane’s landing gear.

    The problem was reported as American Airlines Flight 3023 from Denver to Miami was still on the runway.

    The Denver Fire Department said it extinguished a fire after responding to the aircraft.

    All 173 passengers and six crew members on board the Boeing 737 Max 8 were safely removed from the aircraft.

    People could be seen exiting on an emergency slide before running away from the aircraft, as fire and smoke were observed under the plane.

    Five people were evaluated but were not transported for further treatment, while one person evaluated at the gate was transported for medical attention for a minor injury.

    The incident is the second involving a major airline since Friday, when Southwest flight 1496 from Burbank, California, to Las Vegas took a sudden nosedive to avoid a midair collision shortly after takeoff, causing passengers to fly out of their seats and into the ceiling.

    American Airlines confirmed the aircraft in Denver experienced a maintenance issue with a tire and that the plane was taken out of service to be inspected by a maintenance team.

    “American Airlines Flight 3023 experienced a mechanical issue on take-off roll at Denver International Airport (DEN),” the airline said in a statement to FOX Business. “All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience.”

    The displaced passengers will depart for Miami on a replacement aircraft later Saturday, according to the airline.

    The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

    “American Airlines Flight 3023 reported a possible landing gear incident during departure from Denver International Airport around 2:45 p.m. local time Saturday, July 26,” the FAA said in a statement.

    “Passengers evacuated on the runway and are being transported to the terminal by bus.”

    According to FlightAware, about 90 flights at the airport had been delayed since 2 p.m.

    The airport issued a ground stop from 2 p.m. until about 3 p.m. for all incoming flights that had not left their departure airports. The airport’s operations have since resumed.

  • US.,EU reach trade deal, set 15% tariff

    The United States and the European Union agreed have reaached an agreemeent to a trade framework, setting a 15% tariff on most goods, thereby staving off — at least for now — far higher imports on both sides that might have sent shock waves through economies around the globe.

    This disclosure came after President Trump and European Commission Chief, Ursula von der Leyen, met briefly at Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland.

    The private meeting of the duo culminated months of bargaining, with the White House deadline Friday nearing for imposing punishing tariffs on the EU’s 27 member countries.

    “It was a very interesting negotiation. I think it’s going to be great for both parties,” Trump said.

    “The agreement,” he said, was “a good deal for everybody” and “a giant deal with lots of countries.”

    Trump said the EU had agreed to buy some $750 billion worth of U.S. energy and invest $600 billion more than it already is in America — as well as make a major military equipment purchase.

    He said tariffs “for automobiles and everything else will be a straight across tariff of 15%” and meant that U.S. exporters ”have the opening up of all of the European countries.”

    According to Von der Leyen, the deal will bring stability, it will bring predictability, that’s very important for our businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

    As with other recent tariff agreements that Trump announced with countries including Japan and the United Kingdom, some major details remain pending in this one.

    Von der Leyen said the 15% tariffs were “across the board, all inclusive” and that “indeed, basically the European market is open.”

    At a later news conference away from Turnberry, she said the $750 billion in additional U.S. energy purchases was actually over the next three years — and would help ease the dependence on natural gas from Russia among the bloc’s countries.

    “When the European Union and the United States work together as partners, the benefits are tangible,” Von der Leyen said, noting that the agreement “stabilized on a single, 15% tariff rate for the vast majority of EU exports” including cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
    15% is a clear ceiling,” she said.


    She also clarified that such a rate wouldn’t apply to everything, saying that both sides agreed on “zero for zero tariffs on a number of strategic products,” like all aircraft and component parts, certain chemicals, certain generic drugs, semiconductor equipment, some agricultural products, natural resources and critical raw materials.


    “And we will keep working to add more products to this list,” she said, while also stressing that the “framework means the figures we have just explained to the public, but, of course, details have to be sorted out. And that will happen over the next weeks.”

    It is unclear if alcohol will be included in that list.

    President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a warm hand shake after reaching  a trade deal at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland

  • Nigeria win 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after thrilling comeback against Morocco

    Nigeria staged a remarkable fightback from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.

    It was a record-extending 10th triumph for Nigeria, confirming their status as the most successful women’s team in Africa.

    Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi led the fightback at Rabat’s Stade Olympique before substitute Jennifer Echegini swept home an 88th-minute winner.

    The Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak and winger Sanaa Mssoudy scored in the first half hour to see the home team take a surprise lead as they sought to become only the fourth country to take the continental title after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

    The Super Falcons pick up $1m in prize money – doubled since the last edition – and become the first side to lift the new-look Wafcon trophy.

    In Friday’s third-place playoff, Ghana defeated South Africa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Casablanca. Nonhlanhla Mthandi’s fine strike from outside the penalty area put Banyana Banyana in front just before the break, but Ghana levelled in the 68th minute when a header from South Africa defender Alice Kusi deflected in off goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

    Linda Motlhalo was denied by Ghana keeper Cynthia Konlan late on, before Evelyn Badu hit the crossbar for the Black Queens in stoppage time. It was Konlan who made the difference in the shootout, saving two South Africa penalties as Ghana won 4-3. Victory over the defending champions earned Ghana their first top-three finish at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since 2016.

    Reuters

  • US,Canada might not reach trade deal before August 1 deadline, says Trump

    The United States President, Donald Trump has said that his country may end up not striking any trade deal with Canada, but could instead impose higher tarrifs on its close neighbour in the next one week.

    Trump had earlier sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney on July 10, threatening to hit Canada with 35 per cent tariffs on Aug. 1 if the two countries failed to reach a deal.

    Speaking with newsmen, Trump admitted the two countroes had not really made any progress on the deal, noting that, “We haven’t really had a lot of luck with Canada.

    “I think Canada could be one where there’s just a tariff, not really a negotiation,” he said, before departing on a trip to Scotland.

    It is the first time Trump has publicly spoken about the state of talks with Canada in nearly two weeks.

    The expected new rate would apply to Canadian exports currently being tariffed at 25 per cent, under Trump’s emergency powers, just as he cited the national security threat from fentanyl trafficking.

    As of now, most Canadian goods are exempt from that tariff, provided they meet the North American content rules of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

    Separately, Canadian steel and aluminium are facing a 50 per cent tariff that the U.S. has imposed on such imports from all countries, while the U.S. tariff on Canadian energy and potash is set at 10 per cent.


    “Aug. 1 is going to come and we will have most of our deals finished, if not all. We don’t have a deal with Canada; we haven’t been focused on them,” Trump said.


    Trump’s comments are the latest nail in  Canada’s prospects for a deal by the U.S. president’s deadline, with Carney and his government sending out plenty of signals they’re in no rush to sign an agreement.

    During a visit to Washington on Thursday, Canada’s top trade negotiators downplayed the likelihood they’ll get an agreement by Aug. 1.

    “We’re going to continue to work toward the Aug. 1 deadline,” said Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

    “But all of these deadlines are with the understanding that we’ll take the time necessary to get the best deal that we think is in the interest of the Canadian economy and Canadian workers.”

    Earlier this week, Carney had told a news conference that his objective is “not to reach a deal whatever it costs.”

  • Natasha drags Senate to court after blockade, blames Akpabio

    Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has vowed to drag the leadership of the Senate before the appellate court after she was barred from gaining access to the National Assembly complex on Tuesday.

    A visibly angry Akpoti-Uduaghan told journalists that she would consult her legal team immediately to kick-start the process, describing the blockade as a violation of the recent ruling which called for her reinstatement.

    The decision came after she was denied entry to the National Assembly, despite a court order that faulted her prolonged suspension.

    She also questioned the basis for her suspension in the first place, noting that, “Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent— it was faulty.”

    “Going forward, I will have a meeting with my legal team so they can proceed to the appellate court to seek interpretation of what just happened. I am a law-abiding citizen.”

    Akpoti-Uduaghan also condemned the Senate’s actions, calling it an act of contempt of court by the Senate under its President, Godswill Akpabio.

    “Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. I want Nigerians to know that the Office of the Senate President doesn’t give me legitimacy as a senator.

    “The fact that he has gone on appeal does not invalidate the decision of Justice Binta Nyako, and that does not stop me from being a senator.

    “I got my legitimacy as a senator from the people of Kogi, who voted me into office as senator.

    “That I have been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a statement being made. It’s on record that the National Assembly under Akpabio has decided to be in contempt of a court decision, and it’s quite ironic that they are lawmakers. That poses the question: how far is our democracy in this day and age?” the embattled senator said.

    The lawmaker had earlier stormed the National Assembly as her supporters converged on the entrance to await her arrival.

    There was also an unusual security build-up at the gate of the complex with stern-looking operatives searching cars and restricting visitors to the car park outside the parliament.

    No fewer than five police patrol vehicles were stationed at strategic areas at the entrance to the NASS complex.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan who later arrived in company of social activist and co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, was denied access to the parliament by the security operatives.

    Yesufu, during the confrontation with security men, condemned the action, just as she described it as unconstitutional actions of the police.

    “One day you will be on the streets, as a retired person, begging the same people you oppressed to protest on your behalf.”

    “At this age, is this what you want to be doing? Is this the Nigeria you want for your children? You’re destroying the future of your own children,” she declared.

    The activist also accused the police of lacking the courage to disclose who ordered them to block access to the complex.

    “We respect the law, but that does not mean we are cowards. This is the National Assembly—it belongs to all Nigerians. You are blocking people and can’t even say who sent you. Are you proud of that?”

    She further slammed the police as “a shameless willing tool of oppression,” referencing a recent protest in support of police welfare that was ironically dispersed by police officers themselves.

  • Meet Some of the King Makers of Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland

    These are some of the Kingmakers

    1. The Ogbeni Oja is a renowned and successful Medical Doctor and Business Mogul, Olorogun Sunny Kuku.

    2. The Olisa is a fellow Chartered Accountant, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya FCA, ACMA.

    3. The Olotu Olowa is an astute businessman and developer, Otunba Lekan Osifeso, a man born with the proverbial silver spoon.

    4. The Olotu Ifore is the renowned banker and friend of Nasir El Rufai, Otunba Jimi Lawal. He established the defunct Alpha Merchant Bank when he was in his 30s in the 90s.

    5. The Lapo Ekun, Chief Tunde Odulaja, a British-born Nigerian businessman.

    6. The Balogun, the world renowned socialite, Chief Agboola Alausa, a UK trained Estate Valuer, who has been around like forever. Go and listen to Ebenezer Obey’s oldies.

    These people have the responsibility of choosing a worthy successor to the departed Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON Ogbagba II Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

  • US Tech CEO resigns after indiscreet affair viral video with HR officer

    The CEO of an American tech company, Andy Byron, has tendered his resignation after a video of him embracing an alleged colleague at a Coldplay concert went viral and fueled relentless memes.

    Following the viral video, the firm launched an investigation to establish the facts and assess the situation, just as it thereafter confirmed that Byron has tendered his resignation.”

    During a Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Wednesday, the jumbotron zoomed in on a man and a woman embracing in the stands.

    But the canoodling pair appeared were shocked and horrified when they spotted themselves on the big screen, with the man ducking out of frame and the woman hiding her face.

    The belief that leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability and that the standard was not met in the viral video, the sentiment which was the shared by a New York-based Astronomer in a statement.

    Within hours, internet sleuths identified the man as Astronomer CEO, Andy Byron and the woman was the company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot, alleging that the two were having a not-so-discreet affair.

    The video has garnered millions of views on TikTok and other social media platforms, giving rise to memes discussing everything from the folly of having an affair at a Coldplay concert, to the hypocrisy of an HR representative seemingly caught in a workplace relationship.

    An X user said, “The craziest thing is about the Astronomer CEO cheating scandal is it was the HR lady. The person who would warn you against fraternizing with coworkers.”

    Furry mascots of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team joined the conversation by  recreating the scene for the jumbotron at a game after the video went viral.

    However, an apology statement attributed to Byron, which spread rapidly online has been regarded as fake given that it originated from a parody account.


  • Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince,’ Al Waleed bin Khaled dies after 20 years in coma

    Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, popularly as the “Sleeping Prince,” has died after spending more than twenty years in a coma following a traumatic auto crash.

    Al Waleed was born in April 1990 and he was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a prominent Saudi royal and nephew of billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal.

    While studying as a military cadet in London at age 15, he suffered a devastating road accident in 2005 that caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding.

    He never regained full consciousness despite urgent medical care and involvement from specialised American and Spanish physicians.

    For over two decades, Prince Al Waleed remained in a largely unresponsive coma, though occasional involuntary movements offered hope.

    His father, Prince Khaled, had publicly rejected suggestions on a number of occasions to withdraw life support, holding firm in his belief in divine healing.

    The family shared videos showing the prince responding slightly to Quran recitations, which captivated the public’s empathy and admiration.

    National mourning and social media tributes
    News of the prince’s passing at a specialised medical facility in Saudi Arabia sparked widespread condolences.

    The hashtag “Sleeping Prince” (#SleepingPrince) trended across social media as thousands mourned a symbol of patience, faith, and paternal love.

    The story resonated deeply, with many touched by the image of a devoted father by his son’s bedside year after year.

    The prince’s hospital room became a spiritual landmark, frequented by visitors offering prayers and support.

    His life and prolonged struggle reflect not only medical challenges but also enduring human spirit and family devotion that transcended generations.

  • Concerns over surge in Canada’s Birthright Citizenship Amidst Global Restrictions

    Stakeholders have begun to raise concerns over the escalation of birth tourism in Canada, which is responsible for increased pressure on health infrastructure. 

    The liniency of Canada’s birthright citizenship policies, which are rooted in the principle of jus soli (right of the soil), according to the stakeholders, is perceived as a magnet for exploitation.

    These calls are targetted towards an intentional reassessment of the policies amidst mounting evidence of organized birth tourism, particularly in regions like British Columbia.

    Canada’s Citizenship Act, specifically Section 3(1)(a), grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on Canadian soil, with rare exceptions like children of foreign diplomats.

    The policies in Canada, unlike many other developed nations, do  not require parents to have legal residency or citizenship for their child to gain citizenship.

    This loophole has fueled a rise in non-resident births, where mothers enter Canada, often on temporary visas such as tourist visas, to give birth, securing benefits like free education, healthcare, and future sponsorship opportunities for the child’s family.

    Countries such as China, Nigeria, and India are top on the list of practitioners of organized birth tourism.


    In British Columbia Province for instance, non-resident births have placed a burden on provincial healthcare systems, which are already stretched thin.

    A number of developed nations have adopted stricter measures to address this practice.

    The United Kingdom amended its British Nationality Act to grant citizenship only to children born in the UK if at least one parent is a British citizen or has settled status.


    Germany’s Nationality Act requires one parent to have legally resided in the country for eight years with a permanent residence permit for a child to gain citizenship.

    In a similar vein, Australia’s Citizenship Act limits automatic citizenship to children with at least one parent who is a citizen or permanent resident, or those who reside in Australia for ten continuous years.

    In the United States, birthright citizenship, enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment, has faced scrutiny considering the January 2025  executive order aimed to restrict citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants or those with temporary legal status, arguing that the current interpretation encourages illegal immigration.

    A June 2025 Supreme Court ruling allowed partial enforcement of this policy, though the broader constitutional debate remains unresolved.

    The U.S. also introduced the Ban Birth Tourism Act in May 2025 to curb an estimated 33,000 annual births to tourist mothers, alongside stricter visa policies to deter birth tourism.

    The stakeholders in a unified voice noted that Canada’s permissive approach on what they termed exploitative citizenship risks straining public resources and undermining the integrity of its immigration system, noting that without action, Canada’s healthcare and immigration systems will face increasing pressure, potentially eroding public trust.

    “By aligning with global trends and addressing data gaps, Canada can protect its resources and ensure its citizenship policies reflect fairness and sustainability. The time for reform is now,”they opined.