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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.

  • 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.

  • Lone occupant arrested after small flight hijack, flights grounded at Vancouver, says RCMP

    One person has been arrested after a small passenger aircraft was allegedly hijacked on Tuesday and landed at Vancouver International Airport, Richmond RCMP has said.

    The incident, according to RCMP, occured at 1.10pm PT, after receiving reports of a Cessna 172 operated by Victoria Flying Club, had been “hijacked” from Vancouver Island and was entering YVR airspace.

    By 1:45 p.m., police said the plane landed safely, and one person who was the the only person on the plane, was arrested.

    The situation warrranted the diversion of nine incoming flights to other airports and flights were grounded at YVR for about half an hour during the incident, which to airport officials was a security incident.

    According to the YVR head of communications, Stephen Smart, Nav Canada implemented the temporary halt to operations after a small private aircraft was seen circling in the airspace near the airport.

    One of the eye witnesses, Paul Heeney was driving towards the Fraser River when he noticed a small plane banking to the right.

    “It was flying low, in airspace a small plane wouldn’t usually be in,” he said.

    “A few minutes later, we saw a second pass … the plane was making a big clockwise circle,” Smart said.

    Police say their investigation is ongoing and no further details can be released at this time.

    Vancouver International Airport following the safe landing of the plane

  • Flight Nurse, Three Others, Die in Southend Plane Crash 

    An ill-fated plane conveying a flight nurse, dutch pilot and two others has reportedly crashed in Southend Airport, London shortly after take-off on Sunday afternoon.

    The Beechcraft B200 Super King Air operated by Dutch firm Zeusch Aviation had flown from Athens, Greece to Pula in Croatia on Sunday before heading to Southend.

    Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, aged 31, a German citizen born in Chile, was reportedly on her first day as a flight nurse on board the small aircraft when it came down after take-off on Sunday afternoon.

    Essex Police chief confirmed that the four victims were foreign nationals.

    “Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died,” Essex Police chief superintendent Morgan Cronin

    Zeusch Aviation operates medical evacuation and transplant flights as well as aerial mapping and private charters, as stated on its website.

    London Southend is a relatively small airport, around 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of the British capital, used for short-haul flights by airlines including easyJet. The airport remained closed on Monday with no word on when it would reopen.

    Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it has sent a “multi-disciplinary team including inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering and recorded data” to the airport.

    The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has started an investigation with inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering and recorded data already dispatched to the crash site.

    German Nurse María Fernanda Rojas Ortiz

  • Awujale buried amidst tension over traditional rites

    The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has been buried according to Islamic rites at his private residence at Igbeba area of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun state.

    Awujale, the longest serving monarch in the history of Nigeria, joined his ancestors on Sunday at the age of 91.

    Mammoth crowd paying their last respect for the Awujale

    However, there was a mild drama when traditionalists invaded the burial site in their numbers, hoping to perform the burial according to customs and traditions.

    They were, however, barred by security operatives from the Nigeria Army stationed strategically at the venue.

    Not long ago, a burial rites law  was signed by the Ogun State Government, which gives powers for monarchs to be buried according to their religious beliefs.

    This is believed to be a breakaway from the culture and traditions.

    Section 55 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 provides a framework for the preservation and regulation of traditional burial rites for traditional rulers.

    While subsection (ii) of the section acknowledges the right of a traditional ruler to be buried in accordance with customary practices, subsections (iii) to (v) establish procedural safeguards for the application of such customs.

    Recently, in a lecture delivered by Justice P.O. Akinside of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ogun State, he said that traditional rulers are bound to submit to the customs and burial rites of the traditional institution.

    In contrast, the Ogun State Government affirmed that Justice Akinside’s submission was his personal opinion which had nothing to do with any judicial pronouncement.