Oriontimes

 Oriontimes International| Brufut, The Gambia  Emerging Gambian writer Abdou Komma has been selected to represent The Gambia at the upcoming Molepolole International Book Festival in Botswana, marking a significant milestone in his literary journey. In a statement released and made available to Oriontimes, Komma expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, describing the opportunity as both humbling and inspiring. “I am deeply honored and grateful to be featured in this international literary space by the Molepolole International Book Festival,” he said. The young author noted that the recognition represents not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for his community in Bassending , where his passion for storytelling first began. “As a young Gambian author, this recognition means a lot to me and to the journey of storytelling that began in my humble community of Bassending,” he stated. Komma also extended appreciation to the festival organizers for creating...

  Vows to switch off phone if Arsenal F.C. lift the Premier League trophy Opinion | Oriontimes News Editorial Board Former Chelsea F.C. star John Obi Mikel has once again stirred football fans, joking that he would switch off his phone if Arsenal F.C. lift the Premier League through corner-kick goals.  While said in jest, the comment revives memories of one of the fiercest London derbies of the 2000s: the explosive 2007 Football League Cup Final . Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby accidentally struck Chelsea captain John Terry in the face with a high boot while attempting to clear the ball. The incident sparked a chaotic brawl on the pitch. John Obi Mikel was at the center of the melee and was the only player shown a red card as tempers boiled over. While several Arsenal players were involved in pushing and shoving, no Arsenal player received a dismissal. Nearly two decades later, Mikel’s remark shows that some rivalries never fully fade. During Chelsea’s peak years, he shared...

  By Boluwatife Adedokun Long after most homes in Osogbo have gone quiet for the night, the sound of sewing machines once filled a small workspace where Mrs. Aduragbemi Babayemi worked tirelessly, stitching baby beds until the early hours of the morning. There were nights she worked alone until 2 a.m, determined to complete orders even when she had no workers, little equipment, and barely enough capital to sustain the business she had just started. Five years later, the 29-year-old entrepreneur now runs a growing baby product business supplying baby beds and related items to markets within and outside Osun State . “I started with just one manual machine,” Babayemi recalled during an interview. “I didn’t have money to buy all the equipment needed for the work. But as I continued working and selling, I gradually used the money I made to buy other machines.” Today, her workshop produces baby beds, baby load bags and other infant care items under the name Aduragbemi Baby Design . A...

  British authorities have announced road closures and temporary airspace restrictions in Windsor ahead of the state visit of Bola Tinubu , scheduled to begin next week. Officials in the United Kingdom said the measures are part of heightened security preparations for the Nigerian leader’s arrival, with several key routes expected to be temporarily shut to allow secure movement of the presidential convoy . In addition to road restrictions, aviation authorities confirmed that limited airspace controls would be enforced around Windsor during certain periods of the visit. The restrictions are intended to ensure safety and prevent unauthorized aircraft from operating in sensitive areas while the high-profile engagements take place. Security agencies noted that such measures are standard protocol during visits by foreign heads of state and senior dignitaries. President Tinubu’s trip to the United Kingdom is expected to include a series of diplomatic meetings and engagements, though ...

  More than 1,300 people have reportedly been killed and millions displaced across Iran as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify, triggering a growing humanitarian crisis . Reports from international agencies indicate that the escalating hostilities involving Iran, the United States , and Israel have led to widespread destruction, forcing civilians to flee their homes in large numbers. According to humanitarian sources, over three million people have been displaced internally as residents abandon major cities and conflict-prone areas in search of safety. The crisis has overwhelmed emergency services and humanitarian organizations working to assist affected populations. Medical authorities say thousands of others have been injured, placing enormous pressure on hospitals and healthcare facilities already struggling with shortages of medical supplies and personnel. The conflict, which escalated after a series of military strikes and retaliatory missile an...

  Oriontimes News Desk | March 13, 2026 Air defense systems in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intercepted and destroyed 45 ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran on Thursday, according to official statements released by authorities in both Gulf nations. The projectiles were detected by early-warning radar systems before they reached their intended targets, prompting swift defensive action from military forces in both countries. Air defense units were able to neutralize the missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles mid-air, preventing potential damage to strategic locations. Officials said the coordinated response highlights the growing military cooperation and readiness among Gulf states amid rising tensions in the region. The interception also underscores the capabilities of advanced missile defense systems deployed across the Gulf to counter ballistic missile and drone threats. Regional security analysts note that the latest incident reflects the escalating ...

 The Ndigbo community across the local government areas of Osun State has declared its support for the second-term bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the 2026 governorship election , citing his administration’s developmental strides across the state. The endorsement was made during a courtesy visit by leaders of the Igbo community in Osun to the governor at the Government House in Osogbo , where they commended his leadership and commitment to inclusive governance. Speaking on behalf of the association, President-General of the Ndigbo in the state, Chief John Dike , praised the governor for the infrastructural and social development projects being carried out across the state. He particularly commended the governor for appointing some members of the Igbo community as Senior Special Assistants , describing the gesture as a sign of recognition and inclusion of the community in the affairs of the state. Chief Dike, however, appealed for further inclusiveness, requesting that m...