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​ITTF Ranking: Aruna Quadri Overthrows Assar as Africa’s Best

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By Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, Abeokuta 

With just one point, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri has displaced Egypt’s Omar Assar as the best ranked African player in the world following the release of the July 2018 ITTF World Ranking.

The ranking which was released yesterday by the world table tennis ruling body has Quadri jumping two steps up to 20 rated player in the world.

The Nigerian was ranked 22 in June, but he has overtaken Assar, who dropped from 17 to 21 in the rating.

With 10234 points, Quadri took over from Assar who has 10233points in the latest ranking.

For the second time this year, Quadri will be breaking into the top 20 in the world having made the same spot in January 2018 – being the first to be achieved by a Nigerian.

For the first time in his career, China’s Fan Zhendong retained the number one spot in the world ranking for the fourth consecutive month.

However, for his compatriot – Ma Long, the reigning Olympic and World champion, it is a very different story; he drops from no.2 to no.6 and occupies what is for him is a most unusual position.

He is the fourth highest ranked player from the People’s Republic of China. Lin Gaoyuan climbs from no.5 to no.3; Xu Xin drops one place to no.6.

Differing fortunes for China’s leading players. It is the same for Germany. Timo Boll climbs two places and is now in the no.2 spot; Dimitrij Ovtcharov falls one rung down the ladder and now occupies the no.4 position.

Progress for Timo Boll and Lin Gaoyuan; it is the same for Korea Republic’s Lee Sangsu and Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto. Lee Sangsu advances one place to no.7, Tomokazu Harimoto, the winner on home soil at the Seamaster 2018 ITTF World Tour Lion Japan Open, climbs two places to no.8.

The effect is that Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting falls from no.7 to no.9; Japan’s Koki Niwa drops three places to no.12. Sandwiched in between, Brazil’s Hugo Calderano and Frenchman Simon Gauzy both progress one step; Hugo Calderano is now at no.10, Simon Gauzy one position lower.

Higher listings but in the top 100 names, the most impressive progress is that made by Chinese Taipei’s Liao Cheng-Ting alongside China’s Zhou Yu and Zhang Jike.

Liao Cheng-Ting moves from no.46 to no.36, Zhou Yu from no.87 to no.63 and Zhang Jike from no.103 to no.76, as step by step he moves towards former glories.

Higher listings for Zhou Yu and Zhang Jike but for compatriot Fang Bo it is a move in the opposite direction; he drops from no.32 to no.46. Similarly it is a significant downward direction for Frenchman Tristan Flore, as it is for the Japanese duo of Masaki Yoshida and Yuya Oshima.

Masaki Yoshida falls from no.27 to no.40, Yuya Oshima from no.36 to no.50; Tristan Flore formerly at no.80 to the now occupying the no.95 spot.U

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22 Years After: Arsenal Clinch the Premier League Title as Prophesied by Dr Chris Okafor

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*22 Years After: Arsenal Clinch the Premier League Title as Prophesied by Dr Chris Okafor*

 

When God speaks, none of His words go unfulfilled.

Just a week ago, the Generational Prophet and popular Lagos cleric, Dr Chris Okafor, declared that Arsenal would win the 2025/26 Premier League title. Despite doubts and predictions favoring defending champions Manchester City, the prophet stated clearly that he had received the word directly from God.

On May 19, 2026, that prophecy came to pass.

After Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, Arsenal were confirmed as Premier League champions with one game to spare. It marked the end of a 22-year wait for the Gunners, whose last league title came in the 2003/04 season.

Football fans across the globe are now congratulating Arsenal Football Club on their historic victory. For many believers, it’s another reminder that true prophecy still speaks today.

Dr Chris Okafor is one of the well-known prophets who many say hears directly from God. With this fulfillment, he joins the list of voices whose words have come to pass on the global stage.

 

By Sunday Adeyemi
Society Herald

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PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*

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*PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*

_A Life Celebrated: Family and Community to Honor 114 Years of Legacy in Newark, New Jersey_

*NEWARK, NEW JERSEY* — Prof. Mondy Selle Gold, Chairman of the Ijaw Diaspora Council and Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in the United States, has announced the _Service of Songs_ in honor of his late mother, *Ma Bedagbere Jennifer Gold (nee Ozikozi), Amaokosuere of Torugbene*, who passed away at the age of 114.

In a public statement, Prof. Gold wrote with a deeply reflective heart to invite family, friends, well-wishers, and members of the Ijaw diaspora community to a sacred gathering celebrating the life, quiet strength, and enduring love of the matriarch.

_“This sacred gathering, set aside to celebrate her life, her quiet strength, and the enduring love she shared so generously, has been scheduled as follows,”_ Prof. Gold stated.

The Service of Songs is scheduled to hold on *Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM* at the *Abundant Grace Christian Center (The Newark Foursquare Church), 708 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07108*. And her Burial is slated on 12th -14th July 2026

A reception will follow immediately after the service at the same venue.

The family has indicated that the dress code is optional, suggesting *formal black or white, or all-white attire* in celebration of Ma Bedagbere’s life.

*A Life of Legacy and Cultural Significance*
Ma Bedagbere Jennifer Gold, fondly remembered as _Amaokosuere of Torugbene_, lived 114 years marked by resilience, faith, and generous love for family and community. As a matriarch and custodian of Ijaw cultural values, she was widely respected for her wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to her family and people.

Her passing has drawn condolences from across the Ijaw diaspora and beyond, with tributes highlighting her role as a pillar of strength and a unifying figure within the community.

Prof. Gold humbly requested the prayers, presence, and spiritual support of all attendees as they gather _“to celebrate a life well lived and a soul now at rest in the Lord.”_

_“With sincere love and gratitude,”_ Prof. Gold concluded in his announcement.

*About Prof. Mondy Selle Gold*
Prof. Mondy Selle Gold is the Chairman of the Ijaw Diaspora Council and a prominent voice in diaspora advocacy, politics, cultural preservation, and community development for Ijaw people worldwide. He also serves as the Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in the United States, where he continues to champion engagement between the diaspora and homeland development initiatives.

 

PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*

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University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue

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University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue

 

A former Director in the Directorate of Environmental Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Akinpelu Basiru Ojo has called for the transformation of university farms into centres of innovation and sustainable revenue generation.

Dr. Ojo made this call at the 2026 Pre-Season Farming Seminar organised by the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), held recently at FUNAAB.

 

While delivering his keynote address on the theme of the seminar, “The University Farm as an Incubation Ground for Innovation and Revenue Generation,” Dr. Ojo noted that university farms have evolved beyond their traditional roles into dynamic hubs for research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.

He identified key areas where university farms could drive innovation, including research and development, student entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He further urged DUFARMS to explore opportunities in commercial agricultural production, value addition and agro-processing, consultancy services, research partnerships, agritourism, and intellectual property commercialisation.

Highlighting potential challenges confronting university farms, the former Director listed inadequate funding, weak industry linkages, climate change, environmental risks, and limited commercial orientation. He, however, proposed strategies for optimisation, including the adoption of agribusiness models, integration of modern technologies, strengthened partnerships, promotion of student-led enterprises, and the development of sustainable value chains.

Reflecting on the evolution of DUFARMS, Dr. Ojo paid tribute to past Vice-Chancellors, beginning with the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nimbe Adedipe, whose vision led to the establishment of the University Farm. He also acknowledged milestones recorded under successive administrations, including the expansion of cashew and oil palm plantations, as well as the establishment of processing facilities for value addition.

He further commended the contributions of past and present staff, alongside former students who have attained notable academic positions, encouraging staff to uphold discipline, integrity, and continuous professional development.

As part of his recommendations for future growth, Dr. Ojo proposed the establishment of crop collection plots, revival of underutilised crops, exploration of cashew nutshell liquid production for revenue generation, and expansion of tree crop plantations such as cashew and oil palm.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who declared the seminar open, emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning in achieving institutional objectives. He described the seminar as timely and essential, noting that the University was established not only for teaching and research but also for meaningful community engagement, particularly in supporting farmers to enhance productivity.

Prof. Kehinde also commended DUFARMS for its efforts, especially its introduction of value addition initiatives, and urged staff, particularly in livestock production, to scale up activities in poultry, beef, pork, and egg production to improve the visibility and impact of the University Farms.

The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to reposition DUFARMS as a hub for innovation, practical training, and sustainable revenue generation, in line with global best practices.

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