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LeBron James hits back at Zlatan in athlete activism spat

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NBA champion James says he will not stop talking about ‘things that are wrong’ after criticism from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

 

LeBron James responded to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s political criticism of his political activism with a promise that he will never just shut up and dribble.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar also pointed out that Ibrahimovic clearly didn’t feel the same way about spotlighting social injustices when the soccer great called out racism in his native Sweden just three years ago.

The AC Milan striker and former LA Galaxy star criticized James and other socially conscious athletes Thursday in an interview with Discovery Plus. Ibrahimovic called it “a mistake” for James and other athletes to get involved in political causes, saying they should “just do what you do best, because it doesn’t look good.”

James responded forcefully to Ibrahimovic’s stance after the Lakers’ 102-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

“I would never shut up about things that are wrong,” said James, who had 28 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

“I preach about my people and I preach about equality, social injustice, racism, systematic voter suppression, things that go on in our community,” James added. “I know what’s going on still, because I have a group of 300-plus kids at my school that’s going through the same thing, and they need a voice, and I’m their voice. I’ll use my platform to continue to shed light on everything that’s going on around this country and around the world. There’s no way I would ever just stick to sports, because I understand how powerful this platform and my voice is.”

James funds the I Promise School in his native Akron, Ohio. The third-leading scorer in NBA history also backs numerous initiatives pursuing social justice, voting rights and other progressive causes.

James also made it clear he was aware of comments made in 2018 by Ibrahimovic, the Swedish-born son of a Bosnian father and a Croatian mother.

“He’s the guy who said in Sweden, he was talking about the same things, because his last name wasn’t a (traditional Swedish) last name, he felt like there was some racism going on when he was out on the pitch,” James said. “I speak from a very educated mind. I’m kind of the wrong guy to actually go at, because I do my homework.”

Indeed, Ibrahimovic told Canal Plus that “undercover racism” caused the Swedish media and public to treat him with less respect and reverence: “This exists, I am 100% sure, because I am not Andersson or Svensson. If I would be that, trust me, they would defend me even if I would rob a bank.”

James and Ibrahimovic overlapped in Los Angeles for about 16 months from the summer of 2018 until November 2019, when Ibrahimovic went back to Europe. While Zlatan was unable to carry the Galaxy to an MLS Cup title despite playing exceptionally during two largely frustrating seasons, LeBron already won the Lakers’ 17th NBA title in his second season with the club.

They also share remarkable similarities as two astonishing athletes who have remained among the world’s best players deep into their 30s. The 36-year-old James is still one of the best all-around players in modern basketball, while the 39-year-old Ibrahimovic remains among Serie A’s scoring leaders with 14 goals in just 13 league games for Milan.

Dennis Schröder, the Lakers’ German point guard, gave his support to James and confirmed the obvious truth that Ibrahimovic’s attitude is decidedly not shared by many European athletes.

“Every athlete can use our platform and try to make change in this world,” Schröder said. “Zlatan, he’s a little different. Unique player, unique character.

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I’m City Boy For Life” — Obi Cubana Fires Back At Exit Rumours

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Obi Cubana's Lawyer Was Wrong, Says DAFCT Communications

I’m City Boy For Life” — Obi Cubana Fires Back At Exit Rumours

 

Popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, has dismissed rumours suggesting that he has withdrawn from the City Boy Movement, declaring that he remains committed to the political support group.

Obi Cubana, whose real name is Obinna Iyiegbu, reportedly described the claims making the rounds on social media as false and misleading, insisting that he remains “City Boy for life.”

The entrepreneur was reacting to reports alleging that he had distanced himself from the movement following criticism from some social media users over his political alignment.

In a statement circulated online, the businessman reaffirmed his loyalty to the group and stressed that his involvement was based on his belief in constructive engagement and national development.

He also denied allegations that he made derogatory comments against supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi,

 

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General Buratai to deliver University of Ilorin’s distinguished personality lecture

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

General Buratai to deliver University of Ilorin’s distinguished personality lecture

 

​The Department of Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Ilorin has announced that a former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Lt. General (Rtd) Tukur Buratai (CFR), will deliver its prestigious Distinguished Personality Lecture.

 

​The lecture is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, at the University Auditorium by 10:00 a.m. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), is expected to be the Chief Host, while Dr. Monsurat Isiaka (Ph.D.), Head of the Department, will serve as Host.

 

​Buratai, who brings a wealth of unmatched experience from his military and diplomatic service, will be speaking on the critical theme: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and National Security: The Youth and National Aspirations.”

 

​The lecture aims to foster critical conversation about Nigeria’s future security landscape, the pivotal role of the armed forces in national stability, and the interplay between national aspirations and the country’s youth population.

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From Global Stages to Public Service: Media Mogul Fidelis Duker Officially Joins House of Reps Race for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South

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From Global Stages to Public Service: Media Mogul Fidelis Duker Officially Joins House of Reps Race for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South

 

CALABAR, NIGERIA – Renowned media practitioner, veteran filmmaker, and global cultural ambassador, Fidelis Duker, has officially declared his intention to run for the Federal House of Representatives, representing the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency.

In a definitive move that bridges the gap between international enterprise and grassroots governance, the Henshaw Town-born pioneer has successfully picked up his Expression of Interest (EOI) form under the platform of the NNigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Duker’s entry into the legislative race brings an unprecedented level of global exposure and professional pedigree to Cross River State’s political landscape. For over three decades, he has stood as a towering figure in Africa’s creative economy.

As the founder of the Abuja International Film Festival West Africa’s longest-running film festival, and the Regional Secretary General for the Federation of Pan African Filmmakers (FEPACI), Duker has consistently flown Nigeria’s flag at prestigious international fora worldwide. From presenting the brilliance of African storytelling at the legendary Cannes Film Festival in France to driving strategic industry dialogues across Europe and Africa, his extensive global travels have positioned him as a master of international relations and resource mobilization.

“Our constituency does not suffer from a lack of potential; it suffers from a lack of structured, globally competitive representation,” Duker stated following the collection of his nomination documents. “My career has been defined by creating wealth, building platforms, and placing Nigerian talent on the world map. I am stepping into this race to deploy that exact same global network, corporate discipline, and innovative leadership to bring sustainable development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure to Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South.”

Duker’s visionary campaign is backed by an elite, multi-disciplinary educational background curated from top-tier local and international institutions. He holds credentials from the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism and Crawford University, alongside advanced professional training from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His world-class expertise in broadcasting and mass communications was further sharpened at the globally acclaimed BBC Training Academy and the Deutsche Welle Training Akademie, complementing his academic roots at the Cross River University of Technology.

As the Chief Executive Officer of FAD Media Productions—the powerhouse behind FAD 93.1 FM Calabar, FAD FM 101.3 Abuja and FAD 360 TV, Duker is already one of the largest private-sector employers of youth in Cross River State. His legislative blueprint vows to replicate this success on a macro scale by introducing bills that will be tech-driven youth development projects, positioning bills that will attract foreign direct investment to the constituency’s coastal assets, and ensuring uncompromising transparency in the execution of constituency projects.

The NDC leadership and various community support groups have warmly received his candidacy, describing it as a breath of fresh air and a critical step toward elevating the constituency to international standards of governance and economic growth.

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