In particular, their epic showdown in the finals against a highly ranked duo left spectators in awe as they witnessed a display of sheer brilliance and athleticism. The Saint Altar Combination's ability to control the tempo of the game, anticipate their opponents' moves, and capitalize on critical moments showcased their superior court awareness and impeccable timing. Their unwavering focus and determination to emerge victorious were truly commendable, earning them the respect and admiration of both fans and opponents alike.PANDEF rejects ACF claim, says Niger Delta most marginalisedAs Manchester United lurch from one crisis to another, the future looks uncertain for a club that was once the envy of English football. The Glazer-led revolution has been marred by missteps, mismanagement, and a lack of vision, leaving a once-great institution in disarray. The road ahead is rocky and treacherous, but one thing is for certain – until the fundamental issues at the heart of the club are addressed, Manchester United will continue to be haunted by the specter of their own failings, and the specter of their own aspirations.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is often viewed as a women’s issue, with many organisations and initiatives focusing on supporting female survivors. However, men too are victims of GBV, and their experiences are often overlooked. Mr Rex Aiku, a 55-year-old father of two, endured an abusive relationship for over five years. His wife regularly subjected him to physical and emotional abuse, leaving him feeling trapped and helpless after losing his job and being unable to provide for his family. “I was ashamed to admit that I was being abused by a woman. I felt like I was supposed to be the strong one, the protector, but I was the one being hurt,” Aiku said. His wife often used his masculinity against him, telling him that he was weak and that no one would believe him if he reported the abuse. This left Aiku feeling isolated and unsure of where to seek help. Similarly, Ade Michael, a 48-year-old entrepreneur, was sexually assaulted by a male colleague at a party. The experience left him feeling shaken and confused, unsure of how to process his emotions. “I didn’t know how to react. I felt like I had been emasculated, like I had lost my manhood. I didn’t know who to turn to or how to talk about it,” Michael said. Michael struggled to come to terms with his experience, feeling failed by societal expectations of masculinity. He eventually found support through a men’s support group, where he connected with others who had experienced similar trauma. Experts argue that Aiku and Michael’s stories reflect the need for support and resources tailored specifically for men affected by GBV. While gender-based violence in Nigeria affects both men and women, men are often overlooked in discussions around support and intervention. Although the focus has largely been on female victims, a growing awareness is emerging about the challenges faced by male survivors. Studies show that men experience various forms of GBV, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, but these cases are often underreported due to societal stigma and expectations of masculinity. For instance, a WHO report on violence and health revealed that male survivors of sexual and domestic violence face barriers in accessing support, as societal norms discourage them from reporting abuse. It is common for male victims to be dismissed or not taken seriously, which only exacerbates their trauma. However, organisations such as the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) and the Mirabel Centre in Lagos have begun offering services to men, providing them with counselling and legal support. Although data on male victims of GBV in Nigeria remains limited, initiatives are underway to improve reporting and response systems. These efforts include strengthening the capacities of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), which provide medical and psychosocial support to survivors of violence, and ensuring these services are inclusive of men. “While numerous organisations focus on helping female survivors, men often fall through the cracks. “Men are socialised to be strong and stoic, to not show emotion or vulnerability,” explained Dr Emmanuel Oke, a psychologist specialising in male survivors of GBV. According to Oke, this social conditioning makes it difficult for men to seek help or discuss their experiences. Oke stressed the importance of more resources and support services designed to meet the unique needs of men. This includes counselling, support groups, and advocacy initiatives that acknowledge the specific challenges and barriers men face in seeking help. In response to these challenges, the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF), a non-governmental organisation, has called for the establishment of Nigeria’s first Ministry of Men’s Affairs to address the pressing needs of men. LAAF’s President, Ms Halima Layeni, believes that such a ministry would advance gender equality by ensuring that men receive the same level of support, opportunities, and empowerment as other demographics. “This ministry would be a fundamental step towards rectifying the persistent neglect of men’s unique challenges in society,” Layeni said. She noted that men in Nigeria face numerous overlooked issues, including violence, domestic abuse, and assault, all of which remain underreported due to entrenched societal stigmas. Moreover, men in Nigeria are dealing with alarmingly high rates of depression and suicide, exacerbated by societal expectations and a lack of targeted support. Layeni also pointed out that economic instability worsens these challenges, with many men being deprived of opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment. “Cultural norms often prevent men from seeking help, leading to unaddressed mental health issues and violence. “Despite these struggles, men continue to fulfil their roles as providers, breadwinners, husbands, and fathers, often carrying these burdens in silence,” Layeni added. She argues that a dedicated ministry would bridge these gaps, offering targeted support and reducing the stigma surrounding men seeking help. In Lagos State, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has called for men to join efforts in curbing sexual and domestic violence in the state. The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stressed the importance of engaging men to help speak to their peers and raise awareness about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). “Two weeks ago, we heard of a man using a hot iron on his son’s buttocks. “The boy had to be rescued and placed in a home provided by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development; the suspects have been arraigned. “We need to be proactive, engage the community, and raise awareness about the different forms of abuse,” Vivour-Adeniyi said. She also urged the public to understand that ignorance of the law is no excuse and emphasised the importance of support services available for victims of SGBV. Also, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing SGBV through continuous sensitisation and training of law enforcement officers. Mrs Yemisi Akhile, Deputy Director of the Lagos State NHRC, stated that the commission ensures law enforcement is equipped to handle SGBV cases sensitively and effectively. “Survivors need to feel safe and comfortable in assisting the prosecution, particularly in rape cases, which are often associated with stigma. “We ensure that the justice system operates fairly and that survivors are not exploited after they have been referred to the police,” she said. Akhile stated that more must be done to address the unique challenges faced by male victims, such as improving data collection and establishing tailored support services. Stakeholders say this would not only help male survivors heal but also create a more inclusive approach to tackling GBV in Nigeria. They argue that by acknowledging the experiences of male survivors and providing them with the necessary support, there will be a more inclusive and supportive society for all survivors of GBV.
Each year, independent bookstores across the Western Slope appeal to readers of all ages and interests, helping them find the perfect book to understand their world better or escape into a new one. Summit Daily spoke to six independent bookstores — the Bookworm of Edwards, White River Books in Carbondale, Explore Booksellers in Aspen, Next Page in Frisco, Off the Beaten Path Books in Steamboat Springs and Mountain Shire Books in Winter Park — to hear more about the top books and trends of 2024 as well as those things that remain consistent year after year in the world of reading. For each of the six Western Slope bookstores, a different list of titles topped their bestsellers across fiction, nonfiction, young adult and cookbooks. There was only one book that made it into the overall top five at every store: “The Women” by Kristin Hannah, a work of historical fiction that follows a woman during and after her service in the United States Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. While the book was a national bestseller this year — debuting as the No. 1 fiction on the New York Times Best Sellers list in February and remaining there for 45 weeks — it also speaks to the consistent popularity of the genre. “Historical fiction readers, as per usual, just cannot be stopped,” said Jenna Meier-Bilbo, book and sideline buyer at Off the Beaten Path Books in Steamboat Springs. Miriam Roskam, owner of Mountain Shire in Winter Park, hypothesized that the genre’s consistent popularity is rooted in the opportunity it presents for readers. “Authors are able to take liberties and draw readers in, which allows readers to get lost in an entertaining story and learn more about a specific time in history,” Roskam said. “Readers are a group of people who care about the world — where we came from and where we are going — and tend to want to learn more about the past.” Another historical fiction — and national bestseller — made several of the store’s top fiction lists: “James” by Percival Everett, which re-images Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by sharing the story through the eyes of Jim, an escaped slave and Huckleberry’s companion in his travels. “Go as a River” by Crested Butte resident Shelley Read made it on a few of the lists as well with its local hook. The historical fiction is set outside of Gunnison and Paonia and tells the story of the lost Western Slope communities and peach orchards during the creation of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The top young adult reads varied significantly at each store. Only two titles showed up on multiple lists: “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han and “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” by Holly Jackson. Many of the young adult reads are part of a series and fall into the romantic-fantasy genre or are thriller-mystery reads. Show Captions Hide Captions While a fiction title took the No. 1 spot in five out of the six stores, nearly every store’s bestseller list contained some nonfiction reads as well. Only Next Page Books in Frisco had fiction books in all of its top five spots. Of the nonfiction books topping their lists, “A Walk in the Park,” by Kevin Fedarko was one of the most popular titles. The book tracks the author’s 750-mile, end-to-end traverse of the Grand Canyon. The popularity of this title follows a consistent and unsurprising trend for mountain booksellers. “Many of our customers remain interested in books about the natural world: its beauty, its imperilment and its resilience,” said Clare Faye, the book buyer at Explore Booksellers in Aspen. “Our locals and visitors care deeply about their backyard and the bigger ‘backyard’ of the greater natural world. They seek out books that will help them better understand this world and the challenges it faces.” This means that year after year, Explore sells titles relating to outdoor adventure, local history, climate change and more, Faye added. Explore Booksellers was the only one out of the six stores that had two nonfiction titles at the top of its 2024 bestsellers. After “A Walk in the Park,” which took the No. 1 spot, was “Aspen Journey: Past to Present” by Susan Dalton, a coffee table book that Faye said has sold well in every season. “It is both a gorgeous and comprehensive history of Aspen that tells the town’s story from before it was settled up to today,” Faye said. For many of these stores, water and the environment — including on topics of both climate change and recreation — is a prominent topic of interest. At Carbondale’s White River Books, after “A Walk in the Park,” its top nonfiction reads were “Life After Deadpool,” by Zak Podmore, who grew up in Glenwood Springs, about the dropping levels in Lake Powell and “Colorado River: Chasing Water” a photo book by Basalt-resident Pete McBride. “Where Are Your Men? Rafting Western Waters with the Ladies,” by Zan Merill was the top nonfiction seller at Mountain Shire, covering stories of women on river trips. “Crossings” by Ben Goldfarb, dealing with how roads are transforming Earth, also made the Winter Park store’s top nonfiction list. No matter the genre, nearly all of the bookstore’s top sellers were released in either 2023 or 2024. Off the Beaten Path in Steamboat and Next Page in Frisco had the most exceptions to this. Three of the Steamboat store’s top five bestsellers were released before 2020: Its third-bestselling nonfiction title was also “Braiding Sweetgrass,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which was published in 2013. While over a decade old, Meier-Bilbo said the 2020 pandemic “reignited this interest in Indigenous practices in the natural world in a lot of ways and through a lot of disciplines.” Wall Kimmerer’s book hits all of those notes, she added. “The Midnight Library” also took the fifth overall spot at Next Page, which had two other 2022 books among its bestsellers in 2024. This included “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks and “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. For nonfiction reads, Next Page had “The Body Keeps the Score” by Besser Van Der Kolk, which was published in 2014 and among its top three this year. For cookbooks, “Half Baked Harvest Every Day,” by Silverthorne-based author Tieghan Gerard was on four of the six lists. Although it hadn’t yet made Off the Beaten Path’s list, Meier-Bilbo expected it to be there after holiday shopping concluded. Outside of Gerard’s cookbook, the top cookbooks varied from location to location. Many of them leaned locally or gave nods to ski country, including two of Mountain Shire’s top sellers: “Apres Ski” by Cider Mill Press and “Backcountry Cocktails” by Steven Grasse. The Winter Park’s store leaned cozy with “Every Season is Soup Season” by Shelly Westerhausen Worcel and Wyatt Worcel rounding out its top three. Similarly, “Apres All Day” by Kelly Epstein was among the bestsellers for Explore Booksellers. In Steamboat, Off the Beaten Path’s top cookbooks leaned local, Meier-Bilbo said. Its top seller was “Damn Good Gluten Free” by Steamboat resident Peggy Curry followed by “Steamboat Entertains Again,” a fundraiser cookbook for the local winter sports club. The Bookworm of Edwards also had a hyper-local cookbook — “From the Restaurants of Vail” from Park City Publishing — among its best sellers. “Mocktail Club” by Derick Santiago took the No. 1 spot at the Eagle County store. In addition to their top titles, a few other trends have stood out to booksellers in recent years. “Books have seasons. Like everything, they come and go in popularity or trends, and are often responding to a larger conversation or situation we are actually living with and storytelling is a reflection of us as a society,” said Izzy Stringham, the owner of White River Books in Carbondale. This year, Stringham noticed a significant shift toward “lighter fiction.” “I think the heaviness of the world around us is pushing people to want entertainment and escape,” Stringham said. This has included rising sales in science fiction and fantasy for many of the stores, as readers seek this “sense of escapism,” as Kai Burner, the Bookworm’s assistant manager and kids’ book buyer, put it. “With frequent turmoil and unease in the world, escaping into a science fiction or fantasy story is ideal,” Roskam said. “While some people do enjoy reading current events and topics that are directly applicable to the time, a lot of people, myself included, like reading books with a decent amount of separation from reality.” The popularity of many of these fantasy and other titles has been driven by social media — specifically, TikTok. Meier-Bilbo now says she follows social media extremely closely to try and predict what the next book to “trend” will be. In some cases it’s the new releases, but in other times it’s older releases that are being reintroduced to new generations, audiences and readers. Specifically, Meier Bilbo has seen social media create a new seriousness around the romance genre. While always popular, romance books are being accepted with a new openness as they make it into the mainstream online, she said. “Social media also causes interest in an entire author’s work all at once — for example, Sarah J Maas and Colleen Hoover — rather than single title interest,” said Christopher Green, the general manager and adult book buyer at The Bookworm of Edwards. With social media has also come a new enthusiasm about reading, Meier Bilbo acknowledged. However, for some readers, it’s not always about escape as many readers lean into more political topics. Meier Bilbo said the Steamboat store has seen an increase in readers looking for books on political activism, union and labor movements, constitutional history and more. Stringham noted that “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius and “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson are consistent sellers for Explore. “I think some books speak to people on the level of their humanity, whether it’s through humor or shared experience, and that places it outside of the trend cycle,” Stringham said. Within kids literature, Burner said she’s noticed “more books are addressing current struggles” in ways that are more accessible for kids. This, Burner added, has led to kids “actually engaging” with these books. Green said the Bookworm has a resurgence in banned book interest for both contemporary and classic titles as groups across the U.S. attempt to pull books from libraries. PEN America recorded over 10,000 instances of book banning in the 2023-2024 school year. The American Library Association reported that book challenges increased 63% in 2023 over the previous year. As these independent stores persevere, the diversity of books reflects readers’ openness and desire to sometimes escape. “It’s encouraging to see our customers reach for time-worn classics, notable nonfiction and new literary breakouts,” Faye said. “Many of our top sellers indicate a readership that is interested in exploring various perspectives, political ideas and experiences.” Overall, it’s been a good year for books and bookstores. Despite surging book bans, the popularity of e-commerce sites like Amazon and the constant competition for attention driven by technology, these independent bookstores have found their groove in recent years. “While challenges and changes are a constant, this is a great time to be in books,” Stringham said. “People love to roll their eyes and predict my shop’s demise, but nothing has actually killed books.” On the contrary, reading is on the rise. “(Books) are being printed at a higher rate than ever before. Hundreds of titles release every single week. More authors from all kinds of backgrounds are getting traction,” Stringham said. “People want to come in and touch and browse and chat about books, not just click online, alone in their houses.” It’s a commonly-held misconception that reading is a dying form of entertainment, according to Green. “We continue to see strong readership across all ages and demographics, including a strong newer adult market of 20-somethings,” Green said. To Burner, it’s an obvious sign “that in times of turmoil in the world, books continue to be people’s safe places for escapism or learning.” This extends from books into these independent bookstores, which serve as safe community spaces that give people a place to land and discover, Burner said. “Indie bookstores are on the uptick, and we’re generally seeing more openings than closings these days,” Meier-Bilbo said. The American Booksellers Association, which represents independent bookstores, has seen its membership expand significantly since the pandemic in 2020. Between 2022 and 2023, 291 bookstores opened in the country, according to the association. Of these, 230 were brick-and-mortar stores, 34 were pop-ups and nine were mobile stores. “That’s an energy that has to be maintained in the long term if you want these places to be around for your community,” Meier-Bilbo said. “These places exist because you patronize them.”Former Manchester United and Lyon defender Rafael da Silva recently announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34. The Brazilian full-back, known for his energetic style of play and attacking prowess, bid farewell to the sport after a successful career that spanned over a decade.
4. "Mystic Mayhem": This charming indie platformer combines colorful aesthetics, catchy music, and tight controls to deliver a fun and immersive gaming experience. Players can explore vibrant worlds, collect power-ups, and take on challenging bosses in this delightful adventure.Despite the result, both teams could take positives from the game. Leverkusen had finally broken their goal drought and showed that they could compete with the top teams in Europe, while Inter Milan had once again displayed their grit and determination in coming back from a goal down.In conclusion, the Saint Altar Combination's outstanding performances and remarkable achievements have undoubtedly earned them the title of the Best Women's Doubles Pair of the Year. Their dedication, passion, and indomitable spirit have not only brought glory to their country but have also left an indelible mark on the world of badminton. As we celebrate their achievements, let us also applaud their spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance, making them true ambassadors of the sport. Here's to many more years of success and triumph for the Saint Altar Combination, a true testament to the power of teamwork and determination in achieving greatness.
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The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has dismissed claims by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that the North is being marginalised under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying, “Our resources feed the nation, while resources from other geopolitical zones, including the North, are kept for their own use and personal gain.” PANDEF asserts that the Niger Delta region is the most marginalised region in Nigeria. In a statement released on Saturday, PANDEF’s National Spokesman, Chief Christopher Ominimini, argued that the Niger Delta, the source of Nigeria’s oil wealth, has been neglected and exploited for decades. He stressed that despite contributing significantly to the nation’s economy, the region continues to suffer from environmental degradation, poverty, and underdevelopment. Ominimini said this in reaction to a statement by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to President Tinubu on Thursday, which alleged that his government’s economic policies were impoverishing the North. Ominimini criticised the federal government’s failure to address the region’s issues, particularly the pollution caused by oil exploration and production activities. He questioned the lack of transparency in the oil industry, noting that the region’s people have little to no control over their resources. The PANDEF spokesman also raised concerns about the government’s approach to mining, arguing that the North benefits disproportionately from the exploitation of mineral resources. “The gold deposits in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country have not been considered for the benefit of the entire country but rather for the indigenes and top individual businesses, including foreign nationals like the Chinese and Lebanese, all for individual benefits,” he said. He called for a more equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth and urged the government to prioritise the development of the Niger Delta region. “The Nigerian state is wicked to the Niger Delta Region. The rulers prefer collecting penalties from international oil companies for flaring gas rather than addressing the environmental disaster caused by gas flaring, which could be converted for domestic use and economic purposes,” he said, adding: “Our fishing and farming activities are now impossible as our ecosystem has been destroyed by oil exploitation. Our lifespan is shortened, and we bear the brunt of the oil exploitation alone.” PANDEF also criticised the lack of corporate social responsibility from International Oil Companies and the federal government, as well as the absence of Niger Delta representation in key positions in the oil industry, such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited board. Ominimini said, “The only region that can truly claim marginalisation or impoverishment in Nigeria is the Niger Delta Region. PANDEF believes that justice must be holistic, and the most impoverished people in Nigeria are those of the Niger Delta. This must be addressed without delay.”
However, their path to success is not without its obstacles, as they face fierce competition from three other formidable contenders. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all shown their mettle this season, consistently delivering impressive performances and pushing Manchester City to their limits. The battle for the Premier League crown has evolved into a four-way tussle, with each team fighting tooth and nail for every point.For Chelsea fans, the prospect of a league title after years of disappointment and despair is a tantalizing one. The memories of past triumphs and celebrations fuel their hopes and aspirations, and with Mahrezka at the helm, anything seems possible. The Blue Army marches on, fueled by the passion and belief that has defined their club for generations.