‘Happy Gilmore 2’ debuts on Netflix with tie-in golf video game

Netflix has launched a nostalgic new twist alongside its latest comedy sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, starring Adam Sandler. The streaming giant has released a special retro-style video game, Happy Gilmore: Golf Mayhem ’98 Demo, as a companion to the film — giving fans a fun way to extend the movie’s chaos onto the virtual golf course.

Available now for Netflix subscribers via smart TVs and desktop browsers, the game is free to play and serves as an interactive Easter egg tied directly to the movie’s storyline.

According to Netflix, the game draws inspiration from the film’s opening montage, which flashes back over Happy’s wild last 30 years — including his rise as a fictional video game icon. That backstory has now been brought to life in playable form.

“It’s a short, retro game experience where you can golf, fight familiar foes ‘Mortal Kombat’-style, and cause chaos on the green, all with that full-on 90s arcade vibe,” the platform said in a statement.

Read Also: Top 10 must-watch movies on Netflix this weekend

Developed by Amber, Golf Mayhem ’98 Demo offers fans a quick-hit experience filled with easter eggs, familiar characters, and exaggerated golf-course antics, a perfect nod to the irreverent energy of the original Happy Gilmore film.

‘Happy Gilmore 2’ debuts on Netflix with tie-in golf video game

The game’s launch follows another quirky promotional move by Netflix, which recently teamed up with Spotify for the Happy Gilmore 2 Tournament — an interactive in-app game featuring themed golf challenges, movie clips, and a curated soundtrack of “Happy” hits to complete the experience.

This marks another step in Netflix’s growing expansion into interactive entertainment. While the company initially focused on mobile games, it’s increasingly rolling out TV and web-compatible titles based on its original content. Netflix’s expanding library now includes over 100 games, including recent tie-ins like Squid Game: Unleashed, Black Mirror: Thronglets, and Blood Line: A Rebel Moon Game.

With Happy Gilmore 2 and its vintage-style game, Netflix is doubling down on its strategy to turn beloved IP into multi-platform experiences — and give fans more ways to engage beyond the screen.

Tinubu has not neglected the North, Presidency debunks Kwankwaso’s claim

The Presidency has refuted claims by former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has sidelined Northern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso had alleged during a stakeholders’ meeting on the 2025 constitutional amendment in Kano on Thursday that the North is being marginalised, with national resources skewed in favour of the South. He cited deteriorating federal road networks in the region, recounting a harrowing road trip from Abuja to Kano after a cancelled flight.

In response, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, dismissed the allegations in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday.

Dare asserted that the Tinubu administration is committed to inclusive national development, highlighting several infrastructure and social investment projects actively ongoing across the North.

“The claim that Northern Nigeria has been left behind is incorrect,” he stated. “The Tinubu administration has initiated and sustained major projects in the North spanning roads, agriculture, energy, and healthcare.”

He listed key projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and the 614-kilometre Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline as evidence of development efforts in the region.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

Dare also pointed to the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain Development Programme being implemented across nine northern states, along with the Kolmani Integrated Development Project straddling Bauchi and Gombe states.

Additional programmes include the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, which seeks to reclaim one million hectares of degraded land in the North.

In the healthcare sector, the presidency noted major upgrades at facilities including Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and Federal Medical Centre in Nguru. Over 1,000 primary healthcare centres are also undergoing revitalisation across northern states.

Road infrastructure projects cited include the Kano–Kongolam Road, Kaduna–Jos Road, Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway, and rehabilitation works in Borno and Adamawa states.

On the energy front, Dare mentioned the Gwagwalada Power Plant and upcoming solar power initiatives in Kaduna, while also citing ongoing work on the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi rail lines, as well as the Abuja Metro rehabilitation project.

“From critical road networks to power infrastructure, rail, agriculture, and health, the Tinubu administration has the North well covered,” Dare concluded.

Emir of Gusau Ibrahim Bello dies at 71

Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has announced the death of the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, aged 71, following a protracted illness.

The governor said this in a statement issued by Sulaiman Idris, his Spokesperson and Senior Special Assistant on Media.

He stated that the emir passed away on Friday morning in Abuja.

He commiserated with the people of Zamfara, describing the death as a personal loss.

He said “the late Emir of Gusau, Ibrahim Bello, was a supportive royal father and a capable leader who dedicated himself to making Zamfara State better.

Read Also: Former President Buhari dies at 82

“I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of our father, His Royal Highness, Dr Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau.

“I expressed my heartfelt condolences to the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, immediate and extended families of the late Emir, Gusau emirate, as well as the entire people of Zamfara State.

“His Highness’s passing is a huge loss for the people of Zamfara, as well as for the North and Nigeria as a whole.

“The late royal father dedicated 10 years of serving the people after becoming the 15th Emir of Gusau on March 16, 2015. He led with commitment, dedication and strong sense of faith.

“The late emir was an accomplished civil servant who rose to the highest position of Permanent Secretary during his service in old Sokoto and Zamfara states.

“I have lost a confidant and a father whose wisdom guides me and other state leaders. May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah.”

(NAN)

PDP will not lose sleep over coalition -Damagum

 The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will not lose sleep over the recent coalition that adopted the African Democratic Party (SDP) as platform to contest the 2027 general election.

The party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum stated this at the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

Damagum said that the PDP remained the only party ready to take back power in 2027.

According to him, PDP remained the party with the structure, national acceptability, and legacy capable of bearing the weight of great nation building.

“ I must address the matter of a so-called coalition recently formed, which includes some defecting members of our party.

“On this issue, I am pleased to report that this political experiment is nothing to lose sleep over.

“They say, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Some persons have recently learned this truth in the most uncomfortable way.

“Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our fold. Some even claimed they never left and merely attended a meeting, we accept their confessions without prejudice.

“Let me add that, this reversal is not limited to PDP members alone. Individuals from other political parties who initially joined this coalition have realised that the venture is ill-fated and their swift return is proof of this,” Damagum said.

Read Also: Osun senator Francis Fadahunsi dumps PDP 

The Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said that the party sympathised with those, who out of impatient left the party, adding that the party door was still opened for them to return.

“This is not time for calling names. This is not time for abuses .

“We sympathise with those who became impatient and left but certainly they will understand and we will still leave the door ajar for them to come in when they wish to, within a time limit.

“We will not continue to condone indiscipline in this party, because indiscipline is what brought us these challenges.

“Definitely, the party has shown resilience, and the governors are going through a lot of challenges, just like the NWC.

“We will continue to express confidence in the organs of the party,” he said.

Mohammed commended members of the party’s NWC, who had shown magnanimity by agreeing to go earlier before the end of their tenure .

“They have shown that at least they are with us and we should always appreciate that, because if everyone becomes dogmatic, we are not going to where we want,” Mohammed said.

(NAN)

Google unveils $37m investment, opens new AI Community Center in Accra

Google has outlined a wave of AI support across Africa, representing $37 million in cumulative funding — including previously committed but unannounced funding — to research, talent development, and infrastructure. The funding package includes funding and partnerships that aim to strengthen AI research, support African languages, improve food systems, expand digital skills, and build research capacity.

The AI Collaborative for Food Security, a multi-partner initiative launched with $25 million in funding from Google.org will bring together researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-develop AI tools for early hunger forecasting, crop resilience, and tailored guidance for smallholder farmers. The goal is to help make food systems across Africa more adaptive, equitable, and resilient in the face of increasing climate and economic shocks.

Google also announced $3 million in funding to the Masakhane Research Foundation, the open research collective advancing AI tools in over 40 African languages. The funding will support the development of high-quality datasets, machine translation models, and speech tools that make digital content more accessible to millions of Africans in their native languages.

To further empower innovation, Google is launching a catalytic funding initiative to support AI-driven startups tackling real-world challenges. This platform will combine philanthropic capital, venture investment, and Google’s technical expertise to help more than 100 early-stage ventures scale AI-based solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education, and other vital sectors. Startups will also receive mentorship, access to tools, and technical guidance to support responsible development.

Africa’s AI talent is growing rapidly, but the infrastructure to support it must grow in tandem. That’s why a cornerstone of this announcement is the launch of the AI Community Center in Accra — a first-of-its-kind space for AI learning, experimentation, and collaboration in Africa. The Center will host training sessions, community events, and workshops focused on responsible AI development. Its programming will span four pillars: AI literacy, community technology, social impact, and arts and culture — providing a platform for a diverse ecosystem of developers, students, and creators to engage with AI in ways that are grounded in African priorities.

To help meet the rising demand for AI and digital skills, Google is rolling out 100,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for students in higher learning institutions across Ghana. These fully funded, self-paced programs will focus on AI Essentials, Prompting Essentials, and other high-growth fields like IT Support, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity — enabling more learners to access job-ready training and build careers in AI and the digital economy.

Read Also: Google launches Hustle Academy 2025 for African SMBs

Beyond Ghana, Google.org is committing an additional $7 million to support AI education across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. The funding will support academic institutions and nonprofits building localized AI curricula, online safety training, and cybersecurity programs.

Additionally, two new $1 million grants from Google.org aim to bolster AI research capacity across the continent. One grant goes to the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI) at the University of Pretoria to support applied AI research and training. The other supports the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute in South Africa, which will fund MSc and PhD students to conduct foundational AI research and help shape Africa’s role in the global AI landscape.

Speaking about the announcements, James Manyika, Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, and Technology & Society at Google, said: “Africa is home to some of the most important and inspiring work in AI today. We are committed to supporting the next wave of innovation through long-term investment, local partnerships, and platforms that help researchers and entrepreneurs build solutions that matter.”

Yossi Matias, Vice President of Engineering and Research at Google, added: “This new wave of support reflects our belief in the talent, creativity, and ingenuity across the continent. By building with local communities and institutions, we’re supporting solutions that are rooted in Africa’s realities and built for global impact.”

These new initiatives build on Google’s ongoing work across the continent. Past efforts have included partnerships to support AI-powered maternal health dashboards in Ghana and Nigeria, wildfire alerts in East Africa, and regional language models developed by teams in Accra and Nairobi. They also reflect Google’s continued focus on shared infrastructure, open research, and inclusive innovation that ensures AI works for everyone.

FULL LIST: LPPC shortlists 57 lawyers for 2025 Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) 

 The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has officially released the list of 57 candidates shortlisted for the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for the year 2025.

According to a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Kabir Akanbi, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, the list comprises 56 legal practitioners and one academic who met the stringent requirements for elevation to the rank.

The statement further revealed that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, granted approval for the shortlist during the 169th Plenary Session of the Committee held on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is regarded as the pinnacle of legal recognition in the country. It is conferred on legal professionals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence either through advocacy in the courtroom or through impactful contributions to academic legal scholarship.

The LPPC also confirmed that three petitions were filed against some applicants during the selection process. However, after a comprehensive review, all the petitions were dismissed as lacking merit.

In line with the protocols established by the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), all shortlisted candidates are mandated to undergo and complete the Pre-Swearing-In Induction Programme — a compulsory requirement before the final conferment of the SAN title.

Read Also: FULL LIST: 24 qualified countries for AFCON 2025

The statement also cautioned nominees against engaging in any form of publicity or congratulatory advertisement prior to the official swearing-in ceremony:

“In line with Paragraph 25(1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and Rule 39(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023, all shortlisted conferees are strictly prohibited from sponsoring or encouraging advertisements, goodwill messages, or congratulatory notices related to their nomination or conferment. Any violation may attract disciplinary measures,” the LPPC warned.

The official Swearing-In Ceremony for the successful candidates is scheduled to take place on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Here are 57 candidates for 2025 Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Rank

1.            Theophilus Esan

2.            Fedude Zimughan

3.            Ernest Ikeji

4.            Victor Esiriakpoguma

5.            Leslie Njemanze

6.            Akintunde Adewale

7.            Preye Agedah

8.            Omamuzo Erebe

9.            Hannibal Uwaifo

10.          Olumide Ekisola

11.          George Ukaegbu

12.          Oromena Ajakpovi

13.          Tairu Adebayo

14.          Bawa Ibrahim

15.          Suleh Umar

16.          Emeka Akabogu

17.          Godwin Ogboji

18.          Godwin Idiagbonya

19.          Adeolu Salako

20.          Adetunji Oso

21.          Achinike William-Wobodo

22.          Shuaib Mustapha

23.          Adizua Okoroafor

24.          Olanrewaju Akinsola

25.          Amaechi Iteshi

26.          Adakole Inegede

27.          Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya

28.          David Ogebe

29.          Aminu Gadanya

30.          Oluseun Adeniyi

31.          Ikechukwu Uwanna

32.          Ayodeji Ademola

33.          Kelechi Nwaiwu

34.          Lawal Hudu

35.          Ibim Dokubo

36.          Luka Abubakar Musa

37.          Shakeer Oshodi

38.          Oluwole Jimi-Bada

39.          Mubarak Adekilekun

40.          Chinyere Ekene Moneme

41.          Shuaibu Labaran

42.          Kingsley Udeh

43.          Augustine Audu

44.          Ali Zubairu

45.          Adeyemi Pitan

46.          Habeeb Oredola

47.          Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal

48.          Victor Agunzi

49.          Nkwegu Ogbagaegwu

50.          Bidemi Ademola-Bello

51.          Temilolu Femiadamolekun

52.          Abdulkarim Maude

53.          Adedayo Adesina

54.          Usman Zaiyanu

55.          Taiwo Hassan

56.          Olufemi Oyewole

Shortlisted Academic:

57.          Professor Chima Ubanyionwu

20 things to know about wrestling legend Hulk Hogan

The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan, who has died at the age of 71. Known for his unmistakable charisma, unmatched popularity, and larger-than-life presence, Hogan helped transform wrestling from a niche sport into a global entertainment powerhouse.

Emergency responders were called to his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday following a reported cardiac arrest. The heartbreaking news comes just weeks after his wife, Sky, dismissed rumors about his health and assured fans he was recovering well from recent surgeries.

Born Terry Bollea, Hulk Hogan’s rise in the 1980s reshaped the WWE landscape and captured the hearts of millions around the world.

Birth Name: Hulk Hogan was born as Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, USA.

Family Background: He was the son of Pietro “Peter” Bollea, a construction foreman, and Ruth Moody, a homemaker and dance teacher.

Ethnic Roots: Hogan had a diverse heritage—Italian, Panamanian, Scottish, and French descent.

Tragedy in the Family: His older brother, Allan Bollea, died at the age of 38 from a drug overdose in 1986.

Early Life in Florida: His family moved to Port Tampa, Florida, when he was just a toddler.

Sports Beginnings: As a child, Hogan played Little League Baseball as a pitcher.

Wrestling Inspiration: He became interested in wrestling at age 16 and idolized stars like Dusty Rhodes and “Superstar” Billy Graham.

Read Also: Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan dies at 71

Musical Talent: Before wrestling, Hogan spent over a decade playing fretless bass guitar in various Florida rock bands.

College Education: He briefly attended Hillsborough Community College and University of South Florida, but dropped out to focus on music.

Ruckus Band: In 1976, he co-founded a popular Florida band called Ruckus, which performed in the Tampa Bay area.

Discovery by Wrestlers: Wrestlers Jack and Gerald Brisco spotted Hogan’s physique during one of his band performances and recommended him for training.

Brutal Training Start: During his first wrestling training session, Hiro Matsuda broke Hogan’s leg to test his dedication.

Wrestling Debut: Hogan made his professional debut on August 10, 1977, against Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Florida.

First Ring Name: Early in his career, he wrestled under a mask as “The Super Destroyer”.

Early Tag Team: He formed a tag team with Ed Leslie, later known as Brutus Beefcake, calling themselves The Boulder Brothers.

Sterling Golden Persona: Hogan wrestled under the name Sterling Golden during his stint in Georgia Championship Wrestling in 1979.

Nickname Origin: His nickname “Hulk” came after a talk show appearance where he was visibly larger than Lou Ferrigno, star of The Incredible Hulk.

First Title Win: Hogan won his first professional title—the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division)—on December 1, 1979, by defeating Bob Roop.

Early Career Earnings: He accepted an $800/week offer from Memphis promoter Jerry Jarrett, a significant jump from his earlier pay of $175/week.

Passion for Wrestling: Despite setbacks, injuries, and early doubts from promoters, Hogan’s dedication and showmanship helped launch one of the most iconic careers in professional wrestling history.

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan dies at 71

Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, according to a report by TMZ Sports.

Emergency responders were called to Hogan’s residence in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning following a suspected cardiac arrest. Eyewitnesses reported the presence of multiple police and emergency medical vehicles at the scene. The wrestling legend was reportedly seen being transported from his home on a stretcher before being taken to a nearby hospital.

Read Also: Daredevil Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash

The news comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife, Sky, publicly dismissed online rumors suggesting the WWE Hall of Famer was in a coma. At the time, she insisted that Hogan’s heart was strong and that he was recovering well from recent medical procedures.

Born Terry Bollea, Hulk Hogan was a transformative figure in professional wrestling. Widely credited with catapulting WWE into mainstream global popularity in the 1980s, Hogan’s charisma, signature look, and family-friendly appeal helped redefine the sport’s image.

From his unforgettable feuds in the wrestling ring to his iconic catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, Hogan built a legacy that made him a household name across generations of fans.

Tributes have already begun to pour in from around the world, celebrating the life and impact of one of wrestling’s most beloved and influential figures.

IPOB Jewish community demands immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, slams FG over ‘unjust detention’

The IPOB Jewish Community in Imo State has issued a strong call for the immediate release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and other detained members of the group across Nigeria.

The group made its position known in a statement signed by Scholarstic Nwakaego Anyanwu and made available to journalists on Thursday in Abuja.

In the statement, the group praised Kanu’s courage and unwavering commitment to defending the rights of the Igbo people, describing his continued detention by the Nigerian government as unjust and without legal justification.

“We call for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and all Biafrans unjustly held in Nigerian detention centers,” the statement read. “We maintain that the APC will not remain unchallenged in the face of these injustices. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the focal point of our movement, and we will continue to fight for our rights and freedoms.”

Read Also: FG confirms arrest of Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities

The group decried the persecution of pro-Biafran supporters, highlighting instances of killings, displacements, and forced exiles, which they described as atrocities committed by the state.

“Tragically, countless individuals have been killed, maimed, and displaced for daring to advocate for justice and equality,” the statement continued. “Our community has faced widespread persecution, forcing many into exile around the world.”

Reaffirming their identity and connection to their heritage, the IPOB Jewish Community asserted their right to either fully participate in Nigeria’s political process or chart a path toward self-determination.

The group also expressed solidarity with Kanu’s family, particularly the family of the late HRM Eze Israel Kanu, and condemned what it called continued oppression under the APC-led government.

“As a woman in exile, I join fellow advocates in mobilizing against the atrocities committed by the APC government against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the family of HRM Eze Israel Kanu, and countless other Biafran families enduring suffering under their regime,” the statement concluded.

JUST IN: Yiltwada replaces Ganduje as APC National Chairman

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Prof. Nentawe Yiltwada, the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, as the new National Chairman of the ruling party.

Yiltwada’s appointment follows the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down from the position on June 27.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

The nomination was put forward by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who also serves as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF). His nomination was swiftly seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

With no objections raised, Prof. Yiltwada was confirmed as the new APC National Chairman.

The NEC meeting, where the announcement was made, is currently underway at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Details s