Nigeria News (Standard)
British-Nigerian Songwriter Talay Riley Killed in East London, Police Launch Murder Investigation
Grammy winner, known for hits with Britney Spears and Khalid, stabbed to death; three persons arrested as family mourns
Grammy winner, known for hits with Britney Spears and Khalid, stabbed to death; three persons arrested as family mourns
H.E.R. – “Lights On” \| Live at Sydney Opera House
British-Nigerian songwriter and singer, Talay Riley, was killed in a stabbing incident on Pankhurst Avenue, Silvertown, East London, on Friday morning. The 35-year-old—whose real name was Mark Yinka Orabiyi—died at the scene despite emergency response efforts. Police in London have confirmed a murder investigation is underway following the attack.
According to the Metropolitan Police, homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command arrested three persons in connection with the case. One man has been released on bail, while another man and a woman have been released with no further action. No trial date has been set as at press time. Riley’s death has drawn tributes from across the music industry in Nigeria and abroad.
Talay Riley started his music journey in East London as a young British-Nigerian talent before rising to prominence as a sought-after songwriter. By age 18, he had secured a publishing deal with Global Publishing. He contributed to rapper Chip’s 2009 album, which led to a contract with Jive/Sony Records. Over his career, Riley wrote songs for international stars including Britney Spears (on her ninth studio album ‘Glory’ in 2016), Khalid (‘Young Dumb and Broke’), H.E.R. (co-writing Grammy-winning ‘Lights On’), Craig David, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Usher, Nick Jonas and Iggy Azalea. He received another Grammy nomination for his work with British group FLO in 2025.
In a statement released by his family after the incident, they described their loss as “overwhelming sadness”, remembering Riley as a multi-platinum songwriter whose humour and generosity touched everyone around him. His brother Scribz Riley, also a music producer, wrote on Instagram that Talay was “a light in so many people’s lives” and served as his mentor and inspiration. Artists like Stormzy and Craig David also posted condolences.
Riley’s killing comes amidst growing concern over knife-related violence in the United Kingdom. According to official reports, stabbings have remained a persistent security challenge in London in recent years. The late songwriter is survived by his family members including his brother Scribz Riley.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/talay-riley-british-nigerian-songwriter-dies-35-2026060811251890919
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Women Leaders Push Cross-Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Female Influence in Decision-Making
Senior figures from law, health, finance and government meet in FCT to demand shift from token representation to real power
Senior figures from law, health, finance and government meet in FCT to demand shift from token representation to real power
Women leaders from various sectors gathered in Abuja on Tuesday for the Women in Leadership Cross-Sector Convening, urging a united approach to boost women’s presence and influence in national decision-making. The event brought together senior and emerging professionals from law, health, finance, agriculture, government and civil society to tackle barriers limiting female leadership across Nigeria.
Key speakers at the conference included Organisation Effectiveness Consultant Habiba Balogun; WILAN Global Founder and Executive Director Abosede George-Ogan; Regional Director for Africa Centre For International Private Enterprise Lola Adekanye; and Founder of Will Way Paradigm Dolapo Agbede. They stressed the importance of breaking down sector-based silos and building strategic alliances to ensure women move beyond symbolic roles to actively shaping policies and institutional cultures at every level.
This call for collaboration comes as gender parity remains a challenge in Nigeria’s public and private sectors. Despite increased advocacy for female participation, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. The Abuja convening provided a platform for participants to share strategies on fostering systemic change rather than settling for mere inclusion. Speakers highlighted that sustainable national growth requires women not just occupying seats at the table but also contributing meaningfully to decisions that affect society.
“Women must be empowered to influence outcomes at the highest levels,” said Habiba Balogun during her address at the event. Other panellists echoed this sentiment, noting that bridging divides between industries will accelerate progress towards gender equity nationwide.
Participants resolved to strengthen networks between professional bodies, advocacy groups and policymakers in order to drive reforms that support women’s advancement. The organisers indicated that follow-up sessions will focus on practical measures for implementation, aiming to translate discussions into actionable policy changes affecting governance and business practices.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSE Inducts 214 Engineers as Fellows in Abuja, Urges Federal Government to Address Soaring Cost of Living
NSE President Ali Alimasuya Rabiu calls for urgent action on insecurity and economic hardship during induction ceremony
NSE President Ali Alimasuya Rabiu calls for urgent action on insecurity and economic hardship during induction ceremony
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) inducted 214 engineers into its Fellowship cadre during the Second Quarter Dinner held in Abuja on Tuesday. The event, which brought together leading professionals from across the country, saw NSE President Ali Alimasuya Rabiu task the Federal Government with taking decisive measures to tackle Nigeria’s rising cost of living and escalating insecurity.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rabiu emphasised that government must prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens amid persistent economic hardship and a surge in criminal activities such as kidnappings nationwide. His remarks were contained in a statement signed by the Society’s Acting Executive Secretary, Abdulkadir Aliyu, and made available to journalists in Abuja.
The induction comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with inflation and job losses, with official figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing double-digit inflation for several consecutive months. Analysts have linked the current economic hardship to factors including naira depreciation and reduced purchasing power, further straining households across all geopolitical zones.
Rabiu reaffirmed NSE’s commitment to supporting national development efforts through collaboration with government, academia, industry players and other stakeholders. He stated: “The current situation demands stronger cooperation among all sectors so we can find sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.” The NSE president also warned that failure to address insecurity would undermine progress in all other areas.
While the Federal Government has announced new social intervention programmes in recent months, critics say more comprehensive policies are needed to reverse worsening living conditions. The newly inducted fellows are expected to contribute their expertise toward tackling these national challenges as part of their professional mandate.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Rainstorm Kills Two, Destroys Houses in Kirfi LGA, Bauchi State
Police confirm deaths of woman and granddaughter as storm ravages Katsinawa, Bara Village, leaving residents homeless
Police confirm deaths of woman and granddaughter as storm ravages Katsinawa, Bara Village, leaving residents homeless
A powerful rainstorm swept through Katsinawa, Bara Village in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of a 50-year-old woman, Aisha Sagir, and her four-year-old granddaughter, Aisha Shuaibu. The incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on June 10, according to the Bauchi State Police Command.
Residents said the rainstorm was accompanied by strong winds that brought down several houses and destroyed livestock and other valuables worth millions of naira. The destruction has left many families displaced as they struggle to salvage what remains of their property in the aftermath of the storm.
Bauchi State is currently in its rainy season, and communities like Katsinawa often face severe weather events that threaten lives and livelihoods. The latest tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over inadequate infrastructure and disaster preparedness in rural parts of North-East Nigeria.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, SP Nafiu Abubakar, spokesperson for the command, confirmed that officers from Kirfi Division had visited the scene to assess the damage and maintain order among affected residents. “Preliminary reports indicate significant loss of property and two fatalities,” Abubakar said. He added that the command had sent a message of sympathy to the state government and assured residents of continued security presence.
As at press time, emergency relief agencies were yet to release an official response or announce plans for support to those affected by the disaster. Community leaders have called on both state authorities and relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance for displaced families. The incident comes as meteorological agencies continue to warn about heavy rainfall patterns across Bauchi State during this period.
Abuja Women Leaders Push Cross-Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Female Influence in Decision-Making
NSE Inducts 214 Engineers as Fellows in Abuja, Urges Federal Government to Address Soaring Cost of Living
Rainstorm Kills Two, Destroys Houses in Kirfi LGA, Bauchi State
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