Latest news with #Kofi
Cosmopolitan
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Read an exclusive extract of Bolu Babalola's new book, Sweet Heat
Bestselling author Bolu Babalola is back with her hotly anticipated new novel, Sweet Heat . It's three years after their intense breakup, and Kiki has worked hard to forgive her first love, Malakai. They're about to see each other again for the first time at the engagement party of their respective best friends, Aminah and Kofi, as none other than maidof honour and best man. Read on for an exclusive insight into themoment they lock eyes, during Kiki's speech about her best friends at the event in London... Aminah is evidently very annoyed, because her accent has slipped from neutral posh to Lagosian posh. 'I went on Instagram and I saw him on that actor's stories – what's his name, Monae Noble? That overacting goat from that Motown show? They were at some party. If I find out that he missed his flight because he was hungover and doing body shots off some model's navel, he's going to have to square up to me! Doesn't he know that Ty is waiting in the wings to take his place? I–' Aminah's fully loaded now, about to unleash her clip of insults, but something must have flitted across my face, because her eyes flicker in apology. 'Oh–' I push a smile out at her, hoping the force would repress the imagery of Malakai licking body shots out of the grooved abs of a woman who probably makes videos like 'Day inthe Life of a Plant Whisperer and Choreographer' in a sultry whispering cadence. 'I think it's time for my speech.' 'Now, my girl has never been an outdoorsy type. In fact, I would say that Aminah's idea of camping would be staying in a hotel that hasn't got a pool.' There's a warm smattering of laughter that ripples across the 50-odd people in front of whom I'm standing as Aminah leans further into Kofi's arms and nods with a cute little unrepentant tick of her shoulder. 'That being said, I always knew there would come a day when my brother Kofi would gift her with a very... very large rock, and that she would accept.' Whoops swirl around the room and wrap themselves around the couple as Aminah lifts her hand up, flexing it in the royal wave. Kofi props her arm up witha triumphant, 'Yeah, you didn't know that man's a geologist?' I laugh and nod. 'Yeah, also a great DJ and producer. I don't like complimenting men, but I will give my brother that. And the thing is Kofi has always been good at blending. He used to help out on my radio show, help create mixes, and he would always know what songs would feed into each other, which would amplify one another, bring out the harmony, the feeling... which would speak with each other. And I truly believe that when he saw my beautiful, darling sister that first time at a uni party, doing her cute little two step and shimmy – you know the one – probably wiping down a seat before sitting down, sipping on her amaretto and pineapple, he knew they would make the right blend. Feed into each other. Make each other better.' Aminah and Kofi moon at each other, and the tenderness drapes heavy on my throat, making my voice harder to haul out. I push through it. '...unlike amaretto and pineapple,' I add. Aminah releases an indignant 'Hey!' that I gleefully ignore. 'Kofi is breezy, and Aminah… well, she ain't, as we well know.' Mirth ripples across the room as I zero in on my best friend's face, as dazzling as the ring on her finger, as her soul, as the love she gives to those who she deems worthy. 'But she's a wildflower. Beautiful, defiant, blooming wherever she finds herself, knowing who she is. Her place is wherever she is, and she owns it. Man, does she own it.' Aminah's eyes shimmer and she releases Kofi's hand to make a heart shape with her fingers in my direction. I reply with two taps on the left side of my chest with two fingers. 'And, the thing is, the breeze, it needs the wildflower to help give it direction, something to flow through, and the wildflower… well, the breeze reminds it to bend, to twirl. They're perfect together.' Kofi drops a kiss on Aminah's temple, squeezes her to him, and she rubs his arm. An internal pressure amps up and I feel my eyes begin to mist. 'Now, uh, I'm gonna save my good stuff for the wedding toast, but–' 'I'm sorry – that wasn't your good stuff? You already have us on the ropes. Mercy, please.' Shanti heckles me from where she's stood on the other side of the crowd, to a rumble of chuckling, dabbing the corner of her eyes with the edge of a curved index as Chioma teasingly pinches her waist and throws an arm round her. '...but they have something special,' I continue. 'And–' I look back into the crowd and the words I'm about to say fizzle on my tongue, the heat of his presence evaporating them into nothing. My eyes automatically snapped in his direction, not even knowing what they were being drawn to, but knowing, still. I will always know. The air seems to shift, make way for repressed feelings that are agitated to the surface, and it seems to have shifted away from me because I can barely breathe. I swear I can even smell him – wood and amber and resentment. I know, because, for better or for worse, my body reacts to his presence, acetone on a papercut. My heart hisses. There are footsteps as he comes further into the room, firm, swift steps that judder against my heartbeat. Heads turn to look and a good number of the female heads stay a little while, because that's what Malakai does, he turns your eyes sticky and your heart tacky, clinging on to him, so that you get stuck, tangled– Fuck, why now? He picks up a champagne flute from a nearby tray and that's when he looks at me and pins the remaining straggles of air I have to my ribs. I feel as if I'm being lanced with a honey-dipped blade. I almost buckle. It isn't lost on me that the last time I was standing in front of my peers giving a speech it was to declare my undying love for him. My hand slips a little on the flute and I grip it tighter. His face, the face I haven't seen in the flesh in two-and-a-half years, is inscrutable. Time hasn't etched it, but instead brought out things it was supposed to. His cheekbones are still steep, but his jaw is wider now, covered with a beard as plush as a night sky, glistening, and his skin is an undisturbed pool of dark elixir that looks like something you can lap at for refreshment; in fact, I used to. His deep eyes carry no love, no hate, but something strong and intense, wrapped in clingfilm to preserve it or maybe to keep out... Keep me out. I thought I was ready, but, as it turns out, I Am Not Ready. I need to somehow expel my spirit from my body right now, and unfortunately the only way to do that is to die. I contemplate it for a few seconds (by holding my breath for a long, long time), but I decide against it for many reasons including, but not limited to: Aminah has now noticed Malakai and immediately glances back at me, eyes huge with slight alarm and hefty concern and I am reminded that I need to speak – fucking speak, Kiki! I use my anger to melt down the blade in me, pour it over my voice so it sounds firm and I focus on anyone but the Someone. 'Um, as I was saying, it takes some bravery to hold on to something as big as what Aminah and Kofi have. To not let it go. Not everyone has what it takes.' I flick a look across the room now. Malakai's face is a placid lake, but the corners of his lips twitch, perceptible only to those with the knowledge of what that mouth can do. 'So let's make a toast.' I raise a wobbly hand, but keep my voice steady because my heartbeat ain't and my knees ain't and my brain definitely ain't, so something has to be. 'To Aminah and Kofi. And to not letting go.' Unfortunately, my gaze, rebelling against my restraint, snaps to Malakai's as his lips mouth, 'To not letting go.' He drains his flute and shoots me a look that's just as empty.
News18
30-06-2025
- Business
- News18
5 Countries, 8 Days: PM Narendra Modi Set For Longest Diplomatic Visit In 11 Years
Last Updated: PM Narendra Modi's tour will cover two continents and include visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on an eight-day, five-nation tour starting July 2, in his longest diplomatic visit ever in the past 11 years. The PM's tour will cover two continents and include visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. This is PM Modi's second five-nation tour during his tenure. The last one took place in 2016, when he visited the United States, Mexico, Switzerland, Afghanistan, and Qatar. This visit is longer with a four-day stop in Brazil for BRICS Summit followed by PM Modi's state visit. PM Modi's first destination will be Ghana. The PM's visit comes after three decades. Ghana is one of the fastest growing economies in West Asia. India is among the top trading partners of Ghana and is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports, driven largely by India's import of gold, which accounts for over 70% of total imports from Ghana. Bilateral trade between India and Ghana has reached $3,137.29 million. Indian companies have made significant investments in Ghana in sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, education, pharmaceuticals, ICT, and automotive. India is one of the top investors in Ghana. India has also extended assistance in development projects in Ghana through concessional lines of credit and grants: Rural Electrification, Kofi Annan Centre, sugar plant, training institute, etc. India helped Ghana with credit for railway and road projects. India also provided Ghana with 50,000 vaccines as a grant in 2021, followed by one million Made in India Covishield vaccines. Ghana also houses 15,000 people from the Indian community. After Ghana, the PM will visit Trinidad and Tobago. T&T hosts 40-45% of Indian diaspora, which is the largest of Indian-origin communities in the Caribbean. The year 2025 marks the 180th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian immigrants in T&T. The PM's visit will serve as a tribute to this shared history and heritage. T&T has become the first country in the Caribbean region to accept the implementation of India's UPI platform project. New agro machinery for food storage is being provided by India to T&T. India sent vaccines to T&T, and this is the second visit of PM Modi to the Caribbean region in a span of eight months, which shows India's commitment as a development partner of the Global South and trusted friend of the Caribbean. PM Modi is also expected to address the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. PM Modi will travel to Argentina from July 4. PM Modi visited Argentina in 2028 to participate in a G20 Summit. PM Modi was the first world leader to felicitate President-elect Javier Milei on X following the latter's victory. In 2019, both the countries had elevated their relationship to strategic partnership. India has total cumulative investments of about USD 1.2 billion in Argentina, and Argentina has total investment of USD 120 million in India. Key areas of discussion are likely to be economic, defence, critical minerals, oil & gas, nuclear energy, agriculture, science and technology. PM Modi also mentioned in Mann Ki Baat about Ada Albrecht and her work as founder of Hastinapur Foundation. This Foundation promotes Indian Vedic traditions and offers courses ranging from yoga and spiritual philosophy to classical music BRAZIL From July 5-8, PM Modi will be in Brazil first to attend the 17th BRICS summit, followed by a state visit. This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to Brazil. PM Modi will exchange views on key global issues including reforms of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, AI, climate change and global health. The PM will hold bilateral talks with leaders of various other countries on the sidelines. PM will travel to Brasilia where he will hold discussions with President Lula on the broadening of bilateral relationship. President Lula extended support against terrorism during a telephonic conversation with PM Modi on May 8. Brazil is the largest trading partner in South America. India is Brazil's ninth largest trading partner. During 2024-25, bilateral trade between two countries reached USD 12.20 billion. Several Indian companies are working in Brazil in sectors such as pharma, automobile, energy. Defence is also an important component of this visit. Both countries are developing AWACS aircraft. Embraer, a Brazilian company, and Mahindra signed an MoU to collaborate on the C-390 Millennium Multi-Mission Transport Aircraft. NAMIBIA The last leg of PM Modi's visit will be to Namibia. It will be his first visit to the country. This will be the first bilateral state visit that President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi, is hosting after taking over as the President in March. Trade between India and Namibia has grown to USD 600 million. Eight cheetahs were translocated from Namibia to India, which were released by PM Modi in September 2022 at Kuno National Park in MP. Indian Naval ships are regularly paying goodwill visits to Namibia's Port Walvis Bay, which signifies deepening bilateral cooperation in the defence sector. Teams from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force are deployed in Namibia to impart onsite training to Namibian defence personnel. Indian companies have invested in Namibia in mining, manufacturing, diamond processing, and services sectors. The total investment is over USD 800 million. Majority of diamond processing companies in Namibia are Indian. First Published:
Irish Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
'The most beautiful boy.' Teen drowning victim laid to rest in emotional funeral
The devastated family of a young teenager who tragically died in a drowning nightmare were told at his funeral that he inspired smiles and joy 'every day at school' and that he was the 'most beautiful boy'. Kofi Jackson Owusu was just 15 years old when he died at a beach in Laytown, Co Meath, last Friday, June 20. The talented student and sportsman got into difficulty in the River Nanny while enjoying a day out with his friends. Broken-hearted mourners swelled the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Dundalk, Co Louth, for the emotional service on Friday. Before the funeral Mass, his heartbroken parents Tony and Maria, plus sisters Faith and Esther, said Kofi 'will be so missed'. They and their extended family, with friends and students from his school Coláiste Chú Chulainn, as well as teammates at Redeemer Celtic, led mourners such as Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Dáil TD Ruairí Ó Murchú. RCCG pastor Alex Alajiki said 'this is a very painful period for us all' and thanked mourners for their compassion because 'it is of great comfort for the family'. Kofi's sisters Esther and Faith delivered bible readings, while Coláiste Chú Chulainn principal Thomas Sharkey narrated an emotional presentation as Kofi's schoolmates delivered gifts to the altar. Mr Sharkey said: 'Kofi loved school and school loved Kofi, everyone one of us. 'In 2022, he graduated from Redeemer Boys' National School in Dundalk. Ms Doherty sent us his education passport and we are passing it to the altar. She wrote, 'Kofi is a central figure within our class'. 'He was going to Madrid in October to learn the language and teach them how to play football and for the sunny weather, so we have sunflowers for Kofi. 'Kofi always followed the sun. Where Kofi went, the smiles followed. He brought joy and smiles every day at school. 'He came to school every day because he had discipline and because [his mother] Maria made him. He was given an award by Minister of Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who is here today. 'We also present his No. 6 basketball jersey and his Football Association of Ireland medal.' Minister MacNeill told the family at the Mass: 'Kofi had a wonderful, far too short, very young life. 'It was my great pleasure and privilege to meet him. Many loved this very fabulous boy. 'To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am truly very sorry for your loss. I thought he was the most beautiful boy. 'It is wonderful to see how this whole community turned up for you to show their love for you and your son. My heart is with you in these most difficult of days.' A video was shown to mourners of a speech made during Taoiseach's questions by deputy Ó Murchú, who said in the Dáil that Kofi's tragedy highlights 'the dangers of the water'. On Friday, deputy Ó Murchú told mourners: 'We would all prefer not to be here. Kofi has impacted a huge amount of lives. "None of us know how long we're going to be here, but I would wish for all of us that we would have a life that is as full and as true as Kofi's. 'My condolences are with you and I am very sorry. You should be very very proud of Kofi. He was really, truly a great young man and we all hope that we can live a life as true as his." A tribute to Kofi, from the Blackrock area of Dundalk, was paid by Redeemer Boys' National School in Dundalk. It stated: 'At just 15, Kofi touched more lives than many do in a lifetime. We have some wonderful memories of Kofi's time with us here in RBS. 'A pupil, a friend, a leader - Kofi was much more than just a student in our school; he was a shining example of kindness, integrity, dedication and positivity.' When Kofi got into difficulty in the water last Friday, the alarm was raised at around 6.15pm when he disappeared from sight. His body was recovered later that evening from the River Nanny. Kofi had recently played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16. An online fundraiser to cover the funeral costs reached its €11,000 target a day before the funeral with €12,953 raised by Friday afternoon. Kofi was buried at St Patrick's Cemetery in Dundalk. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
The Journal
26-06-2025
- General
- The Journal
Fundraiser to cover funeral costs of teenager who drowned in Co Meath hits target ahead of service
AN ONLINE FUNDRAISER to cover the funeral expenses of a teenager who drowned in Co Meath has hit its target ahead of tomorrow's service. Kofi Jackson Owusu, aged 15 and from the Blackrock area of Dundalk, Co Louth, died last Friday after getting into difficulty in the river Nanny in Laytown, Co Meath. It's understood that he had jumped into the river with a number of other children from the footbridge in Laytown when he got into difficulty in the river. The principal of Coláiste Chú Chulainn in Dundalk, Thomas Sharkey, said the school was heartbroken over the loss of Kofi. He described Kofi as 'very kind and very caring'. Advertisement Kofi had recently played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16. He was a member of Redeemer Celtic Football Club in Dundalk and the club started a GoFundMe to support Kofi's family with funeral costs. The club described Kofi as a 'highly respectful youngster' who was a 'credit to his loving family'. The online fundraiser has surpassed its goal ahead of Kofi's funeral service tomorrow. His funeral service will take place at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Miracle Land, Castletown Road, Dundalk tomorrow at 1pm. Afterwards, the congregation will proceed to St. Patrick's Cemetery for burial. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Sunday World
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Sunday World
Funeral of teen who died in Meath swimming tragedy to take place tomorrow
The 15-year-old from Dundalk died last Friday The of funeral of Dundalk teenager Kofi Owusu will take place on Friday The funeral of teenager Kofi Jackson Owusu, who died last Friday after getting into difficulty in the River Nanny, is set to be held tomorrow. The 15-year-old's body was recovered from the water three hours after the alarm was raised in Laytown, Co. Meath. Mourners will gather at the Eternity Room of Quinn's Funeral Homes, Dundalk today, Thursday, June 26th from 3pm-7pm. His funeral service will take place at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, in Dundalk tomorrow, Friday, June 27th at 1pm. The congregation are set to gather at Quinn's Funeral Home before proceeding on foot to the burial at St. Patrick's Cemetery. He is survived by his parents Tony and Maria, and sisters Faith and Esther. His football club, Redeemer Celtic FC set up a GoFundMe to raise money for his bereaved family. 'The untimely passing of Kofi has left so many heartbroken, and shook a community & town and further to its core,' the page reads. 'A child of fantastic talent, hugely popular with a wide circle of friends. A child whose characteristics show he was raised as a highly respectful youngster, he was a credit to his loving family.' The football club have said that there are 'no words' to ease his family's suffering, but has appealed for support at this 'heartbreaking' time andlaunched a GoFundMe to help support the boy's devastated family in the wake of the tragedy. So far 496 donors to the Kofi Jackson Owusu GoFundMe has raised €11,390 of a €11,000 goal. The teen who lived in Blackrock, Dundalk, had just finished his Junior Certificate at Coláiste Chú Chulainn earlier this month. In a statement following his death, Kofi's football club shared fond memories of the talented player arriving at the club as a young child who needed his shoe laces tied by coaches. 'A ferocious competitor every time he pulled on the Redeemer kit, and this seen us achieve unthinkable success time after time & year after year. 'Kofi was a massive part of our club, Kofi was a massive part of our lives. 'We will strive to keep Kofi's memory within the club, and with absolutely broken hearts.' The club shared a picture of two number 6 jerseys lying on the pitch alongside a bouquet of flowers, adding that the club would be 'closed until further notice'. The of funeral of Dundalk teenager Kofi Owusu will take place on Friday News in 90 Seconds - June 26th The principal of his secondary school, Principal Thomas Sharkey, said they were heartbroken at the death of the 'very caring and very diligent student.' "He's an excellent sportsman. He had just played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16. "He finished his Junior Cert exams only 10 days ago, and his older sister was a past pupil of our school. 'Kofi and his family are in all of our thoughts.'
