June 2024 Highlights – What You Missed This Month
If you’re wondering what made headlines in June, we’ve got you covered. From movie stars to football finals, political drama to the latest tech buzz, this month was packed with moments that sparked conversation across Africa and beyond.
Entertainment, Culture & Politics
Nollywood fans breathed a sigh of relief when veteran actress Joke Silva publicly confirmed that her husband, Olu Jacobs, is very much alive. The rumor‑mill on social media had been buzzing with false death reports, but Silva set the record straight and reminded everyone why Jacobs remains a beloved icon.
In Oyo State, Nigeria, a high court stepped in to stop the Soun of Ogbomoso and his kingmakers from ousting Chief Imam Sheikh Teliat Yunus Ayilara. The ruling paused a heated clash between traditional rulers and Muslim leaders, promising a hearing in July.
South Africa’s political scene stayed lively as five coalition parties raced to lock down a Government of National Unity ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration. Meanwhile, the ANC’s alliance partners voiced strong opposition to any partnership with the DA, citing disagreements over wage policies and historic capitalist ties.
Across the continent, an anonymous hacker group warned Kenyan MPs that they could expose corrupt deals if the controversial Finance Bill passed. The threat added fuel to already heated protests against the proposed tax hikes.
Sports, Tech & Business News
Euro 2024 delivered non‑stop action. Ukraine faced Belgium in a tense showdown, while France and Poland lined up for their group match, featuring Mbappé playing through a broken nose. Croatia took on Albania in Hamburg, and fans kept tabs on starting XI announcements from Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s clash with Ecuador.
In club football, Chelsea’s summer transfer plans focused on Leicester midfielder Dewsbury‑Hall and Everton’s Demarai Gray as the Blues looked to rebuild on a tight budget. Over at Manchester City, they eyed Crystal Palace’s rising star Adam Wharton, sparking rumors of a possible Premier League move.
On the courts, the Dallas Mavericks shocked the Boston Celtics with a 122‑84 blowout in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, setting up a decisive Game 5 back in Boston. In cricket, Shubman Gill shared a nostalgic Instagram post as he and Avesh Khan left the T20 World Cup early for strategic reasons.
Tech lovers got a glimpse of Apple’s future with the iOS 18 developer beta. The new version brings AI‑enhanced Siri, Apple Intelligence, and limited ChatGPT integration—available on devices from iPhone XR up to iPhone 15 Pro Max.
F1 fans cheered as Flavio Briatore returned in an advisory role at Alpine, while Mercedes dominated Canadian Grand Prix qualifying, giving George Russell his second career pole. The Canada GP schedule also warned of rain‑soaked qualifying, promising drama for drivers.
Business news highlighted Governor Josh Shapiro’s tour of the new FNB headquarters in Pittsburgh, a project expected to boost local jobs and tax revenue. Meanwhile, the Netherlands pledged $420 million to produce Swedish combat vehicles for Ukraine, with deliveries slated for 2026.
That’s a quick run‑through of June’s biggest stories. Whether you follow sports, politics, tech, or culture, the month offered plenty to talk about—so stay tuned for what July brings next.