Entertainment

WhatsApp’s Usernames Plan Draws Government Pushback

Published

1 week ago

July 13, 2026

By Favour Ozabor

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce one of its biggest updates in years, allowing users to
communicate through unique usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. The feature,
expected to roll out later this year, has already sparked debate among regulators, cybersecurity
experts, and users over its potential impact on privacy and online safety.

Meta announced in late June that users will soon be able to create unique usernames that can
be used to connect with others without revealing their personal phone numbers. Reservations
for usernames opened in early July, ahead of a broader rollout that will take place gradually
across different countries. Once the feature is fully available, users will have the option of
sharing only their username while keeping their phone number private.

According to Meta, the new feature is designed to strengthen users’ privacy and reduce
exposure to scams that rely on phone numbers, including phishing attacks and SIM-swap fraud.
The company also stated that it will introduce measures to reduce abuse, such as restricting
usernames that closely resemble those of celebrities, public figures, government agencies, and
well-known organisations. In addition, newly created accounts will face limits on the number of
people they can contact within a certain period.

Despite these assurances, the announcement has attracted criticism from regulators and
security experts. During early testing of the feature, some reporters found that usernames
closely resembling those of prominent politicians and institutions were still available, raising
fears that fraudsters could exploit the system. India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology has reportedly urged WhatsApp to delay the rollout until further consultations are
held, warning that the feature could encourage impersonation and online fraud. Somalia has
also expressed similar concerns, citing the potential security implications within the country.

Cybersecurity analysts remain divided on the proposal. While some argue that usernames
represent a significant step towards protecting users’ personal information, others believe the
update simply shifts the risk from phone number exposure to username impersonation. They
stress that the effectiveness of the feature will largely depend on WhatsApp’s verification
systems, reporting mechanisms, and its ability to quickly remove fraudulent accounts.

A survey conducted among students also reflected mixed opinions about the proposed feature.
While many respondents acknowledged that usernames could improve convenience and reduce
the need to share personal phone numbers, several expressed concerns about privacy, identity
theft, and the possibility of fake accounts.

One respondent described the WhatsApp username feature as a promising innovation but
argued that it may not significantly improve users’ privacy if adequate safeguards are not in
place. The respondent added that the controversy surrounding the feature is understandable because impersonation remains a genuine concern. Although they believe the update could
ultimately benefit users, they recommended that WhatsApp subject the feature to extensive
testing and security reviews before making it available worldwide.

With more than three billion users across the globe, WhatsApp’s username initiative represents
a major shift in how people interact on the platform. However, as discussions continue among
governments, experts, and users, the success of the feature will depend not only on its
convenience but also on Meta’s ability to address security concerns and build public trust before
the global rollout is completed.

Abraka Metro

DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 Celebrates Creativity Despite Heavy Rainfall

Published

3 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Blessing Alumona and Miracle Akpoyovwvayire

The second edition of the DELSU Photo Festival was held on July 17, 2026, in front of the university Sports Complex. Although the programme was originally scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., persistent rainfall delayed the event until about 2:00 p.m. A large canopy was provided to shield participants from the rain, while lively music entertained students as they arrived at the venue.

The event opened on a cheerful note with comedy and light-hearted remarks by Professor Odion Odiboh, creating an exciting atmosphere despite the weather. This was followed by the official opening address delivered by Comrade Regina Egbiamiye, President of the Department of Journalism. After her remarks, the pageantry segment commenced, with contestants representing the Departments of Mass Communication, Journalism, and Broadcasting showcasing their confidence and creativity. At the same time, judges assessed students’ photography projects while music kept the audience entertained.

One of the highlights of the festival was an interactive question-and-answer session that actively involved students and kept the audience engaged. Student union representatives, departmental executives, lecturers, and students participated throughout the programme, contributing to its lively and memorable atmosphere.

Speaking after the event, Faith Ogbotor, a 200-level Journalism student, described the festival as enjoyable and memorable. She said that although the heavy rainfall affected the programme, it did not prevent participants from having a rewarding experience.

Another participant, Tejiri Mathias, a Mass Communication student, also commended the event but expressed concerns about what he described as partiality during some of the games. He suggested that improvements could be made in future editions to ensure fairness.

The festival concluded with the announcement of winners from the three departments. Four students emerged as winners from the Department of Broadcasting, twelve from the Department of Journalism, and twenty-two from the Department of Mass Communication. Each department also selected three overall outstanding winners through a voting process, and the successful participants received awards in recognition of their performances.

The celebration ended with music, dancing, and the distribution of refreshments to students, lecturers, and student executives. The joyful atmosphere and shared moments of celebration brought the 2026 DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 to a successful and memorable conclusion for everyone in attendance.

Abraka Metro

Mass Communication Students Display Talent In Football Match

Published

4 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Favour Otomewo

Students of the Department of Mass Communication at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, showcased their sporting talents during an exciting football match held at the university sports complex on June 25, 2026.

The friendly encounter, organised to promote unity and teamwork among students, attracted a large crowd of supporters from various departments. The match featured the Mass Communication team against a selected side from another department, with both teams displaying impressive skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

From the opening whistle, the game was fiercely contested as players battled for possession and created several scoring opportunities. The Mass Communication team took an early lead through a well-placed strike in the first half, sending their supporters into celebration.

The opposing team responded strongly after the break, equalising with a powerful shot that left the goalkeeper with little chance. However, the Mass Communication students maintained their composure and secured victory with a late goal, winning the match 2–1.

Speaking after the game, the team captain, John Efe, praised his teammates for their commitment and teamwork, noting that the victory reflected the hard work they had put into their training sessions.

Students who attended the event described the match as entertaining and commended the organisers for creating an avenue for social interaction, healthy competition, and friendship among undergraduates.

The football encounter formed part of the department’s efforts to encourage student participation in sporting activities and strengthen relationships across departments within the university community.

Entertainment

Domineering Spain Edge Argentina 1-0 In Extra Time To Clinch 2026 World Championship

Published

2 days ago

July 19, 2026

Media Conversation

Spain are world champions again after Ferran Torres scored a late winner in extra time to defeat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

The victory at MetLife Stadium, in front of 80,663 fans, gives La Roja their second World Cup title, 16 years after their 2010 triumph in South Africa.

Argentina, bidding to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back titles, were reduced to 10 men late in regulation.

After 90 minutes ended goalless, the match turned in the closing minutes of normal time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card following a tackle on Pau Cubarsi.

With the numerical advantage, Spain broke through late in extra time.

Ferran Torres slammed home to put Spain ahead with minutes remaining, sealing a 1-0 win and sparking wild celebrations from the Spanish bench.

Spain reached the final with a composed 2-0 semi-final victory over France in Dallas, extending a run that has seen them concede just one goal all tournament.

Argentina advanced with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in Atlanta, with Lionel Messi assisting both goals in the 85th and 91st minutes.

The final marked the first ever World Cup decider between the reigning world champions and the current European champions, and pitted the tournament’s top-ranked teams.

It also featured a generational duel between 39-year-old Messi, who finished with 8 goals in the tournament, and 19-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal.

Spain are now two-time world champions after winning in 2010. The Spanish women are also reigning world champions, having beaten England in 2023.

Argentina, champions in 1978, 1986 and 2022, fall just short in their bid for a fourth title. Messi was chasing a second straight World Cup after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar.

The match was played at New York New Jersey Stadium, home of the NFL’s Giants and Jets, and was broadcast live on FOX in English and Telemundo in Spanish in the U.S.

The final also featured FIFA’s first-ever World Cup halftime show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

With the 2026 tournament, the first expanded to 48 teams, concluding in New Jersey, Spain leave as champions — and Argentina as runners-up in a final that lived up to its billing as a clash of Europe vs South America.