2 armed robbers escape as police nab suspect in Lagos (Punch)
Two armed robbers escaped when policemen nabbed a suspect in the Bode Thomas, Surulere area of the state, the Lagos State Police Command has said.
The suspect, Olawale Samsudeen, 27, was arrested on Wednesday when he and two other members of a criminal gang attempted to rob a victim in his provisions shop at Eric Moore Close in the Bode Thomas.
“The victim, however, raised the alarm which attracted a police anti-crime patrol team on routine patrol in the area.
“The patrol team in a swift response, raced to the scene and with the assistance of members of the public arrested the suspect while two others escaped with the gang’s operational motorcycle,” Spokesman for the Command, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said in a statement on Thursday. Read more
Domestic Violence: 5 killed in Lagos (DailyTrust)
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) said it has received reports of five deaths due to domestic violence in the state.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), disclosed this Wednesday at a press briefing to commemorate ‘The Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month’, September 2021.
He said the death cases were reported to the police as well as the Chief Coroner of Lagos State for an inquest to be conducted with a view to ascertaining the cause of deaths, the outcome of which, he said, would strengthen the case for prosecution.
He said prosecution is ongoing in three of the cases while the remaining two suspects were currently on the run. Read more
Motorists, residents urge Sanwo-Olu to speedily complete road projects (Punch)
Motorists and residents in Epe/Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to speedily complete the expressway in the area.
They made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Epe on Thursday.
Motorists and residents showed excitement at the ongoing construction work on Epe/Ibeju-Lekki Road and urged speedy completion of the projects to ease the hardship they were experiencing on the road.
NAN reports that the Lagos State Government has said that the 18.7km, six-lane rigid pavement carriageway from Eleko Junction in Ibeju-Lekki to Epe T-Junction would be completed and inaugurated in the first quarter of 2022. Read more
Sanwo-Olu, experts proffer steps to prevent COVID-19 4th wave (Vanguard)
Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and medical experts have advised Nigeria to be emergency ready to defeat an imminent deadlier COVID-19 fourth wave and future pandemics in the country.
They made the submission at the 56th edition of the Annual Scientific Conference, organised by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, Lagos State branch, held at Oshodi, Lagos.
The theme of the conference was: “National Health Emergency Preparedness – Current Status and Forward Look.”
Sanwoolu, in her address, said that “there must be a comprehensive action plan to enhance preparedness for emergencies especially in terms of fundings, partnerships and political commitments at all levels. Read more
FG reassures Nigerians of efficacy, safety of COVID-19 vaccines (Guardian)
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on Thursday, reassured Nigerians of the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in the country.
Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaibu, gave the assurance when Mr David Anyaele, Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), visited the agency in Abuja.
Represented by Dr Bassey O. Bassey, Director, Disease Control and Immunization, NPHCDA, Shuaibu urged Nigerians to erase misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines and ensure they were vaccinated against the virus.
While pledging the agency’s commitment to ensure inclusive healthcare for People with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country, Bassey tasked Nigerians to have confidence in the system and take advantage of the available doses of the vaccines. Read more
NDDC got N6t in 8 years, maintains 362 bank accounts without proper reconciliation -FG (Punch)
The Federal Government on Thursday said it was concerned that over 13,777 projects being handled by the Niger Delta Development Commission have their execution “substantially compromised.”
It also said that the commission has about 362 bank accounts that lack proper reconciliation.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said this while receiving the forensic audit report of the NDDC from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, in Abuja on Thursday.
Malami said the government was concerned about what he described as the colossal loss occasioned by uncompleted and unverified development projects in the Niger Delta region, in spite of releasing about N6trillion to the commission in eight years. Read more
Military: We’ve handed over 565 surrendered terrorists to Borno govt (DailyTrust)
The Military High Command, on Thursday, said it has handed over a total number of 565 Boko Haram terrorists to Borno State Government.
Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, acting director, Defence Media Operations, who announced this while addressing journalists at Defence Headquarters in Abuja, said the terrorists were released to government for further management after thorough profiling.
He said they comprise three commanders, five cattle rustling specialists and their family members.
Onyeuko also disclosed that between August 12 and September 1, more than 5,890 terrorists comprising foot soldiers and their commanders surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East. Read more
Alicia Keys adapts hit song “Girl On Fire” into young adult graphic novel (CNA)
For Alicia Keys, “Girl On Fire” isn’t just a million-selling single, but the title and inspiration for a young adult graphic novel scheduled for next year.
HarperCollins Publishers announced on Tuesday (Aug 31) that Girl On Fire, the story of 14-year-old Lolo Wright and her telekinetic powers, will come out on Mar 1. The book is cowritten by Andrew Weiner and illustrated by Brittney Williams.
“When I wrote Girl On Fire, I knew I was writing it for that girl in the way back row who needed someone to tell her there’s nothing you can’t do, that nothing is impossible,” Keys said in a statement.
“When Andrew and I came up with the idea of translating the song into a young adult graphic novel, I knew that I wanted it to be about a girl coming to realise the strength she’s always had. There’s a little Lolo in all of us – we all have the power inside to do what we never even thought we could – and I’m so proud and crazy excited to be able to share her story with you. You’re going to fall in love with Lolo.” Read more
Man spotted smoking while floating in NYC floodwaters in viral video (NYPost)
The flood water wasn’t the only thing that was high.
A man was spotted drifting on a floatie in floodwaters believed to be somewhere in New York City while smoking a bong or hookah, viral video shows.
The clip, believed to have been taken when the Big Apple as it was inundated with flash floods from the storm’s barrage of rainfall, shows a man in an athletic onesie and sneakers, casually lounging on the inflatable in the deluged alleyway.
The man is seen smoking from the device, laying his head back on the raft and blowing plumes of smoke while drifting in the murky waters, the torrential downpour pelting him from above.
It wasn’t immediately clear who was in the video or if it was a social media stunt but it’s already been viewed over half a million times after Barstool Sports posted it on Twitter with the caption: “New York is under water but this guy’s living his best life.” Read more
Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson & Gamechanger Films produce graphic novel feature “Sorcerority” (Deadline)
The Effie T. Brown’s Gamechanger Films (The Inspection) is partnering with Gabrielle Union’s I’ll Have Another Productions and Taraji P. Henson’s TPH Entertainment to produce a feature film adaptation of graphic novel Sorcerority from co-authors Mikhail Sebastian and George Watson.
Sorcerority follows a young African-American girl, Melanie, who, like her late mother, enrolls into a historically African-American coven and university of magic. She soon discovers her enrollment into the school may not be entirely of her own choosing, but rather the calculated actions of a higher authority. In between her studies, she uncovers her familial connection to the school’s mysterious past, as well as her pivotal role in its future.
Gamechanger secured the rights to the fantasy graphic novel earlier this year. Brown will produce on behalf of Gamechanger. Union is producing alongside Kian Gass who will oversee from I’ll Have Another Productions and Henson and Christine Conley on behalf of TPH Entertainment. Read more
“Sissy Pants” celebrities banned in China (VICE)
The Chinese government has ordered a boycott of “sissy pants” celebrities as it escalates a fight against what it sees as a cultural import that threatens China’s national strength.
In a directive issued on Thursday, China’s TV watchdog said entertainment programs should firmly reject the “deformed aesthetics” of niangpao, a derogatory term that refers to effeminate men.
The order came as Beijing tightens control over the country’s entertainment industry, taking aim at an explosion of TV and streaming shows that hold increasing sway over pop culture and the youth.
Young, delicate-looking men who display gentle personalities and act in boys’ love dramas have amassed large fan bases mostly comprising women. Many of them, like Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, are China’s top-earning celebrities. Read more
2 more deaths linked to AstraZeneca vaccine (Yahoo)
Two more Australians have died after having their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has confirmed.
In its weekly Covid-19 vaccine safety report, the TGA confirmed a 59-year-old woman from Queensland and a 54-year-old man from NSW died in the last week.
The TGA said the woman was confirmed to have thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome or TTS and it is “probable” the man also had TTS.
“The TGA extends its sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones,” the TGA said.
“We are in close communication with the Queensland and NSW authorities who are undertaking further investigation of these cases.” Read more
Bollywood actor Sidharth Shukla dies age 40 (CNN)
Sidharth Shukla, an Indian actor, model and presenter, has died at the age of 40, according to broadcaster Colors TV, where Shukla worked.
“We, at Colors, are saddened & devastated by the sudden loss of our family member, Sidharth Shukla. He will be immensely missed. His passing is an irreparable loss for us & the whole industry,” the TV channel tweeted on Thursday.
Several Indian celebrities and Shukla’s fans also took to Twitter to share their shock and condolences.
“I m gonna meet you in heaven brother,” tweeted model and actor Asim Riaz alongside a broken heart emoji. “R I P sidharthshukla,” Riaz added. Read more
Giroud tests positive for Covid-19, say AC Milan (Guardian)
Olivier Giroud has tested positive for Covid-19, his club AC Milan announced on Thursday as the France forward sits out his country’s World Cup qualifiers.
In a statement, Milan said Giroud “tested positive in a molecular swab carried out at home”, adding that he is “doing well but must remain in protective isolation”.
Giroud tested positive for the virus after France opted not to call him up for World Cup qualifiers this month. Les Bleus stumbled to a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday in the first of their three matches in the international break.
The 34-year-old was dropped by France coach Didier Deschamps despite being the country’s second-highest goalscorer behind Thierry Henry.
He has made a great start in Milan this season after signing from Chelsea, scoring twice in the 4-1 Serie A thumping of Cagliari at the San Siro on Sunday. Read more
Oman stun Japan in World Cup qualifiers (Punch)
Oman stunned Japan in the opening game of the final World Cup qualifying round on Thursday, winning 1-0 thanks to an Issam Al Sabhi goal in the closing minutes.
Japan’s shock home defeat in Group B came after the Samurai Blue dominated the previous rounds, with eight wins from eight.
After a scoreless first half at a rainy Panasonic Stadium in Osaka, the hosts sent on young stars Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan — both joining the national team after playing in the Tokyo Olympics. Read more
Verstappen: Russell would BE “very difficult” for Hamilton (Race)
Max Verstappen believes Formula 1 title rival Lewis Hamilton will find things “very difficult” next season if George Russell joins Mercedes.
Mercedes protege Russell is widely expected to replace Valtteri Bottas alongside seven-time world champion Hamilton next season with a decision said to have been made but not communicated until Bottas finalises his alternative for 2022.
Russell has been a qualifying star at the lowly Williams team in his three seasons in F1 and also excelled on a one-off for Mercedes last year when he deputised for an unwell Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix.
On his Mercedes debut, in a car that he did not fit into comfortably, Russell narrowly missed out on pole to Bottas but beat him into Turn 1, outclassed him in the race, and should have won were it not for a botched Mercedes pitstop and then a puncture. Read more
Gerrit Cole strikes out 15 as Yankees snap four-game skid (NYPost)
Gerrit Cole proved to be the perfect antidote for a four-game losing streak.
Looking to avoid opening September the same way they ended August, the Yankees turned to Cole, pitching in his hometown park for the first time as a Yankee, and the ace lived up to expectations in a 4-1 win over the Angels.
It allowed the Yankees to end a long road trip with a victory as they head into an off day Thursday before a 20-game-in-20-day stretch begins in The Bronx on Friday.
“We knew we needed that win big-time and Gerrit came up huge for us,’’ catcher Kyle Higashioka said. Read more
Man Utd’s Anthony Martial injures himself while trying to dribble
(Planet football)
Planet Football2nd September 2021
The international break is upon us, meaning club managers will be watching on through their fingers and praying their stars do not pick up any injuries. Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will not have enjoyed seeing Anthony Martial in action then.
France faced Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Stade de la Meinau on Wednesday night as Antoinne Griezmann cancelled out Edin Dzeko’s opener to ensure that the spoils were shared in the World Cup qualifier.
Martial missed Euro 2020 due to an injury but the United attacker was back in the set-up for the latest set of internationals. He entered the pitch in the 76th minute in place of Kylian Mbappe but could not edge Les Bleus in front.
He did appear to injure himself, however, when trying to find his way past Anel Ahmedhodzic on the left-hand side of the box. When attempting to turn back inside, he appeared to roll the ankle of his standing leg and Martial was visibly wincing as the ball trickled out. Read more
57-cap star still can’t find a club since leaving Arsenal -report (HITC)
Lazio are still reluctant to sign David Luiz on a free transfer following his release by Arsenal earlier this year, despite the defender attracting interest from Brazil, per Alfredo Pedulla.
Arsenal elected against offering Luiz a new contract before his £100,000-per-week terms expired in June. The centre-half spent two years at the Emirates Stadium following an £8m move from Chelsea in 2019. He made 73 appearances for the club across all competitions.
Mikel Arteta has since replaced Luiz with former Brighton and Hove Albion star Ben White in a £50m deal. The Gunners were without the England international against Chelsea and Manchester City after he tested positive for coronavirus, however.
Luiz has attracted interest from his native Brazil since leaving Arsenal, with ESPN reporting Flamengo as a destination since mid-May. The 57-cap international saw a move to the Rio side in good light earlier this summer, too. But has not, yet, signed for the Maracana outfit. Read more