4 students celebrating WASSCE at Lagos beach drown (Punch)
Tragedy struck on Tuesday at the Elegushi Beach, in the Lekki area of Lagos State, after four teenagers drowned while swimming in the water.
PUNCH Metro gathered that 10 secondary school leavers, aged between 14 and 15, went to swim at the beach to celebrate the completion of their West African Senior School Examination.
They were said to be pupils of the Kuramo Senior College, Lekki.
The spokesperson for the Elegushi Beach Management, Chief Ayuba Elegushi, in a statement on Tuesday, said the pupils were not properly registered. Read more
Strike: ASUU, FG meeting ends in deadlock (Independent)
The truce meeting between the Federal Government and executive members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Tuesday night ended in a deadlock, Daily Independent reliably gathered.
Stakeholders at the meeting which involved the Professor Nimi Briggs led committee and ASUU officials failed to reach any meaningful resolution after the meeting which lasted several hours at the University of Abuja campus.
A source privy to the meeting noted that the Nimi Briggs committee failed to come with any commitment to resolve the strike rather was appealing to the union to suspend the strike.
Other unions also engaged in strike include the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non Academic Staff Union of University and Allied Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). Read more
Lagosians call for total ban of okada (Guardian)
Lagosians have called on the state government to ban commercial motorcycles in Lagos.
At a stakeholders’ forum convened to review the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, in six local government areas, participants unanimously called for a total ban on the mode of transportation.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, explained that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu mandated a committee to engage stakeholders and review the ban, which took effect on June 1, 2022.
He said: “After seeing the results of the ban in the six LGAs, many Lagosians have been calling on the government to expand the ban. Some say it should be statewide, considering the present anxiety over security. Mr. Governor has mandated us to have this meeting to discuss what next.” Read more
Demolition: Ibeju-Lekki residents appeal to Sanwo-Olu for intervention (ThisDay)
Residents of Okeogun-Museyo community in Ibeju-lekki area of Lagos State have sought the intervention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the ongoing demolition of buildings in the community.
The residents, who staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly’s Secretariat on Monday, stated that the demolition was carried out by the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA), adding that over 200 buildings had been marked for demolition.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, the Baale of Okeogun-Museyo, Mr. Falilu Sanni, alleged that there was a plot to take over the entire community land by some land grabbers parading as real estate development companies, who were being backed by the government security agencies.
Sanni noted the presence of soldiers and officials of NTDA in the community had denied residents of peace and comfort, and almost led to break down of law and order by youths in the area. Read more
Firm recommits to customer support, launches 16th outlet in Lagos (Guardian)
An omnichannel retailer, FoodCo, has reaffirmed its commitment to consumer support, even as it announced the launch of a new outlet in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The store, which is located at the newly completed Ikoyi Plaza, brings FoodCo’s store footprint to 16, spread across Oyo, Lagos and Ogun states.
Speaking at the launch, Managing Director, FoodCo Nigeria, Ade Sun-Basorun, stated that the opening of the Ikoyi store was a fulfilment of the brand’s commitment to bringing the lifestyle advantages of modern retail closer to the people.
He said: “We are excited to formally announce the launch of our 16th store in Ikoyi. This milestone is the continuation of a journey that began 40 years ago when the first FoodCo store opened its doors to customers from a corner shop in Bodija, Ibadan. To date, we can proudly say that the brand has successfully maintained its promise of delivering top quality at an affordable price, which has been one of the strong pillars of our growth.” Read more
7 Zamfara family members die after vegetable meal (Leadership)
A family of seven members in Danbaza village in Maradun local government area of Zamfara State have died after a meal of mixed vegetables and corn.
The incident occurred on Monday immediately after the family members took the meal popularly called Dambu in Hausa Language which they prepared for their dinner. The victims were two married women and five teenagers.
A source close to the family members, Muhammad Kabir said as soon as the people finished the meal, four of the victims died instantly, while three were rushed to hospital.
The source further said the three also died in the hospital and were taken back home for burial. According to him, they were alleged to have used poisonous substances in the cooking of the meal. Read more
Ondo PDP chieftains plan defection to APC (Nation)
Prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State visited the state chairman, Ade Adetimehin, in Akure, in preparation for defection.
Among the visitors are key allies of Niger Delta leader and entrepreneur, Chief Bibopere Ajube, who is a power broker in the riverine areas of the state.
Ese-Odo is the local government of former deputy governor and PDP senatorial candidate, Agboola Ajayi.
The chieftains are expected to defect at Arogbo Town in Ese-Odo in the next two weeks. Read more
Police kill 5 kidnappers, abducted Redeemer’s student escapes (Punch)
The Edo State Police Command on Monday said it killed five suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Ughoshi-Afe bush, Ibillo, in the Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, in a statement, said the suspects were killed during a gun duel.
The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command in its avowed commitment to rid the state of violent crimes, especially kidnapping, on Sunday, rescued a kidnapped victim, neutralised five kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition.
“This feat was achieved following credible information given to the command that hoodlums, suspected to be kidnappers, were operating in Ughoshi-Afe bush, Ibillo, in the Akoko Edo LGA, Edo State.“On receipt of the information, the command immediately mobilised its tactical team from Ibillo as well as the vigilantes and hunters to the scene. Read more
9 dead, 13 injured in Bauchi road crash– FRSC (Guardian)
Tragedy struck on Monday when nine persons lost their lives in a road crash that happened in Kwana Shettu village, along Potiskum-Azare road in Bauchi state.
Yusuf Abdullahi, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Tuesday. According to him, 13 others were seriously injured in the crash.
Adbullahi said the accident involved one commercial DAF trailer with number plate KTG08XC and a Toyota Hiace bus, adding that the accident occurred around 9:07 p.m.He said it took the personnel of the corps barely 10 minutes to arrive at the scene of the crash to clear the site.
The sector commander, who gave the name of the driver of the trailer simply as Alhaji Sani Ali, also attributed the cause of the crash to speed violation. “22 people were involved in the fatal road crash which included 21 male adults and one female adult. “Nine people who were all male adults lost their lives on the spot. “13 others sustained various degrees of injuries and they were 12 male adults and one female adult,’’ he said. Read more
Fabolous has Dave East and Meek Mill join him for NYC takeover in music video shoot (HipHopDX)
Fabolous was spotted in New York City filming a new music video with Dave East and Meek Mill on Monday (August 15).
Footage of the NYC meet-up surfaced online, showing the three rappers on top of a parking garage looking out into the Big Apple skyline as they performed their verses on an unreleased song. Other footage shows Fab, East and Meek hanging out in the middle of Times Square as fans pulled up to get a look at the rap trio.
There’s no word on when the video will drop or who the song is for, but it could end up on Fabolous’ forthcoming project, which he announced would drop in September at Conway The Machine’s Drumwork Fest in Buffalo over the weekend.
The news comes after Funk Flex issued a new music challenge to the Brooklyn rhyme spitter on Instagram earlier this month. Read more
‘Verzuz’ Battle On: Timbaland, Swizz Beatz sue Triller for $28M (THR)
A new Verzuz battle is brewing. Timbaland and Swizz Beatz on Tuesday evening sued Triller for breach of contract, alleging they’re owed more than $28 million from the aspiring TikTok rival.
Timbaland and Swizz Beatz launched the series on Instagram just after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. in March 2020. It began as a remote competition and, as restrictions lifted, pivoted to in-person live events streamed in real time on the social platform as well as Apple Music. Over the course of the series, dozens of artists have been featured including Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Alicia Keys, RZA and Ludacris. A battle between ’90s icons Brandy and Monica filmed at Tyler Perry Studios brought in more than 1.2 million concurrent viewers.
Triller in March 2021 announced it was acquiring Verzuz for an undisclosed sum in a deal that made Timbaland and Swizz Beatz shareholders in its parent company Triller Network.
It’s now clear that the sum was in the mid-eight figures. It was to be paid in installments: the first at closing, another shortly after and two more on the first and second anniversaries of the deal. Triller made the first two scheduled payments, but the company defaulted on their agreement in January 2022, according to the complaint filed in L.A. County Superior court by attorneys from Singh Singh & Trauben. Read more
Zoe Kravitz regrets commenting on Will Smith’s Oscars slap (FilmNews)
Zoe Kravitz has expressed regret over the way she called out Will Smith for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards in March.
The Men in Black star stunned the world when he slapped the comedian onstage after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, and went on to accept the Best Actor Oscar for King Richard around 40 minutes later.
Following the controversy, Zoe took to Instagram to post a snap of her wearing a white backless Saint Laurent dress as she posed at Vanity Fair’s annual Oscars after-party and added the caption, “Here is a picture of my dress at the party after the award show – where we are apparently screaming profanities and assaulting people on stage now.”
But in a new interview for The Wall Street Journal, the Big Little Lies actress admitted that she wished she handled the situation “differently”. Read more
Wolfgang Petersen, director of ‘Das Boot’ and ‘Air Force One,’ dead at 81 (CNN)
Wolfgang Petersen, the Oscar-nominated director of films like “Das Boot” and “Air Force One,” died on August 12, his spokesperson, Michelle Bega from Rogers & Cowan/PMK, told CNN. He was 81.
Petersen, a German filmmaker, earned the most awards acclaim in his career for his 1981 World War II epic “Das Boot,” but his career is populated by a number of films that hold special places in the hearts of cult action film lovers.
After writing and directing 1984’s children’s fantasy film “The NeverEnding Story,” he went on to make a string of action films with some of the biggest stars of their eras, like “In the Line of Fire” (starring Clint Eastwood and Rene Russo), “Outbreak” (with Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman and Russo) and “Air Force One” (with Harrison Ford and Glenn Close).
In the aughts, he continued the trend, helming “The Perfect Storm” with George Clooney and “Troy” with Brad Pitt and “Poseidon.” Read more
Grim Reaper lead singer Steve Grimmett passes on aged 62 (Guardian)
Steve Grimmett, the lead singer of GRIM REAPER, passed away at age 62. Mark Grimmett, Steve’s brother, announced his death on social media, writing: “I don’t really know where to start so I guess I will just come right out with it. I had to inform you all that he has passed away, as many of you knew him.
I do it with tremendous grief and a heavy heart. My heart goes out to Millie, Steve’s wife, my parents, Russell, Sami, and Ethan as well as my very gifted brother Steve Grimmett, who tragically passed away today. I love you, bro xx, and I will miss you more than I can ever express.
“Wait for me my love. Until we are together again. Your Millie xxx “(The family appreciate all the messages we’ve had so far but ask that you allow us to morn).”
Russ Grimmett, Steve’s son, also broke the news, writing: “We can’t even begin to express the emotions right now. However, because of how well-known dad was, the news is starting to spread sooner than we would have expected. Sadly, our father died away today, leaving a huge void in both the world and our hearts. We are heartbroken to the core. Good night, dad. You have our undying affection, xxx. The toughest thing I’ve ever had to write was what Steve’s widow Millie said in a statement: “On Monday, August 15, my husband Steve passed away abruptly and unexpectedly. Read more
Inside Elvis Presley’s will – earnings, debt, sole heir and royalties exposed (DailyStar)
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll Elvis Presley died 45 years ago, but despite being one of the most famous faces of music to ever exist, he left only a small fortune behind
Elvis Presley’s tragic death in 1977 shocked the world – but his relatively small will was another surprise that would come to light.
Now, 45 years since Elvis’ death, his music and legacy continues to be loved by fans across the world, with his records relived in the recently released biopic, which starred Austin Butler in the titular role.
However despite his huge fame, it is reported that Elvis only left a small fortune in his will following his death – with revelations about his royalties soon coming to light. From his manager taking a huge percentage of his earnings, to a huge tax bill, Daily Star takes a look inside Elvis Presley’s will and fortune. Read more
Selena Gomez, Rema’s kiss excites fans (Punch)
As part of his ongoing North America tour, Nigerian singer, Rema, stormed Los Angeles to host his concert, which was graced by popular American singer, Selena Gomez.
Highlights from the show include clips of the moment when the American singer was seen planting kisses on Rema’s face.
Sharing the video on his Twitter page late Monday, Rema declared his love for Gomez, adding that Los Angeles “gave me butterflies.”
Rema wrote, “LA gave me Butterflies, Love you @selenagomez & Big ups my brother @6LACK for keeping it real with me!” The kissing scenes, however, excited fans who reacted via Twitter. Read more
Premier League make Anthony Taylor decision after Chelsea petition hits 140,000 signatures
(Mirror)
The Premier League have played it safe with their backing of referee Anthony Taylor by keeping him involved for the next round of matches – but not for Chelsea’s trip to Leeds United.
Taylor was in charge of the ‘Battle of the Bridge part two’ on Sunday as Chelsea were held to a draw by Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. The Blues were in disbelief that they only emerged from the contest with a point after two controversial decisions went against them.
Harry Kane’s late equaliser came after Taylor and VAR official Mike Dean had opted against punishing Cristian Romero for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair in the penalty box. The subsequent corner saw Kane nod home and rescue a point deep into stoppage time, prompting thousands of Chelsea fans to launch a petition against Taylor.
Blues fans were also irate at Tottenham’s first equaliser in the 2-2 draw, after Kai Havertz appeared to have been fouled in the lead up to the goal. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was also sent off after the final whistle along with opposing boss Antonio Conte, following a second heated exchange. Read more
Ralf Schumacher ‘can’t imagine’ Ricciardo will get another F1 chance (F1i)
Ralf Schumacher reckons that Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from McLaren, if confirmed, will signal the end of the Aussie’s career in Formula 1.
Ricciardo is theoretically contracted to McLaren until the end of 2023, but the Woking-based outfit has allegedly signed up Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri to replace the eight-time Grand Prix winner whose results in the past two seasons have fallen short of his team’s expectations.
McLaren and Ricciardo are therefore reportedly in talks to reach a financial settlement that would cover the early termination of the Aussie’s three-year contract.
Ricciardo has been cited as the leading candidate to fill Aston Martin bound Fernando Alonso’s vacant seat at Alpine next year. Read more
Unvaccinated US swimmer welcomed to Australia with open arms just months after Novak Djokovic was deported (DailyMail)
Australia will roll out the red carpet for unvaccinated US swimmer Michael Andrew, just six months after deporting Novak Djokovic for refusing to get the Covid jab.
Andrew, 23, was one of his nation’s most controversial athletes at the Tokyo Olympics after opting to remain unvaccinated and refusing to wear a mask in the mixed zone following competition.
He won gold in the 4x100m medley relay and despite the media storm surrounding his vaccination status, Andrew has steadfastly refused to get jabbed.
And according to The Courier Mail, Andrew will be free to travel to Australia for this week’s Duel in the Pool between the US and Australia in Sydney, in a surprising move following the fiasco involving World No 1 Djokovic and the nation’s government. Read more
Vitali Klitschko divorcing model wife Natalia after 26 years of marriage (DailyStar)
Former heavyweight world champion Vitali Klitschko has confirmed that he is divorcing model wife Natalia after 26 years of marriage.
The 51-year-old has been mayor of Ukraine since 2014 after turning to politics after hanging up his boxing gloves. However, model wife and musician Natalia, aged 48, has been living in the German city of Hamburg ‘for years’.
Despite filing for divorce Klitschko told the German newspaper Bild, the pair have a ‘very good relationship’ and it is said that the two-time world champion writes to his wife every morning to tell her he is safe in Kyiv.
Talking to German newspaper Bild, he said: “We filed for divorce together because we have been living apart for years and now want to make it official. We have a very good relationship and respect each other, but we’ve been living separately in different cities for a long time.” Read more
Victor Moses to undergo surgery in Germany (Sun)
Spartak Moscow press chief, Dmitry Zelenov has revealed that Victor Moses is set to undergo surgery in Germany in the coming days.
The former Chelsea wingback suffered a serious injury during the first half of Spartak Moscow’s 2-0 win against Ural on matchday four in the Russian Premier League on Saturday, August 6.
Moses has been diagnosed with an Achilles tendon injury and faces at least six months on the sidelines, meaning he is not expected to return to action until after the winter break.The 31-year-old got few days of training under his belt with the Spartak Moscow squad before the season started because he was undecided about returning to Russia.
Moses’s injury absence is a big blow to Spartak Moscow as he was their standout player in the new season, netting two goals in his first three matches before suffering an injury against Ural.“Moses needs to undergo surgery. Most likely it will be Germany. I think that the operation will be at the beginning of this week,” Zelenov said to Sport Express.
I am aiming for Olympic gold – George (Vanguard)
Patience George, Commonwealth Silver Medalist and Gold Medalist in the All African Games, said she has her eyes in winning an Olympic gold before quitting the sports that brought her fame.
George, who placed 6th in the last Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Calabar.George, who is currently the 400m title holder in the National Sports Festival (NSF), said she also aimed to break the Africa record before quitting the sport.
The athlete, who spoke on a wide range of issues affecting Nigerian athletes in big events, attributed her success story so far to her passion for sports.
George, with a personal best of 50:71 seconds in 400m, said she remained optimistic of breaking the 48:54secs Africa record set by Namibia’s teenager, Christine Mboma, as she was already working towards achieving the feat.
Man City sign Gomez from Anderlecht for £11m (Punch)
Manchester City on Tuesday confirmed the signing of Spanish left-back Sergio Gomez from Anderlecht on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £11 million.
The Under-21 international becomes the Premier League champions’ fourth signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, and Stefan Ortega Moreno.
“City are the best team in England and, in Pep Guardiola, I have a chance to learn and develop under the most outstanding manager in world football,” said the 21-year-old, who was previously a Barcelona youth player.
“To be able to be part of this club is a dream come true for me and something any young player would aspire to.” City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said Gomez was an “exciting young talent”. Read more
Van Dijk says Nunez must ‘control himself’ after Liverpool red card (Guardian)
Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez (2nd L) is sent off from the pitch by referee Paul Tierney (L) after committing a foul during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield stadium, in Liverpool, north west England on August 15, 2022. Virgil van Dijk said new Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez must learn to “control himself” after being sent off for a reckless headbutt during Monday’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
The 23-year-old Uruguayan, who signed from Benfica in June, was shown a straight red card in the 57th minute at Anfield for his foul on Joachim Andersen and will serve a three-match ban. Colombia’s Luis Diaz scored a brilliant equaliser after Liverpool were reduced to 10 men to cancel out Wilfried Zaha’s first-half opener.
But the draw meant more dropped points for Jurgen Klopp’s team, who have just two points after their first two matches of the Premier League season. Klopp is already short of attacking options — Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino were absent from the squad for the Palace game and Nunez will now miss games against Manchester United, Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Van Dijk said Nunez had the support of his teammates but must learn to stay calm. “He’s got the backing from us and he knows it should not happen again and hopefully it will be that way,” said the defender. Read more
Paige VanZant claims her accomplishments ‘shock’ people but life is ‘not that hard’ (Daily Star)
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship star Paige VanZant admits her life is “not that hard” despite her numerous commitments.
The former UFC star’s search for an elusive first victory in bare knuckle boxing will continue at BKFC London, where she will take on Charisa Sigala. VanZant is currently 0-2 in the bloody fighting division, but she is hoping the clash, that has been dubbed the ‘OnlyFans Championship’ by fighting fans, will be the time she breaks her duck.
However, VanZant has plenty of other financial and personal interests outside of the ring. She continues to grow her OnlyFans audience and even starred in her first ever movie recently/ But while she admits to being a very busy person, VanZant is not looking to garner any sympathy.
“Honestly, it’s really, not that hard,” VanZant said in an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport, when asked how she fits all of her other activities in with her training. “I get to wake up and go to training, [and] put myself in the position to take those opportunities that help propel me to a brighter future and make my life easier to live. Read more