44 kidnapped Zamfara worshippers working on bandits’ millet plantations (Tribune)
The 44 Zamfara worshippers who were kidnapped by bandits are now working on the bandits’ plantations.
It would be recalled that the worshippers were kidnapped at Zugu village of Bukkuyum local government area of the state last Friday.
A resident of Bukkuyum, Abubakar Bukkuyum, dropped the hint in an interview with newsmen on the fate of the abductees.
He affirmed that information he received from one of the bandits who communicated with them is that the captives are working on their millet and sorghum plantations. Read more
Stock investors lose N30b in one day (Punch)
The equities market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited declined by N30bn at the end of trading on Monday as 18 firms saw their share prices fall.
The NGX All-Share Index closed at 49,991.41 basis points on Monday from 50,045.83 on Friday, while the market capitalisation fell to N26.964tn from N26.994tn.
A total of 200.92 million shares valued at N1.45bn were traded by investors in 3,976 deals at the end of trading on the floor of the NGX on Monday.
Twelve companies recorded share price appreciation while 18 firms’ share prices declined. Read more
Fresh fuel scarcity looms in North as IPMAN begins warning strike (DailyTrust)
Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in nine Northern states has embarked on three days withdrawal of services at depots as warning strike over non-payment of their bridging claims amounting to N70 billion.
Addressing a press conference on Monday in Maiduguri, the spokesman for IPMAN in Borno State, Abdulkadir Mustapha, said the non-payment is inflicting untold hardship to their teaming members, “Hence we have resolved at our meeting held in Kano state to withdraw our services at the depots for three days.”
Mustapha threaten that failure of authorities to respond and pay all their unsettled claims would result in indefinite strike and shutting down of all filling stations. Read more
Fresh nationwide strike looms in power sector (Vanguard)
Two weeks after suspension of the nationwide strike by electricity workers that threw the nation into blackout, indications have emerged of a fresh looming strike over alleged unwillingness of government to resolve issues of unpaid entitlements to former workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN.
This came as Vanguard gathered that some government agencies, including the anti-graft bodies, are allegedly harassing labour leaders in the sector over the agreements reached with government during the privatisation of the sector.
The issue of unpaid benefits was one of the reasons that led to the industrial action by the workers in the industry, under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, and Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEC, two weeks ago.
Vanguard gathered that as the committee set up to resolve the issues meets today, the issue of unpaid benefits to some of the ex-PHCN workers had become a stumbling block to resolving the issues. Read more
Ogun PRP guber candidate dies at 54 (Nation)
The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) candidate in Ogun State, Prof. David Bamgbose, is dead.
Bamgbose, 54, died on Friday, September 2, six days after he was announced as the party’s candidate.
The Nation gathered that he died on Friday morning at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, after a brief illness.
He was said to have complained of tiredness a day earlier, and was taken to a hospital around Olomore, where he was referred to the Federal Medical Central, Abeokuta.
He was then admitted at the emergency ward in Lantoro where he was given oxygen till Friday morning that he passed away. Read more
Mercy Chinwo’s husband praises singer on 31st birthday (Punch)
Popular gospel artiste, Mercy Chinwo, celebrated her 31st birthday on Monday, and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, penned an emotional message to her.
Sharing pictures of his wife on his Instagram page, the pastor of Waterbrook Church described the singer as his reward from God.
The duo got married in a series of colourful events last month, in the presence of family and well-wishers.The newlywed wrote, “Happy 31st birthday to my queen, @mercychinwo, my reward from God and the physical evidence that I’m blessed! The fulfilment of a prophecy. The spoken word of God made flesh. The wife of the priesthood! My safe place, my joy, and peace.
“The tangible evidence that the Lord is pleased with me and a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. Thank you for being my best friend, sister, and wife. Thank you for saying yes to me. Read more
Helen Paul bags presidential lifetime achievement award in US (Nation)
Actress, TV show host, and comedian Helen Paul has once again added another feather to her cap. She has become a recipient of the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement award.
Delighted about the feat, the entertainer, who is a professor at Heart Bible International University, said she feels privileged to receive the award from the President of the United States, Joe Biden.
“I’m honoured and privileged to be
awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by the Heart Bible International University. The Award ceremony was held in Hartford Connecticut, USA and this award is a prestigious award from the President of the United States, President Joe Biden.
Oyo State has lost a worthy son, Oduyoye mourns Muraina (Independent)
Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, has mourned the death of the president of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Major-General Abdullahi Muraina (retd).
Oduyoye, who described Muraina as a worthy son of Ibadan, noted that his death in Dubai was a huge loss to Oyo State and Nigeria.
The former two-term member of the House of Representatives and Minority Whip of the Alliance for Democracy in the House, commiserated with the family of the late military chief on behalf of the Oyo State Government, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the General.
Oduyoye expressed heartfelt condolences to the wife of the deceased, his friends and Ibadanland. Read more
Headies have chosen to ignore me for years- Masterkraft (DailyTrust)
Popular Nigerian music producer, Sunday Nweke professionally known as Masterkraft, has called out the organisers of The Headies for not recognising him or his contribution to the Nigerian music industry in their recently held award ceremony.
He made a public statement on his verified Twitter account, to reflect his dissatisfaction with the event’s organisers.
The organisers of the Headies award had announced the nominees for the 15th edition on May 24, a list which Mastercraft didn’t make in the category of the ‘Producer Of The Year’.
Mastercraft asserted that despite his tribute to the music industry, the Headies had chosen to ignore him for years, adding that he will not allow the snub to prevent him from accomplishing his goal of being a legend.
Masterkraft tweeted; “And while I can, I have been a blessing to this Naija music industry for years and will forever be a legend to anybody who chooses to be excellent, exceptional and special in the music space of this continent. And while the @The_Headies have chosen to ignore me for years.Read more
Truck driver kills couple, daughter, two others (Nation)
Five persons, including a couple and their daughter died in an accident in Enugu Agidi, along Enugu-Awka expressway in Anambra State.
The crash, which occurred around 7.20pm on Sunday, involved a Red Truck and a black Lexus RX330 Jeep with five persons on board.
The Nation gathered that the truck driver, reportedly drunk, was on top speed when he suddenly lost control and rammed into the Lexus SUV, carrying the couple, their daughter and two friends.
“It was my class mate with his younger brother, a friend wife of the younger brother and their daughter that the drunk truck driver kill,” a source said.
Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi confirmed the incident, attributing the cause of the crash to excessive speed. Read more
Liz Truss vows energy crisis action ahead of first day as PM (BBC)
Liz Truss has promised to deal with surging energy costs and to cut taxes, after she won the Tory leadership contest to become the next PM.
Part of her plan, set to be announced on Thursday, could allow energy suppliers to take out government-backed loans in order to subsidise bills.
Ms Truss will succeed Boris Johnson after being formally appointed by the Queen at Balmoral Castle on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old, the UK’s third woman PM, will then announce her cabinet.
In her victory speech, she promised a “bold” programme of tax cuts to grow the flagging economy and to prevent the UK tipping into recession. Read more
One-off stage being built for Garth Brooks 5-day concert ‘extravaganza’ (Standard)
Organisers have said the five Garth Brooks concerts in Ireland will be an “extravaganza” that could be its biggest ever music event, and have warned those attending to prepare their journey to and from the Dublin venue.
Spokespeople for the promoter said that the stage was designed specifically for the Irish concerts and is being assembled by specialists from the US.
“It is going to be an extravaganza,” Aiken Promotions event controller Jim Clarke said on Monday.
“This equipment, a lot of it, has been flown directly in Ireland from America. It is a one-off, it’s not part of the established tour. So everything we’re doing here we’re doing for the first time.” Read more
Don McLean clarifies Adele feud comments (NME)
Don McLean has clarified comments he made about Adele after she postponed her Las Vegas residency earlier this year.
In an interview with Greatest Music Of All Time podcast, McLean previously spoke about how modern musicians didn’t have enough respect for their audiences.
“They are all very rich and very spoiled and they don’t really care about the audience. They think the audience should kiss their ass and that is the opposite to how I feel,” he said at the time.
“I feel honoured to play for people. I know they are spending money and taking time out of their lives. But I come from a different time. Guys like The Beach Boys worked really hard and so did Paul McCartney.” Read more
Canada stabbings: One suspect found dead (BBC)
Canada police have said that one of the two suspects in Sunday’s mass stabbings in Saskatchewan has been found dead.
The body of Damien Sanderson, 31, was found in the James Smith Cree Nation, home to several victims, they said.
The two suspects were brothers and police say Myles Sanderson is still at large and believed to be in the city of Regina.
On Sunday, 10 people were stabbed to death in one of the worst acts of violence in Canada’s recent history.
The attacks – which left another 18 people injured – happened in a remote region of Saskatchewan. Read more
In Bruges trio bring west of Ireland to Venice premiere (RTE)
In Bruges stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson and writer-director Martin McDonagh are at the Venice International Film Festival for the world premiere of their eagerly awaited new movie The Banshees of Inisherin.
Set on an island off the west coast of Ireland in 1923, The Banshees of Inisherin follows lifelong friends Pádraic (Farrell) and Colm (Gleeson), who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship.
US entertainment trade publication Deadline reports that at a press conference ahead of the premiere, both Farrell and Gleeson spoke about the film getting to the heart of male friendship and the dark comedy’s power in today’s ever-more-hectic world.
“I’m glad to see male friendship as something valuable at the moment when the readjustment of everyone’s relationships with everybody is under reconsideration,” said Gleeson. Read more
Brendan Fraser breaks down in tears, as ‘The Whale’ receives standing ovation (NYPost)
Brendan Fraser appeared in the spotlight once again at the Venice Film Festival and was praised for his role in the upcoming Darren Aronofsky movie, “The Whale.”
The 53-year-old actor kept his best composure while walking the red carpet of the famed festival, only to break down in tears once inside the cinema as theatergoers gave the star a six-minute standing ovation for his performance, according to Variety.
Fraser, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight after addressing physical ailments due to performing many of his own stunts on screen, was then also plagued by the mental repercussion of an alleged sexual assault incident that happened in 2003.
He’s returning to the silver screen again for what many believe could be an Oscar contending role as Charlie, a 600-pound gay man who feels as though his life is coming to an end. Read more
Germany, Israel mark 50 years since Munich Olympics massacre (RFI)
Germany and Israel’s presidents on Monday lead commemorations marking 50 years since the Munich Olympics attack, with hopes that a long-awaited compensation deal for bereaved families will finally help them heal from the painful episode.
A row over the financial offer previously made by Berlin to victims’ relatives had threatened to sour the ceremony, with family members planning a boycott.
But a deal was finally agreed last Wednesday for Berlin to provide €28 million in compensation. It also, for the first time, saw the German state acknowledge its “responsibility” in failings that led to the deaths of 11 Israelis.
Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier admitted Sunday it was “shameful” that it had taken such a long time for Berlin to reach an agreement with victims’ families. Read more
US Open: Rafael Nadal stunned by Frances Tiafoe in 4th round (BBC)
Rafael Nadal has been beaten in a Grand Slam for the first time in 2022, losing to Frances Tiafoe in the US Open fourth round.
American Tiafoe thrilled the home crowd with a 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3 win over four-time champion Nadal in New York.
The defeat ended the Spaniard’s bid for a record-extending 23rd major singles title.
Nadal led the fourth set 3-1 before Tiafoe hit back, winning five games in a row to secure his quarter-final spot.
He will face Russian ninth seed Andrey Rublev for a place in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows. Read more
Iheanacho, Sadiq, other African players who painted Europe red with goals at weekend (DailyTrust)
Nigerians Kelechi Iheanacho and Umar Sadiq were among the Africans who scored in the major European leagues at the weekend.
Iheanacho celebrated a return to the starting line-up with a goal 53 seconds after the kick-off for Leicester City, but Brighton stormed back for a 5-2 Premier League victory.
Sadiq netted on his debut for Real Sociedad with a close-range header to earn a 1-1 La Liga draw against Atletico Madrid.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester)
Iheanacho had a dream start against Brighton, opening the scoring in the first minute after turning in a cross from Patson Daka. But bottom of the table Leicester still succumbed to a heavy defeat.
Patson Daka (Leicester)
After being the provider for the Foxes’ opener, the Zambian equalised before half-time to make it 2-2 in the 33rd minute when he ran onto a lofted pass from Youri Tielemans and beat goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Cheikhhou Kouyate (Nottingham Forest)
All looked good for Forest against fellow newly promoted strugglers Bournemouth when Senegal star Kouyate gave them an early lead with a powerful header from six yards. Read more
Fury offers Joshua chance to fight this year (BBC)
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has offered Anthony Joshua the chance to fight for his belt before the end of this year.
Fury, 34, is looking for an opponent after rival Oleksandr Usyk, the WBO, WBA and IBF champion, suggested he will not return to the ring until 2023.
Joshua, who was beaten by the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia last month, responded to Fury’s challenge by saying he would be “ready in December”.
Fury said in April he was retiring.
But in a video posted on social media on Monday, he said: “You’ve all heard that I’m going to be fighting within the next few months, and before I announce an opponent I need to do this just in case. Read more
I will play free of charge for Akwa – Enyeama (Punch)
After 17 years of quitting the Nigeria Professional Football League for a career in Europe, former Super Eagles captain and two-time CAF Champions League winner Vincent Enyeama has hinted at the possibility of making a sensational return to the Nigerian league.
Enyeama got his breakthrough at Ibom Stars, where he made 56 appearances and scored a goal, before joining Enyimba in 2001.
During his three years stint at Enyimba, the goalkeeper had 100 appearances and was on target on 10 occasions.
Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Africa, Enyeama won three league titles and two CAF Champions League with the Aba Elephant. Read more
Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal will learn from defeat and come back stronger (IrishExaminer)
Gabriel Jesus has stated Arsenal are a young team and so have to learn from the “frustration” of Sunday’s 3-1 loss at Manchester United that ended their 100% record.
The Brazil striker is only 25 but is vastly experienced and has claimed multiple honours including four Premier League titles with Manchester City. While Arsenal impressed at times against Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford, Jesus admitted they were naive.
“The feeling is frustration because we play, we control the game and [before] the first two goals we concede we were better than them, the opponent. And then we just concede,” he said. “But now is the time to learn from it and improve. We are doing so well this season but there are still things to improve for everyone, as individuals and as a team. Everyone is together and we stick together until the end.
“We came to play against a strong opponent and it’s always hard, it’s the Premier League. So we are not happy because, in my opinion, we could win because we played so much better [than them]. But that’s football, they have quality as well and then if you don’t go there and kill, you are going to have a big problem – and that’s what happened.” Read more
Diego Costa set for Wolves medical ahead of potential contract offer after Sasa Kalajdzic injury (Sky)
Diego Costa will undergo a medical with Wolves on Tuesday.
If Costa passes his medical, it is more than likely he will be offered a contract by Wolves as they look to replace new signing Sasa Kalajdzic, who will visit a knee specialist after suffering an ACL injury at the weekend.
Costa is a free agent and Bruno Lage’s side are able to complete a deal to sign him outside the transfer window.
Wolves had been looking for a new striker since the start of the summer and thought they found the answer when they brought in Kalajdzic from Stuttgart in a £15.5m deal plus add-ons. Read more
Novak Djokovic pulls out of Serbia’s Davis Cup team (Tennis365)
Serbian No 1 Novak Djokovic has rescinded his availability for Serbia’s Davis Cup commitments citing ‘personal reasons’ as the motivation.
Djokovic had been due to travel to Spain for Serbia’s Davis Cup Finals Group Stage matches against Spain, Korea and Canada, but it has been confirmed that the former World No 1 has pulled out of the team event.
Serbia captain Viktor Troicki revealed that Djokovic had advised that he would be unavailable to lead his country’s efforts to repeat their sensational triumph of 2010.
“Nole will not play for personal reasons. It’s his personal matter. Simply, this time he will be prevented from playing, but he will join the national team if we qualify for the final tournament in Malaga in November.” Read more