Buildings destroyed as explosion rocks Ibadan (Vanguard)
Residents in various parts of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, were terrified yesterday as a deafening sound, which appeared to be a massive explosion shook most parts of the city.
There were, however, unformed reports that many people were feared dead following the explosion in Ibadan.
It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion or where it originated. Windows were reportedly blown out at several locations, including at a pharmacy and a restaurant. Read more
Student jailed 6 years for stealing phone in Borno (DailyTrust)
A magistrates’ court sitting in Maiduguri, Borno State, has sentenced a female student, Balkisu Baba Shehu, to six years in prison for stealing a phone.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Jarus Manu, told the court that one Mercy Babayo (27) of Customs Barracks, Maiduguri, reported at the Gwange Police Division that Balkisu Baba Shehu, who was her friend, collected her Infinix Hot 12 phone valued at N70,000 for safe keeping in her handbag when they went to the Monday Market.
Manu said that on reaching home from the market, Mercy discovered that her phone was missing from the handbag, noting that two phones were in the handbag but that only Mercy’s got missing. Read more
Family blames husband for pregnant wife’s death (Punch)
The family of a three-month-old pregnant mother of six, Deborah Fawolere, who died at the Gbagada General Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, has accused the husband of having a hand in the death of his wife.
PUNCH Metro learnt from the sister of the late wife, Toluwalase Adedoyin, that the husband, Idowu Fawolere, did not at any point in their relationship resist the urge to physically assault the wife, even while she was carrying his seventh child.
Although the husband denied the allegation during an interview with PUNCH Metro that he had never physically assaulted his wife, Adedoyin claimed that her late sister had left Fawolere’s house on account of assault and violence at different times in the past. Read more
I slept at Villa for 8 years, no witch haunted me – Adesina (Channels)
Former presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, has again disregarded claims that the Aso Villa in Abuja is a haunted place.
Adesina, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, said he slept soundly at the Villa for eight years as spokesman for then President Muhammadu Buhari from May 2015 to May 2023.
“I didn’t see anything like that; no witches, no wizards, nothing like that in the Villa,” the veteran journalist said when asked about claims made by his predecessor, Reuben Abati, in 2016. Read more
Reps begin probe of COVID-19 intervention funds (Tribune)
The leadership of the House of Representatives on Tuesday night unveiled plans to commence an investigative hearing on the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 Intervention Funds expended between 2020 and 2022.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi gave the hint via a statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents.
He said: “The House of Representatives is set to commence an investigative hearing on the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 Intervention Funds expended between 2020 and 2022. Read more
Uzodimma dissolves cabinet (Sun)
Governor Hope Uzodimma has dissolved the Imo State expanded executive council members, with a promise that the soon to be reconstituted EXCO will still accommodate those of them who distinguished themselves in their service during his first term of four years.
Those affected in the dissolution include all members of the expanded EXCO, including Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
Addressing a gathering of all his political appointees on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma thanked members of the expanded executive council and other political office holders for their support throughout the first four years of his government, even in the face of challenges, but more importantly for working hard to ensure that his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), overwhelmingly won the governorship election in Imo State on November 11, 2023. Read more
Woman arraigned over alleged cyber-bullying, threat to kill (Nation)
A woman, Folashade Olalude, has been arraigned by the police for alleged cyber-bullying and threatening to kill a businessman, Alhaji Lawal Abdullateef.
Olalude was arraigned before Chief Magistrate O. A Fowowe-Ersiafe, of Ebute-Metta, Chief Magistrate Court, on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, intent to steal, cyber-bullying and for threatening to kill the businessman.
The prosecutor, Henry Obiazi, told the court that the defendant and others now at large, between 2015 and 2022, conspired among themselves to commit the alleged offences. Read more
Expert laments volatile policies, urge business executives on flexibility (Guardian)
President of the Ikeja Business Club, Tajudeen Akande, has stressed the need for the current administration to think through policies and exercise patience after formulating them, saying this would create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Speaking at the New Year get-together of the organisation, tagged, ‘Adapting to a rapidly changing economic environment,’ Akande lamented the challenge of policy reversal or adjustment in a business environment.
According to him, given the role of government to create an economic environment where businesses thrive, it needs to think through policies before it is brought on board. Read more
Sharon Stone reveals she pitched a Barbie movie in 1990s that studio ‘laughed’ off (People)
Sharon Stone is recalling a time when she had Barbie dreams of her own that were dismissed.
The actress, 65, remembered a past Barbie pitch she made in a comment on America Ferrera’s Monday Instagram post, which showed the Barbie actress’s speech as she accepted the SeeHer Award at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards on Sunday.
“I was laughed out [of] the studio when I came up with the Barbie idea in the 90s with the support of the head of Barbie,” Stone wrote. “How far we’ve come, thank you ladies for your courage and endurance.” Read more
Kate Moss celebrates 50th birthday partying in Paris with boyfriend Nikolai von Bismarck (OK!)
Over thirty years on since she stunned shoppers around the globe as the face of Calvin Klein, super model Kate Moss barely appeared to have aged a day as she celebrated her 50th birthday party in the fashion capital of the world, Paris.
The stunning fashionista was treated to a star studded bash on Tuesday as she celebrated the milestone birthday alongside her on-off again boyfriend Nikolai Von Bismark, 37.
For her party, Kate was whisked off to The Ritz to celebrate a bash she herself had been planning for “a long time,” which consisted of an intimate brunch as well as a more lavish affair later on. Read more
No Doubt among Coachella headliners with Tyler, the Creator, Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat (Fox)
Coachella’s 2024 lineup is out and Orange County’s own No Doubt is reuniting as one of the festival’s headliners.
No Doubt joins Tyler, the Creator, Lana Del Rey and Doja cat as co-headliners of Coachella 2024.
The festival will be held in two separate weekends. The first weekend is scheduled for Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14. The second weekend is scheduled for Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21. Read more
Lynne Marta, Joe Kidd, Footloose actress, dead at 78 (NYPost)
Lynne Marta, the actress who appeared in movies like Joe Kidd and Footloose, and on the TV series Love, American Style, has died. She was 78.
Her friend, Chris Saint-Hilaire, told The Hollywood Reporter that Marta died Thursday in her Los Angeles home after a battle with cancer.
Survivors include her sister, MJ, and her cat, Mr. Peaches, the outlet reports. Read more
Measles is spreading like wildfire across the UK thanks to anti-vaxxers (Metro)
The UK is in the grip of a sudden spike in measles, with health officials declaring the outbreak a ‘national incident’.
The surge has been linked to a decline in vaccine uptake, as a rise in health disinformation and ‘anti-vax’ conspiracy theories has put parents off getting their children jabbed.
There were 209 laboratory confirmed cases in 2023 – almost quadruple the number recorded in the previous year. Read more
George Clooney on why he has “more fun” directing than acting (THR)
George Clooney is opening up about why he has “more fun” directing than he does acting.
The Oscar winner recently spoke with Sky News about his latest directorial project, the film The Boys in the Boat.
During the interview, Clooney admitted that when it comes to directing compared to acting, “It’s more fun, you have a lot more control. I get to boss them around and I don’t have to learn how to row,” he quipped. Read more
Israel and Hamas have agreed deal on medicine for hostages, aid to Gaza, Qatar says (CNN)
Qatar says it has brokered a deal between Israel and Hamas that will see medicines delivered to Israeli hostages in Gaza in exchange for the delivery of medicine and humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.
“Medicine along with other humanitarian aid is to be delivered to civilians in the Gaza Strip, in the most affected and vulnerable areas, in exchange for delivering medication needed for Israeli captives in Gaza,” the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday in a statement posted on X.
The medications and aid will leave Doha on Wednesday and head to Egypt before being transported to Gaza, the ministry added. It is unclear when the medicines are expected to reach Gaza. Read more
Iheanacho trains with Eagles (Punch)
Nigerian forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, has rejoined the Super Eagles training camp following recovery from an injury as the team prepares for their next match against hosts Ivory Coast at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
His return comes as a significant boost to the Nigerian squad, who are eager to make their mark in the tournament and desperate to win their next game after dropping points in their first match.
The Eagles played out a 1-1 draw in their opening game against Equatorial Guinea, held at the Alassanne Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan. Iheanacho was unable to play in the game due as he was still struggling for match fitness. Read more
Namibia shock Tunisia to seal first ever Africa Cup of Nations victory (France24)
Namibia produced the biggest shock so far in an Africa Cup of Nations full of upsets in the Ivory Coast by snatching a 1-0 triumph over former champions Tunisia on Tuesday.
It was a historic first victory in the flagship African tournament for the Brave Warriors, who defeated and drew with another top team, Cameroon, in qualifiers for the 2024 edition.
Deon Hotto headed the only goal of the opening match in Group E with two minutes of regular time remaining to raise the number of surprise results to six from 10 matches after only four days. Read more
Table tennis: Nigeria drawn against tough oppositions in ITTF World Team Championships (Leadership)
The Nigerian men’s table tennis team faces a challenging opening round in the upcoming 2024 ITTF World Team Championships, drawn against powerhouse Japan, skilled team Chinese Taipei, the ever-determined Czech Republic, and the rising Madagascar.
This competitive Group A will be one to watch as each team battles for a coveted spot in the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian women’s team also encountered a formidable path in Group D, clashing with the world-renowned German squad, the consistently strong Slovakian players, the experienced Polish team, and the dynamic Mexican outfit. Read more
David Moyes expects West Ham transfer action after FA Cup loss to Bristol City (Standard)
David Moyes says he expects reinforcements to arrive at West Ham this month after Said Benrahma’s red card at Bristol City added to his attacking crisis.
Benrahma was sent off before the hour-mark as the Hammers crashed out of the FA Cup following a 1-0 replay defeat against the Championship side at Ashton Gate.
Moyes was without Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, Lucas Paqueta and Pablo Fornals for the trip because of injury, while Mohammed Kudus is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Read more
McLaren unveils fresh livery for 2024 contender (F1i)
McLaren will head into the 2024 F1 season with a modified livery on its MCL38 car principally featuring its popular historic papaya base color, anthracite and a touch of chrome.
The Woking-based outfit managed by Andrea Stella – the chief architect of the team’s remarkable 202 turnaround – showcased the new scheme on its 2023-spec machine, while the Italian let slip that it actual MCL38, that will be raced once again by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, will be rolled out on February 14, the same day as Mercedes.
The car’s moniker marks a return to the numbering system employed before the MCL60, named in celebration of the team’s 60th anniversary in 2023, and skips the unused MCL37. Read more
6-seed Ons Jabeur ousted in Australian Open 2nd round (ESPN)
Sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur is out of the Australian Open in the second round after being upset by 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva 6-0, 6-2 on Wednesday.
The Russian teenager, who was runner-up in the junior event here last year, took advantage of 24 unforced errors by last year’s Wimbledon runner-up as she won in just 54 minutes.
Andreeva, who was making her fourth appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam event after debuting at last year’s French Open, also had the distinction of being the first player through to the third round at Melbourne Park this year. Read more