Cambridge University college hands back looted cockerel to Nigeria (BBC)
The master of a Cambridge University college has described the return of a looted bronze cockerel to representatives of Nigeria as a “momentous occasion”.
The statue, known as the “Okukur”, was taken by British colonial forces in 1897 and given to Jesus College in 1905 by the father of a student.
A decision for it to be returned was made in 2019 after students campaigned.
A ceremony has been held at the college to sign the handover documents.
“It’s massively significant,” said Sonita Alleyne, master of Jesus College. “It’s a momentous occasion.” Read more
FEC approves NNPC to fix 21 federal roads at N621.2b (Nation)
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday gave the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) the go-ahead to take over the reconstruction of 21 federal roads across the country.
This was disclosed after the weekly virtual meeting of the FEC, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the council meeting, the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola the selected 21 roads are 1804.6 kilometres.
According to him, this is in line with Executive Order No. 007 of 2019 cited as the Companies Income Tax (Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme) Order, 2019 (“EO7 of 2019” or “the Scheme”), signed by President Muhammadu Buhari.Read more
UNILAG, UNIBEN others emerge Centres of Excellence in Procurement (Vanguard)
The Federal Government is set to implement the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project for the production of experts in procurement, environmental and social standards in the country.
In that direction, six federal universities have been selected to host the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Centres of Excellence (SPESSCEs) for the implementation.
They are the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, (ATBU), Bauchi; Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM); Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO); University of Benin (UNIBEN) and University of Lagos (UNILAG).
SPESSE is a multi-sectoral project, with support from the World Bank, which seeks to address training, professionalisation and research in procurement, environmental and social standards, through certification, undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies; to support governance, increase transparency, competition, equal opportunity, sustainability as well as environmental and social standard management in the public and private sectors. It will be implemented by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Federal Ministry of Environment and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Dvelopment. Read more
Fraudsters have created fake eNaira social media handles, CBN alerts Nigerians (DailyTrust)
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted the public about fake social media handles of eNaira.
President Muhammadu Buhari launched the country’s digital currency on Monday.
In a statement on Wednesday, the apex bank said impostors are already defrauding people.
“Following the formal launch of the eNaira on Monday, October 25, 2021, the attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to criminal and illegal activities of some individuals and a fraudulent twitter handle, @enaira_cbdc purported to belong to the Bank. Read more
Nigerians must work for Nigeria where no one is oppressed – Archbishop Martins (Sun)
The Catholic archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev Dr Alfred Adewale Martins, has expressed a strong wish to see a new Nigeria where no one is oppressed, an equitable, united Nigeria that will be fair to all. He challenged Catholic priests to bear in mind that they are agents of change and reorientation, urging them to work to see a new Nigeria happen.
Archbishop Martins was speaking at the 2021 Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Catholic Priests’ Association (NCDPA), an umbrella body of all indigenous diocesan Catholic priests drawn from all the Catholic dioceses across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja. The event is holding at St Leo’s Catholic Church, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos; it will last from October 15 to October 29.
In his homily at the Holy Mass attended by the Archbishop Emeritus of the Lagos Province, Anthony Cardinal Okogie; bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Most Rev Francis Obafemi Fasina, representatives of the Lagos State government, the state chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Lagos Traditional Council, Archbishop Martins also warned the priests to be careful about setting up their own private ministries.
‘We pray that the church will emerge from an equitable nation where none will be oppressed and that the nation will live in love and unity. Read more
EFCC boss urges corps members to be change agents (Leadership)
The executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa, has enjoined members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to take ownership of the fight against corruption in order to redeem the image of the country for sustainable development.
In an address delivered on his behalf by the Head, Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Command of EFCC, Ayodele Babatunde, during the orientation lecture for 2021 Batch C Stream 1 corps members at Ise-Orun orientation camp, Ekiti State, Bawa expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome the various socio-economic challenges confronting it through strong determination by youths and other stakeholders to shun corruption.
The EFCC boss, who identified the youths as critical stakeholders in the fight against corruption, admonished them to resist the temptation of being lured into cybercrimes, warning that, “the end is perilous and shameful”.
Bawa urged the corps members to be shinning examples to other by staying away from crime. Read more
2023: Why Nigerians want PDP’s return to power – Aniagwu (Vanguard)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Nigerians were desirous of its return to power at the centre to fix the myriad of economic, security and governance challenges bedeviling the nation.
Aniagwu, Commissioner for Information in Delta, and member of the PDP National Convention Publicity sub-committee, spoke on ‘Democracy’ on Africa Independent Television, AIT, in Abuja said that after more than six years in office, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had failed to proffer solutions to nation’s challenges.
Aniagwu said the people want PDP returned to power because the economy is not in good shape and as a country so much more is desired from the government by the people.
“You do know that Nigeria has two major political parties, and you don’t need a soothsayer to make you understand what the word ‘governance’ is all about. Read more
Again, gunmen strike in Imo, kill young man (Tribune)
Unknown gunmen have killed a young man identified as Fidelis Nnadi, in Imo State.
The incident occurred along Okwele Road in Umuezealaibe Abba in the Nwangele Local Government Area of the state.
The young man hails from Ogwuoga in Abba in Nwangele LGA of Imo State.
The Police Public Relations Officer of Imo State Police Command Owerri, CSP Michael Abatham, confirmed the incident.
He said that the details of the incident would soon be communicated to the media. Read more
Brazil, Embraer celebrate Air Peace as it turns 7, laud Onyema’s leadership (Sun)
The Brazilian government has lauded the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Peace, Allen Onyema as the airline recently celebrated its seventh anniversary.
The Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ricardo Guerra de Araujo, and the General Manager for Embraer, the country’s aerospace conglomerate, Hussein Dabbas, both celebrated the growth of Air Peace as the carrier marked its anniversary on October 24.
At the 2021 Brazil-Nigeria Aviation and Defence Trade Forum 2021 organised by the Brazilian Embassy in Abuja recently, Guerra de Araujo commended the leadership of Onyema, and the entire management team for their efforts in taking the airline to the great heights it has attained within seven years.
‘Air Peace has made remarkable achievements, investing in brand new airplanes and should be proud of itself for becoming a leader in Nigeria’s aviation,’ the diplomat said. Read more
Rookie ‘Rust’ armorer once made Nicolas Cage storm off film set after firing gun(NYPost)
A furious Nicolas Cage stormed off the set of a film where Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was in charge of weapons — and ripped the rookie armorer for firing a gun without warning, crew members said in a new report.
The 24-year-old “Rust” armorer — in charge of guns when Alec Baldwin shot dead cinematographer Halyna Hutchins last Thursday — was repeatedly accused by crew members of breaking basic safety protocols on the Montana set of Cage’s “The Old Way” in August, they told the Wrap.
Cage even walked off set screaming at Gutierrez-Reed after she fired a gun without warning for the second time in three days, the movie’s key grip, Stu Brumbaugh, told the outlet.
“Make an announcement, you just blew my f—ing eardrums out!” Cage yelled before walking off in a rage, Brumbaugh recalled. Read more
Lightyear’ Trailer: Chris Evans Voices a New Take on Iconic ‘Toy Story’ Space Ranger(ET)
Toy Story fans, get ready to go to infinity and beyond on a new Buzz Lightyear adventure!
On Wednesday, Pixar released the trailer for their upcoming animated film Lightyear, which stars Chris Evans as the voice of the titular space ranger, from the Toy Story franchise.
Appropriately scored by David Bowie’s “Star man,” the trailer offers a few glimpses of familiarity — Buzz’s iconic space suit and catchphrase both get a moment to shine — along with a host of new characters and epic scenes that will have fans eagerly awaiting its June 2022 release. (The single word that Evans actually utters in the clip is “and” — as in, “To infinity, and beyond,” though we don’t get to hear the full quote.)
To be clear, Lightyear does not take place within the world of Toy Story — or at least, not exactly. It’s a clever meta take on an origin story crafted by long time Pixar animator and director Angus MacLane, who found a unique way to explore a new side of the beloved hero.
“Buzz is a character I’ve always been pretty interested in and connected to, since I started on Toy Story 2 as an animator, and I’ve always been kind of drawn to him,” MacLane told ET in a recent interview. “I’ve always been curious about Buzz’s world, like, the world of the Space Rangers and the world of Star Command.”Read more
Ariana Grande unveils her most stylish look yet – complete with velvet crop top(Hello)
Ariana Grande has always been one step ahead when it comes to fashion and her outfits on The Voice this season haven’t disappointed.
On Tuesday, the award-winning singer stepped out on the NBC show dressed in a velvet crop top teamed with matching bottoms.
The stylish design was embellished in sequins and featured flared sleeves with flared cuffs.
All this was teamed with Ariana’s signature high ponytail, which looked as sleek as ever.
After the star shared a photo of her look on Instagram, many fans took to the comments section to have their say. “Your outfits have all been amazing,” one wrote, while another commented: “You look mesmerising!” A third added: “This look is unreal.”Read more
Met Police officer, 28, charged with ‘raping woman while off-duty’ (Metro)
A serving Metropolitan Police has been charged with rape, Scotland Yard has announced.
PC Adam Zaman, 28, from the East Area Command Unit, allegedly committed the offence on Sunday while off-duty in the City of London.
He was arrested the following day and has been remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
The force’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and PC Zaman has been suspended. Read more
Channel 4 crashes once again following ongoing technical issues(DigitalSpy)
Channel 4’s technical issues have continued, with the whole channel crashing once again.
Viewers who were watching Steph’s Packed Lunch were confused when the whole show froze on one frame.
The broadcast froze in the middle of an interview with comedian Dane Baptiste, who was mid-way through talking about superstitions.
All 4 coverage also crashed, just leaving viewers with a screen saying: “Programmes continue shortly.”
It follows a number of technical issues for the channel, starting back in September following an incident at a broadcast centre. Read more
New Hong Kong law to censor old movies for security breaches (Guardian)
Hong Kong passed a toughened film censorship law on Wednesday empowering authorities to ban past films for “national security” threats and impose stiffer penalties for any breaches in the latest blow to the city’s artistic freedoms.
Authorities have embarked on a sweeping crackdown to root out Beijing’s critics after huge and often violent democracy protests convulsed the city two years ago.
A new China-imposed security law and an official campaign dubbed “Patriots rule Hong Kong” has since criminalised much dissent and strangled the democracy movement.
Films and documentaries have become one of many cultural areas authorities have sought to purge. Read more
Anthony Joshua vows to learn from defeat by Oleksandr Usyk (BBC)
Anthony Joshua has said he is “done with losing” as he considers a coaching shake-up following his defeat by Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua, who lost the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles to Ukrainian Usyk, told iFL TV he was ready for “war” as he prepares for a potential rematch.
“I’m done with losing. I’m done with trying to learn the sweet science,” Briton Joshua, 32, said.
“[Usyk] might get thrown on the floor in the next fight because this is war.”
He added: “I’m heading into my 12th world title fight now and the learning is done. It’s done. It’s just war. I’m annoyed. I’m boiling up just speaking about it.” Read more
Australian footballer Josh Cavallo becomes only openly gay male professional player(Metro)
Adelaide United footballer Josh Cavallo has become the only openly gay male professional player in the world and hopes his decision to come out will inspire others to do the same.
The 21-year-old, who plays in Australia’s A-League, revealed his sexuality in a series of Twitter posts as well as an emotional video shared by his club on Wednesday.
Although a number of footballers have come out after retiring from playing, such as former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, few elite male players have done so during their careers. Read more
US great Lloyd ends international career with 6-0 win over South Korea (BBC)
Two-time World Cup and Olympic gold medal winner Carli Lloyd ended her international career by helping the United States thrash South Korea 6-0.
The 39-year-old’s 316th and final appearance for the USA lasted 65 minutes before she was substituted.
Lloyd made an emotional exit, taking her boots off on the pitch before hugging team-mates and saluting fans at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
“It has been an honour,” Lloyd said in a public address after the match. Read more
Paul Pogba breaks silence following claims he snubbed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Liverpool defeat (Metro)
Paul Pogba has dismissed claims he snubbed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the defeat to Liverpool as ‘big lies’.
United are still reeling after Sunday’s devastating 5-0 defeat at home to arch-rivals Liverpool with Solskjaer’s position at the club under serious threat.
Pogba was left out of the starting XI that afternoon, coming off the bench at half-time with his side already 4-0 down. Just 15 minutes into the second period however, the France international was sent off after a lunge on Naby Keita.
The Sun have claimed Pogba apologised to his teammates for his mistake – but did not speak to Solskjaer in the dressing room. Read more
Dominic Thiem banned from attending Viena open because he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 (Eurosport)
Dominic Thiem has been told he cannot attend his home event, the Vienna Open, because he has not been vaccinated against Covid-19.
The 2020 US Open champion has not been granted an exemption to attend the ATP 500 tournament, according to Austrian publication Heute.
Thiem revealed earlier this month that he is waiting to get the Novavax vaccine.
“I haven’t been vaccinated yet,” the 28-year-old said.
“I want to wait for the Novavax vaccine because I heard from my doctor that it should be really good.” Read more
Emma Raducanu records first win since US Open then does post-match interview in Romanian (Metro)
Emma Raducanu picked up her first win since her US Open triumph by edging past Polona Hercog in three sets at the Transylvania Open.
The 18-year-old defeated the Slovenian 4-6, 7-5, 6-1, to move into the second round, and following her disappointing defeat at Indian Wells last month, she now has her first WTA Tour win under her belt.
Playing in her father’s homeland of Romania, sadly there were no fans in attendance apart from her her 88-year-old grandmother Niculina who lives in Bucharest, but that didn’t stop Raducanu giving her post-match interview in Romanian.
‘This means a lot to play in my dad’s country,’ she said. ‘It feels like a huge win.Read more