Davido celebrates baby mama, Chioma, on birthday (Punch)
Popular Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has celebrated his baby mama, Chioma Rowland, on the latter’s birthday.
Chioma, who clocked 27 on Saturday, is mother to Davido’s third child and only son, Ifeanyi Adeleke.
Sharing a picture of the chef on his Instagram story, the Champion Sound crooner showered prayers on the celebrant.
He wrote, “Happy birthday chiom chiom. My prayer is that God continue to bless you, give you everything you desire and more! Read more
COMTUA petitions Sanwo-Olu, police chiefs to restore sanity at Lagos port areas (Independent)
The raging war against extortion, harassment, intimidation and vandalisation of properties by some police officials and suspected thugs at the Apapa and Tin Can Ports areas in Lagos took a very serious dimension as the Coalition of Maritime Transport Union and Associations (COMTUA) at the weekend sent strong-worded petitions to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, the AIG, Maritime Police, the Lagos Commissioner of Police to restore sanity in the areas.
Adeyinka Aroyewun, COMTUA National President, in separate petitions, copies made available to Sunday INDEPENDENT on Saturday, warned that the situation was getting out of control and might lead to a bloodbath in the ports areas if unchecked.
The COMTUA National President alleged that the committee set up by the state government, now connives with the culprits to extort the people the more, thereby making life unbearable to those who eke their living at the port areas.
He said: “The extortion of our members at the above-mentioned point (Niger Junction) is becoming unbearable. Read more
EFCC arrests 18 for alleged internet fraud (Nation)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said yesterday that it had arrested 18 suspects in Lagos for alleged internet fraud known locally as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’.
The agency said operatives of its Lagos Command arrested the men on Friday at Victoria Crest Estate III, Gate II, Augusta Amadi Street, Off Orchid Road, Lekki.
Its spokesperson, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement that the arrest followed intelligence reports about their alleged involvement in computer-related fraud.
The suspects are: Tijani Olumide Ahmed, Balogun Olusola, Ukuhor Richie Ifemeluona, Ologun Damilola, Adetokunbo Yusuf, Olubiyo Timilehin, Oyegoke Gafar Olaitan, Agarawu Farug Okikiola, Kazeem Oluwadamilare Adebayo and Salau Rahmon. Read more
World Malaria Day 2022: ClearlineHMO sensitises Lagosians, gives mosquito nets, insecticides (Sun)
In commemoration of 2022 World Malaria Day, Clearline International also known as Clearline HMO in partnership with Greenlife Pharmaceuticals has sensitised members of the Bariga Ilaje community on the need to adopt preventive measures against malaria.
The organisation gave families and households in the community treated mosquito nets, insecticides and anti-malaria drugs to curb the scourge of malaria in their homes.
The General Manager, Stakeholders Management and Contact Centre of ClearlineHMO, Chidinma Chigbo, in an interview said: “The aim is to raise awareness on the causes, effects and prevention of malaria and essentially reduce the disease burden across the country.
“Ilaje Bariga is a riverine area and a suburb; so, we are here to sensitise the inhabitants on what causes malaria, and how to prevent it going forward. Standing water, ditches or clogged gutters in their environments can breed mosquitos. They were also advised to sleep under the free-treated nets we gave them to prevent mosquito bites which can lead to malaria,” Chigbo added. Read more
Sowore begs Nigerians to vote for African Action Congress (Guardian)
Mr Omoyele Sowore, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Action Congress (AAC), on Saturday appealed to Nigerians to vote for his party in the 2023 general elections.
Sowore, the publisher of the SaharaReporters, made the plea in Akure while speaking with newsmen, amid a resounding welcome by party faithful.
According to him, Nigerians, most especially the youths, need to challenge those seeking political office ahead of 2023 general elections.
“This is the right time to challenge those in power and bring those with fresh blood, ideas and initiatives that can change the narratives for Nigeria. Read more
May Day: Don’t lose hope, Oni tells Ekiti workers
(Punch)
The Social Democratic Party candidate for the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, on Saturday urged workers in the state not to lose hope despite allegedly celebrating May Day in near penury.
Oni, who said that he shared in the workers’ pains, assured them of better days if they would allow him to hold power in trust for them by voting him as the next governor of the state in June.”
The former governor, in his May Day message titled, “I feel your pains, Segun Oni tells Ekiti workers on May Day” by the Director of Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Jackson Adebayo, stated, “The situation has never been this bad in Ekiti State”.
Oni told the workers, “I feel what you are passing through. I know this is an occasion that should naturally call for celebration, but for the fact that it is being celebrated in near penury by most of you. I believe that the sweat of the labourer should not be allowed to dry up before he/she gets paid. Read more
Abia seals hotel over ‘mysterious’ death, disappearance of customers (Channels)
Authorities in Abia State have sealed off Merry Home Hotels over the mysterious death and disappearance of some of its clients who lodged at the facility.
While the body of a yet-to-be-identified lady was recovered from the facility, several others reportedly went missing with no news of their whereabouts.
Dr Eze Chikamnayo, the Commissioner of Information in Abia, confirmed this to Channels Television on Saturday in Umuahia, the state capital.
He explained that the government’s action became necessary in view of repeated reports of death and disappearance of clients under questionable circumstances within the premises of the hotel located within the 7UP axis of Ogbor Hill in Aba. Read more
NCAC,FRSC partner to promote culture of safety on roads (ThisDay)
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have cemented plans to kick-start a massive campaign of culture of safety on Nigerian roads for all road users.
This decision was the outcome of a meeting between the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe and Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, at the Corps headquarters in Abuja.
Runsewe, who expressed appreciation to the Corps Marshal for the warm reception accorded him and his management team said he was overwhelmed with the state- of- the-art facilities at the Corps monitoring and control room as well as the FRSC radio station broadcasting from 107.1 FM when he was conducted round.
The NCAC boss commended the Corps Marshal for his visionary leadership which has culminated in the sustenance of the vision and mandate of the FRSC. Read more
2023: Why I moved from Lagos West to Ogun West – Senator Adeola (Sun)
A senator representing Lagos West in the Senate, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, otherwise known as Yayi, says his decision to move from Lagos West to contest in Ogun West in 2023 is to bring quality representation to the land of his birth.
Adeola, who noted that representing Lagos West has brought monumental development to the senatorial district, added that if given the mandate to represent Ogun West at the Red Chamber, he would use his position as a ranking senator to espouse federal government’s projects, which according to him have been lacking in the senatorial district.
The senator stated these while addressing newsmen in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government of Ogun state.
He explained that he had tried to be part of Ogun West politics since 2011, but all his efforts were frustrated by the immediate past administration which viewed his coming to Ogun would pose a serious threat. Read more
FPP blasts MURIC over statement on Sanwo-Olu’s 2nd term (Independent)
The Forum of Political Parties (FPP) in Lagos, has condemned the recent statement made by Professor Ishaq Akintola, leader of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), on the endorsement of Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for a second term in office by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The FPP said that Professor Akintola’s statement was unnecessary, divisive, provocative and an assault on the sensibilities of the good people of Lagos State who see themselves as brothers and sisters with religious tolerance among themselves right from the beginning.
Akintola had in a statement expressed MURIC’s displeasure over the governor’s second term endorsement by the APC’s Governance Advisory Council, describing it as unfair and provocative.
FPP, in a statement issued by its chairman, Kola Ajayi, enjoined MURIC to get its facts right next time before making uninformed criticisms. Read more
Ronald Shakur emerges 13th Mr Ideal Nigeria (Tribune)
It was all cheers at the Blue Moon hotel Lekki when Mr Ideal Enugu, Ronald Shakur emerged the 13th Mr Ideal Nigeria amid cheers from his fans and those who have followed his modelling career for a long time.
Ronald is an IT consultant based in Làgos. When asked why IT consultants are perceived as boring, Ronald replied “people often tend to see us in our most serious moments, I, for example, play rugby and I’m also into 3D fashion design and a boring person cannot do all these.”
The judges for the event include Actor Stan Nze, PR consultant Pexxy, BBN stars Boma and Yerins and producer Victor Okpala.
He won the chance to represent Nigeria at the Mister Africa International. In addition, an official car, PR by Motomedia, a year supply of Nutzy peanut butter, year supply of John Paul fragrance, ambassadorial deal with Lena organics, scholarship to Royal Art Academy, free international travel courtesy of Markman and Tours, outfits from different designers including SAj luxury, Blokes n divas, Majified, Itouche, reverse by Dede. Read more
Eminem, Duran Duran and Pat Benatar top Rock Hall fan ballot (NME)
Eminem, Duran Duran and Pat Benatar are among the artists to top this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame fan ballot.
Duran Duran, a first-time Rock Hall nominee in 2022, came out on top with nearly 934,000 votes, which was 250,000 more votes than second highest artist on the fan ballot, Eminem (684,000).
Finishing just 50,000 votes behind the Detroit rapper, two-time nominee Benatar took third place on the fan ballot with 631,000. The fourth and fifth spots went to Eurythmics (442,000) and Dolly Parton (394,000) respectively.
Finishing just outside the Top Five: Three-time nominee Judas Priest and first-time nominees Carly Simon and Lionel Richie. Read more
Bill Murray addresses ‘Being Mortal’ misconduct complaint (USAToday)
Bill Murray has acknowledged that his behavior on the set led to a complaint from a woman and the suspension of filming on his latest movie.
The actor and comedian, in his first comments about the shutdown of “Being Mortal,” described the incident as a “difference of opinion” but declined to provide specifics on what transpired, or who it involved.
“I did something I thought was funny and it wasn’t taken that way,” he told CNBC on Saturday during an interview at the annual shareholders meeting for Berkshire Hathaway. “The movie studio wanted to do the right thing so they wanted to check it all out, investigate it and so they stopped the production.”
Murray said he and the unnamed woman are talking it through and “trying to make peace with each other.” He didn’t say when or if production would resume and whether he’d continue to take part in the film. Read more
9th Wonder Protégé Reuben Vincent releases visual to ‘Butterfly Doors’ (HipHopDX)
Reuben Vincent, an emcee wunderkind signed to Jamla Records and Roc Nation, is highly touted as the next big thing coming out of North Carolina.
If the young man’s name sounds familiar it’s likely because he first came into the game as a 13-year-old out of Charlotte, NC and was featured on Murs & 9th Wonder’s “The Shutters” from the Brighter Daze mixtape back in 2015 and was signed to 9th Wonder’s Jamla Records the following year.
Vincent has just released his first Roc Nation single, “Butterfly Doors,” a Khrysis-produced track with instrumentals from 1500 or Nothin. It is an offering that is smooth as silk with an all-encompassing bassline and horns that would make your Uncle shed a tear.
Only 21 years old, the swagger-filled and confident rhymesayer displays wordplay and cadence that are almost a throwback in the modern era of young rappers. Read more
Health service film tells how medics coped as Covid spread (STV)
NHS Lothian has released a new film documenting what life was like for staff working on the frontline during the height of the pandemic.
The film – named Pandemic: NHS Lothian’s response to Covid-19 – aims to highlight the extraordinary work carried out by medics and help future generations understand the reality of the time.
Staff at NHS Lothian were the first to care for a coronavirus patient in Scotland, and also dealt with the first death.
An emotional premiere took place at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, before the film was released to the public on YouTube. Read more
‘Bad Guys’ leads a quiet box office weekend before ‘Dr. Strange 2’ dominates the world (Deadline)
After all the hallelujahs about the return of theatrical at CinemaCon this past week, the major studios skipped out on programming any new wide releases this weekend. All of this is resulting in a marketplace which is seeing an estimated $64M in total ticket sales, down 33% from last weekend. Ugh. In regards to when the majors will sit on the sidelines again this year, it’s set to happen on June 3 and possibly Aug. 12 (Searchlight is holding the date for an untitled wide entry).
If it feels like a desert at the multiplex, getting ready for the monsoon starting Thursday night with Disney/Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on Friday which is expected to rain down anywhere from $150M-$200M. Tracking sees it at $150M at least; it wouldn’t be shocking if the pic gets to $200M, but Disney doesn’t want to get over its skis. Already Doctor Strange 2 is seeing the best presales of the year, higher than The Batman, with $42M. This is all the start of a very rich summer, and after the response of Top Gun: Maverick out of CinemaCon, Tom Cruise has to be in store to see the biggest global and domestic opening of his career, overtaking War of the Worlds ($64.8M, his highest domestic) and The Mummy ($172.3M, the 2x Oscar nominee’s biggest worldwide debut).
As such, this weekend will see Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys at No. 1 again in weekend 2 with $14.4M, -40% for a ten-day total by tomorrow of $42.7M. With nothing else on the marquee, wouldn’t be surprising after matinees today if this goes higher. And all the other family fare is holding onto their top spots, i.e. Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is eyeing a fourth weekend of $9.7M, -38% for a running total of $159.3M and Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore with an estimated $7.5M in weekend 3, -46%, with a running cume of $78.8M by EOD Sunday.
Continuing to show proof that there’s an appetite for original fare at the box office, is the amazing hold being posted by A24’s Everything Everywhere All at Once which is seeing $5.3m in weekend 6, dipping a great 2% for a running total of $35.2M. This pic is easily headed to $40M+. Forget that, some say $50M, which could possibly topple A24’s highest grossing movie of all-time, Uncut Gems ($50M). Read more
Spider-Man: No Way Home’s Andrew Garfield reveals the ‘fun’ of lying to everyone about his return (CinemaBlend)
Aside from their popularity, comic book movies are known for their secrets and security. As such, actors are tasked with keeping each upcoming Marvel movie’s secrets. Spider-Man: No Way Home’s Andrew Garfield knows this all too well, as he denied his return to the role of Peter Parker for months before the project’s release. And Garfield recently revealed the “fun” of lying to everyone about his return.
Andrew Garfield had a ton of projects to promote ahead of the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home, including Tick, Tick…BOOM! and The Eyes of Tammy Faye. And as such, he was constantly asked about his rumored role in the Marvel blockbuster. Since the truth was revealed Garfield has taken plenty of grief for his continued lying, including on a recent appearance on The View. That’s where he revealed the fun of keeping that secret, saying:
“The company makes you do it. But also it’s kind of fun to do, too. You’re planning a surprise party for people and they’re, like, tell us the surprise is happening and you’re, like, there’s no surprise party happening.”
Well, that certainly makes deceit sound delightful. Obviously Andrew Garfield’s hands were tied and he was forbidden from revealing his role in Spider-Man: No Way Home. But the analogy he makes to a surprise birthday definitely captures the excitement he probably felt each time he had to dodge a question about playing Peter Parker alongside Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland. Read more
Torvill and Dean to be honoured by the Ice Theatre of New York (LBC)
The 1984 Olympic champions will be recognised during the 35th anniversary of the ice theatre.
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, considered the trailblazers of modern ice dance, will be honoured on May 9 by the Ice Theatre of New York.
The 1984 Olympic champions whose free dance to Ravel’s Bolero stretched far beyond the rigid parameters of their sport — and altered it forever — will be recognised during the 35th anniversary of the ice theatre.
A gala at Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers, will include an award ceremony co-chaired by Olympic coaches Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson. Read more
Fukuoka library postpones Soviet film event due to Ukraine invasion (JapanToday)
A public library in the southwestern Japanese city of Fukuoka has postponed a planned event showcasing films from the Soviet Union amid Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine and as the number of victims of the conflict continues to grow.
Set to start in May, the event was to screen films made from the 1960s to 1980s from Russia’s predecessor state, including the winner for the best foreign-language film at the 1981 U.S. Academy Awards, “Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears,” and movies with war themes, such as 1965’s “Zhavoronok” (The Lark) set in World War II, library officials have said recently.
The Fukuoka City Public Library, which has a film hall on the premises, regularly hosts events showcasing films on specific topics and from various countries and regions worldwide.
“Art and politics are on separate dimensions,” said Kazuoki Takasu, chief of the library’s literature and film section. “But it’s hard to get the public’s understanding of the screening as the number of victims (of the war) increases.” Read more
UK MP resigns after admitting to watching pornography in parliament (Euronews)
Neil Parish, a Conservative lawmaker in Britain, has resigned after admitting to watching pornography twice in the House of Commons.
Parish admitted to the BBC that he had watched pornography in a “moment of madness”, stating that the first time was accidental.
The 65-year-old MP for Tiverton and Honiton was suspended from his party on Friday over the incident. The resignation will trigger a by-election for the seat in southwest England.
A spokesperson for Tiverton and Honiton Conservatives said they thanked Parish for his service over the past 12 years. Read more
Plateau Utd, Kano Pillars stumble as Enyimba win big (DailyTrust)
Title contenders, Plateau United have faltered in their hunt to win the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League after losing 1-0 to Dakkada FC.
The hosts, Dakkada had started the game brightly but their finishing was poor, missing two glorious chances within the first 10 minutes of the clash in Uyo.
Dakkada who had lost their last two games needed the maximum to move farther away from relegation were unable to score as the first half ended goalless.
At the restart of the second half, Plateau United made little or no effort to score and they were punished in the 61st minute with Emmanuel Charles heading home after Ekerette Udom’s initial header crashed against the bar off Etido Dan’s cross. Read more
High profile dignitaries to grace U-13 JOF Cup final at Campos Stadium (Independent)
The final ceremony of the 2022 edition of U-13 JOF Football Championship will be witnessed by important dignitaries who will be on the ground at the Campos Mini Stadium on Lagos Island on Sunday.
According to the organisers, the dignitaries will be led by the Founder and CEO of JOF Nigeria Limited, Mr Olusegun Olugboyegun.
Also on the list are the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Olusegun Dawodu and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN).
Interestingly, Dawodu, whose office oversees the affairs of sports in Lagos State and Onigbanjo have been keeping faith to watch the final of the tournament since it debuted three years ago. Read more
Super-agent Raiola dies aged 54 (Sky)
Mino Raiola, one of the most influential agents in football who represented the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Erling Haaland, has died aged 54.
A statement shared by Raiola’s family on his Twitter account read: “In infinite sorrow we share the passing of the most caring and amazing football agent that ever was.
“Mino fought until the end with the same strength he put on negotiation tables to defend our players. As usual, Mino made us proud and never realised it.
“Mino touched so many lives through his work and wrote a new chapter in the history of modern football. His presence will forever be missed. Mino’s mission of making football a better place for players will continue with the same passion. Read more
Jurgen Klopp delighted as Liverpool overcome ‘most difficult of circumstances’ against Newcastle (Eurosport)
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted with his side’s 1-0 win at Newcastle as the Reds moved back to the top of the Premier League table.
Naby Keita’s 19th-minute goal proved decisive as Liverpool found a way even without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahim Konate, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Mohamed Salah in the starting XI.
The result moves them two points above Manchester City who play at Leeds United later on Saturday, and Klopp is aware of how crucial this victory could become at the end of may.
“It’s the most difficult of circumstances. A team in form, a crowd waiting for ages for proper success,” Klopp told BT Sport. Read more
Eddie Hearn backs Anthony Joshua to win Oleksandr Usyk rematch and then beat Tyson Fury (Express)
Eddie Hearn has backed Anthony Joshua to become the next undisputed heavyweight champion of the world ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua, 32, faces what could be a career defining fight against the Ukrainian, having been outclassed last September when he relinquished his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO belts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The defeat scuppered any hopes British boxing fans had of a mouth-watering unification showdown between Joshua and Tyson Fury, who instead had to negotiate a bout with mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte. ‘The Gypsy King’ turned in a masterful display to see off the challenger, ending the contest with a savage uppercut in the sixth round.
The assumption was that Fury would then wait for the winner of Joshua v Usyk – a clash delayed after the champion took arms in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion – to crown the undisputed king of the division. That notion has been thrown into doubt though after Fury, the reigning WBC and The Ring heavyweight champion, insisted he was now walking away from the sport, a claim he reiterated in an interview with Piers Morgan on Wednesday.
The Joshua camp have dismissed the pledge as gamesmanship, with Lennox Lewis also voicing his opinion that Fury would not be able to turn down a bout with ‘AJ’. And speaking prior to Fury’s latest win, Matchroom boss Hearn backed his man to not only come through his upcoming rematch, but also to overcome the Morecambe based fighter afterwards. Read more
Oliver Bekker takes lead in Girona as Laurie Canter slips up (RTE)
South Africa’s Oliver Bekker holds a two-shot lead ahead of the final round at the Catalunya Championship after England’s Laurie Canter made a three-putt bogey on the last in Girona.
Canter entered the weekend with a one-shot lead but a third-round 70 saw the 32-year-old fall behind playing partner Bekker, who carded a 67 to get to 11 under.
Canter had to come through the Qualifying School in three consecutive years from 2015 – the first two of those graduations taking place at this week’s venue – but has since established himself on the DP World Tour with three runner-up finishes in the last two seasons.
He will now have to come from behind if he is to claim a maiden victory but was confident he could lift the trophy if he could produce his best over the final 18 holes. Read more
LaVine to meet with knee specialist, decide on surgery (NBC)
With the Chicago Bulls’ 2021-22 season in the rearview, Zach LaVine soon plans to visit with a specialist and determine next steps for treatment of the left knee soreness that has nagged him since January.
While no date is set for the appointment, LaVine revealed that plan to reporters while speaking over Zoom — because of his recent entry into the NBA’s health and safety protocols — for his end-of-season media availability. Asked if the knee will require surgery, LaVine said he is not yet sure.
“Obviously I have to go into the offseason and figure out how to get back to 100 percent — I played this year not at 100 percent — and figure out the best plan, strategy to get my knee feeling back to normal,” LaVine said. “Right now, I don’t know (about surgery). We’ll figure that out.”
LaVine left a Jan. 14 loss to the Warriors in the first quarter after tweaking the knee, which he had surgically repaired to address a torn ACL in 2017. Lingering discomfort ensued, which cost him 10 games between mid-January and February’s All-Star break. Just before the break, LaVine visited a specialist in Los Angeles, received targeted treatment and pledged to play through pain for the remainder of the season. Read more