Day of mourning as Ozigi, Megafu, Mosugu, others die in Kaduna-Abuja train terrorists’ attack (Guardian)
It was a national day of mourning yesterday, as names of those involved in the Kaduna-Abuja train terrorist attack began to trickle in.
There were about 970 passengers on board the train, according to sources familiar with the train service, when it was attacked, but the death of eight passengers has been confirmed as search and rescue efforts continue.
The victims include the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Barrister Musa-Lawal Ozigi and Kwara State Chapter Chairman, Akin Akinsola.
Confirming their deaths, President of TUC, Quadri Olayeye, in a statement, yesterday, said the deceased were on their way to Kaduna for an official assignment slated for Tuesday, March 29. Read more
We’ve lost more than N3b to Abuja-Kaduna train attack – Amaechi (Channels)
Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi on Tuesday said it will take more than N3 billion to replace what had been lost to the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail route.
Terrorists had attacked a train on the route on Monday, killing at least eight persons.
Many are also believed to have been abducted.
Mr Amaechi, speaking to reporters after visiting the scene of the attack, said the unfortunate event could have been avoided if a N3 billion digital security equipment had been acquired. Read more
Police foil hoodlums’ Attack on Dangote Refinery, kill 1 (ThisDay)
Attempts by armed hoodlums to attack Dangote Refinery in Lagos was on Monday foiled by operatives attached to the Lagos State Police Command.
THISDAY gathered that hoodlums numbering about 20 invaded the refinery located at the Lekki Free Trade Zone through the waters.
Having gained access to the refinery, they made to cart away installed armoured cables but were repelled by security operatives guarding the place.
However, one of the hoodlums, who was said to have been shot during the gun duel, died on the way to the hospital. Read more
Rotary donates birth kits to pregnant women in Festac (Sun)
The Rotary Club of Lagos, Festac Cosmopolitan, has doled out safe birth kits to some expectant mothers at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Secretariat, Festac.
President of the Club Emmaculate Jemihe said that the donation was in response to one of the cardinal objectives of Rotary, which is service to humanity and also to mark this year’s month of mother and child.
She noted that 40 safe birth kits were presented to the pregnant women, who were at the centre for their ante-natal care, while 30 rolls of trash bags were also presented to the centre.
‘But, before we came up with the idea of donating birth kits, we carried out a need assessment to really know that the women will need them during delivery. Even the very poor among them, who may not be able to buy them, will now have the opportunity to use them,’ she said. Read more
South-South NUJ decries abduction of journalist, others, demand release (Punch)
The South-South zonal leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Tuesday decried, in strong terms, the kidnap of the Guardian reporter in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Julius Osahon, who was in a Delta bound commuter bus.
A statement jointly issued by the Vice President of the South-South NUJ, Comrade Opaka Dokubo and the Secretary, Comrade John Angese expressed regret over the unfortunate incident and condemned the high rate of kidnapping, robbery and other criminal activities across the country.
The NUJ Zonal leaders called on the Commissioners of Police in Delta and Bayelsa states to ensure the safe release of Osahon and others still in the hands of their captors.
They also appealed to their captors to release the abducted newsman unconditionally “as journalists are working under very difficult conditions to serve society and therefore should not be targeted for extortion”. Read more
Comedian MC Morris yanks off Portable from show (Nation)
Comedian and event consultant Mc Morris has yanked off singer Portable from his upcoming event titled: “My hearing”.
He shared this news via his Instagram story.
The event was slated to hold in Canada on May 22 with the Zazzu crooner expected to feature as one of the guest artists.
MC said he excused Portable from the show due to the recent controversies surrounding the singer. Read more
Oscar slap: Nigerian comedian, entertainers disagree over taunting jokes (Punch)
The most trending highlight of the 94th Academy Awards has been the slap Will Smith gave popular comedian, Chris Rock, in an apparent effort to defend his wife, Jada Pinkett.
Rock was said to be making a joke about Jada Pinkett when Smith suddenly walked up to the Oscars stage and slapped him.
The attack was seen by a global audience watching the widely craved awards on Monday evening.
While some people hailed Smith for standing up for his family, other people including the Academy condemned Smith’s action. Read more
US Consulate signs tripartite agreement, announces 2022 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (Independent)
The U.S. government is committed to supporting women’s full and free participation in the Nigerian economy as they seek to thrive in the workforce, succeed as entrepreneurs, and create stability and prosperity in their communities.
A collaboration between the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Venture Garden Foundation and Ascend Studios Foundation will support the implementation of the 2022 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, a U.S. government program that advances women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
On Monday, Jennifer Foltz, U.S. Consulate Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Tesilimi Yusuf Group Head of Venture Garden Foundation and Inya Lawal, President of Ascend Studios Foundation signed a Statement of Intended Cooperation to equip 250 Nigerian women with the practical skills needed to create sustainable businesses through the AWE program.
Delivering remarks during the agreement signing ceremony hosted at the American Corner in Ikeja, Foltz underscored that the successes recorded with AWE program in Nigeria illustrate how targeted U.S government sponsored training can change lives, take enterprises to the next level, create employment and empower women entrepreneurs. Read more
Why we’ve not made PVCs available – INEC
(Leadership)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained that the printing of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for new registrants was being delayed by the cleaning up of the voters’ register.
The nation’s electoral body also said that it was ensuring that only genuine registrants are added to the voters’ register using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) for fingerprint and facial clean up.
INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who disclosed this during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of a five-day induction retreat for INEC national commissioners in Lagos on Monday, said he was glad to report that the Commission has completed the ABIS for the first and second quarters of the CVR.
Yakubu said the Commission is meeting next week and the detailed dates and locations for the collection of PVCs will be announced. Read more
Bar Week: Akwa Ibom committed to effective administration of justice – Gov Emmanuel
(Leadership)
The Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has pledged to continue to uphold the rule of law and effective administration of justice for the benefit of all citizenry and stakeholders.
Governor Udom Emmanuel re echoed his stance Monday, March 28, 2022, during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Bar Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Uyo Branch.
Represented by his Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, Governor Emmanuel expressed his desire for continued partnership and collaboration between the bar and his administration for the promotion of peace, security and progress of the state.
The governor said, “The present administration is committed to the rule of law and to the effective administration of justice because it provides the best environment for impactful and sustainable dividends of democracy for investor’s confidence.” Read more
Marvin J. Chomsky, 4-time Emmy-winning director on ‘Roots’ and ‘Star Trek,’ dies at 92 (TheWrap)
Marvin J. Chomsky, a four-time Emmy award winning director of iconic miniseries including “Roots” and “Attica,” as well as shows like “Star Trek,” has died. He was 92.
“Marvin Chomsky made a difference in our world using the medium of motion pictures to both entertain and educate viewers,” his son Peter Chomsky told TheWrap, adding that Chomsky died in his sleep on Monday.
Chomsky famously said upon accepting his third Emmy that his awards had come for directing projects about events that “never should have happened.” And though he was only nominated for 1977’s “Roots,” despite the series winning a historic nine Emmys, he later won directing awards for “Holocaust” (1978), “Attica,” (1980) “Inside the Third Reich” (1982) and “Peter The Great” (1986).
And while he won acclaim for his long career directing projects and miniseries about historical events, Chomsky also did extensive work on series including “Star Trek,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “The Wild, Wild West,” “Gunsmoke” and “Mission: Impossible,” among others. Read more
K-Pop group Stray Kids debuts with no. 1 album, as Charli XCX also bows in top 10 (Variety)
The South Korean group Stray Kids never impacted the Billboard 200 album chart in any position before, but the K-pop crew passed go and came in with a bang, landing at No. 1 with “Oddinary.”
The vast majority of interest in the band came in the form of full albums sold, not streaming, which allowed “Oddinary” to stake a claim for the biggest week of 2022 so far in the sales department. The overall total in album-equivalent units was 110,000, which is not a record for the year… but the fact that 103,000 of those units came via pure album sales did set a benchmark that hasn’t been reached by anyone else in ’22.
Interestingly, Billboard reports that more than 100,000 of those 103,000 album sales were in CD form, with no vinyl edition available and not that much action on the digital download front — the seven different collectible packages proving an irresistible physical lure for fans, as is often the case with other K-pop groups like BTS.
Stray Kids have been around for a few years, but just not with any effort to impact the U.S. market till now. The group, a product of a 2017 reality show in South Korea, did have two previous releases that did well on the world music chart. Billboard notes that “Oddinary” is just the 13th album sung primarily not in English to go No. 1 in the U.S. Read more
‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu says ‘door is open’ for Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel cameos (ET)
Jon M. Chu is talking about all things Wicked. ET’s Lauren Zima spoke to the 42-year-old director at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, and he said that he’d be more than happy to welcome original Broadway stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel into the film version he’s helming.
“The door is always open. Are you kidding?” Chu said. “I’m not gonna say anything. I’m not gonna do anything yet, but of course that original cast is amazing. They’ve been so gracious… They’ve only been supportive and kind.”
When ET spoke to Chenoweth earlier this month, she expressed interest in appearing in the flick. “You never know,” she said. “I think I would be great on Yellow Brick Road somewhere. And Idina Menzel agrees.”
In the film version of the Broadway musical, Ariana Grande will take on Chenoweth’s role of Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo will play Elphaba, the role originated by Menzel. Read more
Coronation Street to air special documentary for legend William Roache’s 90th birthday (Mirror)
ITV will be airing a special documentary to celebrate Coronation Street legend William Roache’s 90th birthday.
The actor, who is the longest serving TV soap star in the world after playing Ken Barlow for six decades, will be celebrating his 90th on April 25.
Corrie’s special documentary, named Happy Birthday Bill, will look back at his life and achievements over the years.
It will also include interviews from his nearest and dearest, as well as soap co-stars, as they reminisce on the biggest moments of his life. Read more
Elliot Page’s Umbrella Academy character to come out as transgender: ‘Meet Viktor Hargreeves’ (People)
Months ahead of the season 3 premiere, Elliott Page introduced his Umbrella Academy character to fans of the hit Netflix series.
The actor, 35, shared the first photo of the character sitting at a diner counter. “Meet Viktor Hargreeves” Page captioned the image on Instagram and Twitter Tuesday.
Netflix shared the tweet and wrote, “Welcome to the family, Viktor — we’re so happy you’re here.”
Page previously played Vanya Hargreeves — whose superpowers are channeled through music — in seasons 1 and 2 of the show. Read more
‘Power Book II: Ghost’ stars Gianni Paolo & Michael Rainey Jr. launch Twenty Two Entertainment (Deadline)
Actors Gianni Paolo and Michael Rainey Jr., who star together in the Starz series Power Book II: Ghost, have launched Twenty Two Entertainment which will produce films, TV series, and multimedia ventures.
Twenty Two Entertainment is fully funded by Artists For Artists, the company launched in December by Emmy-winning co-founder SNL cast member Kenan Thompson and co-founder & CEO John Ryan Jr. (former COO of FilmEngine, producer of Bill & Ted Face the Music and Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.).
Artists for Artists (AFA) is a full service 360 incubator for artists to create and produce their own content, as a full service production company, with a commerce division, and bespoke management representation. Artists For Artists (AFA) builds companies with artists and brands that the artists and brands themselves co-own, as a home for artists to own their own content and commerce, while partnering with global distributors.
The first project from Twenty Two Entertainment is the podcast, The Crew Has It, which will launch in April across YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Read more
Concert for Ukraine raises £11.3 million with help from Ed Sheeran, Nile Rodgers and Tom Odell (Independent)
A fundraising concert for Ukraine featuring Ed Sheeran and the country’s 2016 Eurovision winner has raised £11.3 million for the humanitarian effort in the war-torn nation.
The two-hour Concert for Ukraine was organised to raise money for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and its response to the Russian invasion.
The evening at the Resorts World Arena featured a star-studded line-up also including Camila Cabello, Anne-Marie and Gregory Porter – and was punctuated by short video pieces documenting the lives of displaced Ukrainians both inside and outside the country.
At the end of the night, the hosts announced that ticket sales, advertising, sponsorship and donations had led to the grand total, but it was expected to continue rising. Read more
Concert announcement: Elton John adds second Vancouver date to farewell tour (VancouverSun)
Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour is scheduled to land at Vancouver’s B.C. Place on Oct. 21, 2022, as part of his North American and European 30-date stadium tour.
A second Vancouver date has been added for Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.
“The shows that I announce (Wednesday) will be my final tour dates ever in North America and Europe,” John had said in a social media post upon first announcing the tour last year.
“I’m going to go out in the biggest possible way, performing at my very best, with the most spectacular production I’ve ever had, playing in places that have meant so much to me throughout my career.” Read more
Nigeria fail to qualify for 2022 World Cup (Punch)
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after drawing Ghana 1-1 on Tuesday.
Ghana qualified on an away goal advantage.
Nigeria hosted arch-rivals Ghana in the second-leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Nigeria failed to win their match against Ghana in Abuja on Tuesday to be able to qualify for the World Cup which would have been the country’s fourth successive appearance at the global tournament. Read more
Eriksen scores on Copenhagen return as England, France, Italy win friendlies (France24)
Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen scored Tuesday on his return to the Copenhagen stadium where he suffered a cardiac arrest last year as England and France also won the latest round of pre-World Cup friendlies.
The Dane, wearing the captain’s armband, struck in the 57th minute to round off Denmark’s 3-0 friendly win against Serbia in the Parken Stadium where he collapsed and nearly died in a European championship match against Finland last June.
“To come back to Parken and score a goal with the welcome I received… is something that gives you goosebumps. It makes me incredibly happy,” said Eriksen.
At Wembley, Ollie Watkins scored on his first start for England as Gareth Southgate’s rejigged side beat 10-man Ivory Coast 3-0. Read more
England’s Gareth Southgate on Harry Maguire boos: ‘Reception was an absolute joke’ (ESPN)
Gareth Southgate has branded England fans booing Harry Maguire “an absolute joke” after he was targeted by some supporters during Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Ivory Coast.
The Manchester United defender was jeered as his name was announced in the starting line-up before kick-off at Wembley and also after his first touch in an incident which somewhat marred a routine win courtesy of goals from Ollie Watkins, Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings.
Serge Aurier was sent off five minutes before half-time as England eased to a victory in front of 73,405 fans which continues their preparations for November’s World Cup finals but Southgate was frustrated by the treatment of Maguire, who has been a mainstay of the team that reached the previous World Cup semifinals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final.
He told Sky Sports: “I thought the reception was a joke, an absolute joke. The way he has performed for us has been absolutely phenomenal. I don’t get it. We’re either all in this together or we’re not. Read more
Juventus rising star singles out Manchester City player as the name he looks to for inspiration (SI)
Since Kevin De Bruyne’s arrival at Manchester City from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015, it’s safe to say that he has been largely recognised as the best midfielder in the world.
While being predominantly renowned for his scintillating eye for a pass and razor-sharp crossing, the Belgian’s tireless pressing and defensive awareness are other factors that make him the epitome of the modern-day midfielder.
The Sky Blues talisman is also only the third player in Premier League history after Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo to be voted as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year twice in a row, which is testament to how highly is rated by his colleagues.
De Bruyne’s habit of commanding respect is not set to stop anytime soon, with Juventus younger Fabio Miretti discussing why he considers the 30-year old as one of his idols, alongside Czech legend Pavel Nedved. Read more
Tiger Woods’ Masters return stories fuelled by Augusta round (BBC)
Tiger Woods has prompted speculation he will return to competitive action at next week’s Masters by completing a practice round at Augusta.
The 46-year-old former world number one has been recovering from multiple leg injuries suffered in a car crash 14 months ago.
Social media reported Woods arrived at Augusta Regional Airport on Tuesday morning before making the short journey to the home of the Masters, a tournament he has won five times – most recently in 2019.
He walked 18 holes with his son Charlie and fellow PGA Tour pro Justin Thomas, a close friend of the Woods family. Read more
Danny Summerhill suspended after positive test for antidepressants and ADD medication
(CyclingWeekly)
American racer Danny Summerhill has been suspended by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for failing to obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) and race in 2021 while using antidepressants and the ADD medication, Adderall.
In a heartfelt Instagram post,the Coloradan explains that he’d been making his way back into racing with the Best Buddies team after a burnout, which saw him take a break from competitive cycling for nearly a year.
As a guest rider in 2021, he racked up a decent amount of races with podium finishes at criteriums throughout the country, including the Central Park and Modern Market criteriums in Colorado, the Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight Criterium in Georgia, and the Birmingham Hammerfest in Alabama.
After his win in Alabama, the crit racer was tested by USADA and the test came back positive.
Osaka breezes into last 4 at Miami (DailyMail)
Naomi Osaka moved into the Miami Open semi-finals with another impressive performance as an out-of-sorts American Danielle Collins was brushed aside at the Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday.
The clinical Japanese star, yet to drop a set in this tournament, won 6-2, 6-1 and will meet Swiss Olympic gold medal winner Belinda Bencic in the last four.
Collins, who appeared to be struggling with a neck injury and has been suffering with a viral infection, will return to the top 10 when the rankings are released on Monday having briefly been there following her run to the Australian Open final earlier this year.
But Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has been in fine form in south Florida and on this evidence will take a lot of stopping if she is to be denied the title this weekend. Read more
Boris Becker tells court he doesn’t know where his Wimbledon trophies are (StraitsTimes)
Former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker has told a London court he does not know the whereabouts of his All England Club trophies.
He was declared bankrupt in 2017 and is on trial accused of failing to hand over assets including nine trophies and medals from his glittering career.
He told the jury at Southwark Crown Court he would produce the trophies “tomorrow” if he had them.
The 54-year-old German won the first of his six Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon in 1985 aged just 17. Read more