Face-to-face with Okuama residents in forest: We’re dying, Army should allow us return home (Vanguard)
Even if your heart is made of stone, you will weep at the sight and circumstances of the famished innocent babies, children, women and men of the Okuama community, at their sanctuary in a forest in a part of the state.
The villagers displaced from their homeland because of the March 14 brutal massacre of 17 soldiers in Okuama by suspected crude oil bunkers and militants had fled into the deep forests where they had been living in shocking conditions, drinking polluted water and without food, in the past 21 days
Snakes and other dangerous animals play host to them for many nights. Read more
N2.9t electricity subsidy unsustainable, says FG (Nation)
The Federal Government on Friday insisted that the payment of N2.9trillion for electricity subsidy in 2024 is no longer sustainable.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu stated this while giving explanations on the April 2024 Supplementary Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) released on Wednesday .
He spoke at the 4th serie of the Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja. Read more
FG to launch new national ID with payment, social service delivery capabilities (Tribune)
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has launched an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services to be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.
A statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke said the National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.
This card according to the statement will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building. Read more
Nnamdi Kanu asks court to reinstate his bail revoked in 2017 (Channels)
The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to restore his bail that was revoked in 2017.
In a motion, the IPOB leader asked the court to set aside his bail revocation. The motion was filed by his lead counsel Alloy Ejimakor.
In the motion, Kanu’s lawyer said his client was falsely accused of jumping bail.
Ejimakor said Kanu fled nigeria when security operatives allegedly invaded his home in Abia State in an attempt to kill him. Read more
EFCC to arraign Emefiele in Lagos on Monday (DailyTrust)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the Ikeja State High Court in Lagos, on Monday.
Daily Trust understands that the apex bank governor is to be arraigned for alleged abuse of office over the alleged allocation of billions of United States dollars.
Emefiele and his co-defendant, one Henry Isioma Omole, are facing a 26-count charge before Justice R.A Oshodi. Read more
Police arrest 120 suspected criminals in Kano (Leadership)
The Kano State Police Command on Friday said its operatives arrested a total of 120 suspected criminals within the State in the month of March.
Spokesperson of the Command, Abdullahi Kiyawa, in a statement, Friday evening noted that the arrested persons include 15 armed robbery, 4 kidnapping suspects as well as 10 suspected drug dealers.
Also arrested were 4 suspected motor vehicles thieves, 3 tricycles thieves, 7 motorcycles thieves, 2 fraudsters, 20 thieves, and 55 suspected thugs known in local parlance as Yan-Daba. Read more
2 die in Osun road crash (Punch)
Two passengers on Friday lost their lives in a lone accident that occurred at Balogun Village near Ikire, Osun State.
It was gathered that the bus involved was said to be heading to Lagos from Ekiti State.
The deceased were said to have died on the spot, though operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety Corps reportedly responded shortly after the crash. Read more
Oborevwori receives board of enquiry probing murder of military personnel (Channels)
Governor of Delta State Sheriff Oborevwori has welcomed the setting up of a board of enquiry by the military as he continues to express pain and regret over the unfortunate killing of 17 Nigerian Army officers and soldiers in the Okuama community of the state.
He received the chairman and members of the board set up by the Defence Headquarters at the Delta State Government House Annex in Warri on Friday.
The governor insisted a thorough investigation must be done on the matter. He narrated how the state managed the situation, promising that the government would do all it could to assist the board with its assignment. Read more
First UN food aid in months arrives in Sudan’s Darfur as famine looms (AlJazeera)
The United Nations has begun distributing food in Sudan’s war-ravaged Darfur region for the first time in months amid warnings of impending famine caused by a yearlong war and lack of access to food aid.
The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) said two aid convoys crossed the border from Chad in late March, carrying food and nutrition assistance for about 250,000 people for a month.
Food distribution is now under way in West and Central Darfur, the WFP’s Sudan spokeswoman, Leni Kinzli, said on Friday. Read more
Paul McCartney praises Beyoncé’s cover of ‘Blackbird’ as others try to tear it down (NBC)
Paul McCartney has weighed in on Beyoncé’s cover of “Blackbird,” which comes near the beginning of her latest album “Cowboy Carter.”
“I am so happy with @beyonce’s version of my song ‘Blackbird’” McCartney wrote on Twitter. “I think she does a magnificent version of it and it reinforces the civil rights message that inspired me to write the song in the first place. I think Beyoncé has done a fab version and would urge anyone who has not heard it yet to check it out. You are going to love it!”
He continues by explaining that they connected after he had given his blessing for her to record a rendition of the song. Read more
Romeo & Juliet director forced to slam ‘deplorable’ racism after cast announcement (Metro)
The new West End production of Romeo & Juliet has been hit with a barrage of racist abuse after announcing the star-crossed lovers’ casting.
Tom Holland was initially announced as romantic lead Romeo Montague, with no word on his Juliet Capulet or anyone else set to star.
Despite mystery around all details beyond the Marvel star’s appearance, the play immediately sold out with thousands queuing for a chance to see him on the stage. Read more
Sexyy Red throws impromptu show after being denied high school gig for smelling like weed (HipHopDx)
Sexyy Red was denied entry into a high school for smelling like weed, but she didn’t let the setback blow her high.
On Wednesday (April 3), the “Pound Town” rapper shared a series of videos on her Instagram Stories detailing her experience attempting to speak to students at a high school in her hometown of St. Louis.
“Look, so this school, I came up here, got cute, tried to talk to the kids, give ’em the word of the day and they gonna put me off tell me I smell like weed,” Sexyy explained. Read more
J. Cole responds to Kendrick Lamar diss on surprise new album ‘Might Delete Later’ (People)
J. Cole has some words for Kendrick Lamar.
On Friday, April 5, the rapper, 39, surprise released his new project Might Delete Later, and fans quickly noted a diss toward the “Rich Spirit” artist, 36.
On the closer “7 Minute Drill,” Cole appears to respond to Lamar’s takedown on his collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That.” Read more
New York City shakes as 4.8 magnitude earthquake hits US north-east (Guardian)
An earthquake shook the densely populated New York City metropolitan area on Friday morning, the US Geological Survey said, with residents reporting they felt rumbling across the eastern seaboard in what is a relatively rare event for the region.
The government agency reported a quake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8, with a preliminary location for the epicenter given as near Lebanon, New Jersey, and later as near Tewksbury and Whitehouse Station, all three of which are in Hunterdon county roughly in a 10-mile radius.
People reported feeling the quake in the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts, with the Weather Channel reporting that it was noticeable in Boston and residents in Philadelphia reporting they felt it, too. Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt more than 200 miles away near the New Hampshire border. Read more
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula: South Africa parliament speaker charged with 12 counts of corruption (BBC)
South Africa’s ex-Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has been charged with 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering.
She made her first court appearance after handing herself over to a police station on Thursday morning.
The politician is accused of soliciting bribes in return for awarding contracts during her time as defence minister. Read more
Paris 2024 Qualifiers: Super Falcons pip South Africa 1-0 in first leg encounter (Vanguard)
Rasheedat Ajibade struck from the penalty spot to give the Super Falcons an advantage 1-0 win against South Africa ahead of the second leg encounter.
The match which was played on Friday at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja saw Ajibade convert from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute after Chinwendu Ihezuo was brought down in the box.
Super Falcons kept their lead through the second half with several chances for both sides to alter the score sheet unproductive. Read more
Bronny James, son of LeBron James, declares for 2024 NBA draft (CNN)
Bronny James has declared for the 2024 NBA draft, he announced on Instagram Friday.
Bronny is the oldest child of NBA all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and recently finished his freshman season for the University of Southern California Trojans.
“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” James said on Instagram. “I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal. Read more
Ibadan sets record as the first city to host MTN Champs twice (CompleteSports)
With MTN Champs Season 2 underway in the historic city of Ibadan, the city lives up to its title as it becomes the first city to host the tournament twice , both the first and second season, making history as the first city to host the tournament in season one and two.
The decision to host the MTN Champs in Ibadan for the second time underscores the city’s reputation as a preferred destination for major sporting events, boasting standard facilities and a passionate fan base.
Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and strong community spirit, Ibadan reaffirms its status as a top destination for sporting events. The MTN Champs, known for showcasing top talents across track and field in Nigeria, continues to provide a platform for nurturing athletic talents and preparing promising athletes for the Olympics and other global competitions. Read more
“Thrilla in Manila”: Muhammad Ali’s iconic white trunks from epic bout expected to fetch $6m at auction (BBC)
The trunks worn by Muhammad Ali in his epic ‘Thrilla in Manila’ victory over Joe Frazier are expected to fetch more than $6m (£4.8m) at auction next week.
Ali’s iconic white satin shorts went up for sale with renowned auction house Sotheby’s on Thursday – and the bidding has already reached $3.8m.
The trunks, signed by Ali, were sold for $150,000 in 2012 but are likely to fetch 40 times that sum now. Read more
Abbes wins Qatar Gold Sword for third consecutive year (GulfTimes)
On a four-win evening for Wathnan Racing at the Al Rayyan Racecourse, Abbes claimed the Qatar Gold Sword for the third year in a row.
The seven-year-old HH The Amir Sword winner signed off a superb day for owner Wathnan Racing, trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey James Doyle as the grey horse added their fourth victory on the day, by clinching the US$250,000 race.
During a beautifully judged ride, the British jockey waited until the final 200m of the 2,000m race for the four-year-old+ Purebred Arabians to unleash Abbes’s turn of foot and win by three quarters of a length ahead of HE Sheikha Iman M K al-Thani-owned and Rudy Andre Nerbonne-trained Dawi. Methgal, in the colours of HE Sheikha Reem M K al-Thani, came third. Read more
England Women 1-1 Sweden Women: Lionesses held to draw in opening Euro 2025 qualifier (Sky)
Defending champions England kicked off their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sweden in front of 63,248 fans at Wembley.
Alessia Russo nodded home Lauren James’ delivery to open the scoring inside 24 minutes, and the Lionesses managed to preserve their lead at the break despite Sweden threatening.
An equaliser felt imminent after the interval, and finally came when Fridolina Rolfo headed past Mary Earps, while the Lionesses were lucky not to fall behind when Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius squandered a good chance for Sweden. Read more