Failed Ijora Bridge: Residents allege shoddy job, lack of supervision (Guardian)
Motorists and residents, yesterday, said failed portion of Ijora-Olopa, inward Ijora-Oloye–Apapa, opposite Water Corporation, may have been caused by lack of supervision by the Federal Ministry of Work and Housing, as well as parking of heavy-duty trucks in the area.
According to them, closure of roads around the area put pressure on the bridge built decades ago, and led to gradual failure of the road before it partially collapsed last week.
Some of them, who spoke to The Guardian, yesterday, alleged that some police officers, who built a makeshift shelter around the failed portion, contributed to the failure of the portion. Read more
Gunmen kidnap corps members returning from camp in Rivers (Vanguard)
Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped some National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It was gathered that the victims were on their way back from the recent orientation camping exercise in Ondo State. They were abducted around 9 p.m., Tuesday, on their way to Port Harcourt.
The incident was confirmed by a witness, who called a radio station in the city to announce the abduction of her sister-in-law and colleagues. Read more
May 29: FG rolls out programme for Tinubu’s inauguration (Tribune)
The Federal Government on Thursday released the programme of events for the inauguration of President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29.
Tinubu’s inauguration would mark the 7th consecutive democratic transition of power in the 24 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, following the return to a civilian administration in 1999, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the then-elected President.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of Presidential Transition Council, Mr Boss Mustapha, who unveiled the programme of events for the 2023 Presidential inauguration at a world press conference in Abuja, said all arrangements have been concluded for a seamless transition of power on May 29. Read more
Lagos launches year-round drainage maintenance scheme (Punch)
The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, said it had embarked on an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme for effective and efficient flood control in the state.
This was as the government reiterated its commitment to providing essential weather advisories to stakeholders, planners, decision-makers, and operators in socioeconomic sectors across the state to ensure a flood-free state.
Speaking through the Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Mahmood Adegbite, during a downscaling workshop on the seasonal climate predictions and socioeconomic implications for the state, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Alausa, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Olalekan Shodeinde, said the provision of the advisories to various rainfall-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, transportation, water resources, health, environment, construction, amongst others, was highly essential. Read more
Police arraign 2 over alleged forgery, N25m fraud (Vanguard)
Police from Special Fraud Unit, PSFU, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday, arraigned Edu Oluwasesan and Adeyemi Abass, before a Lagos Federal High Court, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, obtained by false pretence and fraud of N25 million.
The two men, according to the prosecutor, Mr. Justine Enang, conspired among themselves and committed the offences with some others now at large, sometime in 2022.
Enang told the court that in committing the alleged acts, the defendants obtained N25 million from one Juliet lyoha by false pretence that they had a landed property for sale. Read more
Buhari grants 65 ex-Corps members automatic employment (Nation)
President Muhammadu Buhari has granted automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service to 65 former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
At the NYSC 50th Anniversary Honours Award held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the president also highlighted numerous achievements of the scheme since its establishment 50 years ago.
Of the 65 awardees, 52 received the Presidential Honours Awards, while the remaining 13 were physically challenged ex-Corps Members recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive programme. Read more
NCC reiterates commitment to protect telecom subscribers (Independent)
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has assured telecom service users of adequate protection against fraudsters.
The head of Consumers Affairs of the commission, Mr. Ayanbanji Ojo, gave the assurance early this week at the telecom consumers sensitisation programme themed: “Shine Your Eyes- No Fall Mugu,” held at the spare parts market, Gate, Ibadan.
According to him, there are many financial frauds going on through the telecom, hence the need to educate the people, particularly, traders.
According to him, there are many financial frauds going on through the telecom, hence the need to educate the people, particularly, traders. Read more
NDLEA arrests 34 drug suspects in FCT (DailyTrust)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), FCT Command, said it has arrested 34 suspects when it conducted a sweep operation on illicit drug dens in the territory.
The FCT Commander of the agency, Kabir Tsakuwa, disclosed this in an interview, saying that the operation was necessitated by the need to combat drug abuse, especially as Nigeria prepared for handover to a new administration.
He explained that the command initiated “Operation Tsaro” on May 8, to shut down drug centres and apprehend dealers in the FCT. Read more
Jamie Foxx’s daughter seen outside physical rehab centre in Chicago (PageSix)
Jamie Foxx’s oldest daughter, Corinne, was seen in new photos outside the physical rehab center where her father has been recovering following his medical emergency.
The “47 Meters Down: Uncaged” actress, 29, was dressed casually in a pair of blue jeans, a black shirt, a matching cardigan and sneakers as she was seen leaving the facility with her boyfriend, Joseph Hooten, on Sunday.
Jamie Foxx’s co-star gives update on his recovery from ‘crazy’ health scare
Foxx’s youngest daughter, Annalise, 13, was also spotted at the physical rehab center with her mother, Kristin Grannis. Read more
Alec Baldwin lands role in ”Kent State” movie (FarOut)
Actor/director Alec Baldwin hasly signed on to a new film after filming finished on his tragedy-hit western movie, “Rust”.
Baldwin has secured a role in the forthcoming Karen Slade-directed movie Kent State, about the Kent State shooting that left four unarmed students dead and nine injured in 1970. On May 4th, Ohio’s National Guard fired on a peaceful protest at the National Guard’s presence on campus and the escalation of the US involvement in the Vietnam War. CSNY then wrote their classic ‘Ohio‘ about the tragedy.
The Hollywood Reporter claims Baldwin will play the then-President of the University, Robert White, and the upcoming film will be Slade’s directorial debut. Alongside Baldwin, the film stars Dermot Mulroney, Clancy Brown, Christopher Backus, and Jacqueline Emerson. Read more
Ludacris vows to keep ‘‘shattering stereotypes’’ at Walk of Fame ceremony (BelfastTelegraph)
US rapper and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges said he would “continue to shatter stereotypes” as he was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ludacris thanked his fans, family and “the people who showed up for me”, who had inspired his hard work and dedication throughout his career.
As a recording artist, he has sold more than 24 million albums worldwide, with tracks including Stand Up, Get Back, Southern Hospitality, Number One Spot, Money Maker and My Chick Bad. Read more
Bad Bunny drops new single ‘‘Where She Goes,’’ video features Frank Ocean, Lil Uzi Vert, more (Variety)
Bad Bunny enters his EDM era with the release of a New Jersey Club-inspired single titled “Where She Goes,” a cross-pollination of hip-hop, dembow and house beats with a star-studded music video to match. Dominic Fike, Frank Ocean and Lil Uzi Vert make subtle appearances (blink and you’ll miss them) in the desert-themed music video along with Brazillian soccer player Ronaldinl9ho.
The track reunites the Puerto Rican reggaeton singer with his long-time collaborators, and Variety Hitmakers, producer Mag and his engineer La Paciencia. Directed by STILLZ and produced by WeOwnTheCity, the track’s video was filmed on the sands of the California desert and starts with Bunny standing stoic over a mountaintop.
“Baby, tell me the truth if you forgot about me/ I know it was only one night, that we’re not going to repeat,” Bunny’s slurred vocals echo in the opening verse. Read more
Hozier announces release date for new album “Unreal Unearth* (Standard)
Hozier’s highly anticipated album, Unreal Unearth, finally has a release date, with the Irish singer-songwriter announcing on Twitter that fans can look forward to hearing the record on August 18.
“I’m proud of this record and enjoyed watching it come to life over the past year,” said Hozier. “Thank you as always for your support and patience while it was coming to fruition.”
The new album, which Hozier has teased will likely include as many as 18 songs, will include tracks Eat Your Young and All Things End, which were released earlier this year. Read more
Australian doctor freed 7 years after abduction in West Africa (AlJazeera)
An 88-year-old Australian doctor held captive in West Africa for more than seven years has been released and safely returned to his family, the Australian government has announced.
Kenneth Elliott, from the west coast city of Perth, is safe and well and has been reunited with his wife Jocelyn and their children, Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement on Friday.
“We extend our thanks to the Australian officials who have worked over many years to secure Dr Elliott’s release and to provide support to his family,” Wong said. Read more
First full-size 3D scan of Titanic shows shipwreck in new light (ABC)
Deep-sea researchers have completed the first full-size digital scan of the Titanic, showing the entire wreck in unprecedented detail and clarity, the companies behind a new documentary on the wreck said Thursday.
Using two remote operated submersibles, a team of researchers spent six weeks last summer in the North Atlantic mapping the whole shipwreck and the surrounding 3-mile debris field, where personal belongings of the ocean liner’s passengers such as shoes and watches were scattered.
Richard Parkinson, founder and chief executive of deep-sea exploration firm Magellan, estimated that the resulting data — including 715,000 images — is 10 times larger than any underwater 3D model ever attempted before. Read more
Schools battle for top spot as Dolphin Swimming League ends tomorrow (Guardian)
The race to determine the top schools in season four of the Dolphin Swimming League enters the grand finale tomorrow at Children International School (CIS), Lekki, Lagos.
It is the final of the four-leg first private schools swimming tournament, which has attracted more schools to the battle for the top spot. Grange School is the team to beat at the grand finale.
According to coordinator of the tournament, Oluseyi Oyebode, the enthusiasm shown by the schools has confirmed that the tournament promises an exciting time for swimming enthusiasts. Read more
Rivers United win 2-0 to dent Doma’s Super 6 chances (DailyTrust)
Defending champions, Rivers United yesterday defeated Doma United 2-0 in the rescheduled Match Day 12 of the 2022/23 abridged Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to dent the ‘Savannah Tigers’ Super 6 chances and effectively dislodge Lobi Stars from the top of Group B.
The first ten minutes of the match were played at a very high tempo at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt with Albert Korvah, Mohammed Shirz and Joseph Onoja coming close to scoring for the home side.
In the 19th minute, the ‘Pride of Rivers’ were one goal up when Nyima Nwagua, assisted by Onoja Joseph, broke the deadlock as he scored his fifth league goal this season. Read more
David Moyes does not want ugly Alkmaar scenes to blight famous West Ham win (Standard)
David Moyes insists the ugly scenes at the end of West Ham’s Europa Conference League semi-final win over AZ Alkmaar should not take away from the club’s achievement.
Pablo Fornals scored the only goal of the second leg as the Hammers made it into a first European final for 47 years.
The Spaniard’s goal wrapped up a 3-1 aggregate win over the Dutch side and sparked wild scenes of celebrations from the West Ham players on the pitch at AFAS Stadion. Read more
Bayern face resurgent Leipzig with Dortmund nipping at their heels (France24)
With two rounds of the Bundesliga season remaining, Bayern Munich face the biggest threat to their title hopes, at home against a resurgent RB Leipzig on Saturday.
One point ahead of Borussia Dortmund atop the Bundesliga table, Bayern know winning their next two games will ensure a record-extending 11th straight Bundesliga title.
While perennial bridesmaids Dortmund face a tricky trip to Augsburg, Bayern face a team who have won seven of their past eight. Read more
Tom Kim laughs off mud exploits at PGA: ”Great experience” (ESPN)
When Tom Kim went searching for his errant tee shot on the par-4 sixth hole in the opening round of the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on Thursday, he was told it had crossed a creek and was somewhere in the high weeds in a hazard.
Naturally, Kim did what any golfer would do — he went searching for his brand-new Titleist Pro VIx.
By the time he came back — without his ball — he was covered in mud nearly up to his waist. Read more
NFL owners set to OK 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium as host of Super Bowl 60
(ABC)
At the NFL league meetings in March, the San Francisco 49ers were confident they would be bringing the Super Bowl back to Levi’s Stadium.
Barring a sudden change of direction, that confidence will be rewarded at the spring owners meetings in Minneapolis next week. There, the 49ers’ bid for Super Bowl 60 in 2026 is slated to be approved by the NFL, a league source said, confirming a report by Sports Business Journal.
“If the Bay Area has the opportunity, we would be honored to host Super Bowl LX,” 49ers president Al Guido said in a statement. Read more