FG seals Chinese restaurant for refusing to serve Nigerians (Punch)
The Federal Government has closed Haufei Restaurant and Mall, a Chinese eatery in Lagos State, for refusing to serve Nigerians.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, in a tweet on Saturday, said the staff of the restaurant, located on 33 Aboyade Close, Victoria Island, admitted that it was the business policy of the owners.
“Today, FCCPC closed Haufei restaurant and Mall 33 Aboyade Cole, VI, based on credible intelligence and surveillance that the business declines service to Nigerians. Staff of the business admitted this is the policy and our operatives experienced same. Both now closed for further regulatory action,” the tweet read.
The tweet was accompanied by photos of the sealed restaurant. Read more
Lekki Masterplan Project: Construction of regional road begins May despite encroachment – Sanwo-Olu (Vanguard)
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Saturday, expressed determination of his administration to embark on the proposed Regional Road in Lekki-Ajah axis in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, despite, encroachment on the right of way.
Sanwo-Olu, however, disclosed that plans have concluded to commence its construction before the month of May this year.
The governor who disclosed this while on inspection tour of the Regional Road alignment said the government would remove the contraventions to give way for the construction of the road.
He said there was the need to remodel the design and alignment for the road in order to reclaim the right-of-way already encroached on by property developers along the corridor. Read more
’We were lured into robbery by friends we met at hemp smoking joints’ (Nation)
Two suspected robbers, Ramon Adedipe,15, and Taheed Kareem, 17, have revealed that they were lured into robbery by their friends under the guise of helping them out of their financial problems.
The duo named one Femi aka Dangote and Emmanuel a.k.a. God With Us, as the persons who initiated them into petty stealing after they met at a hemp smoking joint at Iyana Iba area of Lagos.
The duo made the confession during a parade of suspected criminals on Thursday held at the state police command headquarters in Ikeja, by the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu. Read more
Parents protest network failure as UTME 2020 begins (Nation)
The 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) commenced nationwide on Saturday with mixed reactions from candidates and their parents.
Over 1.9m candidates are sitting for the examination in over 600 computer based test centres (CBT) across the country.
Our reporter, who monitored the examination in some centres, observed that some candidates who wrote the examination had different experiences. Read more
Firm partners FAAN to prevent Coronavirus spread (Guardian)
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Nigeria, leading manufacturer of personal and household hygiene products, Daraju Industries Ltd. has partnered with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd to safeguard the airports for workers and travellers as well as enlighten them on how to prevent contracting the virus.
Daraju Industries donated free hand sanitisers, wash gel, facial wipes and bar soaps to FAAN and Bi-Courtney to deploy at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport and MMA2 for a one month.
The Chief Operations Officer of the company, Captain Mukherjee said: “In many instances, infectious disease originated in a foreign country extends into other countries through the international airports and other port of entries such as the case of the Ebola epidemic in 2014. Read more
Gunmen kill 3 in another attack on Benue community (DailyTrust)
Gunmen on Friday night killed three people in Tarhembe village of Mbawa Council Ward in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Locals said the attackers invaded the village about 10:30pm and shot sporadically during which the deceased were felled. The Chief Press Secretary to Benue Governor, Terver Akase, also confirmed and attached photos of those who were killed to a statement issued to newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday. But, the State Secretary of Miyetti Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Ibrahim Gulma, has denied the involvement of any of its herders in the alleged killings. Read more
FG still consulting on petroleum pump price, says minister (Guardian)
Indication emerged yesterday that the Federal Government was still consulting on whether the pump price of petroleum products should be slashed as a result of the crash in the crude oil prices.
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, gave the indication while addressing newsmen after the presidential committee set up to review the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the country’s economy, especially this year’s budget submitted its interim report to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.
On when the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, would likely be reduced in the country going by the reduction in crude oil price in the international market, he said: “We are still consulting, we are still following it closely. Of course, usually, the product prices follow the crude oil price, but we are still consulting. We’ll get back to you. Please, be patient.” Read more
Bakare replies aggrieved member (Vanguard)
Babatunde Gbolahan Bakare, a University of Lagos trained lawyer, teacher, author, activist and arguably the most politically influential prophetic-apostolic pastor who was the running mate to the presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 Nigerian presidential election.
Pastor Bakare who claims to be Number 16 in line to succeed President Buhari, was formerly a pastor at the Deeper Life Bible Church before he left to join the Redeemed Christian Church of God which he soon left to form his own, the Latter Rain Assembly, now known as Dominion Hall, Citadel Global Community Church.
Recently, he came under criticism for devoting a princely sum of N18 billion for the mega church project and earmarking another N560 million to import 5,200 chairs for the 5,000 capacity auditorium. Read more
Trailer crushes 3, injures 7 others in Gwagwalada – FRSC (Vanguard)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said three persons were crushed to death on Saturday while seven others were injured by a trailer along Gwagwalada-Kwali road in the FCT, Abuja.
The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Bisi Kazeem, who confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that the accident occurred at about 08:50 a.m at Wazobia Park.
“At about 08:50 a.m, a trailer fully loaded with cows had lost control at Gwagwalada road while heading to Kwali.
“Our officers arrived five minutes after the crash and immediately swung into action to ensure those involved were rescued. Read more
US extends Europe travel ban to include UK and Ireland (Metro)
The US is expected to extend the Europe travel ban to the UK and Ireland from Monday night, according to government sources. Donald Trump originally exempted Britain and Ireland from his 30-day ban on travellers from 26 European countries that took effect at midnight on Friday. The new measure comes after the number of UK infections soared to 1,140 and deaths almost doubled to 21 today. It is thought American citizens, green card holders and others are still allowed to return home to the US, but will be funnelled to 13 airports and be subjected to health screenings and quarantine orders. Read more
Coronavirus: New Zealand PM says all arrivals must self-isolate (BBC)
New Zealand’s PM has said nearly everyone entering the country from midnight on Sunday must self-isolate to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Jacinda Ardern said the new measure also included returning New Zealanders. The only exemption is for small Pacific islands with no confirmed virus cases.
“I make no apologies. This is an unprecedented time,” Ms Ardern said, describing the new rules as the strictest in the world.
New Zealand has six confirmed cases. Read more
Trump says ‘likely’ to be tested for coronavirus soon (Guardian)
US President Donald Trump said Friday he would “likely” be tested soon for the novel coronavirus, although he stressed he is “displaying no symptoms.”
Trump was pressed repeatedly during a White House news conference on whether he should be tested after coming into contact with a Brazilian official now known to have COVID-19.
The president initially shut down the question, saying that per the advice of White House doctors, “I don’t have any of the symptoms.”
“And we don’t want people without symptoms to go and do the test,” he told reporters. Read more
Glastonbury 2020: Kendrick Lamar joins lineup as festival defies coronavirus fears (Independent)
The first lineup poster for the 50th anniversary of Glastonbury festival has been announced, despite fears that the event would be rescheduled or cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Kendrick Lamar has been revealed as the third headliner, joining Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift at the top of the billing. Diana Ross has been booked to play the Legends’ slot.
Thom Yorke, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Dua Lipa, Pet Shop Boys, Phoebe Bridgers, Sinéad O’Connor, Kacey Musgraves, Camila Cabello and more are included in the line-up unveiled on Thursday. Read more
Louvre Abu Dhabi closed in virus shutdown (Guardian)
The Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi closed all tourist attractions, including its branch of famed Paris museum the Louvre, from Saturday until March 31 as a precaution against the coronavirus.
“In line with precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of visitors, #AbuDhabi’s main tourist attractions, theme parks & cultural destinations will be temporarily closed from 15 to 31 March to limit large gatherings and protect public health in response to COVID-19,” the Abu Dhabi government said on Twitter.
The seven members of the United Arab Emirates, of which Abu Dhabi is the largest and wealthiest, have recorded 85 cases of the novel coronavirus, according to health ministry figures. Read more
Coronavirus: Spanish cases up by 1,500 in a day (BBC)
Coronavirus cases in Spain have risen by 1,500 to more than 5,700, public health officials say.
Spain is the worst affected country in Europe after Italy, which has more than 15,000 cases.
The Spanish government is set to announce a lockdown as part of a national state of emergency, according to local media reports.
On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Europe was now the “epicentre” of the pandemic.
Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to use aggressive measures, community mobilisation and social distancing to save lives. Read more
Met Police sack decorated female officer over child sex abuse video (Independent)
A decorated police officer has been sacked by the Metropolitan Police after being convicted of possessing a child sex abuse video.
Superintendent Novlett Robyn Williams denied seeing the footage after it was sent over WhatsApp by her sister, who claimed to be raising awareness.
But the 54-year-old was convicted of possessing the footage at trial and sentenced to carry out 200 hours of community service in November.
On Friday, she was dismissed from the Met without notice following a disciplinary hearing that found Williams’ conviction amounted to gross misconduct. Read more
Tom Holland confirms Zendaya’s return in ‘absolutely insane’ Spider-Man 3 (Metro)
Tom Holland has confirmed that his co-star Zendaya will be returning in Spider-Man 3 and this is officially a cause for celebration. It wouldn’t have been the same without her. Tom confirmed he’ll be starring in another Spider-Man movie after his fate was left uncertain as a result of a dispute between Disney and Sony last year. TOP ARTICLES 4/5 Piers Morgan pushes for social distancing but confirms he is still going to be at Good Morning Britain on Monday ‘I’m super happy about it. We will be shooting Spider-Man 3 in July in Atlanta,’ he said, describing the movie as ‘absolutely insane.’ The Peter Parker actor added to Inquirer: ‘Zendaya will most definitely be in the film,’ before explaining that he’s ‘not too sure what [their relationship] will be.’ Read more
Fernandes says Man Utd revival not just down to him (Guardian)
Bruno Fernandes says his stellar form since he arrived at Manchester United in January is not the only reason why the club’s fortunes have improved on the pitch.
After an inconsistent first half of the season, United are unbeaten in the nine games Fernandes has featured in since his £47 million ($58 million) move from Sporting Lisbon.
In the Premier League, United are unbeaten in five games and up to fifth place, firmly in the battle for Champions League places.
The midfielder has scored three goals and made four assists. Read more
Ronaldinho wipes the floor with inmates in Paraguayan prison football match (Metro)
Ronaldinho took part in a behind-bars football match at his Paraguayan prison on Friday and wiped the floor with the other inmates, scoring five goals and assisting six in an 11-2 victory. The 39-year-old, who played for Barcelona, AC Milan and PSG, has been detained after being arrested for allegedly trying to enter the South American country using a fake passport along with his brother. Ronaldinho has been locked up for the past week and it had been reported that the Brazilian footballing icon had been persuaded to take part in a prison tournament. Read more
Coronavirus: Football braced for ‘total shutdown’ until September (Independent)
Football authorities in England and Europe are braced for a total shutdown of the game until at least September, amid fears that scores of clubs could go out of business and the sport could be sent into meltdown.
It’s understood the Covid-19 outbreak reached such a point of crisis for the sport on Thursday that the leading English bodies received a call direct from the COBRA meeting, where there was an admission the situation on full attendances at stadiums may have been misread.
All games in England’s Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship were on Friday morning postponed until April 4 but a source close to discussions told The Independent that the “idea we are going to be playing by then is ludicrous.” Read more
Coronavirus: Germany’s Maximilian Schachmann wins as Paris-Nice ends early (BBC)
Germany’s Maximilian Schachmann held on to win Paris-Nice as the race finished a day early because of coronavirus.
On Friday, organisers announced the cancellation of Sunday’s finale, a day after the French government banned gatherings of more than 100 people.
So Saturday’s 166.5km route from Nice to the summit finish at Valdeblore la Colmiane was the final stage.
Danish world champion Mads Pedersen pulled out on Saturday morning after Denmark asked nationals to return home. Read more
Coronavirus: WTA seeks ‘more time’ before decision on European clay season (Independent)
The Women’s Tennis Association may seem out of step with other sports bodies in stopping short of a wholesale suspension to its calendar but the WTA says it is to give themselves more time to make informed decisions amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The ATP suspended its professional men’s tennis tour for six weeks on Thursday before the International Tennis Federation (ITF) postponed all its events until April 20.
The WTA, which runs the women’s tour, initially said it would not follow the ATP before cancelling tournaments in Charleston, Guadalajara and Bogota. Read more
Coronavirus: Tokyo Olympics will go ahead, says Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe (BBC)
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the Tokyo Olympic Games will go ahead as planned in July, despite coronavirus concerns resulting in the postponement of sporting events.
Abe added the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would have the final decision whether Tokyo 2020 goes ahead.
“We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned,” Abe said.
Japan has had more than 1,400 cases and 28 deaths resulting from coronavirus. Read more
Tyson Fury’s ex-trainer Ben Davison mocks glove conspiracy theorists defending Deontay Wilder (Metro)
Tyson Fury’s former trainer Ben Davison has hit out again at ‘lunatic’ conspiracy theorists who allege that the Gypsy King tampered with his gloves against Deontay Wilder. Fury delivered a dominating display to beat Wilder in seven rounds and win the WBC heavyweight title in Las Vegas last month. Following the fight, Wilder fans have circulated videos on social media which allege that Fury’s hands were not fully inside his gloves during both fights. In the videos, Fury’s gloves can be seen flapping as they connect with Wilder’s face. Read more