Firefighters battle fire at Okobaba (Channels)
Firefighters and emergency workers are currently battling a fire at Okobaba in Lagos.
Details about the fire gathered to be at the plank market, are still sketchy and updates are expected.
Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Sanyintolu, said the agency’s fire unit was fighting the fire along with the Lagos Fire and Federal Fire Services.
The LASEMA DG is, however, concerned that the activities of hoodlums are slowing down progress. Read more
Cocaine Deal: NDLEA opens case against DCP Abba Kyari, calls first witness (Tribune)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has opened its case against the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari, who is standing trial on an eight-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, obstruction and dealing in cocaine and other related offences before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
At the resumed trial on Monday, the NDLEA brought a Commander of Narcotics attached to its forensic unit, Mrs Patricia Afolabi, to testify as its first witness.
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Sunday Joseph, the witness, told the court that part of her job specification involves receiving and conducting forensic analysis on drug exhibits.
She told the court that she had, on February 7, 2022, received from the forensic liaison officer of the agency, Abubakar Aliyu, one sealed transparent evidence pack containing 24 dispensing packs each and added that each of the parks contained white substance measured at 0.5grams. Read more
Squatters defy vacation order, remain under Lagos bridges (Guardian)
Squatters under Lagos State bridges have defied order of the Federal and Lagos government to vacate the facilities. The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had ordered all occupants and traders under all the bridges in Lagos to vacate within seven days after the March 23, 2022 fire outbreak that destroyed Apongbon Bridge in Lagos Island.
Many had commended the governor and hoped that he would overcome emotional blackmail and threats by hoodlums to clear and sanitise the ugly underbellies of Lagos bridges, but the government is still far from carrying out its threat.
Similarly, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on May 10, 2022, gave occupants under Lagos bridges 30 days to vacate or risk forceful eviction, when he went round to see the situation under some bridges in Lagos Island, with senior officials of the ministry.
Fashola lamented that the illegal activities of mechanics and traders have impacted negatively on the bridges. Under the bridges still remain abodes of miscreants, who hide there to attack passersby any time of the day; as well as traders who display their wares spilling to the roadside, thereby causing gridlock. Read more
I’m involved in Naija Star Search because it celebrates Nigerian music — Kenny Ogungbe (Vanguard)
Record label and showbiz Executive, Kenny Keke Ogungbe has expressed reasons for throwing his weight behind StarTimes Nigeria’s reality TV show, Naija Star Search.
In a media chat, Ogungbe said being one of the forerunners of the Afrobeats genre, the show is set out to further promote Nigerian music to gain more prominence on a global scale.
This is even as the online audition for the reality show has been extended to July 20 with ten million naira prize money and other consolation prizes.
Promising talents will be invited to the physical audition in Lagos from July 22 to 24. Read more
I founded ‘One million boys,’ Portable boasts (Nation)
Self-styled ‘wahala’ singer Portable has been seen in a now deleted video boasting of being the founder of popular cult groups, Ajah boys and One million boys.
The cult groups, particularly the One million boys, were known for notorious robbery activities around Lagos and its surroundings.
Portable in the video, seen fuming, gloated about being the originator of the popular cult groups.
He also directed people in doubt to seek confirmation about his claim from one ‘Sammie Larry.’ Read more
Insecurity: Kano places restrictions on tricycle operations (Independent)
The Kano state government on Monday placed restrictions on the operations of tricycles popularly known as A Daidata Sahu after 10:00pm with effect from Thursday, July 20, 2022.
A statement issued by the commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba indicated that decision to that effect was reached at the end of the state security meeting.
Garba who was a two term President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) explained that the measure was part of an effort to ensure security of lives and property in the state.
Tricycles popularly known as “A Daidata Sahu” account for 95 percent of Kano metropolis integrated transportation system, and as of late have been tainted with rising crime in the city of an estimated 15m people. Read more
Yobe Flood: 4 dead, 11 communities relocate as Buni seeks FG’s support (DailyTrust)
Four persons were confirmed dead, hundreds of families displaced, following a flood incident that wrecked havoc on 11 communities in two local government areas of Yobe State.
The Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency , Dr Mohammed Goje disclosed the figures while giving an update on the flood on Monday.
Daily Trust reports that multiple floods which were caused by river overflow preceded a downpour in various locations of the State on Sunday.
Goje said the impact of the flood had assumed a threatening proportion, resulting in loss of lives and properties. Read more
Julius Berger expands educational CSR Initiative, takes Literacy Campaign To FCT Schools (Independent)
As part of its planned and ever expanding Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, initiatives, and in furtherance of its determination to meaningfully contribute and enhance the visionary development of students in its operational communities, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has again donated educational books and writing materials to students of Government Secondary School Gwarinpa, Life camp, FCT, Abuja.
Mr. Kola Balogun, the leader of Julius Berger CSR team at the event, while addressing pupils and staff of the school, said the aim of the donation was to help the students improve in their literacy level and writing skills.
He said: “Here at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the students’ wellbeing has always been our major concern and providing the necessary educational materials for conducive learning remains our priority. The Julius Berger literacy campaign will aid the students to always be at their very best performances. We are here to helpfully enable the students to put more effort in their reading skills.”
Responding, the Principal of the School, Mrs. Irene Mojisola Akerele, appreciated the efforts made by the company saying, “Julius Berger has made a lasting donation in our school and I want to sincerely appreciate the company for its efforts and contributions so far. We are happy that the company has never stopped giving, especially to the schools in the FCT. These books will go a long way to assist the students’ and drive their zeal for reading. Read more
Get PVCs to protect your future, youths told (Guardian)
Social media influencer, Aiyelade Morrison, has told Nigerian youths to use the 2023 elections to correct anomalies by getting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to elect right leaders.
The 26-year-old young entrepreneur advised youths to shun money for votes, cyber crimes and other negative acts and embrace emerging positive changes to enable them to build a solid future for the coming generation.
He said: “We, the youth of this country, have given wrong impressions to corrupt leadership that we are easy to be deceived, that alone is negligence on our side.
“I call on my fellow youths to stand up from their comfort zone and seize the 2023 election opportunity to fight for the younger generation. We need to give them hope. The issue of travelling to other countries for medications, greener pastures, steady borrowings need to stop. Read more
Catholic Bishop bemoans killing of priests across Nigeria (ThisDay)
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has bemoaned the abduction and killing of priests in Nigeria. Ezeokafor, who spoke to journalists yesterday, expressed dismay at the development, emphasizing that anyone who kills a priest, has killed Christ a second time.
He said it was clear that some unscrupulous elements were behind the act, noting that war had been tacitly declared against the Catholic Church with her priests, religious and laity, as their major targets.
He said: “Catholic priests are Christ’s representatives on earth. Killing them amounts to killing Christ a second time. Catholic priests should be respected. They made the greatest sacrifice here: no wife, no children, no heir, nobody to succeed them when they are gone. What other sacrifice is greater or costlier than that?
“You are abducting and killing them because they are doing Christ’s work on earth? What wrong have they done? It is really abominable to maim a priest. Why go after a hapless servant of God? Someone who has left everything for the sake of God’s people. Priests deserve to be protected, encouraged and motivated. Read more
Chris Hemsworth celebrates ‘gorgeous’ wife Elsa Pataky’s birthday (People)
Chris Hemsworth is celebrating his leading lady!
The 38-year-old actor posted a picture to Instagram Monday in honour of wife Elsa Pataky’s 46th birthday.
Sharing a black and white snap from behind the scenes of the Thor: Love and Thunder set, Hemsworth began, “Happy birthday to this gorgeous lady!
“Thanks for always being my rock to sit on but way comfier,” he joked, pointing to how he sat on Pataky’s lap in the image. “Love you @elsapataky Read more
Jackie Chan is producing Chinese action movie shot in Syria, set in Yemen (MEMO)
Martial arts movie legend Jackie Chan is to co-produce a Chinese movie partially filmed in Syria inspired by events surrounding Beijing’s 2015 naval evacuation of Chinese and other foreign citizens from Yemen as the joint Saudi and UAE-led coalition launched its on-going war against the country, targeting the Houthi-allied armed forces who seized the capital, Sanaa, the year before.
Although Chan is the film’s executive producer, there are reportedly no plans for him to visit Syria.
The movie, entitled Home Operation which is also produced by UAE-based Chinese filmmakers SYX Pictures was announced last year. At the time, director and co-producer Song Yinxi explained that “It is the one of few Arabic theme films in China, but it will be subtitled in English and Arabic, distributed worldwide in cinema and streaming websites.”
“The pandemic has delayed the launching of this film, but in October, the shooting will start in the UAE, then Lebanon and other Arabic countries. Hopefully we put it on air before summer 2022,” added Song. Read more
Lorde thanks Alexandra Palace gig-goers for raising over £27,000 for US abortion care organisation (NME)
Lorde has thanked fans who attended her recent gig at London’s Alexandra Palace for raising over £27,000 for a US-based abortion care organisation.
The singer played the gig just a few days after Roe v. Wade was overturned in the United States, getting rid of the law that meant abortion was protected as a federal right.
At her Ally Pally gig, Lorde fans raised over $33,000 (£27k) for The Brigid Alliance, a charity that provides support to those who have to travel long distances across the United States to access abortion care.
In a new edition of her newsletter, Lorde told fans: “Everyone who was at Ally Pally, I wanna say thank you — you guys raised over $33k USD for the Brigid Alliance, thank you so much for that, I’m really grateful. Read more
George Ezra reflects on music and the pandemic in trailer for new documentary (BelfastTelegraph)
George Ezra can be seen battling wind, rain and midges as he contemplates the impact of the pandemic on musicians across the country in the trailer for his new documentary.
The film, titled End To End, follows a journey the singer made in 2021 where he walked 1,200 miles over 95 days from Land’s End in southern England to the most northern tip of the UK mainland, John O’Groats.
Ezra, 29, treated 40,000 fans at his Finsbury Park gig on Sunday by playing the trailer of the upcoming documentary, which is due to be released in cinemas for one day only on August 29.
The first look clip shows the Green Green Grass singer’s meteoric rise to fame before the pandemic put everything on hold. Read more
Billy Crystal Broadway musical ‘Mr. Saturday Night’ to close in September (TheWrap)
Billy Crystal’s Broadway musical comedy “Mr. Saturday Night” will close on Sept. 4, the show’s reps announced on Sunday.
Based on the 1992 film of the same name, which was also Crystal’s directorial debut, “Mr. Saturday Night” is co-written and stars the 74-year-old actor as Buddy Young Jr., a comedian whose career soars and then plummets during the early years of television.
“Bringing ‘Mr. Saturday Night’ to the Broadway stage and experiencing the laughter and tears this show generates has truly been one of the high points of my career,” Crystal said in a statement. “It has been a joyous experience to make my musical comedy debut at the age of 74, and I thank everyone involved.” Read more
Barbie stars share filming update with behind-the-scenes cast photo (DigitalSpy)
Greta Gerwig’s live-action Barbie movie has now wrapped filming as various cast members update their Instagram pages.
Hari Nef and Sharon Rooney both shared the same behind-the-scenes cast photo, and it seems like everyone is having so much fun.
The picture includes the likes of stars Emma Mackey, America Farerra, and Margot Robbie, along with director Gerwig.
While we’ve seen those pictures of Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken in bright neon colours looking the spitting image of characters, a major Barbie rumour is doing the rounds. Read more
Russian artillery shelled town ‘from inside nuclear shield of power station’ (IrishIndependent)
Russian artillery thought to be positioned inside Europe’s biggest nuclear power station has shelled a town in Ukraine as the Kremlin intensified its attacks across the country.
Ukrainian officials said the situation around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station was “extremely tense” after accusing Russian forces of using it as a firing position.
“The occupiers bring their machinery there, including missile systems, from which they already shell the other side of the Dnieper River and the town of Nikopol,” said Petro Kotin, the head of the Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom.
Missile attacks were also reported against Kharkiv in the north of Ukraine, Mykolaiv, in the south, Snake Island in the Black Sea and Odesa. Read more
Bassey’s exit ‘heartbreaking’ for van Bronckhorst (Punch)
Pending the confirmation of Calvin Bassey’s move to Ajax, Kenny Dalglish reckons Glasgow Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst will be heartbroken at losing the Nigeria international.
According to transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, Bassey arrived in Amsterdam on Sunday afternoon to undergo medical tests ahead of his transfer to Eredivisie champions.
Ajax have already agreed to pay Scottish Premiership giants, Glasgow Rangers €22m plus €5m add-ons for the versatile defender.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal rise to stardom following a number of standout performances in the Europa League. Read more
Christian Eriksen warned he has “no chance” of fitting into Man Utd XI after transfer (Mirror)
Danny Murphy fears Christian Eriksen is going to struggle to make Manchester United’s starting XI if Erik ten Hag opts to play Bruno Fernandes from the off.
The Denmark international, 30, completed his move to Old Trafford on a free transfer last week, becoming the Red Devils’ second summer signing following the arrival of Tyrell Malacia. This was followed by the announcement that Lisandro Martinez has agreed to join the club from Ajax in a deal worth around £55million.
Eriksen has penned a three-year contract with the Red Devils after impressing during a short spell at Brentford last term, where he scored once and chipped in with four assists in 11 matches. It has been just over a year since Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, but the midfielder is raring to continue his progress following a highly-successful six months with the Bees.
United fought off stiff competition from Tottenham and Brentford for his signature, while Leicester were also interested in the player. However, Murphy is less than convinced by the signing and cannot see Eriksen starting the Red Devils’ opening Premier League game against Brighton on August 7. Read more
Rivers United crowned NPFL champions (Punch)
Rivers United have been crowned champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League for the 2021/22 season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Stanley Eguma’s side were presented with the trophy on Sunday, having confirmed themselves as league winners since June.
Despite losing their match-day 35 fixture in Lafia, losing 2-1 to Nasarawa United last month, the Port Harcourt-based club retained a 10-point gap at the top of the table after second-place Plateau United suffered a 2-1 defeat at Akwa United the same day. And with just three games left before the end of the season, they were assured of their first-ever league title.
With the NPFL season brought to an end on Sunday, the newly crowned champions ended the campaign on a high with a 1-0 win over Gombe United in Port Harcourt to finish the season with 77 points from 38 games. Read more
Palace manager Vieira backs Doucoure after blackmail claims (France24)
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira on Monday threw his support behind new signing Cheick Doucoure after the Mali midfielder claimed he had been the victim of attempted blackmail and extortion since joining for the club.
The south London club signed Doucoure in a deal worth a reported £20 million ($24 million) on July 11 after he impressed for Lens in the French top-flight last season.
But in a statement from his lawyer Alexis Rutman Sunday, reported by British media, it was alleged that Doucoure and his entourage had been “victims of blackmail and an attempt at extortion from several individuals” since.
“These individuals claim, with false evidence, that my client would have a double identity and demand the payment of a sum of money in return for their silence,” he alleged. Read more
‘The Goalie’ Andy Goram to be remembered at funeral service in Glasgow (Standard)
Rangers players and fans will pay their last respects to goalkeeper Andy Goram at a funeral service in Glasgow.
The former Ibrox and Scotland player, known simply to many as “The Goalie”, died after a short battle with oesophageal cancer.
The 58-year-old will be remembered at a service at Wellington Church in Glasgow on Monday afternoon.
Ahead of that, wreaths will be laid at Glasgow’s Ibrox stadium, where Goram was part of the squad that won nine Scottish championship titles in a row. Read more
LIV question remains for Cameron Smith after stunning Open win (BelfastTelegraph)
Australia’s Cameron Smith faces questions about his future after claiming his maiden major title in brilliant fashion in the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews.
Smith overturned a four-shot deficit courtesy of his second 64 in the space of three days, the 28-year-old from Brisbane finishing 20 under par to beat the previous record on the Old Course of 19 under set by Tiger Woods in 2000.
An eighth birdie of the day on the 18th gave Smith a one-shot victory over playing partner Cameron Young, who eagled the final hole, with 54-hole co-leader Rory McIlroy a shot further back following a closing 70.
“I think to win an Open Championship in itself is probably going to be a golfer’s highlight in their career. To do it around St Andrews I think is just unbelievable,” said Smith, who declined the chance to deny reports linking him to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series in his winner’s press conference. Read more
Pourchaire closing in on FP1 opportunity (Planet F1)
Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed he’s looking to find a “solution” which will enable Theo Pourchaire to run in FP1 for the team this season.
The sport’s regulations highlight two mandatory free practice sessions which must be allocated to a young or reserve driver during the season, but the talented teenager is yet to test the car in practice this year.
Pourchaire, a member of the Sauber Academy, is hotly tipped for a Formula 1 seat in the coming seasons, having stepped up to F2 last year aged 17, finishing fifth on his first year in the category.
He currently sits third in this season’s standings, but with the way the schedule has played out between F1 and F2 this year, the Alfa Romeo team boss said the opportunity has not quite been there to get Pourchaire in the car thus far – but that will come in time. Read more