Flooded Lagos-Ibadan Expressway worsens gridlock (Punch)
The secretariat area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, was on Monday flooded, thereby worsening the existing traffic on the expressway in Lagos.
The gridlock spanned the flooded secretariat area to the Long Bridge area of the expressway. Our correspondent, who passed by the road, noticed that vehicles struggled to wade through the flood. In turn, motorists, passengers and pedestrians groaned at the state of the road.
The road, which is currently being reconstructed by Julius Berger, has been narrowed for repairs leading to the gridlock.
On its website, Julius Berger claims the reconstruction will take 30 months and that it will include 10 pedestrian bridges and two flyovers as well as expansion of the road. Read more
Sanwo-Olu celebrates Hamzat at 58 describes him as committed partner (Independent)
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sent warm greetings to his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as he marks his 58th birthday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Dr. Hamzat, who clocks 58 on Monday, September 19, as a worthy ambassador, committed public servant and partner in the ‘Greater Lagos’ agenda.
He said Dr. Hamzat is worth celebrating for his life of consistent commitment to public service in different capacities, especially his contributions to governance in Lagos State, formerly as a commissioner in various ministries and now as deputy governor of the state.
Sanwo-Olu added that Dr. Hamzat is a reliable, trustworthy and committed brother, friend, and partner, saying he is an epitome of dedication and selflessness, who has used his elevated positions in government to uplift the standards of life of the people he is serving. Read more
Davido accuses Gov Oyetola of spreading lies (Guardian)
Nigeria Singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has accused Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, the outgoing governor of Osun State, of “spreading lies”.
Davido, the nephew to Ademola Adeleke the Osun governor-elect, on Monday described Oyetola as a bad person for his claims of over-voting during the state’s governorship election
“You are actually just a bad human being Gboyega Oyetola no other way to put it, spreading lies everywhere and destroying your legacy (not like you even have),” Davido said.
Ismail Omipidan, an aide to Governor Oyetola had recently reported that there were “inconsistencies” in the data from the Osun governorship election serves as proof of the anomalies during the poll.
Ademola Adeleke, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, was declared the winner of the election, having polled 403,371 votes to defeat Governor Oyetola who got 375,027.
According to Omipidan, the Certified True Copy (CTC) obtained from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the election across 10 Local Governments in 749 polling units showed that accreditation through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was less than the number of votes cast in those units. Read more
NOSC announces ‘No film’ for 2023 Oscars (Nation)
The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced that it will not be submitting a movie for the 2023 Oscars.
Although the Committee received three epic films following its call for submissions last August, it turned out that none of them will advance to the next stage owing to the voting patterns of members.
In a session that lasted two hours on September 3rd, 2023, the NOSC recorded a voting chart of 8;5;1;1 from its 15 members – with “No Film is Eligible” taking the lead.
This is the second year in a row that Nigeria would not be submitting a film for the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars, the last submission being “The Milkmaid” in 2020.
Court fixes Wednesday to rule on FG’s suit against ASUU (Channels)
The National Industrial Court has fixed Wednesday, September 21 to rule on the application for an interlocutory injunction filed by the Federal Government against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Justice Peter Hamman fixed the date on Monday after the lead counsel to the Federal Government, Mr James Igwe, argued his application seeking an order of the court restraining ASUU from further continuing with the ongoing nationwide strike.
The government had approached the court to challenge the ongoing industrial action by the university lecturers.
But the court, at the previous sitting last Friday, adjourned the suit until Monday (September 19) to hear the interlocutory injunction of the government. Read more
Terrorists kill 4, abduct 15 in Niger community (Nation)
Four people have been killed and 15 persons abducted when terrorists attacked Fapo community in Lapai local government area of Niger State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, also left eight persons critically injured.
The Nation gathered the terrorists, numbering over 50, invaded the community in the early hours of Monday and began shooting into the air making people scamper for safety.
Four people were killed while 15 others, including women and children, were abducted.
A resident told The Nation it is a very sad day for the people in the community as they never expected that they would be under siege by the bandits.
“One time, everything was silent and the next, it was shooting, shouting and screaming. Everyone was running up and down. For now, several people are still missing and we have concluded that they have been kidnapped. Read more
Anambra police arrest suspected cultist, recover gun (Punch)
The Anambra State Police Command, in conjunction with members of the state vigilante group, has arrested a suspected cult member, identified as Izunna Ifeobu.
Ifeobu, a 21-year-old native of Ugamuma village, Obosi, in the state, was arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun concealed in a bag.
He was said to have been intercepted by the security men in the state at Eke Obosi, by Obosi/Nkpor road, on his way to attend an initiation event scheduled by his cult group.
He confessed to being a member of Baggers confraternity.
The state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed this, Monday, added that other members of the gang, on hearing of the arrest, fled the venue of the initiation meeting.
Ikenga pointed out that the case had been transferred to the anti-cult formation of the police command for discreet investigations and efforts were being made to arrest other members. Read more
Gunmen nabbed in Anambra are Igbo – Soludo (Vanguard)
Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo on Sunday said the gunmen apprehended for attacking people and property in the state are Nigerians of Igbo origin.
The unknown gunmen have continuously unleashed terror in the South-East targeting residents, security operatives, and public infrastructure.
Most of the attacks have been linked to members of the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Reacting to the attacks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Soludo said his administration in Anambra has brought the security threats in the state to the lowest level. Read more
Tinubu’s choice of Bello as youths coordinator apt: Yoruba Council (Guardian)
The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, says the appointment of Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, as National Youth Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council by Bola Tinubu is apt.
Mr Aare Hassan, President, Yoruba Council in a statement on Monday in Abuja appreciated Tinubu for the gesture.
Hassan congratulated Bello on the appointment, saying that it would help galvanising youths to support Tinubu.
“With the heart of appreciation to Bola Tinubu, APC Presidential Candidate, in consonance with the entire APC National Executive Committee and APC Presidential Campaign Council heartily congratulates Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi. Read more
50 Cent indicates exit from Starz artnership as contract expires (Variety)
Curtis James Jackson III, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, will soon be a free agent in the entertainment industry, according to the rapper’s ecstatic social media posts regarding the matter. The “Power” franchise creator and executive producer has indicated that he will not be re-upping his partnership with Starz upon his deal’s expiration on Friday.
“09-17-22 official day of really owning my content and deciding where and how I do it moving forward,” 50 Cent wrote in an Instagram post on Saturday morning.
50 Cent also shared a GIF of the Pittsburgh Pirates in a champagne-busting locker room celebration with the caption “This is my vibe right now! STARZ deal was done, we had nothing but success so no hard feelings… I’m out. I’ll let you know where we are going shortly.”
Later in the day, the rapper shared a screenshot of a thumbnail for a news story reporting the ending of his partnership with Starz, along with the caption, “I’m out, gotta go, see you later!” Read more
Woody Allen not retiring or writing another novel, spokesman says (BelfastTelegraph)
Filmmaker Woody Allen currently has “no intention” of retiring and is not writing another novel, his spokesman has said.
The American director, 86, is presently shooting a new film in Paris, which will be his 50th, and has rubbished claims it will be his last.
Recent reports cited quotes from an interview with a Spanish newspaper in which he was alleged to have said that his current project, Wasp 22, would be his last.
A spokesman for Allen said on Monday: “Woody Allen never said he was retiring, nor did he say he was writing another novel. Read more
Russian pop singer Alla Pugacheva condemns war in Ukraine (NME)
Popular Russian pop singer Alla Pugacheva has spoken out against the war in Ukraine.
The musician, who rose to fame in the Soviet era, has sold more than 250million records and is known as one of Russia’s most beloved artists.
Taking to social media, Pugacheva addressed the Russian justice ministry, writing to her 3.4million Instagram followers: “I am asking you to include me on the foreign agents list of my beloved country.”
Pugacheva’s husband, the comedian, TV presenter and singer Maxim Galkin, is known for his vocal opposition to the war. Read more
Tory Lanez responds to August Alsina assault allegations (HipHopDX)
Tory Lanez has responded to August Alsina’s allegations he assaulted him after a concert on Saturday night (September 17).
The Daystar rapper spoke with Akademiks on the phone during a live stream on Sunday (September 18), shortly after Alsina publicly accused him of sucker punching him, with photos of his injuries to boot.
When the Off the Record podcast questioned Tory about the alleged altercation, he denied any involvement or knowledge, saying: “Nothing happened. I don’t even know what this kid is talking about, brother.”
Akademiks followed up with: “So you are not involved?” Tory answered: “No, hell no! I don’t know if he’s doing [this for] promo. I don’t know what that n-gga is talking about, bruh.” Read more
Chris Pratt’s Garfield movie has been delayed (DigitalSpy)
Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt’s Garfield movie has been delayed.
As reported by Variety, Sony has been announcing new release dates for a lot of its upcoming projects, including its Spider-Man spin-offs Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter.
Regarding the latest big screen outing for the lasagne-loving cat, it has been delayed from February 16, 2024 to May 24, 2024. It was already over a year anyway, so what’s an extra three months?
A Marvel movie that hasn’t been officially unveiled yet was originally scheduled to release on February 16 as well, but that film has been pushed back to September. Read more
Channel 5 praised by viewers as they air The Emoji Movie instead of Queen’s funeral (DailyStar)
Channel 5 has been praised by viewers who supported their decision to air The Emoji Movie instead of the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday September 7 and millions of people across the globe tuned in to pay tribute to the beloved monarch.
The service began at 11am and was broadcasted on several channels including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky.
But Channel 5 didn’t follow suit and instead showed The Emoji Movie which started at 11:10am and was followed by Stuart Little from 12:30pm. Read more
Switzerland signs contract for 36 US fighter jets (RFI)
Switzerland signed a controversial contract on Monday to buy 36 US F-35 stealth fighter jets at a cost of more than six billion francs ($6.2 billion).
“National Armaments Director Martin Sonderegger and the Swiss F-35A Program Manager Darko Savic signed the procurement contract on 19 September 2022 at armasuisse in Bern,” said armasuisse, the country’s arms procurement agency.
“With this, the procurement of 36 F-35A is contractually agreed,” it added.
The selection of the F-35 by the Swiss government in June 2021 sparked some controversy, particularly in light of the cost-overruns of the fighter programme in the United States. Read more
Enyimba sign attacking trio (Punch)
Ahead of the 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League season, two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba, have confirmed the signing of attacking trio Sunday Okereke, Moses Omoduemuke and Ademola Adebambo.
Uncertainty has becloud the September 23 resumption date earlier set by the League Management Company, before it was last week declared illegal to organise the league matches.
Regardless of the current situation, the People’s Elephant continue to strengthen their squad as they prepare for their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Enyimba announced on their website that the club had signed Okereke from Nasarawa United, Omoduemuke from Shooting Stars and Adebambo from Ottasolo FC. Read more
Hugo Lloris withdraws from the France squad with a thigh injury (DailyMail)
Tottenham Hotspur and France captain Hugo Lloris has withdrawn from the national squad ahead of their Nations League fixtures against Austria and Denmark.
The goalkeeper is believed to have picked up a thigh injury during the 6-2 Premier League victory over Leicester City on Saturday.
In the game Lloris was frustrated as he conceded two goals, including a penalty from Youri Tielemans. The 35-year-old initially saved the penalty but was judged to be off his line when the penalty was struck, leading to a retake which the Belgian stuck away.
France manager Didier Deschamps has called up FC Nantes goalkeeper Alban Lafont to take Lloris’ spot in the squad, with doubts not emerging over the Spurs stopper’s fitness ahead of the north London derby on October 1. Read more
Mancini: ‘Frattesi to replace Verratti, Scamacca needs time at West Ham’ (FootballItalia)
Italy CT Roberto Mancini admits Marco Verratti is not fit to join the Azzurri and believes Gianluca Scamacca ‘needs time’ to settle in at West Ham and in the Premier League.
Italy are preparing for their next two Nations League games against England and Hungary. Marco Verratti sustained an injury with PSG last night, so he will be withdrawn from the squad and will likely be replaced by Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi.
“Verratti is not available, he picked up a knock. Probably I’ll call Frattesi [to replace him]. I don’t think it’s a big problem for Tonali, while Politano feels quite well,” Mancini said at a press conference.
The Napoli winger was subbed off after scoring from the spot against Milan last night, but Marco Domenichini (Luciano Spalletti’s assistant) also confirmed that he should be fit to join the Azzurri at Coverciano. Read more
Toto Wolff hoping for Porsche F1 involvement despite Red Bull talks ending (GMS)
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says he hopes big brands like Porsche will get involved in F1, despite their talks with Red Bull coming to an end.
F1 has surged in popularity in recent seasons and that growth has naturally been reflected financially with some huge sponsorship deals going through in the last few years.
Indeed, big brands are coming to F1 and want a slice of the pie, whilst some of the biggest automotive names around appear to be warming to the idea of being on the F1 grid, where perhaps in the past they’d been put off of the idea.
Audi will be joining as engine manufacturers in 2026 having confirmed as such at the Belgian Grand Prix, for example, with many expecting them to take over a team as well, whilst Porsche were also in in-depth discussions over working with Red Bull, though that has come to an end without an agreement. Read more
Carlos Alcaraz reveals his greatest fear (Tennis World)
Carlos Alcaraz continues to tell his story after the splendid title won in New York, in the various interviews granted to the international media. The Spaniard also spoke with ATP and revealed some curiosities about the activities he often carries out on the court: “Before each game I don’t have a particular routine: I do my warm-up, in which I always try to do the same things and to be in the same place with my team.
If I feel like listening to music, I do. During every game I have superstitions, like always picking four balls, throwing them five times, the bottles have to be in a particular order, and taking a bite of the energy bar before the banana.”
Carlos then said: “I’m a fairly simple person and that’s what I enjoy the most, sitting on a bench with five or six friends, at home or in the car, talking quietly and telling anecdotes.
That’s what makes me happy. Honestly, I’m scared of failure. Disappointing people is one of my biggest fears. It is scary not to live up to expectations. Even if I am number one in the world and have won a Grand Slam, there will be tournaments where I will not respect my level. Read more
Bryson DeChambeau shaken as he’s whacked in the face with rope at LIV Golf event (Mirror)
Bryson DeChambeau was left unimpressed and shaken when a course marking rope caught him in eye during LIV Golf’s latest event in Chicago.
The six foot American golfer is known for his raw power and being able to hit the ball further than most in the professional game. However, after hitting his approach shot on the 14th hole DeChambeau failed to duck a course rope resulting in it hitting his eye.
The LIV Golf rebel immediately went down to his knees stating: “Oh my god. I can’t see. Right in my eye. I can’t even see right now. The thing split my eyes.”
After taking a few minutes to compose himself DeChambeau continued and made the putt to birdie the 14th. However, he may have still been sore, falling down the leaderboard with bogeys at the 15th and 16th. Read more
New York Knicks announce Signing Of Former Player (SI)
The New York Knicks will tip off the 2022-23 NBA season on October 19 on the road in Tennessee against Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.
They will play their first preseason game on October 4 at home against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden.
Training camp also begins in less than two weeks.
Around this time of year, teams make tons of roster moves. Read more