Hoodlums beat Okada rider to death over payment (Punch)
Some suspected hoodlums said to be raiding construction sites at Kobongbogboe area of Osogbo, Osun State, have allegedly beaten a commercial motorcyclist to death.
The motorcyclist, whose name could not be immediately ascertained, reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital following injuries he sustained when he was attacked by the hoodlums.
A colleague of the deceased, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the hoodlums numbering three, hired the motorcyclist around noon on Friday, and asked him to take them to some construction sites in the area.
He further said after the victim had taken the perpetrators round the construction sites they wanted to visit, and returned them to Kobongbogboe Junction, they refused to pay him and asked him to take them to other construction sites. Read more
Sustainable environment: Lagos promotes gas usage (Independent)
The Lagos State Government on Saturday promoted the “Sanwo Switch To Gas (SS2G)” initiative among residents on Lagos Island, urging the usage of gas for sustainable environment.
Speaking at the event organised by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the wife of the governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said that there was the need to shift from wood and kerosene stoves.
Sanwo-Olu said that residents should shift to cleaner and more sustainable energy for improved air quality in the state, thereby making a measurable impact on climate change.
She said that the SS2G project, an offshoot of the Eko Clean Air Initiative, was unveiled in 2022 to encourage an attitudinal change that would ensure a sustainable environment. Read more
Alleged defamation: MKO Abiola’s widow slams N100b suit on Police, others (Vanguard)
Prof. Zainab-Duke Abiola, widow of late MKO Abiola has dragged the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Alkali and Insp. Teju Moses to court for alleged defamation.
Prof. Abiola, through her counsel, Mr Tawo Tawo, SAN, in her statement of claim, averred that she was framed on Sept. 20, 22 by the defendants for allegedly assaulting Insp. Moses.
Abiola was arrested for allegedly assaulting Moses, her former orderly, for refusing to carry out menial and domestic chores at her house.
Abiola, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2370/2022 claimed that her personality and image had been irredeemably battered by the defamation and assassination of her character which had diminished her status in society. Read more
Tinubu, Atiku should be investigated, jailed – Lagos SDP candidate Uthman (Sun)
Lagos Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for Governor Chief Kunle Uthman has said that the Presidential Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar respectively deserve to be arrested and prosecuted over the corruption allegations against them.
In a statement issued in Lagos Sunday, Uthman noted that the brickbat thrown by the APC and PDP Presidential Campaign spokesmen at each other is a clear testimony of the depth that Nigeria has been sunk by a “political class that has failed” but still desire to perpetuate itself in power.
He said, “In other climes, advanced and civilised countries, this will lead to immediate arrest, trial and incarceration of these candidates. How did we arrive at this state of anomie and political brigandage?
“These two Presidential Candidates have been lavishly classified as frontrunners by the media, assumedly due to their ‘big and deep pockets’, coveted State resources, pilfered at one time or the other when they were in power at the State and Federal governments. What are the sources of the stupendous “moneybags?” Read more
LASU Management dissociates self from fake admission information (Independent)
The management of Lagos State University (LASU) has debunked in totality a piece of not only fake but also misleading information going viral that the university’s next admission list to be released will be an exclusive one for parents and guardians who are staff and or stakeholders of the best state university in Nigeria.
A terse statement e-signed by the university management as released by Olaniyi Jeariogbe, the Acting Head, the Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations (CIPPR), LASU reads:
“The attention of the Lagos State University Management has been drawn to the fake and misleading information going viral on some of the unrecognised social media platforms that “the next batch of Admission list to be released will be a biological list, that is those whose parents/guardians work in LASU as staff or those who have a slot from one lecturer or the other in LASU”.
“The false information was signed by one faceless Dafav Consults (DAFAV OF LASU, LASU_ISLAND). Read more
Rapper Wale’s grandfather dies at 103 (DailyTrust)
Popular Nigerian-American rap artiste, Wale Folarin, has hinted at why he has been silent on social media for a while. The 38-year-old took the time out to announce the death of his grandfather whom he described as ‘a true Ondo State legend’.
The rapper lost his grandfather at the age of 103 this week. Taking to his verified Instagram account, via his IG stories, the entertainer wrote, “I lost my grandfather today… He made it to 103. I have been staying low lately and lettin God talk to me… imma smile as much as I can today. Embrace your family! None of this means anything without them. Rest now, Oga. A true Ondo State Legend.”(sic)
Inasmuch as the skilled rap artiste attained fame in the US, he has never forgotten his Nigerian roots as he has collaborated with top Nigerian artistes like Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, Phyno, amongst others.
Born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin on September 21, 1984, he first gained recognition in 2006, when his song “Dig Dug (Shake It)” became popular in his hometown, leading Wale to become locally recognized as he continued recording music for the regional audience. Read more
Sultan of Sokoto sends important message to Nigerians ahead February 25 poll (Tribune)
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has told Nigerians to vote for leaders with reputable character in the 2023 general elections.
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has told Nigerians to vote for leaders with reputable character in the 2023 general elections.
Abubakar made the call on Thursday while addressing participants at the 29th regular meeting of the National Council on Water Resources (NCWR) in Sokoto.
The Sultan said as the general elections were approaching Nigerians needed to use their votes wisely. Read more
Gunmen kill “Ebubeagu” commander, 2 others in Ebonyi (Guardian)
Gunmen shot two persons dead in Mkpuma Akataka Community, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi on Friday.
A native of the community, Mrs Grace Nwite, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that hoodlums invaded the community and shot sporadically.
“They came into the community and started shooting. I heard that the hoodlums came on a motorcycle,’’ Nwite said.
The hoodlums also killed Mr Charles Nwankwo, Commander of “Ebubeagu’’ (the Southeast security network) in Ogboji Ward, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi in his house.
Ebonyi Commander of “Ebubeagu’’, Mr Friday Ujor, confirmed the killings. Read more
Beyoncé sings through her decades of hits as she performs 1st full concert in 4 years in Dubai (People)
The Queen is back!
After a four-year absence since her last headlining show, Beyoncé returned to the stage on Saturday evening, when she performed an hour-long set at the new Atlantis The Royal Resort in Dubai.
Moving through a decade of iconic hits, Beyoncé, 41, performed staples such as “Crazy in Love,” “Beautiful Liar” and “Naughty Girl,” as well as more recent tunes including “Freedom,” “Spirit” and “Be Alive.”
At one point during the show, Queen Bey was joined onstage by daughter Blue Ivy Carter, 11, whom she shares with husband JAY-Z, to perform their duet, “Brown Skin Girl.” Read more
Dolly Parton delivers an empowering ode to football and friendship with the new song ‘‘Gonna Be You’’ (Uproxx)
Dolly Parton is on fire this year! The country legend dropped a new song today, “Gonna Be You,” that also features Belinda Carlisle, Debbie Harry, Cyndi Lauper, and Gloria Estefan. Recorded for the soundtrack of the upcoming flick, 80 For Brady, the uplifting anthem serves as a sweet ode to friendship.
“I’m sticking with you because I know there’s no one else,” Parton opens the song. “Who knows me better / Holds me together / And everybody else will turn their back on me.”
The music video includes footage from the movie, which stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field, as well as Parton and the other performers rocking Patriots jerseys. “It’s gonna be you / Who comes to the rescue anytime that I’m drownin’,” they all sing together in the chorus.
Plus, there’s even some shots of Tom Brady himself, as the film’s plot centers around friends going to support the football star. Read more
Flo Rida wins $82.6m in lawsuit against energy drink company Celsius (People)
Flo Rida was awarded $82.6 million in damages Wednesday after a jury found that an energy drink maker breached a contract it had with him.
A Broward County jury awarded the sum to the rapper nearly two years after he and his company Strong Arm Productions sued Celsius Holdings Inc. in May 2021, when he claimed the company violated an endorsement deal from the mid-2010s.
“Basically, I helped birth this company, and all we were looking for was some trustworthy people who acted as if they were family,” the rapper, real name Tramar Dillard, told The Associated Press. “And then when it comes down to the success of today, they just forgot about me.”
As the publication reports, Flo Rida was a brand ambassador from 2014 to 2018, with a civil complaint claiming that his involvement introduced the company to a wider audience. Read more
Elizabeth Olsen shuts down Mary-Kate and Ashley critic in viral clip (NME)
Elizabeth Olsen has gone viral in footage showing her sticking up for her sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley.
The actor, who hit success recently by playing Marvel superhero Wanda Maximoff (aka Scarlet Witch) in the Disney+ series WandaVision, is the younger sister of famous twins Mary-Kate and Ashley.
In the newly unearthed footage, which was posted to Twitter and has received over 75,000 likes Olsen is on the street signing autographs for fans.
While signing one autograph, she’s asked by a waiting photographer: “How come you’re so much nicer than your sisters?” Read more
Rare John Lennon vinyl being raffled by Belfast music centre to raise money for writing bursary
(BelfastTelegraph)
A Belfast music centre is currently raffling off an extremely rare John Lennon vinyl gifted to them by his son in order to raise funds for a writing bursary aimed at women and non-binary people.
In December 2020, the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter was gifted one of only fifty limited edition acetates, hand-cut at Abbey Road Studios, of the 2020 Ultimate Mix of Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon & Yoko Ono.
The famous song was first released over fifty years ago in December 1971.
The gift came from Lennon and Ono’s only child Sean Ono Lennon, who asked the charity ‘to sell, auction, raise money to help your charity or to fund your Christmas party’. Read more
Stormzy working on new music (MusicNews)
Stormzy is working on new music.
Although the 29-year-old British rapper only released his chart-topping third album ‘This Is What I Mean’ two months ago, Stormzy has already been in the studio working on new music.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “Stormzy isn’t resting on his laurels and has been writing and recording new songs already.
“Artistically he seems to be the strongest and most creative he has ever been. Read more
Innovative project provides green energy to vulnerable communities in Madagascar (VOA)
The World Food Program and Madagascar government have launched an innovative green energy project to help rural communities develop their economies and withstand climate shocks.
Madagascar is famous for its flora and fauna, as well as its inclement weather. The northern and central parts of the country are subject to cyclonic rains while drought conditions prevail in the south.
The World Food Program reports more than 2.2 million people in the southern regions suffer from food insecurity leading to high rates of chronic malnutrition among children under five.
To alleviate this situation, WFP and the government have launched the so-called Rapid Rural Transformation Initiative in two southern regions, Androy and Anosy. Hot and dry weather is the norm in these regions, so is the abundance of sunlight. Read more
Drab draw leaves Liverpool, Chelsea still mired in mid-table (Guardian)
Liverpool and Chelsea’s poor seasons were summed up in a dismal 0-0 draw at Anfield on Saturday that did little to aid their chances of climbing into the Premier League’s top four.
A point apiece leaves both clubs nine points adrift of the Champions League places and there was little to suggest either can quickly rekindle their former glories to make a charge up the table.
Chelsea had a goal scored by Kai Havertz ruled out for offside early on and there were promising flashes from new 100 million euro ($108 million) signing Mykhailo Mudryk off the bench.
But the Blues remain in 10th without an away league win since October.
Liverpool edge up to eighth, above Brentford on goal difference. Read more
Osimhen to lead Naples attack, Kvaratskhelia out (Punch)
Nigeria international Victor Osimhem will lead Napoli’s attack against Salernitana in a Serie fixture on Saturday as the Partenopei seek a quick response to their Coppa Italia midweek ouster against Cremonese, a side yet to win a match in Serie A.
The Partenopei were knocked out of the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Tuesday, losing on penalties against Davide Ballardini’s Cremonese, the only team with no victories in Serie A this season.
This comes after Napoli produced a sensational performance to thrash Juventus and move nine points clear in their bid for a first Serie A title since 1990.
Nigerian striker Osimhen scored twice with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Amir Rrahmani and Elif Elmas also on target. Read more
Senior Newcastle player may join Dele Alli at Besiktas as ‘‘contact made’’ for midfielder (Football365)
Besiktas are closing in on a second Premier League loan deal with Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey potentially joining Dele Alli in Turkey.
The Englishman has been a key player for the Magpies over the years but has featured just three times this season, so a loan move would suit Shelvey if he wants more minutes on the pitch.
The former Liverpool man will hope he can have more of an impact than Alli, though, who has struggled while on loan with Everton.
As mentioned, Shelvey has been out of favour with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after falling behind the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff in the pecking order this season. Read more
Zaniolo and Roma reject West Ham Offer (FootballItalia)
Nicolò Zaniolo and Roma have reportedly rejected an offer from West Ham United, while they continue to negotiate with Tottenham Hotspur, and he could be replaced by Udinese’s Gerard Deulofeu.
The rapport between player and club has hit rock bottom with rumours he asked not to be involved in this weekend’s Serie A game against Spezia.
At the same time, the Giallorossi have no intention of extending the contract that expires in June 2024, so are looking to sell for as big a profit as they can manage.
According to Calciomercato.com, Roma want at least €30m to sell Zaniolo and his agent is currently in London talking to various Premier League clubs, but the right offer has not come in yet. Read more
Novak Djokovic backs Andy Murray’s calls for earlier matches (ESPN)
Novak Djokovic has backed calls from Andy Murray for the Australian Open to consider altering its schedule early in tournaments to avoid any more 4 a.m. finishes, with the nine-time Melbourne champ declaring “something needs to be addressed” to ensure players are in the best condition possible for Slam tennis.
Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis didn’t begin their match until 10:20 p.m. on Thursday night because the day session on Margaret Court Arena had run long. Following his third-round loss to Roberto Bautista Agut, the Brit said there were “some simple things” which could be done to fix the issue.
“Finishing matches at 4 in the morning isn’t good for the players. I would also argue it’s not good for the sport, anyone involved in it,” he said.
“I think the US Open went to two matches in the day session. That would stop the day matches running into the night session starting too late. I think that’s quite a simple one that you could look at. You’d still get quality matches during the day. The people who bought ground passes would get to see more of the top players, which would be excellent for them. Read more
Lowry leads, Harrington soars as Irish shine in Abu Dhabi (RTE)
Shane Lowry ties the lead while Pádraig Harrington fired into contention on a stunning day for the Irish challenge at the Abu Dhabi Championship in Yas Island.
Lowry, who kickstarted a memorable year with victory in this event in 2019, once again shares the lead heading into Sunday, sitting on 13-under alongside Australia’s Min Woo Lee and Francesco Molinari.
Beginning the day on seven-under, Lowry’s run was turbo-charged when he holed out for an eagle from 155 yards at the par-4 6th. Having already birdied the 2nd, he added a couple more on 7 and 9 to reach the turn in 31.
Having jumped to the top of the leaderboard, Lowry held steady on the back nine, though the birdies dried up, the 2019 Open champion missing a sitter on the 14th. However, he blew a near ‘gimme’ opportunity, Lowry proceeded to roll in a long putt for birdie at 15. Read more