‘I don’t have to suffer for supporting Tinubu’, actress Toyin Abraham replies trolls (Leadership)
Nollywood actress and movie producer, Toyin Abraham, has replied Netizens asking her to reveal the plans President Bola Tinubu discussed with her as a presidential candidate in the build-up to the 2023 elections.
Recall that the mother of one threw her weight behind the then APC presidential candidate during the 2023 general election, sharing her pictures with Tinubu and Sanwoolu, with the caption: “For the first time, I met the incoming president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he shared some of his ideas visions and strategies to solve the challenges before us as a nation. Listening to him renewed my hope and reaffirmed why he is my choice.”
In a dramatic twist, Toyin Abraham has refused to bear the burden of being trolled by angry netizens over the current state of the economy. Read more
Fleeing robbery suspect gunned down in Delta (Sun)
An unidentified suspected member of an armed robbery gang in the Ekpan area of Delta State has died from injuries sustained when security operatives shot at him while he attempted to escape.
The suspect had led operatives to their hideout along NNPC Link Road in Ekpan in search of two fleeing members of the gang but decided to jump off a bridge and was injured in the process.
He was confirmed dead at Ekpan General Hospital, where he was rushed for treatment. Read more
Flight operations resume at Lagos airport, others (Punch)
Aviation unions have opened barricaded airport terminals, following the suspension of an indefinite strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
The General Secretary, Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Mr Francis Akinjole, said that the strike was ‘relaxed’ for a week to enable the unions to continue talks with the Federal Government on a new minimum wage.
Akinjole said that all blocked access points at the domestic airport terminals I (General Aviation Terminal) and II (Murtala Muhammed Airport II, Lagos) and others had been opened. Read more
Tinubu names Abuja Highway after Wole Soyinka (Tribune)
In a gesture to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Nigeria’s literary icon, President Bola Tinubu has officially named the Arterial Road N20, stretching from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), as Professor Wole Soyinka Highway.
This move follows a recommendation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration as announced by Presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, 4th of June, 2024.
The renaming honours Professor Wole Soyinka, a distinguished playwright, poet, and novelist, who will celebrate his 90th birthday on July 13. Read more
Obasanjo, a timeless statesman, says Olowu of Kuta (Nation)
The Olowu of Kuta, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama has described former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as a timeless statesman whose presence will be felt many years after his generation.
Oba Makama, who congratulated Chief Obasanjo for enjoying a healthily long life, asserted that God purposely blessed Nigeria with Obasanjo, who spent his life as military head of state and civilian president to unite the country.
Shortly after he had successfully hosted Obasanjo and his entourage in his magnificent Olowu Palace in Kuta on Monday, June 3, Oba Makama revealed that he was always excited reading and listening to Obasanjo’s informed comments on public issues. Read more
Lagos Justice Reform Summit: ‘‘Improve the Judiciary,’’ Panelists (ThisDay)
It was a consensus by the Keynote Speaker, Panelists and Participants at the just concluded Lagos State Justice Reform Summit, that if the Government plans to make Lagos the economic hub of not only Nigeria but Africa, then it is time for less talk and more work by improving the Judiciary, because confidence in the Judiciary will lead to a massive increase in economic activities
With the theme ‘Enhancing the Administration of Justice for Economic Growth, Investment Protection and Security in Lagos State’, the two-day Justice Reform Summit was, according to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, geared toward meeting the legal challenges facing Lagos State, as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, and addressing those challenges that still need to be addressed, safeguards fundamental rights, and protection of property and investments, while meeting the evolving needs of its residents. Read more
Ningi resumes plenary after suspension (DailyTrust)
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) on Tuesday resumed plenary after he was recalled from his suspension.
Ningi was suspended for three months for grating an interview to the BBC Hausa Service in which he said N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget was not tied to any projects or location.
But the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) had on Tuesday last week pleaded with Senators to recall Ningi who had already spent 75 days on suspension. Moro’s prayer was granted. Read more
Killing of 5 soldiers in Aba: CSOs petition Otti over reprisal attacks on residents (Vanguard)
Civil society organizations, CSOs, and pro-democracy groups under the aegis of Abia Civil Society Network, ACSON, have petitioned Gov. Alex Otti, over what it described as ongoing reprisal attacks in Aba and its environs, following the killing of five soldiers at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill.
Unknown gunmen had attacked a military checkpoint at the junction and burnt two patrol vans and the checkpoint.
In a letter titled; Urgent need to address ongoing reprisal attacks and release detained citizens in Aba, signed by Barr. Amaka Biachi, Cassius Ukwugbe and Okoye, Chuka Peter; the CSOs stated that the reprisal attacks have led to widespread panic, destruction of property, and unwarranted arrests of innocent civilians in Aba and environs. Read more
Lupita Nyong’o calls press junkets a “torture technique” (Deadline)
Her 12 Years a Slave part was the very first feature film role that Lupita Nyong’o landed, and she won an Oscar for it. The actress had just graduated from the Yale School of Drama and now admits she was totally unprepared for overnight fame.
“We were prepared to be extras and little guest stars on TV shows before we would have our chance at any substantial role in the thing that we love to do,” Nyong’o tells Glamour magazine of school. “But it did not at all prepare us for instant success. And that is an overwhelming experience.”
Most newly-famous actors complain about paparazzi or intrusive gossip. But when asked for specifics Nyong’o seems more annoyed by another right of passage: “interviews.” Read more
‘Boy Meets World’ actress Trina McGee announces pregnancy at 54 (Vibe)
Trina McGee is expecting at 54 years old. The Boy Meets World alum announced her pregnancy on Monday (June 3) via Instagram.
“At the tender age of 54 I have found myself pregnant,” the actress wrote as The Supremes’ “Baby Love” played in the background. “Please bless us with your prayers for a safe delivery. Thank you.”
McGee noted in the caption that she planned to “sign off social media for a bit,” and thanked her fans for their “prayers and well wishes in advance.” Read more
Driver filmed beating Police arraigned (AfricaNews)
Police in Nairobi have arrested a 19-year-old teenager captured on video assaulting a police officer in Mirema, Nairobi County. The video, which went viral on Sunday, shows the driver assaulting the officer, who ended up in a ditch.
Authorities tracked down the suspect on Sunday evening, subjecting him to intensive overnight questioning.
Reports suggest the interrogation involved torture and insults. The teenager claimed it was his first altercation with a police officer and that the officer had demanded an excessive bribe. Read more
Nigel Farage drenched in banana milkshake on campaign visit to Clacton (Mirror)
Nigel Farage had what appears to be milkshake hurled at him as he walked out of Clacton’s Wetherspoons pub as he hit the campaign trail after standing as an MP
Nigel Farage has been drenched in what appears to be milkshake as his first campaign event turned to disaster.
The Reform UK boss had the drink thrown over him as he walked out of Clacton’s Wetherspoons pub. Dozens of onlookers watched in horror as it was hurled at him by a woman in a grey jumper. Read more
Blocked Labour candidate Faiza Shaheen quits the party and accuses it of a ‘hierarchy of racism’ (Independent)
Blocked Labour candidate Faiza Shaheen has dramatically quit the party and accused it of a “hierarchy of racism”.
The left-winger had been due to contest the Chingford and Woodford Green seat held by Iain Duncan Smith.
But she was told on Wednesday that the party was suspending her after she liked social media posts that criticised Israel and its actions in Gaza. Read more
Russia denies Eiffel Tower coffin stunt an anti-Ukraine undertaking (AlJazeera)
Russia has vehemently denied any role in a stunt that saw several coffins appear at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
In a statement on Tuesday, Russia’s embassy in France expressed “strong protest against a new Russophobic campaign launched in the French media” that it said is affecting the security of its citizens. The complaint came amid a string of denials by Moscow that it was seeking to influence public opinion as the West mulls raising support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion.
“The Russian Federation has never interfered and does not interfere in the internal affairs of France – our country has other, more important priorities,” the embassy statement read. Read more
Baby found dumped in park has same parents as 2 others abandoned years earlier (Metro)
Three newborn babies found abandoned in east London over the past seven years all have the same parents, it can now be reported.
The youngest of the trio, Baby Elsa, was thought to be less than an hour old when she was found in a shopping bag by a dog walker in freezing temperatures in Newham on the night of January 18.
DNA tests have since shown she has a brother and sister, known as Baby Harry and Baby Roman, who were found abandoned in similar circumstances in the same area of the capital in 2017 and 2019. Read more
Super Falcons star, Echegini wins talented youngster in Serie A (Punch)
Nigeria Super Falcons Star, Jennifer Echegini, has won the eBay MVP award for the best Under 23 player in the women’s Serie A.
The Juventus star got the recognition given to the most outstanding young talent in the league.
Echegini, who started her youth career in Arsenal before having a short spell with two clubs in the US, arrived in Turin in January and hit the ground running. Read more
I want to play at World Cup, Super Eagles not under pressure to beat Bafana — Nwabali (CompleteSports)
Stanley Nwabali has expressed his desire to represent Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup, reports Completesports.com.
The Super Eagles missed out on a place at the last edition of the World Cup hosted by Qatar.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was Nwabali’s first international competition appearance for Nigeria. Read more
Coco Gauff bounces Ons Jabeur to reach second French Open semifinal (UPI)
Coco Gauff calmly fielded Ons Jabeur’s dizzying drop shots and pinpoint returns, sliding through the Roland Garros clay to beat the Tunisian on Tuesday to climb into her second French Open semifinal.
Gauff, who reached the final in 2022, converted 4 of 5 break points, 30 forced errors and 28 unforced errors in Tuesday’s 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 quarterfinal victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“These are the matches that I live for,” Gauff told Tennis Channel. “I love when the crowd is engaged in the match and today was one of those days.” Read more
Vasseur unfazed by Leclerc-Hamilton internal competition fears (F1i)
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur believes the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to pairing two title contenders – Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton – at the Scuderia in 2025.
Ahead of the start of the 2024 F1 season, Hamilton announced his sensational move from his long-standing Mercedes team to Ferrari for next year.
The prospect excites many fans but has also led to concerns about how the two championship-caliber chargers will coexist within the Italian outfit. Read more
Kylian Mbappe forced to have Real Madrid shirt number as team-mates block favourites (DailyStar)
Kylian Mbappe, the newly minted Real Madrid star, may have to wait a bit before he can don his preferred shirt number.
Mbappe, 25, officially joined Los Blancos on Monday, causing the club’s website to crash with the announcement. The Frenchman who let his contract at PSG run out before joining Real on a free transfer, is set to receive a staggering £85million signing-on bonus.
However, the star forward might not immediately get to wear either of his favourite squad numbers – No.7 from his PSG days or No.10 from his time with the French national team. Read more
Texans’ Tank Dell discusses for first time night he was shot (ABC)
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell discussed publicly for the first time the night he was shot in April and said it was a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Dell made his comments on the “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” podcast, where he appeared with teammate C.J. Stroud, in an episode that was posted this week.
Dell was injured at a private event in Sanford, Florida, on April 28 where 10 people were wounded after shots were fired. Dell suffered a minor wound and has since returned to practice at the Texans’ OTAs. Read more