I phone my daughter in Ukraine every hour – Father of Nigerian medical student (Punch)
Pastor Matthew Adeleye, whose daughter is a medical student in Ukraine, says he has been speaking with her every hour since war broke out in the country.
The man of God made this known in an interview with Punch.
He said his daughter, Olamide Racheal Adeleye, went to Ukraine to study medicine and surgery in 2015.
“Ukraine is reputable for medical training in terms of quality, all over the world. Compared with Europe and America, it is relatively cheaper (studying medicine there),” he said.
“I get in touch with her every hour. You are able to get me so easily now just because the tension in Ukraine has gone down a bit. Yesterday, I lost my composure at a point, especially at a time they had to trek towards Poland border.
“She stays in the town called Lviv; Lviv is at the Western part of Ukraine. The most risk-prone area is Eastern Ukraine. Lviv is close to Poland border, and as of now, it is adjudged to be one of the safest places (in Ukraine). Even the American government is contemplating relocating their embassy from Kyiv, to Lviv. Having considered Lviv relatively safe for now, since the war broke out up till now, we have not heard of stories of missiles or bomb attack in Lviv. She told me that not even a single attack has been recorded”. Read more
NCC discovers software that steals user’s banking app login details for Android devices (Tribune)
The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) has discovered a newly-hatched malicious software that steals users’ banking app login credentials on Android devices.
According to a security advisory from the NCC CSIRT, the malicious software called “Xenomorph”, found to target 56 financial institutions from Europe, has high impact and high vulnerability rate. The main intent of this malware is to steal credentials, combined with the use of SMS and Notification interception to log in and use potential 2-factor authentication tokens.
A statement by the NCC said Xenomorph is propagated by an application that was slipped into Google Play store and masquerading as a legitimate application called “Fast Cleaner” ostensibly meant to clear junk, increase device speed and optimize battery. In reality, this app is only a means by which the Xenomorph Trojan could be propagated easily and efficiently.
The statement said to avoid early detection or being denied access to the PlayStore, “Fast Cleaner” was disseminated before the malware was placed on the remote server, making it hard for Google to determine that such an app is being used for malicious actions. Read more
Don’t fall victim, verify lands before purchase, FG tells Lagos residents (Punch)
The Federal Government has appealed to the public, particularly Lagos State residents to always verify all lands with state and Federal Government agencies before purchase, in order not to fall victim to land grabbers.
The apex government also appealed to the media to embark on mass awareness campaign against land grabbers in Lagos State.
The Federal Controller of Housing in Lagos State, Mrs Margaret Adejobi, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.
Adejobi said that the land grabbers deliberately encroached and sold-off gazetted Federal Government lands in Lagos state. Read more
Demolition: Patience Jonathan seeks arrest of Ex-SSG (ThisDay)
Former First Lady and wife of Immediate past President, Dame Patience Jonathan, has sent a protest letter to the Bayelsa State Police Command over the alleged illegal demolition of her property, Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa located at the Okaka area of the State capital.
The demolitions carried out by State Government officials was led by the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the Chairman of the State Physical Planning and Development Board, Gideon Ekeowe.
The former Nigerian First Lady, in her protest letter to the Police, was demanding the arrest of Gideon Ekeowe, over what she alleged as abuse of office, criminal demolition and abuse of Court processes.
It was gathered yesterday that the demand for the arrest of Alabo Ekeowe was provoked by the Friday destruction of the fence of the Hotel without allowing the management of the hotel and the Police respond to the Court order arising from the Motion on Notice instituted by the Physical Planning Board. Read more
APC wins by-elections in Ondo, Cross River states (DailyTrust)
The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has declared Mr Alademayokun Olarewaju of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Saturday’s by-election for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency.
Declaring the result in Akure, the Returning Officer, Prof. Deji Ogunseni, said Olarewaju polled 26, 370 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Olumuyiwa Adu of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), who scored 24, 201 votes.
Ogunseni said Mr Olawale Oyekanmi of the Accord Party scored 41 votes; Mrs Oluwawemimo Fadekemi of ADP scored 465 votes; Joseph Ajayi of APP polled 125 votes; Johnson Olawusi of NRM scored 76 votes, while Opawole Tajudeen of SDP scored 68 votes.
INEC similarly declared Mr Jude Ngaji of the APC as the winner of the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency by-election in Cross River. Read more
Osinbajo to headline African Court Of Justice annual opening session as guest speaker (Channels)
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will depart Abuja for Arusha, Tanzania on Sunday to attend the opening of the 2022 Judicial Year of the African Court for Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Last year, at its 15th Anniversary, the court resolved that “as a means of enhancing its visibility and engaging as many stakeholders as possible, it will convene a solemn ceremony at the commencement of the first of its four sessions of each year to mark the official opening of the judicial year”.
According to a statement by his special media aide, Laolu Akande, Prof. Osinbajo has been designated as the guest speaker at this inaugural event to be attended by leaders from across the continent and beyond. The VP will speak on the theme: “The African Court and the Africa we Want”.
The overall objective of the ceremony, according to the Court, is to provide a forum for interaction with the member states, key judicial authorities, inter-governmental, semi-governmental, and non-state actors; exchange of ideas; and reflection on the work of the Court for the year. Read more
Osibanjo, Sanwo-Olu, inaugurate Kimberly-Clark $100m new factory in Ikorodu (Leadership)
Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated the Kimberly Clark Nigeria’s state-of-the-art premium diaper brand, Huggies and leading sanitary pad brand- Kotex’s new factory facilities estimated to worth over $100 million at Odugunyan in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The new plant was inaugurated in Ikorodu, Lagos, in furtherance of Kimberly-Clark vision to provide “better care for a better world”. The new state of the art manufacturing facility is equipped with enhanced technology and capabilities to better serve its consumers.
Operations at the facility commenced in the last quarter of 2021, but the official inauguration date was scheduled for later in compliance with the company’s COVID regulations and guidelines for hosting gatherings.
The exceptional event was attended by note-worthy dignitaries, including Osibnajo, Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Ms. Zamba, the minister of industry, trade and investment, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo; the minister of state for finance, budget and national planning, Prince Clem Agba, the minister of women affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, House of Representative member (Ikorodu constituency), Hon. Babajimi Benson, U.S consul general, Claire Pierangelo, president, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Engineer Mansur Ahmed; CEO, American Business Council, Margaret Olele; and other l dignitaries. Read more
Heavy security at venue of Lagos PDP state congress (Vanguard)
Security operatives on Sunday, mounted heavy presence at the Airways Ground by Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja GRA, venue of the rescheduled state congress of the PDP in Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that security personnel were strategically positioned at the entrance and within the premises of the venue.
Several patrol vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carrier were also stationed at the access roads leading to the venue.
Some of the security agencies at the centre were the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security, Army and Police Bomb Squad among others. Read more
INEC opens race for 2023 elections (Tribune)
Sequel to signing into law the Electoral Act 2022 Amendment Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has announced new dates for 2023 general election.
Addressing a gathering of National Commissioners and journalists on Saturday, Professor Yakubu said the presidential and National Assembly elections would now hold on February 25, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
It will be recalled that the elections had earlier been fixed for February 18 for presidential and National Assembly elections, while March 4, 2023 was the initial date given for state elections. Professor Yakubu said the new dates were in deference to the provisions of the new law, as he noted that the commission could not release the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the general election, as it normally would, because of the pendency of a new electoral law.
“The Bill has now been signed into law. Therefore, the Electoral Act 2022, together with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), forms the legal basis for conducting all elections in Nigeria. Read more
President Biden’s SCOTUS pick receives surprise support from Fox News (Newsweek)
President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court nominee, Ketanji Brown Jackson, is receiving high praise from what could be seen as an unlikely source—Fox News.
An anchor of the right-leaning network discussed Jackson in glowing terms on Friday morning, shortly after Biden formally introduced her as his nominee, even though several congressional Republicans have opposed her nomination.
Jackson, the first-ever Black female Supreme Court nominee, spoke after Biden introduced her. In her speech, she shared a little about her family and the people who inspired her professional career. She also called the United States “the greatest beacon of hope and democracy the world has ever known.”
Fox News contributor and legal scholar Jonathan Turley said, “I thought that her remarks were pitch-perfect. They were really terrific in terms of laying out the great honor that’s been given to her but also the compelling aspects of her life. I mean, there’s a life story to be told here. Hers is a particularly impressive one.” Read more
Zelensky: A comedian president rising to the moment (BBC)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a comedian who had no experience of politics when elected less than three years ago, has suddenly emerged as a convincing war leader.
He has rallied the nation with his addresses and video selfies and given voice to Ukrainian anger and defiance of Russian aggression.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has appeared increasingly erratic – accusing Ukraine of “genocide” in the breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk republics, and talking of the need to “de-Nazify” the country – President Zelensky, from a Russian-speaking Jewish family, has remained dignified, resolute and articulate.
These pronouncements have revealed a side that many critics – including a large chunk of the intelligentsia – had not seen coming. Read more
Samuel L Jackson says the Academy should give Spider-Man: No Way Home an Oscar (Independent)
Samuel L Jackson has said Spider-Man: No Way Home deserves an Oscar award.
The actor has again defended Marvel films against criticism that they do not count as cinema.
In October 2019, Martin Scorsese attracted backlash after stating that Marvel films are “not cinema”. Francis Ford Coppola later doubled-down on the filmmaker’s remarks, calling superhero movies “despicable”.
Jackson – who has made 10 appearances as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – opened up about his thoughts on the attitude toward superhero films in an interview with The Sunday Times. Read more
Cineworld touts record UK day with discounted tickets attracting fans, company says (Deadline)
Cineworld has enjoyed a record-breaking day in the UK on its inaugural Cineworld Day, according to the exhibitor.
A mixture of films old and new in a variety of formats, as well as a low price offer of £3 per ticket, attracted a total of 650,000 admissions across more than 100 Cineworld and Picturehouse sites in the UK and Ireland.
New titles including Cyrano, The Duke, Death on the Nile, Uncharted and Belfast were included in the offering on Saturday February 26, as was the 50th anniversary re-release of mob family epic The Godfather.
Such success will come as an enormous relief to cinema owners everywhere, following nearly two years of low attendance figures during lockdown and ensuing restrictions. Read more
Kanye West and Beach House are collaborating (FarOut)
Collaboration has always been one of Kanye West’s greatest talents. The controversial rapper has worked with everyone from Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) to Buster Rhymes and more. He’s even worked with artists without them knowing, as poor old Aphex Twin found out when he discovered West had ripped one of his songs for the 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Now, following his social media splurge earlier this month, in which he bashed Kim Kardashian for her parenting style, Ye is embarking on yet another collaboration, this time with one of the least confrontational groups in the known universe: Beach House..
On Saturday (February 26th) Ye shared a series of photos to his Instagram channel that show him in a cosy recording studio with Beach House’s Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally. To remove all doubt from people’s minds, West captioned the photos with an ocean wave emoji and tagged the blissed-out duo’s account.
The collaboration has certainly come as a surprise to many. On the surface, hip-hop and dream-pop seem to sit at opposite ends of the musical spectrum. But, West isn’t the only rapper with a penchant for swirling, reverb-laden ballads. Beyonce and Jay-Z were famously spotted, not quite dancing, but definitely vibing out, to Beach House’s 2010 Coachella set. Kendrick Lamar even sampled the group’s track ‘Silver Soul’ for ‘Money Trees’. Read more
Dame Helen Mirren to be honoured with SAG lifetime achievement award to celebrate incredible career (Metro)
Dame Helen Mirren will be honoured with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) lifetime achievement award for her contribution to the industry this weekend, after a decades long career of acclaimed roles.
The Oscar-winning actress will be the 57th recipient of the prestigious prize at the SAG awards in Los Angeles later today.
In addition to her Oscar win for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen, for which she also earned a SAG Award, she has received three Emmys, a Tony, numerous Baftas and was made a Dame of the British Empire in 2003.
The 76-year-old has five SAG wins and received 13 nominations over the course of her impressive career, and is the most decorated SAG lifetime achievement award winner. Read more
Russia central bank urges calm amid cash run fears (BBC)
Russia’s central bank has issued an appeal for calm amid fears that new financial sanctions could spark a run on its banks.
It said it “has the necessary resources and tools to maintain financial stability and ensure the operational continuity of the financial sector”.
The EU, the US, the UK and Canada have announced that the assets of Russia’s central bank will be frozen.
Some Russian banks will also be excluded from the Swift payment system. Read more
Okoye set for 50th Sparta game (Punch)
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is in line to make his 50th appearance for the first team of his Dutch Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam when they host PSV in Sunday’s (today) clash, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 22-year-old goalie will also be aiming to keep his 15th clean sheet for Sparta Rotterdam who occupy one of the two automatic relegation places, with two points separating them from the relegation playoff spot, while they are four points adrift of safety.
The Nigeria international has made 49 appearances conceding 65 goals and keeping 14 clean sheets for Sparta Rotterdam since he joined the club Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2020.
The hosts have won five league games all season, with two of those victories coming against Willem II, who they edged out in their last outing.
Sparta holds the worst goalscoring record in the Eredivisie so far this season having scored only 17 goals prior to Sunday’s (today) fixture but will be banking on Younes Namli to help them secure their sixth win of the season. Read more
NPFL: LMC sanctions Lobi Stars,Gombe United for breach of rules (Leadership)
Lobi Stars and Gombe United will play their next home games behind closed doors for breaching Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), Rules and Framework.
According to a statement released by the LMC,the separate incidents in question happened on MatchDay 14 when Lobi and Gombe United hosted Remo Stars and Plateau United respectively.
In addition to the stadium ban, Gombe United has also been fined a total of ₦2m (₦2,000.000) for failing to provide adequate security cover for the visiting team at the end of the match as they made their trip back to their destination in Jos.
“The fine also included ₦500,000 for failure to ensure proper ticketing, crowd management and convenient allocation of seats to fans. Completing the₦2m fine is another ₦500,000 for the throwing of objects into the field of play by the club’s supporters,” the statement read. Read more
West Ham 1-0 Wolves: Tomas Soucek delivers vital win in race for Champions League qualification (Standard)
West Ham claimed a vital 1-0 victory over top-four rivals Wolves at London Stadium on Sunday.
A quiet start to the game saw the Hammers slowly build the confidence to attack in numbers, which led to Ben Johnson breaking the line to win a free-kick in a dangerous position. Aaron Cresswell flashed his effort wide of Jose Sa’s far-post.
Michail Antonio was next to test the Wolves goalkeeper before Declan Rice cracked a fierce long-range shot against the woodwork.
The visitors, with youngster Fabio Silva in up front for Raul Jimenez, struggled to find a focal point to their attacks. Hwang Hee-chan shot off-target with their best opening of the first-half, in stoppage time. Read more
Confirmed Chelsea side vs Liverpool: Mendy and Havertz start, James and Lukaku on the bench
(FootballLondon)
Thomas Tuchel has named Edouard Mendy in his Chelsea side for this afternoon’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, but club-record signing Romelu Lukaku is only on the substitutes’ bench.
The Blues – amid the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and owner Roman Abramovich handing over the running and decision-making powers at the club to its charitable foundation – are hoping to win their third trophy of the season at Wembley this afternoon.
Tuchel faced several big selection choices and has been bold with his decisions. Mendy’s start is his first in the Carabao Cup this season and comes at the expense of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has been between the post for the Blues in every previous round.
Andreas Christensen misses the game with a minor Achilles injury and Trevoh Chalobah comes into the starting XI as a result. It is another landmark moment for the defender, who was originally meant to leave Chelsea on loan last summer. Read more
Russian Invasion: Tennis player Stakhovsky joins Ukraine Military
Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy (DailyTrust)
Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky said Saturday he has joined his country’s military reserves to fight the Russian invasion.
The 36-year-old Stakhovsky once ranked at 31 in the world and who famously defeated Roger Federer on Wimbledon’s Centre Court in 2013, said that once he has helped his wife and child reach safety in Hungary, he will be happy to answer a call to arms.
“Of course, I would fight, it’s the only reason I’m trying to get back,” he told Sky News.
“I signed up for the reserves last week. I don’t have military experience but I do have experience with a gun privately.
“My dad and brother are surgeons, they are stressed out, but I speak to them frequently – they sleep in the basement.” Read more
Christian Eriksen reacts to emotional return to football in Brentford loss to Newcastle (Metro)
Christian Eriksen made his return to the football pitch on Saturday in Brentford’s defeat to Newcastle, 257 days after suffering a cardiac arrest, and said: ‘If you take away the result. I’m one happy man.’
The 30-year-old is back in action after the terrifying experience while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020, coming on after 52 minutes at the Brentford Community Stadium.
The Bees fell to a 2-0 defeat, but it was still a momentous occasion for the Dane who thought his career may have been over due to his heart issue.
The defeat was disappointing, but Eriksen was thrilled to return and has thanked Brentford and their manager Thomas Frank for the help on his journey back to the Premier League. Read more
Ukraine invasion: Czechs to boycott any Russia World Cup match, Elina Svitolina donates prize money (BBC)
The Czech Republic have joined Sweden and Poland in saying they will boycott any game against Russia in football’s World Cup play-offs as sport continues to react to the invasion of Ukraine.
The International Judo Federation has suspended Russian president Vladimir Putin as its honorary president.
Boxing’s world governing bodies the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO say they will not sanction any title fights in Russia.
Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina will donate prize money to aid efforts.
The world number 15 says the money will used to “support the army and humanitarian needs and help them to defend you, our country”. Read more