I was invited from Lagos to burgle cement shop in Osun – Suspect (Vanguard)
A suspected member of a robbery gang, Uchenna Alom, 42, has disclosed that he was invited to Osun from his Lagos base to be part of a gang that intended to burgle a cement shop in Ilesa.
The suspect while speaking with journalists when Osun Amotekun Corps paraded the seven-man gang at Osogbo Command office, Asubiaro, said he usually comes to the state to trade in cooking oil before he was invited by one Adekunle Joseph for the job.
Other members of the gang include, Monday Nweke, 32, Sikiru Kareem, 26, Oyekanmi Maruf, 32, Adebayo Tobi, 20, Ifeanyi Njoku, 32, and Olanrewaju Emmanuel, 23.
He added that he was arrested upon reaching his hotel in Modakeke, Osun State by Amotekun operatives after which Adekunle was lured to the hotel by the operatives through his (suspect) phone. Read more
Sanwo-Olu celebrates women impacting Lagos
(Punch)
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated the impact of 100 women involved in the progressive development of the state by honouring them in a continued celebration of International Women’s Month.
In a programme themed, ‘Eko Women 100’, the state said it identified and honoured women who are blazing the trail in their fields and contributing to the growth of the state while inspiring the next generation.
In a statement, Sanwo-Olu said, “The Women of Lagos are powerful, visionary and represent our great state at the highest level globally.”
“This week we celebrated 100 of them in a project called #Eko100Women. These women have made Lagos their home bringing their expertise and excellence to great effect.” Read more
Sanwo-Olu launches taxi scheme, rolls out 1,000 cars (Independent)
A safe, comfortable and modernised taxi scheme has taken off in Lagos State, with the rollout of the first batch of 1,000 brand-new GAC-branded automobiles by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday.
The scheme, codenamed ‘LAG RIDE’, was launched at a well-attended ceremony held at the State House in Alausa.
The ride hailing taxi initiative, which is being operated on a lease-to-own basis, is a component of the state government’s multimodal transportation blueprint being executed under the Traffic Management and Transportation pillar of the THEMES agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
The initiative is a partnership between Lagos State-owned IBILE Holding Limited and CIG Motors Company Limited, with the objective to provide clean and reliable means of taxis movement across the metropolis at affordable cost, using brand-new vehicles. Read more
Lagos: Doherty joins ADC, declares interest in governorship (Sun)
Businessman Funsho Doherty has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has declared his interest in running for governor of Lagos State.
Doherty made his intentions known at a declaration ceremony that was held at Freedom Park in Lagos within the week.
Speaking on his reason for joining ADC, Doherty said: ‘For change agents with a progressive agenda, ADC offers a compelling alternative platform to the two political parties that have dominated governance in Nigeria. The values espoused by the party, among which include patriotism, leadership and inclusion.’
He also said that the party offers a path to contesting for elective office that does not require the surrendering of freedom of a successful candidate to bring real change. Read more
FEC approves N104b for Abuja second runway, training of 50,000 N-Power non-graduates (Guardian)
Federal Executive Council (FEC), yesterday, approved N92 billion for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The approval came barely 24 hours after the inauguration of the new terminal building at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed this to newsmen after the meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, the entire sum would be spread across a number of works to be carried out at the airport, over a period of 12 months. Read more
Skills determine pay in Nollywood – Biodun Stephen (Nation)
Movie director and producer Biodun Stephen has contributed to the debate on how Nollywood practitioners are rewarded.
Some male actors in the industry have alleged they are underpaid compared to their female counterparts.
But Stephen thinks otherwise, declaring that the skill and talents of actors/actresses determine what they get paid.
In a chat with HipTV, the filmmaker said:“ ’Female actresses are paid more because they have something else to offer. What exactly? Read more
Why I want to be Nigeria president – Atiku (Guardian)
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday declared his intention to run for the office of Nigeria president, promising to fix Nigeria’s economy, improve security and delegate more powers to states.
The declaration marked the sixth time Atiku will be campaigning for president. He contested for the first time in 1993.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, announced his decision at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The PDP 2019 presidential candidate lost to Muhammadu Buhari who was voted into office for a second term.
“This time around is different; our journey will not end at the poll; we will get to work and rescue Nigeria. I invite every Nigerian to join me in this mission to save our dear country,” Atiku said. Read more
Outcry in Edo as Obaseki sacks 514 workers
(Leadership)
No fewer than 514 workers of the Edo State Sports Council have been relieved of their jobs by Governor Godwin Obaseki with effect from March 21, 2022.
The approval to this effect is contained in a memo dated March 4, 2022.
The memo stated that the affected workers, who are junior, senior and management staff, are part of the government transition plan from the now defunct Edo State Sports Council to the Edo State Sports Commission.
The memo stated that while the affected staff would be immediately paid their one month in lieu of notice, their pension payment will commence in April 2022. Read more
EFCC frees Obiano after 6 days in detention, seizes passport (DailyTrust)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Wednesday evening released a former governor of Anambra State on an administrative bail.
An official at the commission, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, disclosed that Obiano’s “passport was seized by the anti-graft agency as part of his bail conditions.”
The spokesman for the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.
Obiano, was nabbed on Thursday at about 8:30pm by the anti-graft agency at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, hours after he left office and handed over to the new Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo. Read more
7 members of CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee confirmed by Senate (ThisDay)
The Senate has confirmed the nominations of seven members of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The confirmation of the nominees followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions.
A statement CBN revealed that the report was laid and presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Uba Sani.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in a letter to the Senate explained that the confirmation and membership renewal request was made pursuant to Section 12(4) of the Central Bank Act, 2007. Read more
Pamela Anderson says her Chicago Broadway debut ‘is the beginning of the rest of my career’ (People)
Pamela Anderson is ready to wow Broadway audiences.
The actress will make her debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago when she steps into the musical next month on April 12 for a limited engagement through June 5 at New York City’s Ambassador Theatre.
Speaking with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Anderson acknowledged that performing on Broadway means “no safety nets,” but she’s ready and training for the challenge.
“I’m like a sponge. I’m just soaking it all in,” says Anderson, 54. “Every single experience has been just wild. I mean, it’s wild to even be here. I have to pinch myself sometimes because it seems so surreal.” Read more
‘Voltron’ live-action movie in the works with Rawson Marshall Thurber directing (Variety)
For decades, Hollywood has strived — and failed — to assemble the massive robot mecha “Voltron” for a live-action adaptation of the beloved 1980s animated TV series.
Now, “Red Notice” director Rawson Marshall Thurber hopes he’ll be the one to bring the robot lion arms, legs and head together.
The filmmaker, who also directed Dwayne Johnson films “Skyscraper” and “Central Intelligence,” is attached to direct and co-write a “Voltron” movie in a package that is currently fielding offers from multiple studios. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman (“Beauty and the Beast”) are producing with Bob Koplar of World Events Productions, the company that holds the “Voltron” rights.
Thurber is writing the screenplay with Ellen Shanman. Read more
‘Wonder Woman 1984”s Egypt was a “disgrace”, says ‘Moon Knight’ director (NME)
Moon Knight director Mohamed Diab has called the depiction of Egypt in Wonder Woman 1984 “a disgrace”.
The filmmaker, from Egypt himself, pointed to the scene in which Diana and Steve visit Cairo, and discussed his own take on ancient Egyptian mythology in the forthcoming Disney+ series.
“In my pitch, there was a big part about Egypt, and how inauthentically it has been portrayed throughout Hollywood’s history,” he told SFX Magazine.
“It’s always exotic – we call it orientalism. It dehumanises us. We are always naked, we are always sexy, we are always bad, we are always over the top.” Read more
Academy member Peter Kurland to resign over Oscars telecast controversy (THR)
Peter Kurland, a four-time Oscar-nominated sound mixer best known for his decades-long collaboration with the Coen brothers, plans to resign from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences over its controversial decision not to present eight categories — including film editing, original score and best sound — live during the Oscars broadcast.
“I can’t imagine a purpose for staying in an organization that doesn’t respect my craft anymore,” Kurland tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I tried to resign today, and they sent me back an email asking me to hold off until next week.”
Kurland will become the second known Academy member to resign in the wake of the telecast plan. As first reported by THR on March 5.
Oscar-winning rerecording mixer and decades-long Martin Scorsese collaborator Tom Fleischman resigned from the Academy over the plan. Since then, two additional Oscar winners from recent years told THR that they were considering such a move. Read more
Rick Astley celebrates 1987 debut album with reissue set boasting remixes, B-sides (CST)
Most pop stars take some time before they hit the big time, putting out a few albums before one sticks. With Rick Astley, it took just his first song.
“With me, it’s like, song one—Boom! No.1 all over the world,” Astley says via Zoom. “I was just trying to write something that you could sing along to in the chorus.”
That song was “Never Gonna Give You Up”—on his 1987 multi-platinum debut album “Whenever You Need Somebody”—that went from radio earworm to internet prank sensation.
It’s been 35 years since Astley’s debut and BMG is marking the anniversary in May with a two-CD set and digital release that boasts the remastered original album plus B-sides, remixes and Astley’s own reimagined versions of the album’s original singles.
Astley was only 20 and 21 while recording “Whenever You Need Somebody” with the songwriting and record production trio known as Stock Aitken Waterman, who had crafted songs for Bananarama and Dead or Alive. Read more
Silverchair singer Daniel Johns checks into rehabilitation centre after car accident (Guardian)
Silverchair singer Daniel Johns has checked himself into rehab after being involved in a car accident on Wednesday night, saying he had been struggling with anxiety and depression.
In a statement on Instagram on Thursday, the 42-year-old musician revealed he had recently started experiencing panic attacks and was in a car accident after becoming “lost” on the road.
“As you know, my mental health is a work in progress. I have good days and bad days but it’s something I always have to manage,” he wrote. “Over the last week I began to experience panic attacks. Last night I got lost while driving and I was in an accident. I am OK, everyone is OK.
“Alongside my therapy, I’ve been self-medicating with alcohol to deal with my anxiety and depression. I know this is not sustainable or healthy. Read more
Ukrainian punk band Beton who reimagined ‘London Calling’ address fascist links (Independent)
Ukrainian punk band Beton have opened up on their alleged links to fascist groups.
The band rose to prominence earlier this week after releasing a reimagining of The Clash’s “London Calling” as “Kyiv Calling”, to raise money for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
After being photographed wearing shirts brandishing the name of Ukrainian Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera, Beton have looked to clarify their position: “We understand that perceptions of Bandera around the world are different from those held by many Ukrainians.”
Beton were criticised by Billy Bragg who initially supported the band’s song. “We can argue about the meaning of ‘London Calling’ and what Joe Strummer would or wouldn’t have said about the lyrical changes, but we can be damn sure that he would not have allowed his song to be utilised by a band that expressed their support for fascists,” wrote the British songwriter. Read more
Madeleine Albright, groundbreaking secretary of state and feminist icon, dies at 84 (USAToday)
Madeleine Jana Korbel Albright, the first female secretary of state, who arrived in the USA as a young girl from war-torn Czechoslovakia before becoming a political and feminist icon, died Wednesday at 84.
Albright’s death from cancer was confirmed by her family in a statement Wednesday that said she was surrounded by family and friends.
Albright, who served as secretary of state from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton, pushed for NATO expansion eastward into the former Soviet bloc and helped lead the NATO bombing campaign in 1999 to halt ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. She served as Clinton’s U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 1993 to 1997.
Albright, known to admirers as a champion of democracy and human rights, told USA TODAY in 2020 that she had “a trick” to make sure her position was clear in a foreign policy arena dominated by men. Read more
We’re not under pressure, says new boy Lookman (Punch)
Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman believes Friday’s World Cup qualification play-off between Nigeria and Ghana is just another game, adding that the players are not under pressure, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
After a poor outing at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, Austin Eguavoen’s men are eyeing a place in Qatar.
And to achieve that ambition, they must get past their West African foes in a potentially explosive two-legged tie.
For Lookman, who trained with the three-time African champions for the first time on Wednesday, he and his teammates are not moved by the age-long rivalry between both countries. Read more
Chelsea news: Ownership battle takes significant step as Roman Abramovich eyes new club (Mirror)
A new favourite has emerged in the battle to become Chelsea’s new owner after Roman Abramovich put the Blues up for sale.
US brokers Raine were appointed to manage the sale and set a deadline of last Friday for any interested parties to come forward. That deadline has now passed and so they must now go through the bids before selecting a preferred one, and a favorite is starting to emerge for that sought-after position.
It comes as Roman Abramovich is reportedly looking to purchase another football club after sanctions were placed on him in the UK. And the government has eased some of the terms of its sanctioning licence on the Blues to allow them to sell some tickets once again.
Chelsea fans will be able to attend the first leg of the Blues’ Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in April after the UK government eased some of the terms of its sanctioning licence. Read more
Arsenal 1-1 Wolfsburg: Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall confident Arsenal will advance after quarter-final first-leg draw (BBC)
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall says he is “100% sure” his team will progress into the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League after a late equaliser earned them a 1-1 draw with Wolfsburg.
The second leg of the quarter-final takes place in Germany next Thursday as the Gunners aim to reach the last four for the first time since 2013.
Defender Lotte Wubben-Moy scored in the 89th minute to earn the dramatic draw.
“The only thing that will make us happy is to go through,” said Eidevall. Read more
Marcus Rashford without England and Manchester United is a nobody’, claims former Red Devils defender Paul Parker (DailyMail)
Marcus Rashford is ‘nothing’ without Manchester United and England, says former Red Devils defender Paul Parker.
The 24-year-old forward has endured a tough time since returning from injury in October, scoring just four times in 19 Premier League appearances.
He was also left out of last week’s England squad.
Reports have claimed Rashford has grown frustrated with his role at the club, with Liverpool and Barcelona among the clubs said to be interested in signing him. Read more
McLaren pain expected to continue for Daniel Ricciardo after horror F1 start (ABC)
Daniel Ricciardo says McLaren need to learn as much as they can about their new car following a shocking start to the Formula 1 season.
The British team were in all sorts of trouble in the opening race of the season in Bahrain, off the pace and fighting at the back of the field.
Ricciardo finished 14th, a place ahead of teammate Lando Norris, but they only finished so high because three cars well ahead of them retired late in the race.
F1 has gone through a massive regulation change and it was clear after the year’s first grand prix that McLaren have a lot of work to do to make their car competitive. Read more
Conor McGregor reportedly arrested in Dublin for dangerous driving (SI)
UFC fighter Conor McGregor was reportedly arrested in Dublin on Tuesday due to dangerous driving, The Irish Independent reported on Wednesday.
According to the Irish Independent, McGregor violated various road traffic laws in his home country. Those violations have not been detailed.
McGregor’s spokesperson Karen Kessler spoke to ESPN about the situation.
“Mr. McGregor was driving to the gym when he was stopped by [Irish police] for alleged road traffic violations,” Kessler said. “He passed the drug and alcohol tests taken at the station.” Read more
Rahm starts off well at WGC Match Play (France24)
World number one Jon Rahm got off to a smooth start at the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play tournament in Texas on Wednesday, romping to a convincing victory over Colombia’s Sebastian Munoz.
Rahm, looking to build some Masters momentum at this week’s tournament at Austin Country Club in Texas, recovered from an early deficit to post a 4&2 victory.
Munoz had taken the early lead, going one up with a birdie at the par-four third hole, before Rahm hit back immediately with a birdie of his own on the fourth.
The Colombian then pulled away with a birdie on the 12th before rolling in a 30-foot birdie putt on the 13th to go three up. A birdie on the 16th clinched victory. Read more
