I’m alive, says Oyo monarch reported dead (Nation)
The Onjo of Okeho Oba Rafiu Osuolale Mustapha has debunked news of his rumoured death.
The monarch said he has been receiving calls worldwide on his demise flying around social media.
A popular news outlet on Monday reported the monarch in Kajola Local Government Area, Oyo State, reportedly joined his ancestors on Sunday night.
But the Monarch, who spoke to journalists at his palace on Monday morning, said he had also received the news of his death from different quarters. Read more
Lagos CP holds security meeting with area commanders (Punch)
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, is holding a security meeting with all Area, Squadron and Tactical Commanders in the state.
The Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known via a tweet on Monday.
Sharing photos from the meeting, Hundeyin noted that the security and safety of all Lagos State residents remained a top priority for the police.
He also urged Lagosians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies. Read more
Lekki Deep Seaport is less than 5% to completion (Leadership)
The plan for the commissioning of the Lekki deep seaport by September, 2022 is gathering momentum as the management of the deep seaport, on Monday, announced that the construction of the port has reached 95.65 percent completion.
The project status report is coming less than one week after President Muhammadu Buhari approved the designation of Lekki Deep Seaport as a Customs Port and Approved Wharf.
According to the report on the official social media handle of the promoters of the port, LEADERSHIP gathered that the dredging and reclaimation has reached 98.43 percent; construction of quay wall has reached 96.07 percent; breakwater at 92.99 percent while landside infrastructure has reached 90.61 percent.
The promoters, however, said they were focused on the completion of the project by September and commercial operation to start by year end. Read more
Veteran singer, Ebenezer Obey, loses 48-year-old son (DailyTrust)
Nigerian juju musician, Ebenezer Obey, has lost one of his sons, Olayinka Olalekan Obey-Fabiyi.
It was gathered that 48-year-old Olayinka died on Friday, 29th of August and was interred on Saturday.
However, the cause of Olayinka’s death has not been confirmed.
Sadly, this is not the first time the juju maestro will be thrown into a state of mourning. The octogenarian lost his 67 years old wife, Lady Juliana Obey-Fabiyi, on August 23, 2011. Read more
I’m not related to murdered Anambra lady – Chimamanda (Punch)
Award-winning novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, has faulted claims that she was related a 40-year-old lady, Nkiru Okoye, murdered in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the deceased, a wife of a mechanical engineer, Emenike Okoye, was beaten to death by her brother-in-law, George Okoye, over the ownership of some disputed landed property.
George Okoye is the elder brother of Emenike Okoye.
The suspect, who is currently in police custody, was said to have invaded the home of the victim, alongside some of his immediate family members, and attacked Emenike and his wife. Read more
UK-based Nigerian wins Sir George Macfarlane medal for overall young engineer (Vanguard)
A young Nigerian engineer resident in the United Kingdom, George Imafidon has emerged as the overall winner of the RAEng Engineers Trust Young Engineer of the year.
The Royal Academy of Engineering with the aid of the Worshipful Company of Engineers awarded Imafidon with a £3,000 prize for his outstanding works in engineering.
Imafidon, who emerged as the best among other five young engineers, also received the Sir George Macfarlane Medal according to a report by MyEngineers on Saturday.
The report said, “Five young engineers who have been outstandingly successful in their respective fields at an early stage of their careers have each won a prestigious award and a £3,000 prize from the Royal Academy of Engineering. Read more
Abia resident doctors on strike for almost a year – NARD (Channels)
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday said its members in Abia State have been on strike for almost a year over unpaid salaries.
President of the association, Dr Dare Ishaya, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
He criticised the Abia State Government for owing resident doctors their salaries as well as failing to implement the Medical Residency Training Act in the state.
Ishaya stated that plans are ongoing with the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who has agreed to pay seven months of the salary arrears and also domesticate the Act in the South-Eastern state. Read more
Art of Living Foundation’s 2022 Cultural Day could boost Nigeria’s revenue – Utomi (Sun)
The Founder, Centre for values in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi has said the Culture Festival, a global event series organised by the Art of Living Foundation, can be used as an opportunity to boost the country’s revenue.
Utomi stated this to newsmen during a press conference organized by the foundation in Lagos recently.
Whilst noting that the business environment has been harsh due to COVID-19, Utomi noted that the fracturing of global supply chains has created a condition called accelerating inflation globally.
He added that the very first visit of the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar, to Nigeria is an auspicious one and presents an opportunity for political leaders and business leaders in Lagos and Abuja so as to provide a pathway like the one that Colombia found. Read more
Terrorists occupying Osun, Ogun forests –Gani Adams (Sun)
Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, has raised the alarm over the spate of insecurity in the country, saying Nigeria is already sleepwalking into a collapse.
In a statement he signed personally, the Yoruba generalissimo declared the somnambulation was caused by a criminal overdose of chronic pain inflicted on the country by the inaction and connivance of those in authority with terrorists and undesirable elements in the polity.
It also said from the economy to security, the country is already heading for a decline which, he said, will affect sub-Saharan Africa and the black world.
Calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly stop the drift into destruction, Adams said a series of serious security breaches in the country in the last few months mean that all is not well with the security architecture of Nigeria. Read more
Angelina Jolie’s daughter Zahara is headed to Spelman College (CNN)
Angelina Jolie’s daughter is headed to an HBCU.
Zahara Jolie-Pitt will be attending Spelman College in Atlanta, her mother shared over the weekend.
“Zahara with her Spelman sisters! Congratulations to all new students starting this year,” Jolie wrote in the caption of a photo on her verified Instagram account. “A very special place and an honor to have a family member as a new Spelman girl.”
Spelman is a historically Black liberal arts college for women that has several notable alumnae including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker and “The Cosby Show” star Keshia Knight Pulliam. Read more
Shine Global announces nominees for inaugural Children’s Resilience in Film Award (THR)
Shine Global has announced the nominated films for its first-ever Children’s Resilience in Film Award, which honors filmmakers who highlight and celebrate the power of children globally.
The four nominated films stem from Vietnam, Sweden/Denmark/Norway and the U.S.
The nominated films were selected from a pool of feature-length film submissions from 32 countries and will be screened in New York City from Sept. 16-18, followed by an award show breakfast in Los Angeles on Oct. 20 at which the winner will be announced. The winner will receive a cash prize of $25,000.
The jury panel consists of Kay Wilson Stallings, executive vp of creative and production, Sesame Workshop; Maria Perez Brown, head of kids and family, TIME Studios; Amy Kennedy, children’s rights activist, educator and 2020 Democratic congressional nominee; Jana Sue Memel, Academy Award-winning producer; and The Hollywood Reporter’s senior awards analyst Scott Feinberg. Read more
Sylvester Stallone slams ‘pathetic’ Rocky producer for Ivan Drago spin-off movie (Mirror)
Sylvester Stallone has gone in hard on Rocky producer Irwin Winkler after being left out of plans for an Ivan Drago spin-off movie.
The Hollywood actor, 76, was the star of the hit boxing franchise, but is far from happy at one of the OG producers’ decision to create a new film surrounding the origins of one of its hit characters.
It’s the second time Sly has taken aim at Irwin, who helped make the franchise a huge success.
The new movie will look back at Dolph Lundgren ‘s Ivan Drago character’s origins and Sly also fired shots at his former pal for not informing him of the new script, as well as Irwin’s ‘moronic vulture children’. Read more
Pat Carroll, Veteran actress and voice of Ursula from The Little Mermaid, dead at 95 (People)
Pat Carroll, a voiceover and onscreen actress, has died, PEOPLE can confirm. She was 95.
The industry veteran, who won an Emmy and Grammy across her storied career, died Saturday, a representative for the performer told PEOPLE in an email statement on Sunday.
“We sadly confirm the passing of Ms. Pat Carroll who died peacefully at home with her best friend by her side in the early morning,” the statement read.
Carroll’s daughter, Kerry Karsian, told The Hollywood Reporter that her mother died at home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, while recovering from pneumonia. Read more
Patti LaBelle says 2Pac’s “California Love” inspired her to learn to crip walk (HNHH)
Patti LaBelle reflected on 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. during her recent appearance on “Drink Champs.”
Patti LaBelle says that she learned how to crip walk after hearing 2Pac’s hit song, “California Love.” The legendary singer discussed 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. while reflecting on his relationship with hip-hop more broadly, during her recent appearance on Drink Champs.
When asked for her earliest memories of listening to hip-hop, she called back to 2Pac and Big Daddy Kane.
“I started moving to ‘California Love,’” LaBelle told hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. “That’s when I started to Crip Walk.” Read more
Justin Bieber resumes his world tour in Italy following Ramsay Hunt syndrome recovery (DailyMail)
Hailey Bieber was quite the proud wife on Sunday, as she shared a video of her husband Justin Bieber resuming his Justice World Tour.
The model, 25, championed Justin’s resilience – after his recent recovery from Ramsay Hunt syndrome – writing: ‘One thing I know for certain is you can’t keep this guy down.’
The video was taken at the Lucca Summer Festival in Lucca, Italy, where the Canadian hitmaker, 28, was scheduled to perform on Sunday, after previously postponing 14 dates to recover from the rare syndrome.
The Baby singer was shirtless as he rocked the crowd, sporting a pair of shorts and a bucket hat for the event. Read more
A man with a loaded AK-47 was arrested outside an Iranian journalist’s Brooklyn home (CNN)
A man armed with an AK-47-style rifle was arrested Thursday afternoon after law enforcement officials observed him behaving “suspiciously” in a Brooklyn neighborhood where Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad resides with her family.
Alinejad was targeted in an alleged kidnapping plot last year by Iranian nationals after speaking out against the Iranian regime. The indictment in that case alleged the plot was organized by an Iranian intelligence official, but Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any involvement, calling the accusation “baseless and ridiculous,” according to semi-official Iranian state media.
Alinejad said she was home Thursday when federal agents informed her about the armed individual.
“I was told by the FBI to ‘stay away from your home,'” Alinejad told CNN by phone Sunday. “I was shocked. I couldn’t even believe it. I was telling myself, ‘if I opened the door, what was I going to do?'” Read more
IRT boss, DCP Disu, wins Silver medal in US Open Judo (Leadership)
Veteran Judoka and Head of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), DCP Tunji Disu, has won a Silver medal in the United States Open Judo.
Disu won the medal in the veteran category at the 33rd US Open Judo Championships held in the United States of America.
Recall that the Police Deputy Commissioner was appointed the head of the IRT as a replacement for disgraced cop, Abba Kyari, who is currently undergoing trial over drug related offences.
Recall that last month, Tobi Amusan in Oregon, USA, became the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championship. Read more
Nigeria, Ghana renew rivalry in CHAN qualifiers (Nation)
The final playoff for the 2023 CHAN for players plying their trade in the country has seen Ghana draw the Super Eagles B team.
The home-based Super Eagles had been drawn to face the winner of a contest between neighbours Benin Republic and the Black Galaxies.
Ghana defeated the Squirrels 1-0 at the Stade de L’Amitie in Cotonou, to complete a 4-0 aggregate victory against Benin Republic having thrashed them 3-0 in the first leg at the Cape Coast Stadium.
The Super Eagles had made it through to the final CHAN playoffs based on previous performances in the competition. Read more
Bako: Sultan never endorsed anybody for NFF presidency (Sun)
Contrary to a recent report stating that the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has endorsed one of the aspirants for the forthcoming elections of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), investigations have revealed it was all false.
According to the report, the Sultan of Sokoto gave his support to one of the candidates running for elections to become the next President of the NFF during a visit last week.
Indeed the candidate also boasted of having the endorsement of three northern state governors in a bid to win the elections that is yet to have a fixed date or template for the transition.
Authoritative sources from the Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto on Sunday said: “As a policy, the Sultan welcomes all Nigerians and foreigners alike and indeed all men and women of goodwill who come to pay home and seek his blessings but does not endorse candidates involved in a political contest for office be it football or social circles. Read more
Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Nantes: Neymar scores twice with Lionel Messi also on target in Trophee des Champions (Sky)
Lionel Messi opened the scoring and Neymar scored twice as French champions Paris Saint-Germain beat French Cup winners Nantes 4-0 to win the Trophee des Champions on Sunday.
Messi, the record seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, netted midway through the first half. Taking a deflected pass from Neymar, he went past goalkeeper Alban Lafont before scoring with a fine finish.
Neymar expertly guided a free-kick into the top left corner in first-half injury time to put coach Christophe Galtier’s side 2-0 up at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, which hosted the game for the second straight year.
Veteran defender Sergio Ramos made it 3-0 in the 57th minute from close range and Neymar converted a penalty in the 82nd after being fouled by Jean-Charles Castelletto, who was sent off. Read more
Pep Guardiola makes Man City and Liverpool claim ahead of Premier League opener (Liverpool Echo)
Pep Guardiola believes there are “many, many” Premier League teams who can reach the level of Liverpool and Manchester City – but consistency is keeping the duo ahead of the pack.
The two teams are expected to battle for the championship once again this season and played out an enthralling Community Shield on Saturday, which the Reds won 3-1.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have made significant progress in recent years while Manchester United and Arsenal have been busy in the transfer window to prompt talk of a wider title race.
And while Guardiola is wary of their threat, he acknowledges City and Liverpool are now the major forces in England. Read more
Ex-Ryder Cup captain Henrik Stenson wins in LIV Golf debut (StraitsTimes)
Henrik Stenson, stripped of the European Ryder Cup captaincy after joining the breakaway LIV Golf circuit, shook off the controversy to win the LIV Golf Invitational Bedminster on Sunday (July 31).
“I guess we can agree I played like a captain,” said the 46-year-old Swede, in a dig at Ryder Cup Europe after he carded a two-under 69 at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
His 11-under total gave him a two-shot victory over Matthew Wolff and Dustin Johnson in the 54-hole, shotgun start event.
Stenson was sacked as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain last week after signing with the Saudi-backed LIV circuit, which has drawn criticism from human rights activists concerned about Saudi Arabia’s record. Read more
ATP Umag: Jannik Sinner dethrones Carlos Alcaraz and wins title (TennisWorld)
The title clash at the ATP 250 event in Umag saw a battle between the top-10 rivals and the future of our sport. The defending champion and the top seed Carlos Alcaraz faced world no. 10 Jannik Sinner in the desired final, and the Italian emerged at the top.
Sinner defeated Alcaraz 6-7, 6-1, 6-1 in two hours and 25 minutes for his sixth ATP crown and the first on clay. Jannik dropped the first 13 encounters against the top-5 rivals before scoring his first victory on Sunday night in Umag.
Alcaraz was 36-0 this year after winning the first set, but he could not keep the perfect score after losing ground completely in sets two and three. The Italian defended all nine breakpoints and started all over after the opener to deliver five breaks and leave the Spaniard behind.
Carlos lost the second final in as many weeks after falling to another Italian, Lorenzo Musetti, in Hamburg last Sunday. Sinner forced Alcaraz’s mistake in the encounter’s opening game for a hold at 15. Read more