I’m having rough times at Oxford University, Cuppy cries out (Punch)
Florence Otedola, International Disk Jockey, professionally known as DJ Cuppy, has been open about her taxing academic journey, since her admission to Oxford University, England.
The Gelato singer, on Wednesday, revealed that the race for her master’s degree in the prestigious varsity was coming to an end and had therefore gotten tougher.
Taking to her Instagram stories, the singer posted a picture of her face lined with tears which she captioned, “Late library nights.”
“Haven’t been online for a few days as I’ve been dealing with my last term at Oxford University,” she said. “My thesis is due soon and I am under so much pressure to deliver at such a high academic standard. Having never done a research paper before, it’s extremely draining in a mental and even emotional way.” Read more
Save us from menace of Okada riders — Lekki residents cry out (Vanguard)
A few days after a 37-year-old sound engineer was lynched and burnt by irate commercial motorcycle operators at Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos, Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association LERA, has cried out over the activities of commercial motorcyclists in the area saying this is causing more harm than good to residents.
The residents who spoke through Yomi Idowu, the chairman of the residents association on Wednesday, called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to save the community from the menace by sustaining the ongoing clamping down of commercial motorcycle operators in the area.
The Chairman said this after he visited Maroko Police Station following the death of Sunday- David Umoh, a member of Legacy 360 Band, the sound engineer, who met his untimely death on Thursday, 12th May 2022.
In a chat with Vanguard, he alleged that the activities of the riders have been causing sleepless nights in the area just as he appealed to people to avoid spreading fake news in connection with the matter. Read more
Police destroy illicit drugs worth N10m in Lagos
(ThisDay)
The Lagos State Police Command yesterday destroyed about 4,000 wraps of illicit drugs worth N10 million at Ewu-Elepe Dump Site in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
In April, operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were said to have intercepted the drugs at Mile 2 area of the state.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ahmed Kontagora, who led the team, said the destruction followed a court order.
He added that three suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizure. The substances seized included cannabis and others that were recovered in the last one month by men of RRS after diligent investigation. Read more
Lagos announces total ban on okada in 6 LGs (Guardian)
Lagos State Wednesday said the operations of commercial motorcyclists have been totally banned in six local governments in the state.
Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said no commercial motorcyclists would be allowed to operate in any part of Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island and Apapa local councils from June 1.
“This is the phased banning that we are going to be embarking on so that others will know that in a short while it is either they get out or look for something else to do,” Sanwo-Olu said at a meeting with police area commanders and DPOS at the Lagos House, Ikeja. Read more
Jungle justice needs to stop – Actor, Alexx Ekubo (Punch)
Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, has spoken out against the rising issue of jungle justice in the country.
This comes on the heels of two lynching incidents that went viral last week. Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level student at the Sheu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, was lynched to death on Thursday, May 12, after allegations of blasphemy were levelled against her.
On Monday, David Sunday, a sound engineer, was also burnt to death by motorcyclists after a disagreement over fares in Lekki, Lagos.
Posting a video of Sunday’s widow, Grace, via his Instagram page on Wednesday, the actor decried the growing trend of Nigerians resorting to mob action and violence instead of allowing the law to take its due cause. Read more
Court strikes out FG’s new charges against Nnamdi Kanu (Tribune)
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has just struck out the newly amended six-count charge preferred against Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government following the withdrawal of the charge by the FG.
The withdrawal came after Kanu’s counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) complained to the court that the prosecution is trying to delay processes by continuous amendment of the charge against his client.
Ozekhome told the court that this is the 7th time the FG is amending its charge.
Justice Nyako concurred to Ozekhome’s submission stating that Kanu is not expected to take plea on those newly amended charges immediately, as he needs time to digest them before doing so. Read more
2023: Ganduje refuses to endorse Amaechi for Presidency (Punch)
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has refused to endorse the former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, for the presidency come 2023.
Amaechi visited Kano on Wednesday as part of his consultations ahead of the All Progressives Congress’ presidential primary.
The former minister had resigned from the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)’s cabinet to pursue his presidential ambition under the platform of the APC.
At the meeting, with other APC stakeholders present, Ganduje said Kano as a “swing state, will continue to swing.” Read more
Burna wishes to make Portable’s picture album cover (Nation)
Grammy award winner Burna boy has indicated interest in making a photoshopped picture of singer Portable cover for his album.
A comical picture of Portable was photoshopped by netizens.
The singer was photoshopped dressed as a lawyer in an all-black robe while handling what seems to look like books.
His face was contorted in his usual “zeh” manner giving off ” I don’t care” vibes and he was not without his dark shades lined by yellow edges. Read more
Malami, Tallen, Sylva attend FEC meeting (DailyTrust)
Three ministers who withdrew their participation in the coming primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Wednesday attended the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The affected cabinet members who participated at the meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari were Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen; and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
While Malami attended the cabinet meeting physically, Tallen and Sylva joined virtually.
The AGF had shown interest to become Governor of Kebbi State; the women affairs minister picked the nomination forms to run for a senatorial seat in Plateau State, while her counterpart in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, had followed a similar route to secure the APC presidential ticket. Read more
How a quick-thinking doctor with a drill saved a man’s life
Social Sharing (CBC)
Dr. Paul Patey knows a young man could lose his life unless he does something.
The ambulance he’s in races toward St. John’s, carrying a teenager who desperately needs to have blood drained from his recently injured brain.
Armed with a scalpel and a drill he borrowed from a maintenance man at the William H. Newhook Community Health Centre in Whitbourne, Patey tells the paramedic driving to find a safe spot to stop so he can try to bore a hole in the young man’s skull.
“I took the drill and put it against the bone,” Patey recalled.
“I took it out, and cruddy old blood started coming out like cranberry sauce.” Read more
Dolly Parton to star in musical film ‘Mountain Magic Christmas’ (NME)
Dolly Parton will star in a Christmas film for NBC, titled Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas.
The network announced the collaboration on Tuesday (May 17), describing the film as a “modern-day musical about the making of a network TV special”.
A description reads: “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas is the frenetic backstage story and delightful on-camera results of Dolly’s desire to uplift an exhausted world’s spirits by sharing the unique ‘mountain magic’ she has always found in and around Dollywood at Christmas.
“Throughout the movie’s production numbers and rehearsal chaos, Dolly finds herself taking a private journey into her past, guided by the mysterious appearances of her personal Three Wise Men. Read more
Rob Reiner making Albert Brooks documentary featuring Jonah Hill, Larry David and more (Variety)
Rob Reiner is shooting a documentary about Albert Brooks and he’s lined up some major heavyweights to wax poetic about the filmmaker, actor and all-around comic genius.
The director tells Variety that he’s already talked to or is planning to interview fellow comedians such as Larry David, Conan O’Brien, Sarah Silverman, Ben Stiller, James L. Brooks, Judd Apatow, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes and Jonah Hill, as well as Sharon Stone, who worked with Brooks on 1999’s “The Muse.”
“Albert is my really, really close friend,” says Reiner. “I’ve already spent half-a-day with Albert, just the two of us talking and doing things.”
Brooks is an Oscar-nominee for his work in hits such as “Broadcast News” and “Drive.” He has also written and directed such classics as “Modern Romance” and “Lost in America.” Read more
“Squid Game” star hints at “great story” for season 2 (DigitalSpy)
Squid Game took the world by storm in 2021 when Netflix viewers tuned in en masse to watch the thrilling Korean drama.
A sequel for the series is already in the works and its lead star Lee Jung-jae has teased what could be in store.
The actor has spoken out about the pressure on Squid Game’s creator Hwang Dong-hyuk ahead of the second season.
“I’m in constant and continuous talks with the production company about season 2, but I try not to talk to the director too much,” Lee Jung-jae told The Hollywood Reporter. “Because like you said, the creative process is really intense for him, and now with the added pressure of the show’s global success, I know he must be going through such a hard time. Read more
Chris Cornell’s wife Vicky pays touching tribute to Soundgarden frontman on anniversary of death
(Independent)
Chris Cornell’s widow Vicky paid tribute to the late Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman on Tuesday (17 May) on the fifth anniversary of his death.
Chris died by suicide shortly after playing a show at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on 17 May 2017. He was 52.
On Tuesday (17 May), his wife Vicky thanked Chris’s fans for “loving him so much that through that love for Chris you have loved us too” and “helping keep Chris’s memory and spirit alive” since the grunge singer’s death, in an emotional statement.
Vicky’s Instagram caption, alongside a picture of Chris on stage, read: “Five years ago today would be the worst day of our lives. It would be the last time Chris would hug and kiss us, the last time he’d walk out our front door. The last time he’d wave goodbye to us from the car. The last time we’d ever see him.” Read more
India top court frees killer of ex-PM Rajiv Gandhi (BBC)
India’s Supreme Court has ordered the release of one of the men convicted of involvement in the 1991 murder of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
AG Perarivalan had spent over 30 years in jail. In 1998, he was given a death sentence, but it was later commuted.
Arrested aged 19, Perarivalan was convicted of procuring batteries that were used in the bomb to kill Gandhi.
The ex-PM was assassinated by a female suicide bomber as he addressed an election rally in Tamil Nadu state.
Gandhi’s killing was widely seen as retaliation for his having sent Indian peacekeepers to Sri Lanka in 1987 when he was prime minister. Read more
Man rescued by freighter en route to Saint John charged with mother’s murder (CBC)
The story Nathan Carman gave to the U.S. Coast Guard when he was rescued at sea by a freighter en route to Saint John is going to be tested in a federal court in Vermont.
Carman has always maintained that he and his mother had an accident while they were on a fishing trip nearly six years ago.
An indictment filed May 2 by Nikolas Kerest, the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, paints a very different picture.
It says Carman planned to kill his mother, with malice aforethought, and then scuttled their fishing boat, the Chicken Pox.
Carman was arrested May 10 and pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge and not guilty to multiple fraud charges. He remains in federal custody until his bail hearing, which has been postponed until July. Read more
Fans, stakeholders slam NFF over Peseiro selection (Punch)
A section of Nigerians has hit out at the Nigeria Football Federation over the appointment of Portuguese Jose Peseiro as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
Five months after the sacking of Gernot Rohr, the football body announced on Sunday the appointment of the former Sporting Lisbon manager as the new coach of the men’s national team, with immediate effect, subject to the signing of agreed terms with the gaffer.
The appointment of the Portuguese has not gone down well with some stakeholders, with 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Edema Fuludu, and former England player of Nigerian descent, John Fashanu, the first to question the credentials of the 62-year-old coach.
More Nigerians have taken to social media to hit out at the NFF over their choice of gaffer. Read more
Former Manchester City star regrets refusing to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles (Soccernet)
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has revealed his regret at choosing not to represent Nigeria at the international level.
Onuoha confessed that he was twice approached by different handlers of the Super Eagles four years apart, but the fear of losing his shirt at Manchester City made him snub the three-time African champions.
Born in Warri, Delta State, Onuoha and his family emigrated to England when he was young, receiving his British citizenship at seven years old, thus becoming eligible to feature for England. Read more
Sule sacks Nasarawa United FC team manager
(Vanguard)
The Nasarawa State government, Tuesday announced the removal of the team Manager of Nasarawa United Football Club, Solomon Babanjah.
The sack of the football club manager was contained in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Umar Abubakar.
According to the statement, the decision to sack the club manager became imperative owing to his interferences with the Technical Crew in selecting players and inconsistent results by the State-owned football club in the ongoing 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League Season and sundry issues.
The statement added that the decision was part of an effort by the Government to transform the team for better productivity in the future. Read more
West Ham planning bid for N10.4b-rated Super Eagles star but face Newcastle competition (AllNigeriaSoccer)
West Ham United are reportedly set to firm up their interest in signing Super Eagles star Emmanuel Dennis by tabling a bid to Watford.
According to The Mirror UK, the Hammers are planning a £20m (N5.4 billion) bid for Dennis and representatives of the striker will hold talks with the Hornets higher-ups after their final game of the season against Chelsea this coming weekend.
Dennis has a contract with Watford until June 30, 2026 but there are question marks over his future following the relegation of the club from the Premier League.
The 24-year-old was one of the bright sparks in Watford’s dismal season, with a goal involvement of sixteen in 33 outings in the top-flight. Read more
Super Eagles star sends message to club fans after unplanned departure (Soccernet)
Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has taken to social media to share his appreciation and send his best wishes to Huesca fans and former colleagues who supported him during his standoff with the club.
Nwakali was having a good season until after the Africa Cup of Nations. Days after Nigeria was eliminated, the club announced that Nwakali had refused to return nine days after Nigeria was knocked out.
There was constant bickering between the two parties before Huesca finally cut ties with the Nigeria international.
However, Nwakali later revealed that there was some shenanigans going on behind the scenes. Read more
Klopp confident Salah, Van Dijk fit for Champions League final (Guardian)
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is sure Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will be fit to face Real Madrid in the Champions League final despite going off in Saturday’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea.
Both will be left out of Klopp’s squad for Tuesday’s visit to Southampton as a precaution despite the Reds still being in the running for the Premier League title.
Asked if either could play at St Mary’s, Klopp said: “No. They are both OK, so the target for both would be they could be involved again at the weekend.
“It’s very positive, no doubt about the final and we’re realistic about the Wolves game (on Sunday), but for tomorrow, (we’d) rather not.” Read more
Nadal ready for Roland Garros despite injury issues (DailyTrust)
Rafa Nadal has moved to ease concerns about his injury problems ahead of the French Open, posting a picture of himself training in full flow at his academy in Mallorca with the caption: “See you on Wednesday, Paris.”
The 13-time Roland Garros champion had said last week that daily training was a challenge and he would take a doctor with him to Paris after a chronic foot injury flared up during his defeat by Denis Shapovalov at the Italian Open. Read more