Is Aliko Dangote broke(Businessman)
A new report claims that Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, does not have the kind of money needed to complete his refinery by 2023.
The report published by Fitch, the world’s biggest global rating agency, alleges that the Nigerian billionaire requires an additional $1.1 billion (900 billion) to complete the refinery but has invested all his cash and even borrowed to finance the refinery project.
According to the report, the Dangote refinery project is still on track to be completed by 2023 and requires an additional USD1.1 billion capex in 2022 to be partly funded by the new bond.
The report adds that Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) is planning to establish a local bond programme amounting to USD750 million to partially finance the completion of its refinery and petrochemical plant. DIL’s subsidiaries – Dangote Oil Refining Company Limited (DORC) and Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL) – will be co-obligors under the proposed programme. Read more
Man hit by BRT driver dies after four days in coma (Guardian)
Thirty-year-old Shehu Akolade, hit by a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, last Wednesday, at Mangoro Bus Stop, along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, has lost the battle for his life after four days in a coma at the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.
He was confirmed dead on Saturday morning.
The deceased, who left behind a young wife and seven-month-old girl, had since been buried, on the same day, according to Muslim rites.
Doctors at the hospital had battled relentlessly to revive Akolade, who suffered internal bleeding, broken legs and neck, as a result of the impact of the accident.Read more
Suspects arrested as motorcyclists burn sound engineer over N100 in Lagos (Nation)
Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have arrested the suspects in connection with the mob justice meted a sound engineer, David Imoh, 38, at Lekki.
Imoh was lynched and subsequently set ablaze by a mob consisting of motorcycle operators on Thursday on his way home for reasons yet to be known.
While an account claimed the disagreement was over N100, another alleged that Imoh and two of his friends were accused of kidnapping and attacked by the motorcyclists said to be of northern extraction.
It was alleged that Imoh boarded the motorcycle from a club to a location at Admiralty Way when a disagreement ensued between him and the rider.Read more
NDLEA blocks Italy, Dubai-bound drugs in Lagos(Guardian)
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled a fresh bid by drug cartels to export tramadol, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy or molly and Cannabis to Milan, Italy and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The anti-narcotics agency also seized 203, 879 tablets of various pharmaceutical opioids and illicit substances in raids across Abia, Kaduna, Yobe and Kogi State.
Spokesperson for the agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement yesterday, said a female passenger, Odia Emiliana Efe, was arrested on Monday, May 9, at Lagos airport, while trying to board a Royal Air Moroc flight from Lagos via Casablanca to Milan, Italy with 1,000 tablets of tramadol 200mg concealed in food items.
According to him, a freight agent, Kareem Ibrahim, was arrested at Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) cargo shed of the airport, five days after, Friday, May 13, for attempting to export food items, in which were hidden blocks of Cannabis weighing 6.65kg and 24grammes of ecstasy drug, MDMA to Dubai in UAE.
“In Abia, three trucks loaded with drugs coming from Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State was intercepted in Aba, Abia State.Read more
Lagos begins rehabilitation programme for sex offenders(Channels)
In a bid to curb sexual and gender-based violence, the Lagos State Government has begun the provision of psychological support for willing sex offenders.
The Executive Secretary of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, who disclosed this on Sunday via a statement, said the DSVA was carrying out the rehabilitation programme in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command, and the Institute of Counselling of Nigeria.
“It is aimed at mitigating the risk of recidivism by sex offenders. It is imperative that incarcerated adult sex offenders are rehabilitated and supported to reduce the possibility of them perpetrating the same crime if eventually they are reintegrated into the society,” the statement partly read.
Providing psycho-social support, she stated, was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to providing a holistic response to sexual and gender-based violence in the state.Read more
Group commends Soludo over visit to Kanu(Guardian)
A group, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), has commended the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for visiting the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in the Department of State Security custody.
The Chairman, ASCONET, Prince Chris Azor, described the visit as part of peacebuilding and engagement strategies put in place by Soludo in his attempt to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the South East.
Azor, who said that ASCONET is a platform for citizens and non-state actors, added that the non-kinetic approach by the governor is quite commendable and forward-looking. Read more
Anxiety grips APC presidential aspirants over party, Buhari’s silence on zoning, consensus(Sun)
Anxiety has pervaded the camps of APC presidential aspirants following the deafening silence of President Muhammadu Buhari and the national leadership of the party on how the candidate would emerge.
Sources told Daily Sun that apprehension heightened when most of them confessed that they were in the dark on whether the party would adopt zoning, direct, indirect or consensus mode to select a candidate.
Our source claimed that some of the aspirants were apprehensive on whether President Buhari would do a repeat of what he did during the national convention when he anointed the current National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu despite assuring some other aspirants.
The source added that the resignation shocker he gave his ministers aspiring for various political positions has deepened the curiosity of aspirants.Read more
NAICOM urges Katsina to patronise Takaful Insurance, other policies(Tribune)
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has called on Katsina State citizens to take advantage of the Takaful insurance and other mandatory policies for their wellbeing.
Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olorundare Sunday Thomas, told Governor Aminu Bello Masari over the weekend that the NAICOM team was in Katsina to partner with the state government on the Takaful insurance for the residents to reap its benefits.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NAICOM said the mission of the commission is to spread its message to farmers and other small and medium scale businesses in the State to take up insurance.
He said: “We are committed to the sensitisation and enlightenment programme on the numerous benefits of the scheme to enable the poor citizens to reap its benefits.” Read more
At the boy child conversation, experts advocate attention, mentorship(Vanguard)
In commemoration of the International Day of the boy child, experts have called for more attention to be paid to the boy child, saying it is necessary to strengthen society, families, leadership, and institutions.
They have also noted that grooming the boy child brings equality with the girl child to improve society.
This was the thrust at the second edition of the Boy Child Conversation Conference organized by the Debra’s Palace initiative in partnership with YMCA Lagos, themed, Kings Awake.
According to the convener, Damilola Chinedu, over 150 boys from secondary schools across Lagos who participated were impacted with the required knowledge they need to become better people. “It’s amazing to know that several boys here today have never been in the same space as with other boys and mentors and we are glad we did this trusting that the third edition will be much more impactful.” Read more
Leah Sharibu’s family demands release at birthday ceremony(Punch)
The family of the abducted Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, has again cried out to the international community to help secure her release.
The family has asked Britain and the United States to pressure the Nigerian government to rescue Sharibu who has being held by Boko Haram terrorists for more than four years.
Her family made the appeal on Saturday in Yola, Adamawa State, to mark the abducted girl’s 19th birthday.
Speaking for the family on her 19th birthday, Dr Gloria Puldu urged the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), not to renege on his promise of bringing Sharibu back home to her parents. Read more
Billboard Music Awards: Diddy and Jack Harlow start show, Doja Cat wins(UPI)
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Jack Harlow kicked off the 2022 Billboard Music Awards live on Sunday from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Diddy, who is hosting the event, came out first and performed a new song before Harlow appeared for his track “First Class.”
Diddy then performed his classic song “Mo Money Mo Problems.”
“I didn’t know I would need oxygen,” Diddy joked about being out of breath after performing, following an introduction from DJ Khaled. Read more
Rakim & Bilal to perform during Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City (HipHopDX)
The God MC will make his presence felt in New York City this summer. According to the press release, Rakim will play at the famed Blue Note Jazz Festival on June 8 at Sony Music Hall alongside special guest Ravi Coltrane. Rakim shared the flyer for the performance on Instagram and the full festival will include performances by Robert Glasper, Bilal, Herbie Hancock and George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic.
“This year’s Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York presents an exceptional range and depth of artistry,” Alex Kurland, Director of Programming, said in a statement. “We’re excited and proud to present a diverse lineup within different settings and at venues featuring the most established, iconic and influential artists as well as the next generation of cutting edge progressive artists at venues ranging from Washington Square Park, Central Park to the Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village and more. We are grateful again to bring a tasteful city-wide music festival to the culture of New York City.”
The Blue Note Jazz Festival represents yet another date for Rakim to let fans celebrate his nearly 40-year Hip Hop career. In February, he joined other legendary Hip Hop heroes such as Big Daddy Kane, Yo-Yo, DJ Jazzy Jeff and others for a slew of performances at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) tournament in North Carolina.
Recently, DJ Premier, broke down another classic Rakim moment, explaining how he, Kanye West,KRS-One and Nas came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Nike Air Force One for the single “Classic (Better Than I’ve Ever Been)” in 2007. Read more
Sam Ryder’s Space Man hits number 1 on iTunes chart after being awarded shock 2nd place in Eurovision (DailyMail)
Sam Ryder’s Eurovision single Space Man has reached number one on the iTunes chart following his impressive second place result during Saturday’s Song Contest in Turin, Italy.
The singer, 32, secured the UK’s highest place for more than two decades following years of ‘nul points’ – after being beaten by Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra amid the country’s invasion by Russia.
He beat the likes of Harry Styles, Lizzo, George Ezra and last year’s winners Måneskin to the top spot, who all featured in the highly-coveted top ten.
Harry’s As It Was sat at number four, while Lizzo’s About Damn Time reached five and George’s Green Green Grass was the eight most bought track. Read more
Diversity forges success of Cannes cinema workshop for tyro filmmakers (RFI)
Myanmar-born Taiwanese filmmaker Midi Z will be back in Cannes for this year’s international film festival. No stranger to the Croisette, he will take up the role of mentor as he hosts two weeks of workshops aimed at helping young people from around the globe to reach their goals.
“La Fabrique Cinéma” is a workshop for budding filmmakers from Africa, South America, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East that takes place every year during the two-week festival.
Created in 2009 by the L’Institut Français – a French government agency for cultural development – the workshop has been instrumental in helping many young directors get their fledgling projects off the ground and onto the international festival circuit.
To date, 50 films have been finalised since its inception from a selection of more than 120 projects with more than 200 directors. Read more
Wanda Sykes talks still being ‘traumatized’ by Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars incident (Hello!)
Wanda Sykes revealed recently to audiences in Florida that like many others in the industry, she still hasn’t been able to completely process the Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars incident.
While in the middle of her comedy tour, the comedian made a stop at Orlando, where she delivered a set spanning a variety of topics, from racism and gun control to abortion rights and gay rights.
However, she also briefly touched on her continued reaction to the infamous moment where, as one of the night’s co-hosts, she bore witness to Will slapping Chris after a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
“I’m still traumatized,” she said during her set. “I can’t talk about it, I get emotional.” She even added that she felt a lot of frustration toward the King Richard actor. Read more
Swiss voters back ‘Netflix’ law and boost to Frontex funding (DW)
Streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime and Disney+, will now have to contribute money to Swiss cinema. Voters also backed switching to an opt-out system to organ donations.
Swiss voters were asked to vote in three referenda on Sunday on proposals that would see changes to organ donation regulations, further funding for Frontex and a law that would make streaming services invest some of their profits into the Swiss film industry.
According to exit results from public broadcaster SRF, a majority of voters backed all three motions.
The film law, popularly referred to as the “Netflix law,” would see streaming services be required to make contributions to Swiss film-making, in line with requirements for domestic television broadcasters.Read more
Putin must learn Soviet empire isn’t coming back: Latvia minister(Newsweek)
Latvian Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Artis Pabriks has urged his NATO partners to make clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin that his ongoing invasion of Ukraine cannot end in victory, but only in costly defeat.
Speaking with Newsweek on the sidelines of the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, Estonia, on Sunday, Pabriks said Putin is bent on restoring the Soviet Union and must be shown with force that this is not possible.
“The question is how Russia will lose,” Pabriks said of the ongoing invasion, in which Russia troops again appear largely stalled, this time in the eastern Donbas region. Moscow’s assault on Kyiv failed in March and now its effort to seize Ukraine’s easternmost province also appears in danger of collapse.
“They must be made to understand that they will lose,” said Pabriks, who since the invasion began in February has been outspoken on the need for Latvia’s European Union and NATO allies to do more to support Kyiv and defeat Russia. Read more
Oshoala wins Pichichi award in Spain(Punch)
Despite a season blighted by injuries, Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala fended off competition from Real Madrid’s Geyse to claim the 2021/22 Women’s Spanish Primera Division Pichichi award for the league’s top scorer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Oshoala scored 20 goals to finish as the league’s leading scorer ahead of Geyse (19) and teammates Lieke Martens and Alexia Putellas, who both finished the season with 17 goals apiece.
The former Super Falcons captain played a major role as Barcelona were crowned Liga champions for the third time in a row and seventh in total – winning all 30 of their games in the season that ended on Sunday.
The striker missed a large chunk (four months) of the season through injuries but her impressive start to the campaign helped her stay in contention for the prestigious award. Read more
Osimhen rises on Napoli all-time scorers list, beats personal record(Soccernet)
Victor Osimhen scored Napoli’s opener as they defeated Genoa on Sunday
The Super Eagles forward scored his 14th league goal of the season and 18th in all competitions to become the club’s 44th all-time top scorer.
Osimhen has now scored 28 goals for Napoli after scoring 10 in all competitions last season.
He overtook Petisso Bruno Pesaola and Claudio Belluci on the the list as he continues to enjoy a successful individual season.
Osimhen scored in what was another good victory for Partenopei. It was his seventh headed goal of the season and one that has now taken him ahead of his previous career best of 13 league goals at Lille. Read more
9-man Everton miss chance to secure safety as Man City rally to hold West Ham(Guardian)
Everton blew a chance to secure their Premier League status as Brentford twice came from behind to earn a 3-2 win against nine men at Goodison Park, reports independent.co.uk.
Leeds’ draw against Brighton meant victory for the Toffees would put an end to the spectre of a first relegation since 1951, and that seemed the most likely outcome when Dominic Calvert-Lewin marked his first start in five weeks with a 10th-minute opener.
But, in keeping with Everton’s season, things were not going to be that simple – Jarrad Branthwaite was sent off for a foul on Ivan Toney eight minutes later, and Brentford levelled through a Seamus Coleman own goal.
Though Richarlison restored Everton’s lead just before the break, the pressure told in the second half as two goals in three minutes from Yoane Wissa and Rico Henry gave Brentford their first league double over Everton since 1936, and left Frank Lampard’s side still only two points above the bottom three. Read more
Title in Man City’s Hands Despite Draw at West Ham(ThisDay)
Manchester City came back from two goals down for the first time under Pep Guardiola to earn a point in the 2-2 draw at West Ham that means victory over Aston Villa on the final day will see them crowned champions.
City’s grip on the Premier League title was looking distinctly shaky at the break as the Hammers led thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s well-taken double.
But Jack Grealish struck for the visitors four minutes after the re-start and Vladmir Coufal headed Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick into his own net as City avoided defeat after coming back from two goals down in a top-flight game for the first time since 2012.
For West Ham, Manager David Moyes, is excited even if his wards end up qualifying for the Europa Conference League. This has been an excellent season for West Ham. Read more
Ex-internationals doubt Peseiro’s credentials as Eagles coach(Punch)
Ex-international Edema Fuludu and former England international of Nigerian descent John Fashanu have both expressed doubts over the ability of Jose Peseiro to lead the Super Eagles to glory.
The Nigeria Football Federation on Sunday announced the appointment of the Portuguese as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, with immediate effect, subject to the signing of agreed terms with the gaffer.
The NFF also announced Enyimba coach Finidi George as Peseiro’s first assistant, while Salisu Yusuf and Usman Abdallah are second and third assistants respectively.
Ex-international Ike Shorounmu is the team’s goalkeepers’ trainer, with Eboboritse Uwejamomere the match analyst. Read more
Conte plans to ‘monitor’ Newcastle/Arsenal duel tonight(ThisDay)
Tottenham Manager, Antonio Conte, has revealed he will keep a keen eye on Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle this evening.
Spurs moved two points clear of the Gunners after beating Burnley 1-0 yesterday, a result which followed their 3-0 thrashing of Mikel Arteta’s men on Thursday.
The pressure is on Arsenal to win and move back ahead of their north London rivals, and Conte admitted he will be tuning in.
“I want to watch the game. I want to suffer,” the Italian joked. Read more
CAF Confed Cup final: The Nigerian stadium Pirates will visit(TheSouthAfrican)
This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams in the CAF Confederation Cup as Berkane ousted TP Mazembe 4-2 on aggregate.
Pirates beat Al-Ahli Tripoli to book their place in the CAF Confederation Cup final, their first since 2015 when they reached the final during Eric Tinkler’s tenure.
Where is the CAF Confederation Cup final?
This year’s CAF Confederation Cup final will be played at Nigeria’s Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on 20 May. Read more
NPFL Roundup: Kano Pillars sink further into relegation waters; Remo Stars rise to 3rd(Soccernet)
From Aba to Akure to Katsina, nine matches were played across the country this weekend with different tales coming out of the venues
Week 28 of the #NPFL 22 came to life this weekend as eighteen teams across the country fought for points and place on the table.
Enyimba defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 on Saturday as they rose to 6th on the log. It was a case of three Samuels in the game as the players came good. Samuel Kalu and Samuel Stone scored for Enyimba while Samuel Ganda pulled on became for Lobi Stars at the death to reduce the deficit.
Relegation-battling Heartland defeated table toppers, Rivers United 2-0. Sunday Chinedu and Chijioke Mbaoma were on the scoresheet in the game.Read more