Lagos assembly expresses concern over lack of water supply (Punch)
The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has expressed concern over unavailability of water supply in the state during its oversight visit to the Lagos State Water Corporation.
The committee led by Adebola Shabi expressed the concern in a statement made available on Thursday in Lagos.
The statement was issued by the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs and Brand Management Unit, LWC, Mrs Kehinde Fashola. Read more
Food Security: FEC approves procurement of 2000 tractors, 1200 trailers (Channels)
As a way of promoting food security in Nigeria, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has announced the approval of 2,000 tractors, 4,000 disc ploughs, and 1,200 tractor trailers among other equipment under the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme (NAMP).
In a statement by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on X on Wednesday, outlining the outcomes of the FEC meeting in Abuja, said the equipment will be supplied by DMCC firm which is also planning to set up assembling plans of some of this equipment in the country.
He said, “Procurement of 2000 tractors, 4000 disc ploughs, 1000 disc ridges, 1200 tractor trailers and assorted spare parts. The items to be supplied are for the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme(NAMP) to strengthen national food security. Read more
Terrorists planning to attack Nigeria’s critical infrastructure — DHQ (Tribune)
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, on Thursday, raised fresh alarm over the alleged plans by Terrorists to attack critical infrastructure in the country.
Director Defence Media Operations, DMO, Major General Edward Buba who disclosed this to Defence Correspondents in Abuja at a bi-weekly briefing on the ongoing military operations in the various theaters of operations against insurgency activities across the country in the last week however assured the Nation that the Military high Command was doing everything possible to stop the dastardly act.
According to him, “We are aware of some of the plans to target some critical infrastructure in the country. Read more
LASG sets date to conduct 2024 placement test by CAS for primary 6 pupils (Independent)
As part of its efforts in providing quality education in the State, the Lagos State Government has set aside Saturday, 20th July, 2024 for the conduct of the Placement Test by Continuous Assessment Scores (CAS) for Primary Six Pupils in the State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr. Adebayo Orunsolu, informing the general public, parents and guardians that the test will hold on Saturday, 20th July, 2024 across the six Education Districts of the State. Read more
Tears as late Reps member Akinremi buried in Ibadan (Nation)
The remains of lawmaker representing Ibadan North federal constituency, Hon. Olaide Akinremi, was on Thursday, July 11, laid to rest amidst tears at his Ologuneru residence, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.
The burial rites were conducted by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere.
Family, friends, political associates and mourners trooped out en masse to witness the burial of the lawmaker. Read more
Reps pass bill for creation of Etiti State for 2nd reading (NewTelegraph)
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed through a second reading a bill seeking the creation of Etiti State from the Southeast geo-political zone.
The sponsors of the bill are Amobi Godwin Ogah (LP, Abia), Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo) Kama Nkemkama (LP, Ebony,), Clara Nnabuuife (YPP, Anambra) and Anayo Onwuegbu (PDP, Enugu).
The proposed legislation is titled: ” A Bill For An Act To Alter The Constitution Of The Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 To Provide for The Creation Of Etiti State Out Of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu And Imo States; And For Related Matters”. Read more
FG won’t interfere with federal universities’ autonomy – Attorney General (DailyTrust)
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has stated that the Federal Government will not interfere with the autonomy of federal universities.
This is enshrined in the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Act which empowers universities to discharge their responsibilities without undue external interference.
Speaking when the management of the University of Jos led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, paid a visit to his office in Abuja, the Attorney-General pointed out that the government would only perform its statutory role of providing the necessary funding and ensuring overall guidance as long as the management of the institutions conduct their activities within the ambit of their mandates and exercise their powers responsibly. Read more
Alleged N33b Fraud: Court remands ex-Power Minister, Mamman in prison (Tribune)
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, remanded a former Minister of Power, Mr. Saleh Mamman, in Kuje prison.
The erstwhile Minister was remanded after he pleaded not guilty to a 12-count money laundering charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him.
Trial Justice James Omotosho said he should remain in custody till Friday, when his bail application will be heard. Read more
Nelly Furtado goes topless on new album cover, reveals how ADHD impacted creating over 400 songs (EW)
Nelly Furtado has bared all when it comes to body and mind in a captivating announcement for her new album 7.
The Canadian pop star revealed news of her new album Thursday in an emotional social media post, in which she premiered a topless photo of herself as the album cover and opened up about how her ADHD influenced the creation of new music — including the gestation of over 400 songs across the last four years. Read more
Kenyan president dismisses all ministers after weeks of protests (IrishExaminer)
Kenyan President William Ruto dismissed all of his Cabinet ministers and promised to form a new government on Thursday.
Mr Ruto said that the new government will be lean and efficient following weeks of protests over high taxes and poor governance.
In a televised address, the president also dismissed the attorney general and said ministries would be run by their permanent secretaries. Read more
South Korea to deploy “StarWars” laser weapons targeting North Korean drones (StraitsTimes)
South Korea will deploy laser weapons to shoot down North Korean drones this year, becoming the world’s first country to deploy and operate such weapons in the military, the country’s arms procurement agency said on Thursday.
South Korea has called its laser programme the “StarWars project”.
The drone-zapping laser weapons the South Korean military has developed with Hanwha Aerospace are effective and cheap, with 2,000 won ($1.45) per shot, but quiet and invisible, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a statement. Read more
ITV This Morning host Ben Shephard takes a cheeky swipe at Loose Women “feud’’ (OK!)
The ever-so-charming Ben Shephard couldn’t help but tease his Loose Women colleagues with a playful dig.
Ben, a seasoned ITV stalwart for over 20 years, is known for his cheeky on-air banter. During a light-hearted exchange with anchor Charlene White about her day’s agenda, he seized the moment to deliver a witty quip.
Meanwhile, in the This Morning studio, Ben, alongside co-hosts Cat Deeley and Josie Gibson, were testing out an array of garden toys, eagerly anticipating the sunny days ahead. He and Josie donned Giant Body Bopper suits, resembling oversized raspberries, for a hilarious outdoor challenge. Read more
Usher encourages 15-year-old son Naivyd’s musical aspirations (Blavity)
Usher shared a few thoughts on fatherhood at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Celebration in late June. The “Good Good” singer won the Voice of the Culture Award from the ASCAP, according to People. In his acceptance speech, Usher shouted out his 15-year-old son Naviyd, who wants to be a singer himself.
Upon accepting the award, Usher said he was delighted to have both of his sons in attendance. Furthermore, he said in the speech that he wants them “to be encouraged by the village of people who make this industry what it is, as well as incredible songwriters, producers, and creators,” People reported.
He revealed that Naviyd is “really adamant about being an artist.” However, he also wants him to remain mindful of the “humble beginnings that we’ve had.” Read more
“Longlegs” cast, director shared vision of creepy killer (UPI)
Writer-director Osgood Perkins and actors Maika Monroe, Alicia Witt and Blair Underwood concurred that creating “Longlegs,” which opens in theaters Friday, was an intuitive process.
Monroe, 31, plays FBI agent Lee Harker, who investigates a series of murders attributed to a mysterious killer named Longlegs (Nicolas Cage). Cage adopts pale skin, white hair and a nose prosthetic to portray “Longlegs.”
Perkins, the son of the late actor Anthony Perkins, said Cage needed little direction to interpret the description of “Longlegs” in the script. Perkins said maintaining a relaxed set, despite the intense subject matter, allowed such performances to come naturally. Read more
Tasveer Film Fund renewed for 5th year (Variety)
The Tasveer Film Fund, which offers $75,000 of grants for South Asian filmmakers in North America, has been renewed for a fifth year.
The fund, which is supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, and is aligned with the Tasveer Film Market Initiative, requires applicants to have over three years of industry experience and have made at least three short films.
It invites narrative short scripts exploring themes of diaspora or immigrant Stories, LGBTQIA+, and South Asian narratives. Nine pitches will be shortlisted and the top three will be awarded $25,000 each to produce their next short film. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 30. Read more
Manu remembers Kafa, begs Otu over house gifts to Eaglets (Nation)
Golden Eaglets coach Manu Garba has yet again called on the government and people of Cross River State to promptly redeem the house gifts pledged to players and officials of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning team, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Manu painfully regrets that the unfulfilled promise remained a sour point for not only the team members, but also that of its late equipment manager Muhammed Kafa, who unfortunately passed away almost a year ago, without getting the house gift promised by the Cross River state government led at that time by former governor, Liyel Imoke. Read more
Dutch dismay at Kane penalty award as luck runs out for Koeman (IrishExaminer)
NO surprise that reaction in the Netherlands to their Euro 2024 exit has been less about Ollie Watkins’ late late show and more about the dubious penalty that gifted England a route back in the semi-final in Dortmund.
Dutch television coverage insisted “international press were unanimous about the penalty moment with Dumfries”, with former international Rafael van der Vaart letting rip at Gareth Southgate’s side.
“What a s**t team they are,” he fumed to Dutch broadcaster NOS. “Slowly, they didn’t want to do anything anymore.” Read more
Man United edge closer to signing Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs De Ligt (DailyMail)
Manchester United are closing in on deals for Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs De Ligt now the Netherlands are out of Euro 2024.
United boss Erik ten Hag has been hoping to get a deal over the line for both of his fellow countrymen as he gets set to begin his third season at Old Trafford.
Talks have been ongoing with Bayern Munich over a potential £43 million transfer for De Ligt, who Ten Hag managed at Ajax, although a deal for the centre back may take until next week as fee details with Bayern are ironed out. Read more
LeBron James, Stephen Curry impress as US romp past Canada in Olympic basketball warmup
(StraitsTimes)
LeBron James and Stephen Curry made a winning start as United States teammates in an 86-72 victory over Canada in a pre-Olympics exhibition game in Las Vegas on July 10.
The two National Basketball Association (NBA) superstars are part of a formidable US basketball team that will be chasing a fifth consecutive gold medal when the Paris Olympics get under way later in July.
The game marked the first meeting between the nations since Canada topped the US 127-118 in overtime in the bronze-medal game at the Fiba World Cup in Manila, Philippines, in September. Read more
Sean Burroughs died of fentanyl intoxication, per examiner (ABC)
Former major leaguer Sean Burroughs suffered fentanyl intoxication when he died in the parking lot at a Long Beach, California, baseball field in May, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
The medical examiner released its findings into Burroughs’ death this week and ruled it as an accident.
Burroughs died May 9 at the age of 43 after he was found unconscious next to his car in the parking lot at a Long Beach ballfield after dropping off his son, Knox, for a Little League game, Long Beach Little League president Doug Wittman said at the time. Wittman said CPR was performed on Burroughs in hopes of reviving him but that he remained unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after. Read more
Gregg Berhalter out as USMNT head coach following Copa America failure (NBC)
Just over one year on from being re-hired, Gregg Berhalter is out once again — fired this time — as USMNT head coach after crashing out in the group stage of Copa America 2024, U.S. Soccer announced on Wednesday.
“We are deeply grateful to Gregg for his commitment the past five years to the Men’s National Team and to U.S. Soccer,” said U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker. “Gregg has earned the respect of everyone within our organization and has played a pivotal role in bringing together a young team and moving the program forward. We wish Gregg all the best in his future endeavors, and we know he will find success in his next coaching position.”
This summer’s South American tournament was to be an important litmus test for the USMNT, eyeing a semifinal run or better, two years out from the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Instead, they played three games, scored just three goals and lost twice. Read more