‘Lagos deserves better than Okada,’ Govt crushes 2,228 impounded motorcycles (Channels)
The Lagos State government has insisted that there is no going back on its decision to rid six local government areas and nine local council development areas of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada.
In a bid to actualise its objective, the government says it is already crushing commercial motorcycles numbering 2,228.
These motorcycles impounded by the Lagos State Task Force are being crushed in an undisclosed location in the state, said Mr Gboyega Akosile who is the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to Akosile who shared a video of the crushing of the impounded motorcycles via Twitter on Friday, Lagos deserves better than okada. Read more
Lagos pays 482 retirees N1.5b, promises to clear backlog (ThisDay)
The Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) has paid 482 retirees in the state a total of N1.5b.
The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Babalola Obilana, confirmed this at the Bond Certification Presentation in Ikeja area of the state on Monday.
“Once again, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has shown his determination that people would get their money when they leave. They would not be denied what’s due to them,” Obilana said.
According to the DG, the.state has paid N1.5b to 482 pensioners. He reminded Nigerians that the governor had been consistent in the payment as promised. Read more
Gas explosion injures 20, razes shops in Kano (DailyTrust)
A gas explosion has injured at least 20 people and razed several shops at Sheka quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.
The explosion reportedly went off around 8pm on Thursday at a gas cylinder refilling shop.
A resident of the area, Malam Idi, said the gas exploded and went up in flames, burning several people and shops.
He said the incident affected mostly persons in the gas shop and other business owners in the adjacent shops. Read more
2023: Mwa-Anyajike wins NRM presidential primary (Vanguard)
The National Rescue Mission, NRM held its presidential primary, Thursday, with Okwudili Nwa-Anyajike emerging as the candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Nwa-Anyajike garnered 180 votes to defeat his closest rival, Prof. Benedicta Egbo who scored 30 votes just as six aspirants stepped down in the contest.
Speaking after being declared winner in the contest that was held in Abuja, the NRM Presidential candidate promised to unite the country and provide infrastructure development if elected president of Nigeria.
He said: “I want to thank INEC officials for being here from the beginning till now. I can swear that this is the most transparent, the most credible, the most honourable and diligent primaries ever conducted in Nigeria. Read more
Nigeria moves to locate, enrol 200,000 undetected yearly TB cases (Guardian)
The Federal Government, yesterday, said the significant progress achieved in the last three years in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), Nigeria still records 200,000 new infections yearly.
Noting that these new cases are yet to be detected and enrolled for treatment, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who spoke at the launch of the Compendium of Tuberculosis Best Practices by the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) in Abuja, stressed the need for government to step up commitment and invest strategically across the board to improve best practices.
He observed that at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, there was 18 per cent drop in the number of TB cases diagnosed and notified globally, from 7.1 million in 2019 to 5.8 million in 2020.
Ehanire added that during the period, fatalities increased considerably due to reduced attention to the treatment of patients.
He said Nigeria, as with many other nations, suffered the impact of COVID-19, with negative socioeconomic trends and health service disruptions following the introduction of lockdowns in the second quarter of 2020.
The minister submitted that TB testing was reduced by about 30 per cent, resulting in 17 per cent decrease in case finding and notification. Read more
DJ Cuppy warns trolls against bullying brother (Nation)
Popular DJ Cuppy has issued a strict warning to cyber bullies trolling her special needs brother, Fewa Otedola.
The billionaire heiress shared a collage of photos as she celebrated her younger brother who turned 22.
Expressing pride in her brother, the 29-year-old announced to trolls that though Fewa has severe autism, he is her God-given gift.
She warned them not to dare say anything nasty about his condition or face the penalty of being blocked and reported on social media platforms. Read more
Food And Beverage West Africa (FABWA) to open in Lagos June 14 (Independent)
Food And Beverage West Africa (FABWA), the largest F And B TradeShow across sub-Saharan Africa, will return to Lagos in two weeks’ time.
Running from Tuesday, June 14 to Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the Landmark Centre on Victoria Island, FAB West Africa has more than 220 exhibitors from five continents participating.
Such has been the demand for the show the organisers have needed to expand the floor space, meaning FAB West Africa will be the biggest food and beverage fair to ever take place on the Nigerian soil.
While having an international flavour, the event will place a real focus on promoting Nigerian food and beverage products. Read more
Blasphemy: Cleric not eligible for pro-bono service, says Legal Aid Council (Punch)
The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria categorically stated in Kano on Thursday that the Cleric, Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara, who is standing trial over alleged blasphemy is not qualified to be represented by a lawyer from the Council.
It should be recalled that on May 12, the presiding judge ordered the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria Headquarters to provide legal representation for the cleric in the ongoing trial over alleged blasphemy against the defendant.
On the court’s resumed sitting on Thursday for continuation of defence, the Kano State Coordinator, Legal Aid Council, Barrister Mukhtar Labaran Usman, told the court that he attended the proceeding in compliance with the court order issued on the last adjourned date.
He said, “We wrote a letter to the court in respect of the order, dated May 23, that the council is constrained in handling the case. Read more
MTV Movie & TV Awards to feature ‘Elvis’ song performance from Diplo, Swae Lee (THR)
Diplo and Swae Lee are set to take the stage at the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards for the first live televised performance of the Elvis soundtrack single “Tupelo Shuffle.”
The track, from the forthcoming Baz Luhrmann film about the King of Rock and Roll in theaters June 24, also features Elvis cast members Austin Butler, who plays Elvis Presley himself, and Gary Clark Jr., who plays Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in the film.
Like Presley, Diplo and Swae Lee also hail from Tupelo, Mississippi.
The MTV Movie & TV Awards announced earlier today that Jennifer Lopez would receive the Generation Award, given to actors whose work in film and TV have made them household names. She joins previous recipients Scarlett Johansson, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Pratt, Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Downey, Jr, Mark Wahlberg, Sandra Bullock, Jamie Foxx, Johnny Depp, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey and the entire Fast & Furious franchise. Read more
Akshay Kumar’s historical war drama Samrat Prithviraj banned in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman (EasternEye)
The much-anticipated Bollywood film Samrat Prithviraj, which opens in cinemas on June 3, has been banned in Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The high-profile historical war drama stars superstar Akshay Kumar in the lead role. Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar makes her silver screen debut with the film.
Directed by Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, the film is based on the life of legendary warrior king Prithviraj Chauhan, played by Kumar. Chhillar will be seen in the role of Princess Sanyogita.
The reason for imposing a ban on the release of the film has not yet been revealed.
A trade source reportedly called the ban “unfortunate” and said, “Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan’s life is a testimony to the fact that Indians stood up for what is right and defended our country from merciless invaders who only wanted to loot and plunder and murder our people.”
Adam Sandler talks working with NBA stars on ‘Hustle’ and what sports movie he wants to do next (Variety)
Adam Sandler, LeBron James and Queen Latifah were met with deafening cheers from hundreds of fans who lined the streets around Westwood’s Regency Village Theatre at the “Hustle” world premiere on Wednesday night.
James produced the Jeremiah Zagar-directed Netflix sports drama which stars Sandler as Stanley “Sugarman” Beren, a washed-up basketball scout who sees a chance for a career comeback when he discovers a phenomenally talented street ball player in Spain.
Spanish professional basketball player and Utah Jazz power forward Juancho Hernangomez made his acting debut in the film, taking on the role of Beren’s protégée, Bo Cruz. The cast also featured numerous past and current NBA stars including Kenny Smith, Trae Young, Kyle Lowry, Anthony Edwards and Seth Curry, among others.
A basketball superfan, Sandler had previously teamed up with NBA legend Kevin Garnett in the 2019 crime thriller “Uncut Gems.” When asked if “Hustle” was just an excuse for Sandler to work with more of his favorite players, he told Variety, “It was a lucky thing. They sent me the script and it was something that I knew I would be excited to come to work every day doing.” Read more
Jeff Beck confirms joint album release date with Johnny Depp (NME)
Jeff Beck has provided fans with an update about the release of his joint album with Johnny Depp, after news of their collaboration first emerged in 2020.
Beck, who has been joined by Depp as a guest guitarist on his UK tour recently, told the audience at The Sage, Gateshead last night (June 2) that the album “will be out in July”.
“I met this guy five years ago and we’ve never stopped laughing since. We actually made an album. I don’t know how it happened. It will be out in July,” The Guardian reports Beck told fans onstage.
Depp has been performing cover versions of songs on Beck’s tour including Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Little Wing’ and Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’. Read more
Rapper Young Thug denied bail in Georgia racketeering case (People)
Young Thug has been denied bail in relation to his Georgia racketeering case.
The rapper, 30, who has been accused of conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO Act and participating in a criminal street gang, pleaded not guilty during a Thursday hearing in Fulton County, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville denied bail for Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, following an hours-long meeting. The musician watched the hearing virtually from the Cobb County jail, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
Young Thug’s expected trial date, the judge said in court, is currently scheduled to take place on Jan. 9, 2023, per 11 Alive. Read more
Russia summons heads of US media outlets, warns of ‘stringent measures’ (VOA)
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it was summoning the heads of U.S. media outlets in Moscow to a meeting this Monday to notify them of tough measures in response to U.S. restrictions against Russian media.
“If the work of the Russian media – operators and journalists – is not normalized in the United States, the most stringent measures will inevitably follow,” ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Friday.
“To this end, on Monday, June 6, the heads of the Moscow offices of all American media will be invited to the press center of the Russian Foreign Ministry to explain to them the consequences of their government’s hostile line in the media sphere,” she added. “We look forward to it.”
Russia has accused Western countries of imposing unfair restrictions on its media abroad, including bans on some state-backed news outlets. Lawmakers passed a bill last month giving prosecutors powers to shut foreign media bureaus in Moscow if a Western country has been “unfriendly” to Russian media. Read more
Everton star Seamus Coleman responds to Frank Lampard praise after viral video (Mirror)
Everton defender Seamus Coleman admits he has not tried to impress any of his managers at Goodison Park more than the other following a recent clip where he was praised by Frank Lampard.
The defender was singled out in a video last month on the night where Everton came from 2-0 down to secure a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace and sealed their survival in the Premier League in their penultimate game of the season.
In the video, which went viral, Lampard put his arm around the Toffees’ skipper and described the right-back as “one of the best people I have ever met,” with the 33-year-old playing 384 times in all competitions since his arrival from Sligo Rovers in 2009.
Speaking on the video and what Lampard said to him in front of his teammates after beating Palace, Coleman admitted that he was incredibly grateful for what Lampard said, although he has given the same level of dedication and commitment to every manager worked under. Read more
Michelle Obama congratulates Coco Gauff for reaching French Open final (Eurosport)
Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama has congratulated Coco Gauff for progressing to the French Open final in Paris.
The 18-year-old American progressed to her first Grand Slam singles final after she produced a 6-3 6-1 win over Italy’s Martina Trevisan on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Thursday.
After the match, Gauff was quick to condemn gun violence in response to a shooting at a Tulsa medical centre this week and in Uvalde, Texas last week.
Gauff wrote ‘Peace. End gun violence. Coco.’ on the camera lens then spoke in detail about the sensitive topic in her press conference after the match. Read more
Mourinho: ‘I am much less egocentric at Roma’ (FootballItalia)
Jose Mourinho reveals winning the Conference League with Roma made him feel like never before. ‘I am much less egocentric now.’
The coach who famously dubbed himself ‘The Special One’ at Chelsea had some humbling experiences in recent years at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
He rediscovered his mojo in Italy, where he had won the historic Treble with Inter in 2010, taking Roma to victory in the Europa Conference League.
“It made me feel something that perhaps I had never felt before. It was like our Champions League,” Mourinho told students at the University of Lisbon. Read more
Verstappen could equal Vettel’s Red Bull record in Baku (Formula1News)
Max Verstappen is one podium away from equalling Sebastian Vettel’s record at the team between 2009 and 2014.
Vettel’s first Red Bull podium was also a victory at the Chinese Grand Prix in 2009, much like Verstappen’s when he won the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
The German added another 65 podiums to his tally over the course of the following five seasons as he claimed four consecutive world championships for the Austrian side.
The 34-year-old’s final podium with Red Bull arrived at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix when he was 27 years of age, while the Dutchman is set to equal his record of 66 podiums at 24. Read more
Haye appears in court, charged with assault (Sky)
Former boxer David Haye has appeared in court after being charged with assault.
The 41-year-old former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion entered a not guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being arrested and charged by police on Thursday.
The charge against Haye relates to an incident which occurred last year.
“David Haye – 41 (13.10.80) appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 3,” a statement from the Metropolitan Police said. Read more
1xBet signs agreement with current champions of Nigeria, Akwa United FC (Leadership)
World-famous betting company 1xBet has become the title sponsor of one of the most popular football clubs in Nigeria, Akwa United. The parties signed a contract for a period of one year.
As part of the cooperation, the 1xBet logo will appear on the team’s game and training uniforms. In addition, the bookmaker’s branding will also be present at Akwa United’s home ground – Godswill Akpabio International Stadium – in the interview area and on banners around the pitch.
“Akwa United is one of the most progressive clubs in Nigeria. The team is developing steadily, and last season won its first championship. A modern approach to the development of the marketing direction and communication with the fans, as well as focusing only on the highest results, is the hallmark of the club. In this, Akwa United is very similar to 1xBet.Our company shares the values of this club because we also continually strive to provide our users with the best product. I am sure that together we will be able to bring a lot of positive emotions to football fans throughout Nigeria,” commented a representative of 1xBet on the start of cooperation. Read more