Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to be completed 2022 -Fashola (Punch)
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will be completed in the first quarter of 2022.
He said this during an interview on Bond FM on Sunday.
According to him, the delay in the completion of the project was caused by the government’s inability to shut down the bridge totally.
He noted that the 80 kilometres of the 127-kilometre road had been completed, urging road users to be patient with the government. Read more
Mouka gifts customised mattress to Agoro, Nigeria’s tallest man (Nation)
Mouka has presented a customised Wellbeing Regal orthopaedic mattress to Afeez Agoro, Nigeria’s tallest man, for the quality sleep he desires for his 7 feet 4.58 inches frame.
As a company that propagates the importance of quality sleep, Mouka, Nigeria’s foremost manufacturer of branded mattresses and pillows, came to the aid of Agoro, who previously had difficulty finding the right sleep solution.
The Mouka Wellbeing range of mattresses is endorsed by both the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) and the National Association of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists (NAOMT). Both associations have certified the Wellbeing range as ergonomically compliant, aligning the spine and relieving tension from pressure points around the body. The Wellbeing Regal full orthopaedic mattress is highly recommended for the elderly and those experiencing back pains. Read more
Lagos in fusion with criminal elements, #EndSARS campaigner alleges (ThisDay)
An #EndSARS campaigner and a member of Citizens’ Rally against Oppression, Mr. Dele Farotimi has alleged that some powerful personalities in Lagos State had threatened his life over his agitation against the reopening of Lekki Toll Plaza.
Farotimi, a seasoned political activist and a constitutional lawyer, also alleged that there was a fusion between criminal elements and the ruling class in Lagos State, some of whom he claimed, had threatened to assassinate him during a phone conversation penultimate Monday.
He made these allegations in an eight-minute viral video on Friday, claiming that an associate, who was privy to the information, revealed the plan to kill him by some powerful political interests in Lagos State.
Penultimate Monday, Farotimi said he received messages from a friend that some powerful people were obviously tired of him due to his roles in the #EndSARS protests and agitation against the planned reopening of the Lekki Toll Plaza.
Farotimi revealed that discussion was held at certain levels in the recent time that compelled his source to give him a hint about the plan to assassinate him, a reason he decided to tell the public before they carry out their plan. Read more
FG begins eviction enforcement on shanties, businesses encroaching on project (Guardian)
Evacuation of illegal businesses and shanties along the ongoing Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway project by the Federal Ministry of Works and the Lagos State Task Force team on Sunday in Lagos (NAN Photo)
The Federal Government on Sunday began the evacuation of shanties, illegal structures encroaching on its Right of Way (RoW) following the expiration of the ultimatum issued by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fashola on Jan. 14 while inspecting the Airport flyover damaged by tanker fire also visited artisans, mechanics and other businesses in the axis.
He had given them two weeks to vacate the RoW of the bridge and the ongoing Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway reconstruction project.
He advised them to relocate to the Matori Industrial Estate in Ladipo purposely built by the Jakande government for commercial activities, warning that they both jeopardised their safety and that of the highway by being on the roadsides. Read more
Ikeja Electric schedules all customers for metering under NMMP (Guardian)
Ikeja Electric (IE) Plc says all unmetered customers under its business unit, have now been scheduled for metering under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).
Mr Felix Ofulue, Head, Corporate Communications, IE, confirmed the development in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
According to Ofulue, a total of 106,000 customers of the electricity Distribution Company, would be installed with free prepaid meters, under the first phase of the NMMP.
“All those who are yet to register are enjoined to visit map.Ikejaelectric.com
to complete their registration, as soon as possible. Read more
Tertiary institutions set June 15 as deadline for 2020 admissions (ThisDay)
All admissions into the nation’s tertiary institutions for the 2020/2021 academic session will end by June 15, 2021.
The decision was collectively taken at a virtual meeting with heads of tertiary institutions in the country on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
In his remarks during the event, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said the meeting was aimed at knowing the level they had reached on the 2020/21 admissions scale.
Oloyede, who said only 30 per cent of institutions had started admissions into the 2020/2021 academic session, added that the essence of the interactive meeting was to forestall an endless admission regime generated by the series of disruptions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Discos receive 407,622 customer complaints in six months (Punch)
Electricity distribution companies in the country received a total of 407,622 complaints from their customers in the first half of 2020, the latest data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission have shown.
Customers of the 11 Discos lodged 204,506 complaints in the first quarter of 2020 and 203,116 complaints in Q2, indicating an average of more than 2,200 complaints per day, according to NERC.
“In total, the Discos attended to 189,684 complaints, representing an increase of 1.09 percentage points from the preceding quarter,” it said in its latest quarterly report, adding that Ibadan and Benin Discos had the lowest customers’ complaints resolution rates in the period.
Enugu Disco received the highest number of customer complaints during Q2, while Yola Disco got the lowest. Read more
Man castrates self to curb his libido (Nation)
A man has cut off parts of his genitals in Benue State to curb his insatiable appetite for female flesh, The Nation learnt.
Terhemen Anongo, popularly called Doc K or Bob Korna, said it was best to cast off what caused him to sin rather than end up in hell, as the bible enjoins.
A resident of Gboko, the Tiv heartland, Anongo said it was increasingly difficult to resist immorality in a society of pervasive nudity.
So he elected to emulate a certain ascetic monk who paid medics to surgically remove his genitals in order to focus better on his spiritual duties. Read more
Amaechi: Buhari to flag off Eastern Rail Corridor March 9 (ThisDay)
The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the Eastern rail corridor of the country’s ongoing railway modernisation on March 9, 2021.
Ameachi gave the hint during his inspection of all the stations from Mobolaji Johnson Station at Ebuta Metta to Ibadan station.
The minister, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Press of the ministry, Mr. Eric Ejiekwe, noted that the president has also approved the redirecting of the Eastern line to two new spurs namely Abakaliki, Ebonyi State and Awka, Anambra State.
Similarly, the minister stated that the federal government has approved the commencement of the Port Harcourt – Kano rail project and is also negotiating loans for the Lagos – Calabar rail project.
On the takeoff of the Ibadan-Kano rail project, Amaechi stated that the government is still seeking approval for a loan to enable its takeoff.
Speaking on the Lagos-Ibadan rail project, Amaechi said that he has challenged Messrs China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) to deploy global acceptable safety and security standards for the project.
He directed that central cooling system be installed in all the major train stations along the route. Read more
Surgeon appears for trial on Zoom while operating on patient (Metro)
A plastic surgeon accused of a traffic violation is being investigated after appearing in court virtually while operating. Dr Scott Green was dressed in surgical scrubs when he appeared on Zoom for the hearing, which was being live streamed in the USA. He confirmed that he was operating but called for the trial to ‘go right ahead’, before the judge at Sacramento Superior Court rearranged proceedings because he did not feel it was ‘appropriate’. Dr Green apologised and the Medical Board of California said it would investigate the incident. Read more
Man finds exact location of infamous Windows XP background (NYPost)
This hill is ubiquitous but surprisingly difficult to locate in reality.
The iconic Windows XP default desktop wallpaper of a sloped green hill beneath a bright blue sky is one of the most viewed photos in the world, but its generic pleasantness has long stumped internet denizens in regards to its real-world location — with some believing it’s not a real photograph.
The editor-in-chief of SFGate recently set out to find the earthly subject of the computer background and discovered it covered in wine grapes, across the street from an alpaca farm and Highway 12 in Sonoma, California.
The photo even has an incredible backstory: Charles O’Rear snapped the now-legendary shot of what is known as “Bliss” hill while driving to see his now-wife on a Friday afternoon in January 1996.
“A majority of people who saw that photograph, billions of people, thought it was not a real photograph,” said O’Rear. “Driving through the Sonoma hills in January it always gets a carpet of green grass, it’s beautiful. I knew that, and it was just the perfect light, the perfect clouds.” Read more
Botswana eases COVID restrictions despite rising death toll (VOA)
Botswana, which saw COVID-19 deaths surpass 300 this week, has lifted a ban on alcohol sales and eased curfew restrictions. But President Mokgweetsi Masisi extended an existing curfew.
In a televised address, Masisi said rising COVID-19 cases mean the curfew will continue until the end of March. Botswana introduced a nine-hour curfew in December, but Masisi announced Friday the hours have been reduced to six.
“The curfew period restricting the movement of people will be extended from the 1st to the 31st of March 2021 and will begin at 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily. The government has decided to lift the suspension of the sale of alcohol with effect from 1st March, 2021. Alcohol will be sold to consumers on weekdays only,” he said.
Masisi said in lifting the alcohol ban, the government took into consideration the impact on the economy. Read more
At least 18 killed in bloodiest day of Myanmar anti-coup protests (AlJazeera)
At least 18 people have been killed and dozens wounded across Myanmar in the most violent crackdown yet by security forces against peaceful demonstrators protesting against a February 1 military coup, according to the United Nations human rights office.
“Throughout the day, in several locations throughout the country, police and military forces have confronted peaceful demonstrations, using lethal force and less-than-lethal force that – according to credible information received by the UN Human Rights Office – has left at least 18 people dead and over 30 wounded,” the office said on Sunday.
Police were out in force early and opened fire in different parts of Yangon after stun grenades, tear gas and shots in the air failed to break up crowds in Myanmar’s largest city. Soldiers also reinforced police. Read more
33-year-old mother wins Miss Germany contest (DW)
Anja Kallenbach was named Miss Germany 2021 on Saturday evening after competing against 15 other finalists.
There was no audience present for the event due to coronavirus restrictions, but the show was broadcast live over YouTube. The event carried the tagline: “Empowering authentic women.”
The triumphant mother of two hails from the eastern state of Thuringia. According to her profile on the Miss Germany website, Kallenbach would like to be a role model to other women with her “accumulated experiences in life, her profession, as a mother, as a friend, a woman and life-affirming person.” Read more
Emmanuel Acho tapped to replace Chris Harrison on ‘The Bachelor’ (NYPost)
Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho has been tapped to host “The Bachelor: After The Final Rose” special after Chris Harrison stepped down amid a controversy over excusing alleged racism.
The show announced the change on its Instagram account Saturday night — and Acho, 30, could hardly contain his excitement.
“IT’S OFFICIAL: I’ve accepted the Rose & am honored to be hosting the @bachelorabc After the Final Rose this year,” the Dallas-born bruiser wrote on Twitter. “It’s been a pivotal season & this episode will be one of the most storied shows in its history. Empathy is needed and change is coming. See y’all then!”
The “After the Final Rose” special, is scheduled to air March 15 after the season 25 finale. Read more
Israeli-owned vessel docked in Dubai after mysterious explosion (AlJazeera)
An Israeli-owned cargo ship that suffered a mysterious explosion in the Gulf of Oman has arrived at Dubai’s port for repairs, days after the blast revived security concerns about the Middle East’s waterways amid heightened tensions with Iran.
The hulking Israeli-owned MV Helios Ray sat at dry dock facilities at Dubai’s Port Rashid on Sunday. Although the crew was unharmed in the blast, the vessel sustained two holes on its port side and two on its starboard side just above the waterline, according to American defence officials.
It remains unclear what caused the explosion, but the incident comes amid sharply rising tension between the United States and Iran over its unravelling 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Iran has sought to pressure President Joe Biden’s administration to give it the sanctions relief it had received under the accord, which former President Donald Trump abandoned. Read more
Ofili breaks African 200m record, qualifies for Olympics (Punch)
Nigerian athletes continued their impressive run at the weekend, with Favour Ofili breaking the African record in the women’s 200m indoors event at the SEC Indoor Championships, Fayetteville, USA Saturday evening.
The 18-year-old ran 22.75s to break the 22.80s African record set by Ivorian Murielle Ahouré at the NCAA Division I Championships, March 2009.
Ofili’s time was also the fourth best in the NCAA and the third fastest in her school – LSU – history.
The time met the 2020 Olympics 22.89secs qualifying standard for the women’s 200m event.
The 2019 African Youth champion placed third overall as the first heat was won by Abby Steiner in 22.50s, while Tamara Clark was second in an SB of 22.70s. Read more
Oduenyi doubtful for Olimpik Donetsk game (Nation)
Nigerian striker Ugochukwu Oduenyi is a doubt for FC Minaj league match with Olimpik Donetsk at Avanhard Stadium on Sunday.
On Friday, the 25-year-old sustained a knock to his knee in training, although he managed to train on Saturday for the entire duration but he will be tested Sunday morning to see if he can be part of the team.
Minaj currently sits at the bottom of the Ukrainian Premier League with 10 points in 14 games will take on Olimpik Donetsk who sits eight positions with 17 points in 14 games.
Both teams have been having poor run of form with none winning their last five games recently. Read more
Mitchell stars as Utah Jazz return to winning ways (BBC)
Donovan Mitchell starred with 31 points as the Utah Jazz returned to winning ways with a 124-109 victory over the Orlando Magic.
Guard Mitchell contributed five three-pointers and six assists for Utah, who suffered a rare loss to the Miami Heat on Friday, with Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles scoring 18 and 17 points each.
Nikola Vucevic scored 34 points for the Magic, who have lost three in a row.
The Dallas Mavericks were also back on track by beating the Brooklyn Nets.
Luka Doncic scored 27 points for the Mavericks, with the returning Kristaps Porzingis contributing 18, as they triumphed 115-98 and ended the Nets’ season-high eight-game winning streak. Read more
Canelo Alvarez stops Avni Yildirim in third round to set up Billy Joe Saunders clash (Metro)
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has secured a dominant victory over Avni Yildirim to remain on course for a unification bout with Billy Joe Saunders. Alvarez secured the 55th victory of his professional career to defend his WBC and WBA super middleweight titles after a third round stoppage at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida with the challenger retiring on his stool after a demolition job from the champion. Having swept aside the previously undefeated Callum Smith in December, the Mexican superstar is now cleaning to house in 2021, with WBO champion Saunders now confirmed for the Cinco de Mayo weekend in May. Read more
Arsenal comeback stuns Leicester (BBC)
Leicester’s increasingly forlorn-looking pursuit of Premier League leaders Manchester City suffered a big blow as Arsenal came from behind to claim an impressive victory at the King Power Stadium.
On a miserable afternoon at the end of a dire week for the Foxes, they also had influential winger Harvey Barnes carried off on a stretcher with his leg in a brace to add to their already considerable injury problems.
Things had started well for the hosts, who were given an early tonic for their midweek Europa League exit as Youri Tielemens was allowed to run unchecked down the right before firing a low shot into the far corner with just six minutes played.
Arsenal refused to be adversely affected, though, and took control of the game with impressive attacking intent and far greater fluency than Leicester. Read more
Knicks nip Pacers to reach .500, pull into fourth place in Eastern Conference (NYPost)
Twice in the previous 10 days, the Knicks had wasted opportunities to push their record to the .500 mark in unsightly losses to the Magic and the Warriors.
They appeared headed for another blown chance to even their record and move up in the murky Eastern Conference on Saturday night. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s surging squad stormed back from a 16-point deficit in the first half, however, and moved into a tie for fourth place in the playoff standings with a gritty 110-107 win over the Pacers at the Garden.The Knicks improved to 17-17 and are deadlocked with the Raptors entering Sunday’s visit to conference-worst Detroit (9-24). They notably opened last season 17-42 and finished with 21 wins in 66 games. Read more