Lagos issues 48hr quit notice to FG Ikoyi Towers’ illegal squatters (Vanguard)
Lagos State Government has issued a 48 hours ultimatum to illegal squatters at abandoned Ikoyi Towers, Lagos Island to evacuate.
The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave the notice on Saturday, during an inspection of some identified sites, including the abandoned Federal Government property, Ikoyi Towers.
The Ikoyi Towers, located behind the abandoned Federal Secretariat, Ikoyi, comprise of three blocks of 12 floors, tagged: A, B and C. Read more
Gunmen kill Kaduna village head, set house ablaze (DailyTrust)
Gunmen have killed Malam Kabiru Mohammed, the village head of Marke in Dandamisa Ward, Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Daily Trust gathered that the gunmen, suspected to be hired killers, entered the residence of the victim at about 12:30 am on Thursday and sent everyone out of the compound.
They reportedly began searching for Malam Kabiru who was hiding inside the ceiling alongside his elder brother, Tukur Mohammed. Read more
We are not Igbo, Rivers Ikwerre blasts Iwuanyanwu, Ohanaeze (Nation)
The claim by Ohanaeze Ndigbo and its President, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, that Ikwerre is part of Igbo, has drawn the ire of the Ikwerre socio-cultural group, the Iwhnurohna Progressive Organisation (IPO).
The membership of the IPO led by Dr. Okahchukwu Dibia at the weekend said it was offensive, insulting, shameful, disgusting, insensitive, careless and uncivilised for Iwuanyanwu to be credited with the falsehood and unfounded claim that Ikwerre people were Igbo.
Reading the position of the members after a meeting in Port Harcourt, Dibia said: “To us at IPO, Ikwerre is Igbo means that all the ancestral communities in Ikwerre originated from Igbo. This is not true and can never be true, hence our reply to him and indeed Ohaneze. Read more
Lagos reaffirms commitment to safety, security of residents around transport infrastructure (Independent)
The Lagos State Government has once again demonstrated its unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of its residents, following the recent apprehension of 40 suspected hoodlums around the newly constructed Yaba Overpass Bridge, in Ebute Metta area of the State.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi said the arrest serves as a stern warning that criminal activities targeting Lagosians, particularly in critical transport areas, will not be tolerated.
He disclosed that the shanties serving as hideouts for the suspects have been demolished, with the area placed under continuous surveillance, exemplifying the government’s proactive stance on public safety. Read more
Kano says journalist injured by ‘metal debris’, not stray bullet (Punch)
The Kano State Government has denied reports that a journalist, Naziru Idris Ya’u, was on Friday, injured after being by a stray bullet in the State House.
This was according to a statement on Saturday by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Tofa.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that a correspondent of Abubakar Rimi Television attached to the Kano State Government House, Naziru Idris Ya’u, escaped death on Friday evening following a stray bullet which hit him at the Government House. Read more
Alleged fraud: Kano anti-graft agency recovers N4.2m from ARTV management (Tribune)
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission (PCACC) has disclosed the recovery of N4.2 million out of N8 million from the management and staff of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Kano.
It will however be recalled that the ARTV management had secured an advertising contract of Nutrition Value from ANRIN, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), for a total sum of N93 million.
The contract was broken into two parts of 50 per cent net payment for the contractual sum which is N93 million. Read more
Akpata berates Obaseki for swearing in only 5 of 8 recommended judges (Channels)
The Labour Party candidate for the Edo State governorship elections, Olumide Akpata, has condemned the decision of Governor Godwin Obaseki to swear in only five out of the eight new judges recommended for the Edo State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
In a statement he personally signed, Akpata said it is regrettable that the achievements of the judges is being tarnished by the grave injustice they have endured at the hands of the Governor.
The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), recalled that for nearly a year, the 8 legal professionals languished in an unconscionable career limbo, suffering immense financial hardship through loss of earnings owing to the refusal of the Governor to perform his constitutional duty to swear in all eight recommended Judges without any plausible justification. Read more
NERC unbundles TCN, sets up new system operator (Leadership)
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has unbundled the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by establishing the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (NISO).
NERC made this known in an Order dated April 30, 2023 and signed by NERC chairman, Sanusi Garba and vice chairman, Musiliu Oseni.
NERC, also ordered the Bureau of Public Enterprises, (BPE), to within 30 days register the Independent System Operator as a distinct entity from the Transmission Company of Nigeria, with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Read more
Alicia Keys celebrates multiple Tony Award nominations (HipHopDx)
Alicia Keys is in full celebration mode after learning that her Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen has been nominated for a whopping 13 TONY Awards.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday (May 1), Swizz Beatz captured the moment his wife learned of the nominations – and she was so excited, she popped a big bottle of champagne at 7 in the morning.
“13 TONY Nominations is worthy of popping a bottle at 7am,” Alicia captioned the post which included the aforementioned video as well as multiple photos of her bottle popping. Read more
Brooke Shields reveals unconventional sleeping arrangement with daughters (Hello!)
Brooke Shields’ daughters Rowan and Grier may be all grown up now – but they will never stop needing their mother.
The 58-year-old actress enjoys a close relationship with Rowan, 20, and Grier, 18, but revealed that despite their older ages, they will sometimes still share a bed with their mom.
Brooke divulged their unconventional sleeping arrangements during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show but admitted her daughters will only sleep in her bed when their dad, Chris Henchy, is out of town. Read more
Hollywood star slams late Patrick Swayze as ‘insecure and difficult’ after working together on 90s film (Metro)
John Leguizamo has spoken out against Patrick Swayze’s ‘angelic’ reputation, branding him ‘insecure’ and ‘difficult’ to work with.
The Ice Age actor, 63, shared the screen with the late star in To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar, which hit the big screen in September, 1995.
The flick showed the pair – joined by Wesley Snipes- as three New York drag queens who set off on a cross-country road trip. Read more
Biden to sign new bipartisan law targeting child ‘sextortion’ online (NBC)
On March 25, 2022, Jennifer Buta learned that her son, Jordan DeMay, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It happened just hours after the 17-year-old was a victim of “financial sextortion,” targeted by two brothers from Nigeria who posed as a young woman online.
The brothers, who were extradited to the U.S. and pleaded guilty last month to one federal charge of conspiring to sexually exploit minors, taunted DeMay to end his life after they tricked him into sending a sexually explicit image and then demanded he pay up.
Buta joins an unfortunately long list of parents who lost their children to sextortion and cyberbullying online. And Congress, where bipartisanship is increasingly rare, unanimously passed legislation to help keep that list from growing. Read more
‘It’s going to be worse’: Brazil braces for more pain amid record flooding (AlJazeera)
Overpowering floods and mudslides caused by torrential rains are continuing to sweep southern Brazil, killing at least 56 people and forcing tens of thousands out of their homes, the government said.
As well as raising the death toll on Saturday, the country’s civil defence agency said rising water levels in the state of Rio Grande do Sul were straining dams and threatening the metropolis of Porto Alegre.
Triggered by storms that began on Monday, the flooding is only expected to get worse, local authorities said, as rescuers scoured the ruins of washed-out homes, bridges, and roads for missing people. Read more
Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock hints at huge cheat scandal with Andre Gray (Mirror)
Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock new single has raised eyebrows amongst fans with candid lyrics about cheating on her past boyfriend with current partner footballer Andre Gray
Leigh-Anne Pinnock has caused a storm by hinted at a huge cheating scandal involving her and husband Andre Gray.
The singer’s candid new single ‘Forbidden Fruit’ reveals she had an affair behind a past boyfriend’s back. Fans of the Little Mix star believe she is singing about ex Jordan Kiffin who she dated for three years before she got with footballer Andre, to whom she is now married, the same year. Read more
Progress cited in truce talks as Israel downplays chances of ending war with Hamas, Egypt media says (CBS)
A delegation of the militant group Hamas was in Cairo on Saturday as Egyptian state media reported “noticeable progress” in ongoing cease-fire talks with Israel while an Israeli official downplayed the prospects for a full end to the war.
Pressure has been mounting to reach a deal — Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is dramatically escalating while Israel insists it will launch an offensive into Rafah, the territory’s southernmost city.
The stakes are high to find a halt to the nearly seven-month-long war. More than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering in the city of Rafah, along the border with Egypt, many having fled northern Gaza where a top U.N. official says there is now a full-blown famine. Read more
NFF, Enyimba locked in talks over Finidi (Vanguard)
The Nigeria Football Federation announced Finidi George as the new Super Eagles coach early this week but Enyimba, the club he guided to the Nigeria Professional Football League title last season are asking the NFF to do the needful before they would allow Finidi go to his new post.
Although they are not ready to stand in Finidi’s way to fulfilling his dream of handling the national team, the club is insisting the NFF must follow due process for him to be released.
“No one in the NFF informed us at Enyimba about their plan for Finidi, so we didn’t make any plan for a coach that would replace Finidi or stand in for him. We saw it(the appointment) on the internet like most of you, it is now that we are holding talks for his release,” a team official told the media. Read more
Albon hit with penalty ahead of Miami sprint race (RN365)
Alex Albon will start the F1 Sprint at Miami from the pit lane, the FIA has confirmed.
Albon was due to take the start of the shorter Saturday race from 19th position after having his SQ1 lap time deleted for exceeding track limits.
However, his Williams crew opted to make set-up changes to his car ahead of the race, demoting him to a pit lane start. Read more
Arsenal pay tribute to teenage fan killed in sword attack (BBC)
Arsenal paid tribute to schoolboy Daniel Anjorin, who was killed in a sword attack in London on Tuesday, during their home game against Bournemouth on Saturday.
The 14-year-old Gunners fan died in hospital after being attacked in Hainault while walking to school.
Arsenal were given permission by the teenager’s family to pay their respects and applause rang round the Emirates Stadium after 14 minutes. Read more
Rivers Utd threatens withdrawal from NPFL, others (Leadership)
The management of Rivers United of Port Harcourt has threatened withdrawing from all football related activities.
In a letter, dated May 2,2024 and addressed to the General Secretary Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Rivers United, through its secretary, Ahmed Abdurrahman, said the club sponsors, River State government is currently reviewing the club’s participation in all football related matters due to the unfair treatment against the club.
“The management of Rivers United Football Club, Port Harcourt is hereby notifying you that the sponsors of the team, the Rivers State Government is currently. Read more
‘We are the best team’ — Olayinka reflects on Red Star Belgrade’s title success (CompleteSports)
Peter Olayinka can’t hide his excitement after winning the Serbian League title with Red Star Belgrade, reports Completesports.com.
Vladan Milojevic’s side claimed the title after a hard-fought 2-1 win over TSC on Thursday night.
Olayinka opened scoring for the hosts in the fifth minute of the encounter. Read more
Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth: Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice help put pressure back on Man City (SkySports)
Arsenal reopened a four-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka put the Gunners ahead from the penalty spot in a one-sided first half before Leandro Trossard swept home their second following a spell of Bournemouth pressure after the break.
The visitors had a goal controversially ruled out after that, with VAR upholding referee David Coote’s decision to penalise Dominic Solanke for a foul on David Raya, before Declan Rice added a stoppage-time third to put the result beyond doubt. Read more