Lagos man jailed 37 years for defiling minor (Punch)
A man, Moses Joseph, who forced a 13-year-old girl to suck his manhood and inserted his finger in her private parts, was on Thursday, sentenced to 37 years’ imprisonment by a Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting at Ikeja, Lagos State.
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, who handed down the verdict, held that the state proved its case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge held that from available evidence, the defendant was guilty of the crime.
The Lagos State Government arraigned Joseph on two counts of indecent treatment. Read more
Vessel evaded arrest, pirate attack false alarm- Navy (Leadership)
Contrary to claims, the Nigerian Navy has said the vessel, Motor Tanker (MT) Heroic Idun, resisted arrest by NNS GONGOLA.
The Service refuted reports of piracy attacks in Nigerian waters.
It attributed the subsequent arrest of the vessel at Equatorial-Guinea to renewed cooperation and collaboration among the Gulf of Guinea nations.
In a statement signed by the director of Information Naval Headquarters, Commodore Adedotun Olukayode Ayo-Vaughan, when he reacted to reported piracy attacks and theft of crude oil worth millions of naira, said the Nigerian Navy personnel on 7th August 2022 while on a routine patrol saw and reported the unusual presence of (MT Heroic Idun at the Akpo Oil Field, Deep Offshore Bonny. Read more
Rotary unveils new interactive club (ThisDay)
Rotary Club of Lagos Island, the first Mega club of district 9110 has launched a new interactive club at Government College, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Rotary Interact club brings together young people between the ages of 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self.
Speaking at the event, the President of the club, Rotarian Anant Sabat inspired the new Interact Club members to do a service project to serve mankind and protect the environment by planting trees and making the school campus free of plastic.
The youngster planted over 40 trees in the school compound and pledged to protect them by watering them regularly and taking care of them. Read more
Bakers laud UNDP, LSETF, BIG for skill impartation (Vanguard)
The Premium Bread Makers Association of Nigeria, PBAN, has commended the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, LSETF, United Nations Development Program, UNDP, and Bakery Initiatives Group, Nigeria, BIG, for their efforts in imparting requisite baking skills on unemployed youths, thereby contributing in bridging the skills gap in the baking industry.
General Secretary, PBAN, Keinde Ambali, gave the commendation in Lagos, at a Bake Fair, marking the end of an eight-week vocational training in baking and confectionery by BIG, one of the Vocational Training Centres, VTCs, under the auspices of the Lagos State Employability Support Project of the LSETF and the UNDP.
According to Ambali, the scheme has not only helped in reducing unemployment among the youths, but has impacted members of the association positively as they now have a crop of well-trained bakers to employ.
PBAN, he said, is in partnership with BIG to absorb the trainees on internship under the scheme and the feedback the association has been receiving from member-bakeries on the interns has been very encouraging. Read more
Varsity unions strike: FG insists on ‘No work, no pay’ policy (Vanguard)
The Federal Government insisted, yesterday, it will not succumb to the demand by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, for its members to be paid the six months salaries withheld over the ongoing strike, saying it was meant to be the penalty for their needless action.
The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, stated this when he appeared at the ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Communication Team, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He spoke on a day ASUU explained the reason it walked out of the negotiation meeting with the Federal Government team on Tuesday, saying the Prof. Nimi-Briggs-led committee presented award of a Recommended Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure, CONUASS, prepared by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which was unacceptable.
Adamu, flanked by the Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Opia, explained that not paying the backlog would deter others who might contemplate strike in future.
Buhari inaugurates teachers’ quarters, IDP homes in Maiduguri (Nation)
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday marked the International Humanitarian Day in Borno State with a visit to Maiduguri, the state capital.
The President inaugurated some projects, including a new teachers’ quarters built by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration in the capital town.
The quarters, sited in Bulumkutu on Airport Road, is among the over 600 capital projects the Zulum administration has delivered in a little more than three years of coming to office.
The teachers’ quarters, which is fully fenced, interlocked and landscaped, comprises 24 units of furnished two-bedroom flats in six blocks of storey-buildings. Read more
Gospel Artiste, Moses Bliss, Seun Okinbaloye, others storm birthday bash for Skyewise CEO (Leadership)
The chief executive officer of Skyewise Group, Dr. Elvis Abuyere, on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, marked his birthday anniversary with a breakfast worship at his massive residence in Abuja.
Friends and associates came out in their large numbers to celebrate Dr. Abuyere, an investment adviser amidst loads of felicitations.
Popular gospel singer, Moses Bliss, was also on ground to electrify the atmosphere with his spirit-filled songs, which ministered to the souls of the attendees.
Speaking through a brief sermon during the worship, the Founder of Champion Faith International Ministry, Dr Apt. Godspower Udjor, extolled the virtues of the celebrant, whom he described as a devout Christian who takes God’s affairs with the needed seriousness.
He expressed gratitude to God for the level he has brought Dr. Abuyere so far in life. Read more
Abia-North: Applause as Kalu tours Ohafia communities to ascertain impact of projects, others (Sun)
Festivity enveloped communities in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia North in Abia State, on Wednesday, as scores of residents converged on their respective wards to host the Senate Chief Whip, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, as he visited to give account of his stewardship during his tenure at the Senate.
The high spirited residents in response to his legislative impact assessment tour assembled in carnival-like forms to welcome him and his team as they arrived in their various communities.
Accompanying Kalu to the town hall engagements were the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Chidia Maduekwe; Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Maduka Ukaegbu; former speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Arua Arunsi, among others.
Communities visited included Okon-Aku Ohafia, Asaga Ohafia, Abia Ohafia and Akanu Ohafia. Read more
Nappy Roots rapper Fish Scales recovering after being shot and kidnapped in Atlanta (EW)
Fish Scales, a member of the Grammy-nominated Southern rap group Nappy Roots, is recovering and “in good spirits” after being shot and kidnapped in a robbery attempt Wednesday in Atlanta.
Nappy Roots posted a photo of Scales, whose real name is Melvin Adams Jr., recuperating in a hospital bed Thursday and thanked fans for their support and prayers. Scales, they said, “wanted to let everyone know that he is in good spirits and can’t wait to get back to the music and [Atlantucky Brewing].”
The group had shared the news earlier Thursday that Scales “was a victim of an attempted robbery” at Atlantucky, the brewery they own and operate. The group added, “We are blessed to say that he is stable and in good spirits after suffering a leg injury. Luckily, none of our dedicated patrons of Atlantucky were at the scene or harmed during the robbery. We are so thankful our brother is safe and on the road to recovery.”
According to a news release issued by the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded to a report of a robbery at Atlantucky around 11 p.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, police said, a 42-year-old brewery patron reported that he and an individual identified as “the business owner” were walking to a parking deck when two men approached and robbed them at gunpoint. Read more
Gerard Butler pays tribute to his ‘dear friend’ Darius Campbell Danesh (DailyMail)
Gerard Butler has written a touching tribute to his ‘dear friend’ Darius Campbell Danesh.
The actor, known for his portrayal of Spartan king Leonidas in Zack Snyder’s hit film 300, revealed how he was ‘devastated’ at the sudden passing of his ‘true brother in arms’.
He offered his thoughts and love to Darius’ ‘wonderful mum and dad’ Avril and Booth, along with his ‘two brilliant brothers’ Aria and Cyrus.
Darius, 41, was found unresponsive in a room inside the Berkman apartments opposite the Mayo Clinic specialist treatment centre in Rochester, Minnesota on August 11. He had checked in using the name Morgan Brown, a source there said. Read more
After Wyoming defeat, Cheney prepares for the longer-term fight against Trump — and her own political future (CNN)
The day after losing the Republican primary for Wyoming’s House seat, Rep. Liz Cheney is positioning herself for a longer-term fight with former President Donald Trump.The question Cheney must confront is whether there is an appetite within the Republican Party for a candidate singularly focused on serving as an antagonist for its most popular and dominant figure.
In the wake of her loss to Trump-endorsed Harriet Hageman on Tuesday, Cheney began building an apparatus to support her future political moves — including a potential presidential bid as a Trump foil. Cheney acknowledged Wednesday morning that she is considering a run for president in 2024, a race that Trump is largely expected to enter soon.
“It is something I’m thinking about, and I’ll make a decision in the coming months,” Cheney said on NBC’s “Today” on Wednesday.
Cheney’s advisers told CNN she intends to wait until next year to make any decisions, when she’s no longer in Congress or serving as vice chair of the House select committee investigating the events surrounding January 6, 2021. Read more
Famed upstate New York hotel that inspired ‘Dirty Dancing’ is destroyed by fire (People)
A famed resort that served as the inspiration for Dirty Dancing was consumed by a fire nearly 35 years after the film premiered.
On Tuesday, firefighters responded to a blaze at a building that was part of the since-abandoned Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel in Liberty, N.Y., according to a Facebook post from the Liberty Fire Department.
“While en route, multiple calls into Sullivan 911 reported a large structure on fire at the old Grossinger’s Hotel property,” the post read. “A smoke column was now visible for several miles. First arriving units had to cut through a gate in order to access the roadway to get to the fire. Upon reaching the fire it was found to be a 3 ½ story building that was now well involved.”
The efforts of the firefighters were hampered due to concrete barriers on the property and the foliage being overgrown, according to the post. Read more
Pam Grier signs with APA (Deadline)
Pam Grier, the actress from such cult classics as Jackie Brown, Foxy Brown and Coffy, has inked with APA.
Grier’s five decades-plus cinematic canon includes work with filmmakers such as Roger Corman, John Carpenter and Quentin Tarantino, among many others.
Her film résumé fired up with 1971’s The Big Doll House, followed by iconic roles in such films as Foxy Brown, Coffy, The Big Bird Cage, Blacula, Scream Blacula Scream and Sheba, Baby.
During the 1980s she became a regular on Miami Vice and played a supporting role as an evil witch in Ray Bradbury’s and Walt Disney Pictures’ 1983 title Something Wicked This Way Comes. She then returned to action in 1988’s Above the Law. Grier also starred in such notable features as Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks!, In Too Deep and a comedic turn in Jawbreaker. Read more
‘Grease’ returning to AMC Theatres in tribute to Olivia Newton-John (THR)
AMC Theatres announced Thursday that it will play Grease in 135 of its theaters this weekend as a way of paying tribute to the Paramount film’s iconic star, the late Olivia Newton-John.
The cost per moviegoer will be $5, with $1 of every ticket sold going to AMC’s charitable fund, AMC Cares. The proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research.
Newton-John died Aug. 15 at her ranch in Southern California. Her husband, John Easterling, announced her passing on Facebook.
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” he wrote. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.” Read more
US state flagged bugs in software exploited in alleged China hack (Aljazeera)
The US state of Montana suspended use of an agricultural database to improve its security months before its developer had to fix security flaws that were exposed in a suspected Chinese state-sponsored cyberattack, newly obtained documents show.
The Montana Department of Agriculture temporarily took the USAHERDS web-based software offline last year to allow the application’s developer to beef up security following an unspecified “event,” according to the documents obtained by Al Jazeera.
The security upgrade came several months before Acclaim Systems, the Pennsylvania-based developer of the application, released a patch in November to fix vulnerabilities exploited in an alleged hacking campaign by APT41, a China-based group that cybersecurity experts and US officials say carries out espionage on behalf of Beijing.
It is unclear if the event that prompted the more recent changes to USAHERDS, which is used to track livestock by at least 18 US states, had any connection to the APT41 attack, which was revealed in March following an investigation by US cybersecurity firm Mandiant. Read more
U20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria battles Holland for semi-final ticket Monday (Sun)
Nigeria’s U20 girls, the Falconets, will on Monday morning in Alajuela meet the Netherlands in the quarter finals of the ongoing World Cup tagged Costa Rica 2022 to determine who books a ticket for the semi-final stage.
The Coach, Chris Danjuma Musa-tutored side beat Canada 3-1 in Alajuela on Thursday morning to finish with nine points out of nine in Group C and set up a quarter-final date with The Netherlands in Alajuela as from 1am on Monday (Nigeria time).
Speaking after the encounter with Canada, Musa said his girls would seek to win the match against the Netherlands in order to sustain their winning mentality, following hard-fought victories over France and Korea Republic.
In the match against Canada, the Falconets conceded their first goal of the competition in an accidental manner, following goalkeeper Omini Oyono’s poor management of a back pass from Jumoke Alani that granted Kala Novak’s goal in less than two minutes.
“It was great for us to come back from that setback, and also conceding first in the tournament. We showed character and spirit, and that would be huge for us going forward in the competition,” Musa said after the match.
AGA: Delegates reject Pinnick’s plea for tenure extension (Punch)
There was mild drama at the Nigeria Football Federation’s Annual General Assembly in Lagos on Thursday as the NFF chose September 30 for election into the board of the federation, but members of the factional players unions were barred from the congress, The PUNCH reports.
The election into the NFF board will hold in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
At the congress, NFF president, Pinnick Amaju, whose tenure ends September 20, pleaded for a six-month tenure extension, for the electoral process to be duly observed, but his request was vehemently turned down by delegates at the AGA.
He also pleaded for forgiveness from members of the board he had offended in the past. Read more
Manchester City star Benjamin Mendy boasted he had sex with 10k women, rape trial is told
(IrishIndependent)
Benjamin Mendy, the Manchester City footballer, boasted “I have had sex with 10,000 women” after raping a woman he had lured to his secure bedroom, a court has heard.
The French international (28) is alleged to have launched the attack after inviting a group of women he had just met to his mansion in Cheshire in October 2020.
He is on trial at Chester Crown Court, accused of eight counts of rape, one of attempted rape and one of sexual assault, relating to seven complainants. He denies the charges.
Recorded evidence from one of the complainants – accounting for three of the rape charges – was played to the jury yesterday. Read more
LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig says MLS will become desired destination for world’s top young talent (ESPN)
Former Barcelona prodigy and new LA Galaxy signing Riqui Puig said he believes MLS will increasingly be seen as a top destination for gifted young players across the world in the years to come.
“I think that in the near future you will see a lot of young players coming here. I think we will see less players coming to MLS to retire,” the 23-year-old Spanish midfielder told ESPN’s Herculez Gomez on Thursday’s Futbol Americas.
“This is a league that has everything to become one of the best in the world.”
After signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with the LA Galaxy, Puig shocked many in the global game when he left Barcelona to join MLS — a league that has traditionally been viewed abroad as more of a destination for aging European stars. Read more
New York Knicks! NBA side announce $3k ticket prices for the new courtside section of ‘ultra-premium’ seats (DailyMail)
The New York Knicks and owner James Dolan have become well known for making headlines in recent years whether good or bad and it appears they’ve found a way to make another one.
New York has placed front row tickets on sale for the exuberant price of $3,000.
Yes, you read that right – $3,000 will now get you a seat in the Knicks new ‘ultra-premium section’.
The new section will now take up the first and second rows where media members and game officials would normally sit, giving fans a premium view of the action. Read more
Keegan Bradley leads BMW Championship as Rory McIlroy slips back after triple-bogey (Sky)
Keegan Bradley holds a one-shot lead after the opening round of the BMW Championship, with Rory McIlroy four off the pace after being unable to build on a fast start.
The American – who won the event in 2018 – mixed eight birdies with a lone bogey on his way to an opening-round 64 at Wilmington Country Club, giving the former major champion a narrow advantage over former world No 1 Adam Scott.
Bradley holed five of his opening seven holes and added another from 40 feet at the ninth to reach the turn in 29, before cancelling out a bogey at the 11th by posting back-to-back gains from the 14th to set the clubhouse target.
“I made a nice putt on the first hole and just kept it going,” Bradley said. “I feel like coming here is no different than any event I play all year. I try to make it that way. Then come Sunday there’s a lot of ramifications for your career, for Atlanta, and I’m proud of the way I played today.” Read more
Emma Raducanu reflects on playing Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka in back-to-back (TennisWorld)
Emma Raducanu said she felt playing Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka was a great chance to learn some valuable lessons and get some experience. In the Cincinnati first round, Raducanu saw off 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams 6-4 6-0.
In her following match, Raducanu beat another Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 Azarenka 6-0 6-2. Raducanu was playing against Williams and Azarenka for the first time. “I think that it’s when you are playing two great champions, again, you feel like it’s just great to share the court with them and you take whatever lessons, and you just really cherish the opportunity when you are playing such great players,” Raducanu said, per Sportskeeda.
“I knew I had to be on my game, but I kind of also backed myself and my own game,” Raducanu added. “I think that starting the point is obviously really important against both of them, because, yeah, like Vika has got incredible returns and Serena is probably the best serve in the game.”
Raducanu put an end to Williams’ Cincinnati run and now only one tournament is left to be played out on Williams’ schedule. After beating Williams – who is set to retire from tennis at this year’s US Open – Raducanu showed respect for Serena by saying that she and her stunning career definitely deserve to be honored and celebrated. Read more