‘Lagos traffic not as bad as erroneously reported’ (Nation)
Lagos State Government has decried what it called wrong categorisation of traffic patterns in the state.
It said traffic congestion in Lagos was not as nightmarish as it was usually painted.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, spoke at the maiden edition of an engagement forum between Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), at the Radio Lagos Auditorium, Agidingbi, Lagos.
He said the recent data on the cities across the world showed that the city of London in the United Kingdom topped the list of cities heavily impacted by traffic congestion, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic era, with each driver losing about 148 man-hour, which translated to about £1,101 per hour. Read more
Always know I’m here for you, Timi Dakolo’s wife assures singer on birthday (Punch)
Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo, on Thursday celebrated a new age and his wife, Busola, assured him of her unending love and loyalty while celebrating her husband.
The award-winning artiste had announced his birthday on his Instagram page when he shared a picture of himself and asked his fans to send him money.
Sharing his account details, he wrote, “+1 today. Thank you God. Send a brother’s birthday money.”
His photographer wife also shared a picture of the singer on her Instagram page, accompanied by a short yet heartfelt prayer. Read more
Afenifere laments incessant kidnappings on Lagos-Ibadan expressway (Tribune)
Pan- Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, on Wednesday decried the level into which insecurity in Nigeria has fallen, noting sadly that the kidnapping of seven people around Isara Remo on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway on Sunday, January 17, 2022, was another evidence that governments in the country had failed in their primary duties of providing security and welfare for the people.
Some people were reportedly kidnapped last Sunday, at Onigaari Village on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway just as some travellers, including a popular actress, narrowly escaped being kidnapped on the same road last Saturday.
Reports also had it that some displaced terrorists in the northern part of the country led by one Belo Turji were making incursions into Yorubaland.
Afenifere expressed this concern in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, even as it recalled the incessant kidnapping of and attacks on innocent people in Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states, among others, declaring that such u acceptable attacks must be stopped forthwith by all means. Read more
Governor Ortom signs Benue’s amended grazing bill into law (DailyTrust)
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Thursday signed into law the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Amendment Bill 2017.
The bill was passed by the State’s House of Assembly on Tuesday after a clause by clause consideration of the report of the House Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources during plenary.
Ortom had earlier sought for the review on grounds that the principal law had some lacuna that needed an amendment so as to deter those who flagrantly disrespect the law.
Our correspondent reports that the amended law now stipulates that any person found moving livestock on foot within or across urban centres, rural settlements or any part of the state would pay N500,000 as fine for the first offender while subsequent offenders would be liable to pay N1 million with appropriate prison terms and options of fine. Read more
Aliyu condoles with Buhari over Pasali’s death (Independent)
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, on Thursday sent her heartfelt condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, over the death of the National Coordinator Buhari Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Danladi Pasali.
The minister, in her condolences message, described the death of the APC stalwart which occurred on January 18, 2022, as shocking and a huge loss to the progressive fold, thus too deep to Mr President.
She said the late patriot was committed to the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria, adding that he built his ideas of nationhood on true sustaining democratic principles.
The condolence message reads in part: “The death of the National Coordinator Buhari Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Danladi Pasali, an ally of our Leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, in submission to the will of Almighty Allah is indeed shocking. Read more
Envoy hails Nigerians resident in Japan as good ambassadors (Punch)
The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, has described Nigerians resident in Japan as good ambassadors of the country.
The envoy gave the commendation in a statement signed by Gabriel Odu, the Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
According to the statement, the ambassador gave the commendation when he visited the Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her office in Abuja on Wednesday.
The envoy commended the efforts of NiDCOM, saying that Nigerians in Japan are doing well and are good ambassadors of their country. Read more
327 people killed from road accidents during Yuletide – FRSC (DailyTrust)
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi has said that 327 people died from road accidents during the yuletide season.
Speaking on Thursday at a press briefing in Abuja, he said this was recorded during the 2021 Operation Zero Tolerance Special Patrol operation between 15 December 2021 to 15 January this year.
He said 600 road traffic crashes were recorded involving 4,649 people while 1,916 people were injured and 2,406 people were rescued unhurt.
According to him, a total of 20,845 offenders were apprehended and were booked for violating 24,214 different traffic infractions while 11,060 vehicles were impounded and 9,787 confiscations recorded. Read more
Reps pass electoral bill without compulsory direct primary clause (Punch)
The House of Representatives passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill on Thursday.
However, the lawmakers revised the compulsory direct primary clause.
The bill was passed after the removal of clause (84) requiring political parties to only select candidates through direct primaries.
The PUNCH had reported that the Senate on Wednesday included the consensus mode of primary in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill as suggested by the President Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). Read more
NBA, Justice Research Institute, others to hold summit Jan 25 (Independent)
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will on January 25, hold the Justice Sector Summit 2022 in Abuja.
The summit is being organised by the NBA and the Justice Research Institute in collaboration with The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and The Justice Reform.
Themed: “Devising Practical Solutions Towards Improved Performance, Enhanced Accountability and Independence in the Justice Sector”, the Summit is scheduled to hold at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.
The event will have Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, and Chief Justice of Nigeria Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as special guests. Read more
Nigerian Breweries organises party for Gulder Ultimate Search winners (Vanguard)
Nigerian Breweries, organisers of the Gulder Ultimate Search, have announced a party for the reality TV show winners, which will hold on Friday,
Following a seven-year hiatus, Gulder Ultimate Search returned to the screen with rave reviews. More than 20,000 Nigerians applied for season 12 of the show, and following the regional selection process, a long list of qualified applicants was sent to Sea School. Ultimately, 16 applicants qualified for the jungle with two additional wildcards.
Following weeks of rigorous tasks that tested and stretched their physical, mental and intellectual capabilities from group to individual tasks, Odudu Ime Otu emerged as the show’s winner in a final that also had Damola Johnson and Damilola Odedina.
The show’s winner will be presented with N50 million worth of prizes, including an SUV from Innoson Motors and a return ticket to Dubai courtesy Air peace. Read more
Judge OKs new trial for Britney Spears over eavesdropping claims (PageSix)
Her conservatorship is over but the drama continues for Britney Spears after a Los Angeles judge agreed there should be a separate trial to determine if her father spied on her and squandered her millions.
At a hearing in Los Angeles court on Wednesday, the pop star’s attorney, Mathew Rosengart, accused Jamie Spears’ attorney of avoiding claims that Jamie ordered Britney’s security team, Black Box, to illegally access the singer’s cell and iCloud accounts, and placed a device to eavesdrop on her in her bedroom.
Alex Weingarten, Jamie’s attorney, shot back at Rosengart and said the claims of eavesdropping, “Didn’t happen, your honor,” according to Rolling Stone.
Rosengart on Friday filed a declaration from Sherine Ebadi, a former FBI agent hired by Britney, to investigate Jamie’s management of the conservatorship.Read more
Celestine Donkor to drop ‘Testimony Therapy’ EP ahead of Celestial Praiz 2022 (MyJoy)
Award-winning Ghanaian gospel musician, Celestine Donkor is starting the year 2022 with the release of a seven-track EP.
The EP titled ‘Testimony Therapy’ will be released on January 28, 2022.
Partnering with Africa’s number one music streaming platform, Boomplay, ‘Testimony Therapy’ EP will be exclusively released on Boomplay before it gets on other streaming platforms two weeks later.
On why they partnered with Boomplay, the management of Celestine Donkor, Dynamic Unlimited Incorporated, said the decision stems from Boomplay’s reach to a large African audience and the support they give to Ghanaian and African content. Read more
Royal Shakespeare Company: Director saddened by racist reaction to cast (BBC)
A theatre director said she was “saddened but not surprised” by racist reaction to her play’s black cast.
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of Much Ado About Nothing is set in an Afro-futuristic world.
Artistic director Erica Whyman said the “disgraceful” reaction came from “a minority” of people and discriminatory comments would not be tolerated.
“The idea that Shakespeare’s plays belong to one group and not to another is nonsense,” she said. Read more
Alec Baldwin ‘sued for $25,000,000 by family of killed US Marine after mislabelling sister amid Capitol riot’ (Metro)
Alec Baldwin is reportedly being sued for $25million (£18.3million) by the family of a US Marine who was killed in Afghanistan, after the actor allegedly wrongly labelled his sister as a participant of the Capitol riot.
Earlier this month, it emerged that the actor had turned in his phone to authorities after a search warrant amid the ongoing investigation into the Rust shooting, when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot dead on set. Baldwin was holding the prop gun at the time when it went off with a live round.
The 63-year-old has now supposedly become embroiled in a lawsuit that is seeking millions from the 30 Rock star and alleging ‘defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress’, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.Read more
Robert Pattinson set to star in Parasite director Bong Joon-ho’s new film (Guardian)
Bong Joon-ho, whose satirical thriller Parasite swept the Oscars in February 2020, is to direct Robert Pattinson in a sci-fi adaptation of Edward Ashton’s forthcoming novel Mickey7.
The film will be made by Warner Bros, the studio to which Pattinson is also contracted for The Batman, in which he plays the lead role, due for release in March.
According to St Martin Press, Ashton’s novel, which is published in February, concerns an expendable employee of a firm sent to colonise an ice world called Niflheim. Once there, he attempts to stop his replacement clone, dubbed Mickey 8, taking his place.
Bong is also working with WarnerMedia on an HBO limited series based on Parasite. This is being showrun by Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay. Read more
At least 2 dead after bombing in Pakistan’s second city, Lahore (VOA)
Police in Pakistan’s second-largest city, Lahore, said Thursday a powerful bomb attached to a motorcycle was detonated in a busy marketplace, killing at least two people and injuring at least 20 others.
Police officials say the bomb went off in the eastern city’s Anarkali bazaar, known for selling Indian goods. In video taken at the scene, clothing and wreckage from a motorcycle can be seen on the ground as well as damaged store fronts. People can also be seen attempting to help the wounded.
A senior police official, Abid Khan, told The Associated Press the dead and wounded had been transported to a nearby hospital. Some of the wounded were listed in critical condition. Officials say they believe a timer attached to the device triggered the explosion.
Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a statement condemning the bombing. Read more
British-Belgian teen becomes youngest woman to fly solo round the world (CBC)
A British-Belgian teenager became the youngest woman to fly solo around the globe on Thursday and the first person to do it in a microlight plane after a five-month, five-continent odyssey in her Shark ultralight.
Nineteen-year-old Zara Rutherford landed back at Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport in Belgium after flying 51,000 kilometres over 52 nations since her Aug. 18 departure in the world’s fastest microlight aircraft.
“I wouldn’t do it again,” she confessed after the penultimate leg to a German village on Wednesday.
“There’s been amazing moments, but then there’s been moments where I had fear for my life,” she went on, picking New York and an active volcano in Iceland as her favourite flyovers. Read more
“AFCON: Sunday Dare hails Super Eagles after 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau (Punch)
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has commended the Super Eagles for their consistent output and impressive victory over Guinea Bissau, which was their last match in the African Cup of Nations group stage in Cameroon.
The Minister stated that the Eagles have posted commendable performances, exhibiting consistency in their run of play from the first game of the group through to the last.
“I salute the tenacity and resilience of our players and coaching crew that have made our resounding victories possible in the three group stage matches. We have seen our players take every game as it comes, with uncommon gusto and consistency. I hope they keep the fire burning and continue trudging on till we bring home the trophy,” Dare said.
The Super Eagles will play their AFCON round of 16 game on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Read more
Cannavaro hold talks with Everton as possible Benitez replacement (FootballItalia)
Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro has reportedly held talks with Everton over a possible managerial role at Goodison Park.
The former defender is looking for his first coaching job in Europe.
The 2006 Italy World Cup winner rescinded his contract with Guangzhou FC in September and has been linked with other jobs outside the old continent but he now wants to test himself in Europe.
According to the Daily Mail, the 48-year-old spoke to Everton directors this week. The Toffees are still looking for a replacement for Rafa Benitez, who was sacked last week. Read more
Aston Villa keen to sign Arsenal’s striker Eddie Nketiah due to striking concerns (Eurosport)
Aston Villa are keen to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, according to reports.
Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins have failed to spark together when paired up front by Dean Smith and then new manager Steven Gerrard, and the former Rangers man is keen to sign a central defender and a defensive midfielder with the transfer window two weeks from drawing to a close.
However, The Athletic reports that Nketiah is a potential target, as well as targets on the continent being tracked.
The 22-year-old forward has been linked with a move away from The Emirates because he has just six months left on his current deal, and the path to regular first-team football under Mikel Arteta appears blocked. Read more
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: Scotland’s Jamieson outshines Poulter and Hovland (GulfNews)
Tyrrell Hatton had been talking all week about his struggle for motivation as he prepared to defend his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship crown at the new venue of Yas Links.
However, when the action proper began, the Englishman was smiling and striding with purpose once again as he posted a six-under 66 for his first round in the UAE capital, to sit alongside Victor Perez near the top of the leaderboard as the early starters finished their rounds.
However, that was still three shots behind runaway leader Scott Jamieson, who fired in a course-record 63 — something that will be difficult to beat all weekend as the winds are forecast to pick up off the sea surrounding Yas Island. The Scotsman posted nine birdies to sign for a blemish-free nine-under and a comfortable clubhouse lead.
“I felt solid all day,” Jamieson said. “I had something like eight weeks off and when you return you are always on edge. But I birdied the first and we were way. I had one bad tee shot but I recovered well and put in a good round. Read more
Daniil Medvedev says jeering fans ‘probably have a low IQ’ after Australian Open win over Nick Kyrgios (Independent)
Daniil Medvedev hit out at disruptive Australian Open fans during his second-round win over home favourite Nick Kyrgios, saying they “probably have a low IQ”.
The world No 2 Medvedev came through a raucous atmosphere in the Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park as Kyrgios geed up the crowd with a typically entertaining display of exhibition shots and emotional reactions, with the Russian eventually winning 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
In his on-court interview immediately after the match, Medvedev complained about being booed between first and second serves, to which some of the crowd responded with more apparent boos. Interviewer Jim Courier suggested the boos may have actually been “Siuuu” noises, a football chant, but Medvedev was still unimpressed.
“I came to win this match and I am happy to do it,” said Medvedev. “It’s not easy when you get booed between the first and second serve. I had to stay calm.” Read more
Like Mike? Like Dirk? Embiid’s glad to be doing his own thing (NBC)
Joel Embiid reached the pinnacle of understatement Wednesday after tying his career high with 50 points on 17-for-23 shooting in a Sixers win over the Magic at Wells Fargo.
“I was OK tonight,” Embiid said.
Those words ended an answer which had been less modest but undoubtedly more accurate. Tyrese Maxey sparked the discussion.
“I was messing with him before the game about who was he going to be tonight — Shaq? Dirk? — because he can do everything,” Maxey said. “And he was like, ‘I’m going to be Joel.’ I was like, ‘OK. You go be Joel then.’ And that’s what he did.” Read more
Australian GP gets the green light from Victorian Government (F1i)
The 2022 Australian Grand Prix is a go according to the event’s CEO Andrew Westacott, with the Victorian government committing to next April’s race at Albert Park.
Melbourne is set to host the third round of this year’s F1 world championship, with teams returning to the city’s Albert Park venue for the first time since 2019.
The start of the Covid pandemic forced Aussie GP organisers to scrap their event at the last hour in 2020, while restrictions and lockdowns prevented last year’s race from taking place.
Despite a surge in daily cases in Australia since the end of last year, the state of Victoria is believed to be close to a Covid peak, with significant decreases of contaminations predicted in the next month. Read more