LASEMA evacuates residents (Nation)
The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, yesterday confirmed the partial collapse of a three-storey building at 6, Olonode Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos.
He told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that after evacuating the residents, preliminary report on the collapsed building showed that it had been “severely distressed with the reinforcement.”
He said that the building, having corroded, had visible cracks on the walls and pillars due to lack of maintenance.
Oke-Osanyintolu said that the slabs of the building were weak, making part of it to collapse at about 9am yesterday. Read more
Lagos to evacuate silts cleared from drains, says Bello (Nation)
Lagos State Government said yesterday that it would focus on evacuation of silts as they were being cleared from drains.
Speaking with reporters after a second round of inspection of ongoing drainage clearing project sites in Surulere, Lagos Mainland and Somolu local governments, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Mr. Tunji Bello said trucks are available to evacuate the silts.
He added that findings have shown that drainage channels, which had been cleaned in the past, turned out to be back in dirty state because of non-evacuation of the silts regularly. Read more
Lagos govt launches initiative to boost reading culture (Vanguard)
The Lagos State Government through the Office of Education Quality Assurance has designed an initiative, tagged “Read-Aloud, Lagos”, to create and stimulate the interest of school children in reading books.
The Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, who disclosed this at a media briefing at the weekend in Alausa, Ikeja, explained that the initiative was introduced to encourage all children, within the primary school age bracket in the state to imbibe the culture of reading as well as increase their knowledge and improve their comprehension.
Seriki-Ayeni said, “As an education quality assurance person, I was moved by the conviction that children perform better when they are led in the act of reading by someone else. Read more
COVID-19: Bus operators reduce passengers from 59 to 28 (Punch)
Ahead of the reopening of the nation’s economy currently locked down to curtail the spread of COVID-19, long distance bus operators have resolved to reduce the number of passengers they convey per trip.
This was part of the guidelines prepared by bus operators under the umbrella of the Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association and presented to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
The guidelines are contained in a letter signed by the association’s President, Isaac Uhunmwagho, of Efex Executive/Efosa Express; and Frank Nneji of the ABC Transport Plc, with the title, ‘Proposed COVI-19 protocols/procedures for interstate passenger operators.’ Read more
Buhari, Oyetola mourn New Telegraph’s editor Bakare (Guardian)
It was a sad moment for the media industry yesterday as the Saturday Editor of New Telegraph newspaper, Mr. Waheed Bakare, was buried amid tears from family and friends. Bakare, 50, died late Sunday, after the Eid-el-Fitri celebration after a brief illness. He was buried in his home in Ota, Ogun State according to Islamic rites.
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the media industry, particularly the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), over the passing of Bakare. In a condolence message issued yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the president, who also condoled with the familiy of the deceased and management of the newspaper, described the incident as a “collective loss to the media and the nation that he served passionately with his talent.” Read more
Oil Price Watch: Bonny light price rises further (Vanguard)
The price of Bonny Light, Nigeria’s premium oil grade, has increased further to $34.09 from $33.25 recorded on Sunday in the international market, as coronivarus pandemic lockdown continues to ease in many consuming nations, including China and the United States.
The new price is about $9.1 per barrel higher than the $25 per barrel price benchmark in the latest 2020 budget.
However, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, expect the market, which has been very volatile in recent times, to witness much stability in the coming months because of its increased efforts in engaging with different nations, including China, accounting for about one third of oil demand growth. Read more
One dead, 10 injured in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crashes (Punch)
One person was killed and 10 others injured in two separate crashes on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Sunday.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Command, Mr Clement Oladele, confirmed the crashes in a statement on Monday.
Oladele said the first crash occurred around 7am in Isaara, near Ogere, and involved a Toyota bus with number plate AG 346 XV with two male adults and one female adult. Read more
Leak official documents, face dismissal, FG warns (Sun)
The Federal Government has described the trend whereby government documents are now found in the public space as embarrassing and has threatened to dismiss anyone found culpable in the civil service.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, gave the warning in a circular dated May 22, 2020, made public yesterday by Olawunmi Ogunmosunle, spokesperson for the H0S.
The circular, HCSF/109/S.1/120, was addressed to the the following: Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries, and Service Chiefs/Inspector-General of Police, and ministers, among other. Read more
COVID-19: Self-medication worsening our problems – Patients (DailyTrust)
Patients suffering from different ailments across the country have confessed that self-medication in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has worsened their conditions. Many Nigerians have resorted to self-medication for different ailments and for purported protection against COVID-19 instead of accessing medical care at health facilities, Daily Trust investigations revealed.
Of recent, hospitals and government officials have attributed spike in medical complications among patients and in some instances death to the decision of those with underlying ailments going for self -medication at home instead seeking professional intervention. Read more
Coronavirus in South Africa: Smokers fume at cigarette ban (BBC)
The illicit trade in cigarettes in South Africa is now in full swing after the sale of tobacco was banned at the end of March as part of strict measures imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus, as the BBC’s Pumza Fihlani reports.
Whereas once Michelle could go to her local shop in South Africa’s commercial hub, Johannesburg, to buy cigarettes she is now having to do a secret deal.
The 29-year-old economist finds sellers through contacts in WhatsApp groups and arranges a covert meeting in order to get her nicotine fix.
“Once you’ve found a seller you can trust, a meeting point or pick-up point is arranged,” she said. Read more
Burundi’s ruling party candidate wins presidential election with 68% of the vote (France24)
Burundi’s ruling party candidate Evariste Ndayishimiye was on Monday declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, which the opposition has said was flawed.
The national election commission, in results streamed live on Burundian media, announced that Ndayishimiye had won 68.72 percent of the vote, while opposition leader Agathon Rwasa came in far behind with 24.19 percent.
Ndayishimiye, 52, is a former army general who was handpicked by the ruling CNDD-FDD to replace President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has been in power since 2005 and whose final years in office have been wracked with turmoil.
Nkurunziza’s third-term election run in 2015 sparked violence which left at least 1,200 dead and pushed 400,000 to flee the country. Read more
Virgin Orbit rocket experiences anomaly during launch demo (CNN)
Virgin Orbit experienced a hiccup Monday with the launch demo of its two-stage orbital rocket from a 747 aircraft.
The launch would have seen the rocket — Launcher One — “ignite its engine mid-air for the first time,” according to a news release. However, the rocket experienced an issue.
“We’ve confirmed a clean release from the aircraft,” Virgin Orbit tweeted. “However, the mission terminated shortly into the flight.”
The company later tweeted that the rocket experienced an anomaly in its first-stage flight. Read more
Elizabeth Hurley, 54, lifts weights in a bikini: ‘Everyday’ (FoxNews)
Elizabeth Hurley is giving audiences a sneak peek into her fitness routine.
The 54-year-old took to Instagram on Wednesday with a video of herself rocking a string bikini while lifting weights with hot pink dumbbells.
“Everyday,” said the beaming model, who is seen working on her fitness outdoors.
The British star, who is also an actress and swimsuit designer, is currently isolating in her Herefordshire country home alongside eight other family members, including her 18-year-old son, Damian, and widowed mother, Angela.
Hurley has been open in the past about the hard work and determination it takes to look incredible in tiny swimsuits. Read more
Oil companies forced to renegotiate deals or risk losing it all (RT)
The oil price collapse is forcing potential buyers of oil and gas fields to try and renegotiate deals or otherwise abandon them entirely.
On April 20, the West Texas Intermediate crude benchmark did not just fall below zero, it plummeted to negative $37.63 a barrel. This stunning price crash was the result of a months-long series of unfortunate events, starting with a global decrease in oil demand spurred by the spread of COVID-19. When the leading OPEC+ countries of Saudi Arabia and Russia initiated talks to decide on a strategy to contend with the global slump in oil demand, the talks quickly developed into disagreement and then an all-out oil price war. That price war led to a massive oil glut to the tune of approximately about 10 million barrels of oversupply on the global oil market per day. Read more
Michael Moore film Planet of the Humans removed from YouTube (Guardian)
YouTube has taken down the controversial Michael Moore-produced documentary Planet of the Humans in response to a copyright infringement claim by a British environmental photographer.
The movie, which has been condemned as inaccurate and misleading by climate scientists and activists, allegedly includes a clip used without the permission of the owner Toby Smith, who does not approve of the context in which his material is being used.
In response, the filmmakers denied violating fair usage rules and accused their critics of politically motivated censorship.
Smith filed the complaint to YouTube on 23 May after discovering Planet of the Humans used several seconds of footage from his Rare Earthenware project detailing the journey of rare earth minerals from Inner Mongolia. Read more
FIFA agent Egbe seeks revival of school sports in Nigeria (DailyTrust)
FIFA agent Egbe seeks revival of school sports in Nigeria A Sports facility construction expert, Mr. Ebi Egbe has said the surest way Nigeria can return to its glorious days in sports is the revival of school sports in the country. Egbe, who is also a FIFA licensed match agent, told newsmen in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State yesterday that taking sports to primary and secondary schools would enhance faster development of sports in the country. According to him many sports administrators and stars rose to national and international prominence through school sports, adding that school sports is also a veritable tool to curtail social vices in the society. Read more
Super Eagles star Osimhen loses father, Pinnick mourns (Vanguard)
Patrick Osimhen, the father of Nigeria international Victor Osimhen, has passed away, the Lille goal poacher took to social media to announce the sad news yesterday.
“Rest in peace dad. I have no words to describe this feeling,” Osimhen wrote.
Lille have paid homage to the deceased Patrick Osimhen on Twitter, stating: “Today we learned with great sadness of the passing of Victor Osimhen’s father.
“The entire LOSC family is joined in grief with Victor and his family. He has our full support during this difficult time.” Read more
El Hadji Diouf confesses: Okocha’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen (Sun)
Former Senegalese forward, El Hadji Diouf has made a not so shocking remark about Nigeria’s Veteran retired maestro, Austin Okocha, as he revealed he is the most talented African football player he has ever seen picking him ahead of Samuel Eto, Didier Drogba.
Having represented Leeds United, Stade Rennais in Ligue I, the Senegalese joined host of other admirers in praising the Nigerian despite not so much personal achievements, awards and trophies.
El Hadji Diouf said: “Two best African players of the last decades are Eto’o & Drogba, but the most talented African footballer since I was born is Jay-Jay Okocha. Read more
Odion Ighalo: China return likely for on-loan Man Utd striker (BBC)
Striker Odion Ighalo looks set to return to China when his loan deal expires on 31 May, with Manchester United struggling to agree an extension with Shanghai Shenhua.
The Nigerian, 30, was signed on a short-term loan deal in January as cover for striker Marcus Rashford, who had been ruled out by a back injury.
However, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic means Ighalo’s loan will end before the Premier League’s intended June return date, by which time Rashford is also expected to be fit. Read more
Alexandra Trusova enters the Guinness Book of World Records for incredible quad-jumping skills (RT)
Russian figure skating trailblazer Alexandra Trusova has been included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first female skater to successfully land a quadruple flip jump at an international competition.
“The first quadruple flip jump in a figure skating competition by a female was achieved by Alexandra Trusova (Russia) on 7 December 2019 at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Torino, Italy,” the statement said.
“The quad flip was one of five quad jumps included in Trusova’s free skate routine in Torino. She landed three of them, earning herself a score of 161.73 points,” the entry continued. Read more
NRL’s idea to return crowds to stadiums within weeks ‘absurd and dangerous’, says doctors’ association (Guardian)
The NRL’s ambitious push to get crowds back into stadiums on match days in a matter of weeks has been dismissed as “absurd and dangerous” by the Australian Medical Association.
With the NRL to resume its suspended 2020 season behind closed doors on Thursday, ARLC chairman Peter V’landys on Monday raised the idea of a limited number of fans being allowed back into stadiums by 1 July.
New South Wales and Queensland state governments responded by saying it was too soon to consider any such plan, although they would be open to discussions at some stage in the future. Read more
