LASG evacuates abandoned physically challenged girl (Independent)
Following a Daily Independent report of an abandoned physically challenged girl-child near Sabo market, Yaba, officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, on Wednesday, evacuated the girl.
Recall that Daily Independent had on Tuesday reported alleged molestation of the girl by unknown persons.
Sources near the Sabo market disclosed that the underage girl called Kofo was abandoned by an unknown person in the neighbourhood in November 2021.
The vulnerable girl had since been sleeping in the open on a wheelchair provided by a concerned good Samaritan. Read more
Former Lagos council chairmen mobilise for Tinubu (Nation)
Former council chairmen in Lagos State have begun mobilisation for the presidential aspiration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The former helmsmen under the aegis of ‘Grassroots Network for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (GNAT),’ described the eminent politician as a great benefactor, who has built many actors, including Governor Kayode Fayemi, Muiz Banire (SAN), Lai Mohammed, Rauf Aregbesola and Babatunde Fashola.
GNAT comprises serving and former local government chairmen, councillors, supervisors, secretaries to the local government, secretaries to education, special advisers, special assistants and other political appointees at the local government level across the country.
GNAT leader Abiodun Mafe, who spoke at the lunch of the group in Lagos, said the foot soldiers cannot afford to be ingrate to the former Lagos governor, who played a great role in their rise to prominence. Read more
I won’t let people talk down on my husband, Toyin Abraham knocks critics (Punch)
Nollywood star, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, has knocked critics who ridicule her husband’s hard work.
The actress, in an Instagram post on Wednesday night, sounded a note of warning to critics who assume that she was richer than her husband, Kolawole Ajeyemi, due to her popularity.
She noted that whatever her husband has was from his hard work and not due to her popularity.
The actress wrote, “I don’t usually do this and I am only going to address this just once and I hope this ends here.
‘A difficult time for us’, NGO speaks on its official involved in rape (DailyTrust)
INTERSOS, a Humanitarian INTERSOS, a Humanitarian Organisation in Borno, has expressed sadness over the reported involvement of its official in rape.
Daily Trust had reported how Aisha Umar, a female Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Borno State, took her life after allegedly being raped by Huzaif Adam, 35, an official of INTERSOS.
The deceased, who was into menial jobs for survival, was reportedly lured to the apartment of the suspect at 303 Housing Estate, near Dalori IDP camp, Maiduguri, under the guise of cleaning the place.
Adam was said to have forcefully had sex with her when she came into his apartment.
A source said the victim, who was traumatised, rushed to Adam’s kitchen where she picked up a knife that she used to stab herself.
She died moments later at the hospital. Read more
I murdered him because he tried to lure me into homosexuality, killer of Abuja doctor confesses (Guardian)
Supected killer of Dr Obisike Donald Ibe, a 37-year-old medical doctor working at Zenith laboratory and kidney centre, Abuja, has said he murdered the deceased with a cutlass because he attempted to lure him into homosexuality.
The suspect, Abdulsalami Ibrahim, 26, who was arrested alongside two accomplices spokes to newsmen at the headquarters of the FCT police command, Abuja.
FCT police boss, CP Sunday Babaji, who paraded the suspects in his maiden press briefing in 2022 noted that the three suspects were arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of the deceased duo of Dr Obisike Donald Ibe and his friend and housemate, Ezekiel Edoja, aged 31 years, both of D2, 24 streets, Games Village Estate, Abuja.
According to Babaji, “The FCT Police Command has since the receipt of this information deposited the corpses at the morgue and embarked on an aggressive man hunt in the midst of painstaking investigations. The perpetrators of the dastardly act also carted away a vehicle an envelope containing about one thousand dollars, the mobile phone of the deceased doctor and the ATM card, which was used to withdraw money to the tune of N2 million from the deceased’s account on December 13, 2021. Read more
Senate seeks restoration of Calabar Airport’s international status (VON)
Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and all relevant agencies to restore the international flights status of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar in Cross River State.
The Senate advised them to fix and upgrade the existing facilities to meet up with the required international standards while also ensuring adequate security to protect equipment that are constantly vandalised by criminals.
It also called on them to install the Migration Information and Data System, MIDAS, saying; “This will aid in restarting the international route programme of the airport.”
The Senate’s resolutions were sequel to a motion on the “Urgent need to upgrade infrastructure and standardise travelling processes at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, Cross River State,“ by Senator Sandy Onor and co-sponsored by Senators Gershom Bassey and Agom Jarigbe. Read more
APC begins sale of convention form February 14 (Punch)
Ahead of its February 26 national convention, the All Progressives Congress will begin the sale of forms to all aspirants vying for national offices on February 14, 2022.
This is according to the schedule of activities for the convention approved by the party’s Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee after its 19th regular meeting on Wednesday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
The party’s National Secretary, John Akpanudoedehe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday titled ‘APC CECPC approves schedule of activities for 2022 national convention.’
According to Akpanudoedehe, the party will receive the interim report of the National Reconciliation Committee chaired by the Senator representing Nasarawa West, Abdullahi Adamu, on January 31, 2022. Read more
Sit at Home: We’re losing billions, Igbo businessmen tackle IPOB (DailyTrust)
South East Businessmen have lamented over constant closure of business in the zone as a result of the Sit-at-Home order of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IPOB has compelled residents of South East to remain indoors whenever Nnamdi Kanu, its leader, is arraigned in court.
Those who failed to comply with the order have lost lives and limbs in addition to properties.
The outlawed group took its campaign of violence to another level when gunmen broke into a Catholic Church in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Tuesday. Read more
ANLCA denies collection of POF at Onne Port (Tribune)
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne Port Chapter has denied collecting Practitioners Operating Fees on behalf of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) at the Onne port, labeling promoters of such rumours as mischief makers.
Reacting to news making the rounds that the association connives with some terminal operators to carry out such illegalities, Chairman of ANLCA Onne Port Chapter, Hon Mike Ebeatu stated that, “For the avoidance of doubt and in keeping the record straight in line with ANLCA constitution and CRFFN Act, ANLCA Onne Seaport Chapter has never and has no statutory mandate to collect POF. “What the association has been collecting is the Association Welfare Due (AWD), which was a unanimous decision reached by all Executives and Members in line with the Constitution of ANLCA.
“The claim by one Mr. Chidi Opara that the chapter has been collecting POF is frivolous and baseless. We will investigate more about Mr. Opara to find out his credibility.
“The claim by Mr. Chidi Opara is blackmail. His claim is misleading and unfounded; and it’s the figment of his imagination. I wonder how someone who is not a Licensed Customs Agents and not a member of ANLCA Onne Seaport Chapter should say such a baseless and false statement.
Hana Horka: Czech singer dies after catching Covid intentionally (BBC)
A folk singer from the Czech Republic has died after deliberately catching Covid, her son has told the BBC.
Hana Horka, 57, was unvaccinated and had posted on social media that she was recovering after testing positive, but died two days later.
Her son, Jan Rek, said she got infected on purpose when he and his father had the virus, so she could get a recovery pass to access certain venues.
The Czech Republic reported a record number of Covid-19 cases on Wednesday.
Mr Rek and his father, who are both fully vaccinated, both caught Covid over Christmas. But he said his mother had decided not to stay away from them, preferring instead to expose herself to the virus.
“She should have isolated for a week because we tested positive. But she was with us the whole time,” he said. Read more
‘Buffy’ star Charisma Carpenter responds to Joss Whedon, saying he is still unable to “Just Apologize” (Deadline)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel actress Charisma Carpenter responded to Joss Whedon’s first lengthy comments regarding allegations of misconduct leveled at him over the past year. Whedon made the remarks in an in-depth interview with New York magazine this week.
About his interactions with Carpenter, who has said he called her “fat” when she was four months pregnant, Whedon said vaguely, “I was not mannerly.” He also said he was bewildered by her account.
“Most of my experiences with Charisma were delightful and charming. She struggled sometimes with her lines, but nobody could hit a punch line harder than her,” Whedon said. “I did not call her fat.”
The actress responded with a social media post calling Whedon a “tyrannical narcissistic boss who is still unable to be accountable and just apologize.” Read more
Diane von Furstenberg says attending Obama inauguration with André Leon Talley was a ‘magical moment’ (People)
Diane von Furstenberg is reflecting on her relationship with her “really close friend” of nearly 50 years, André Leon Talley, who died on Tuesday. He was 73.
Speaking exclusively with People, von Furstenberg, 75, opens up about one of the most “magical” moments she and the late fashion editor shared together: attending the history-making Inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009.
“When Obama got elected I invited André to come with me to the Inauguration, that was one of our best souvenirs. That was a very special moment for everyone, especially for him. It was a magical, magical moment,” she says, adding that she “never realized how famous” Talley was until the pair walked the streets of Washington D.C. together.
“People love him. He was a big, big star,” she continues, adding that Talley was “always on the pulse of the moment” working with legendary artists, like Andy Warhol, as well as some of the most well-known names in fashion journalism, including famed editors Anna Wintour and Diana Vreeland – who von Furstenberg says was one of the most important women in his life aside from his grandmother. Read more
San Francisco Opera will debut Adams’ ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ (ABC)
John Adams’ version of “Antony and Cleopatra” will have its world premiere on Sept. 10 on the opening weekend of the San Francisco Opera’s 100th season.
Soprano Julia Bullock sings Cleopatra, baritone Gerald Finley will be Antony, tenor Paul Appleby will portray Caesar and music director Eun Sun Kim will conduct, the company said Wednesday.
The libretto was adapted by Adams, with additional passages from Plutarch and Virgil. Elkhanah Pulitzer directs, with sets by Mimi Lien, costumes by Constance Hoffman, lighting by David Finn and projections by Bill Morrison.
Eight performances are scheduled through Oct. 5 of the two-act work of about three hours, including one intermission. The opera will travel to Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu, Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Sicily, and New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
Leslie Grace seen rocking Batgirl costume for the first time during filming in Glasgow (Metro)
Actress Leslie Grace has been spotted in her Batgirl outfit for the first time during a possible promo for the forthcoming superhero film while on set in Glasgow.
It’s quite the sight to behold!
The new action flick, set to be released on HBO Max later this year, will star Leslie in the titular role of Barbara Gordon, while Michael Keaton will feature alongside her as the Dark Knight.
In the snaps, the 27-year-old In The Heights actress, singer and songwriter can be seen wearing a royal blue boiler-suit emblazoned with the Batgirl logo, as well as night-vision goggles. Read more
Raekwon enlists Diadora & Foot Locker for “Community Linx” Initiative (AllHipHop)
Raekwon has partnered with Diadora and Foot Locker to launch his “Community Linx” initiative.
The “Community Linx” collaboration includes the release of Diadora sneakers connected to local communities. In addition to offering shoes, the Wu-Tang Clan rapper’s initiative aims to help aspiring musicians.
“I concepted Community Linx because I wanted to bring music and sneaker culture together in a meaningful way,” Raekwon said in a statement. “I’m thankful that Diadora and Foot Locker, Inc. believed in my vision. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of music talent by providing them with tools and resources to hone their craft.”
Raekwon continued, “I can’t wait to hear their work. Every sneaker capsule represents the hustle of each city and hopefully serves as a reminder to keep chasing your dreams.” Read more
Biden blasts GOP as lacking a message heading into midterms (Independent)
Facing the potential of losing control of Congress President Joe Biden entered the midterm election year on Wednesday pledging to connect more frequently with voters and present a starker contrast with Republicans aiming to blunt his agenda.
During a nearly two-hour news conference marking his first anniversary in office, Biden promised to more frequently travel the country making a case that, despite persistent challenges during the pandemic, his administration has notched notable achievements. He repeatedly said he would use those opportunities to blast the GOP as standing for little more than opposition to him.
“What are they for? What is their agenda?” Biden asked. “I don’t know what they are for now.”
The remarks amounted to a preview of Biden’s election-year message. But it’s uncertain whether the effort will revive prospects for Democrats who hold the thinnest of majorities on Capitol Hill and are contending with widespread dissatisfaction with the president. Given those dynamics, it’s not clear that top Democratic candidates will want to appear alongside Biden.
Mohamed Salah showed best skill of tournament as Egypt move into last 16 at African Cup (National)
Egypt qualified for the knockout stage at the African Cup of Nations on Wednesday and put a stop for now to the run of surprise results that has shaken the tournament over the last few days.
Egypt saw off Sudan 1-0 in their final Group D game in Yaounde, confirming its place in the round of 16 after qualifying second in the group behind Nigeria.
Defender Mohamed Abdelmonem headed home a corner on 35 minutes after a period of sustained pressure from Egypt.
Nigeria won 2-0 against Guinea-Bissau in the other group game having already qualified for the last 16 as group winners. Read more
Rio Ferdinand names Scott McTominay as his man of the match in Manchester United’s win over Brentford (Metro)
Rio Ferdinand believes Scott McTominay should have been awarded man of the match ahead of Diogo Dalot in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday evening.
After a sluggish first-half display, United improved after the break and goals from Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford sealed the win for Ralf Rangnick’s side.
Former Arsenal centre-back and BT Sport’s co-commentator, Martin Keown, opted to name Dalot, who played at right-back, as his man of the match.
But Ferdinand says McTominay ‘was head and shoulders above everybody’ on the pitch. Read more
Troost-Ekong, Sadiq score, Simon stars as Super Eagles tame Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dog (Soccernet)
Nigeria’s quality proved to be a bit too much for Guinea-Bissau to handle, as goals from Umar Sadiq and William Troost-Ekong helped the Super Eagles shoot down the Wild Dogs
The Eagles had qualified and sealed the top spot in Group D even before kickoff, but their West African neighbours needed all three points to stand a chance of qualifying.
Head coach Augustine Eguavoen made significant changes to the first eleven that had outplayed Egypt and Sudan, with Semi Ajayi, Umar Sadiq, and Kelechi Nwakali starting from kickoff.
Still, the 2013 Afcon kings were in no mood to hand gifts to the Djurtus and duly dispatched their opponents courtesy of two well-taken goals. Read more
Calvin Ford, head trainer for Gervonta Davis, eager for showdown against Vasiliy Lomachenko: “We waiting on that fight” (BoxingInsider)
Like most of the boxing world, head trainer Calvin Ford finds a showdown between Gervonta Davis, the multiple division titleist he’s trained for well over a decade, and Vasiliy Lomachenko, a very intriguing bout.
Although Davis has moved up and down in weight over the past few years, the Baltimore native appears to be placing his flag at 135 pounds permanently. Following an 11th round stoppage win over Mario Barrios in June of 2021 at 140 pounds, Davis returned to the lightweight division to defend his secondary WBA title against Isaac Cruz.
In what turned out to be a difficult, back and forth battle, Davis ultimately prevailed, winning a close unanimous decision. With the boxing calendars of Davis and Lomachenko currently wide open, Ford is anxiously waiting for a showdown between the pair to materialize.
“We are waiting for that fight,” said Ford during an interview with ESNEWS. “We are waiting for that fight.” Read more
FIA ‘conspiracy’ against Hamilton ‘eating away’ at credibility of Formula 1 (Formula1News)
The FIA must clarify that there was no “conspiracy” against Sir Lewis Hamilton at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, Sky F1 reporter Ted Kravitz has said.
Race director Michael Masi allowed only the five cars between Hamilton and Max Verstappen to un-lap themselves – leaving the rest in position – during a late Safety Car, facilitating a last-lap move from the Dutchman to snatch his maiden world championship from the Briton.
There have since been suggestions that the race had been “rigged” against Hamilton by the stewards, but ex-F1 racer Perry McCarthy – as well as 82% of Formula1News.co.uk readers – disagree with this notion.
Mohammed ben Sulayem took over from Jean Todt as president of the FIA at the end of 2021 after the Frenchman had served his maximum 12-year stint at the head of Formula 1’s governing body. Read more
Garbine Muguruza knocked out of the Australian Open by Alize Cornet, Iga Swiatek eases through (Eurosport)
Garbine Muguruza has been knocked out of the Australian Open in straight sets, losing to Alize Cornet 6-3 6-3.
The 2020 Australian Open finalist had no answer to Cornet’s aggression from the baseline and it is the first time the Spaniard has fallen at the second round since 2018.
For Cornet, the 31-year-old will be playing in the third round for the first time since 2018.
“I feel amazing,” Cornet said afterwards. Read more
Ralf Rangnick reveals exchange with Cristiano Ronaldo after his strop during Manchester United’s win over Brentford (Metro)
Ralf Rangnick told Cristiano Ronaldo he was substituted ‘in the interests of the team’ during Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday evening.
The 36-year-old reacted angrily to being replaced by Harry Maguire in the 71st minute with United already leading 2-0.
As he made his way to United’s dugout, Ronaldo was seen throwing his coat to the floor and asking coaching staff, ‘why me?’ as he sat on the steps next to the bench.
But Rangnick defended his decision and insists he has ‘no issue’ with Ronaldo. Read more