LCC resumes tolling on Lekki toll gate amid resistance (Guardian)
Lekki Concession Company (LCC) on Friday resumed tolling on Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge in Lagos State.
LCC opened the toll gate days after it had a meeting with Lekki communities and residents.
“All of us present here have spoken! And not one resident is in support of tolling,” Macaroni tweeted on Wednesday.
The toll plaza was closed after October 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality. Read more
Dismissed police inspector arrested over N200,000 fraud (DailyTrust)
A dismissed police inspector, John Terso 45, has been arrested by the operatives of the Edo State Police command over alleged impersonation and fraud.
It was gathered that the officer, who was sacked from the police in 2019, had been parading himself as an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
He was said to have defrauded one Saliu Gideon Olauntoba of N180,000 and one Gloria Aziengbe of N20,000.
The command’s spokesperson, Kontongs Bello, said until his arrest on March 17, Terso was parading himself as ASP and a tracker with the IRT department. Read more
Court strikes out suit challenging CBN’s cashless policy (Nation)
A Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out a suit challenging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Cashless Policy.
Justice Akintayo Aluko struck out the suit on the grounds of incompetence, lack of proof and absence of jurisdiction.
The suit, filed by a plaintiff, Victor Onyegbajo, claimed that the policy was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect to the extent that it subjected him to disabilities and/or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria or other communities are not made subject.
He was opposed by the CBN through its team of counsel led by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), which prayed the court to, among others, dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction. Read more
PDP Primaries: Wike supporters set up offices
(Leadership)
Following the declaration by the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike to run for the presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a pressure group under the auspices of Wike Ambassadors Network (WAN) has set up offices in Abuja and across the North Central geopolitical region to mobilise support ahead of the presidential primaries of the party.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the convener of the group, Adams Abonu, disclosed that the group intends to traverse the length and breadth of the country to meet with statutory delegates to further enhance Wike’s chances to fly PDP’s presidential flag for the 2023 election.
“The moment we all have been waiting for is upon us with Governor Wike answering the clarion call to contest for the presidency of Nigeria under the umbrella of the PDP.
“For a man who has transformed Rivers State with his Midas touch and sound leadership acumen, the task to renew Nigeria, though might not be easy but one he is prepared for. Read more
Dream of being Nigeria’s highest-paid realised — John J. Angel, celebrity fashion stylist (Tribune)
As the popular saying goes, ‘the way you dress is the way you are addressed,’ hence, “in this present world placing a premium on individuals and corporate value on appearances, you need to mind what you daily wear to be relevant in the scheme of things.”
These are the words of a Nigerian internationally acclaimed celebrity fashion stylist, John J. Angel, who encouraged Nigerians and other fashion enthusiasts to put a value on themselves so their presence commands the needed respect wherever they find themselves.
He said, “building a world-class fashion brand, to having a feel of being the highest-paid in Nigeria, is what makes one feel good, but it is a task that requires hard work and commitment amid competition which has crippled the relevance of practitioners who can’t evolve with time owing to changing demands of celebrities and general patrons in the industry.”
John J. Angel, the head of the De Angelic Touch Stylist, an outfit that caters to the fashion and style needs of celebrities and the generality of Nigerian fashion enthusiasts, is a professional who has carved a niche for himself in the fashion, life and style industry, as his works have been applauded by both the Nigerian and foreign artistes. Read more
2023: Igbo leaders insist on producing Buhari’s successor (Sun)
Igbo leaders, yesterday, restated their demand for the South East to produce the president of Nigeria in 2023.
They spoke at an enlarged meeting in Enugu organised by Ahamefuna Socio-cultural Organisation.
The leaders made a strong demand on political parties, especially the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to zone their presidential tickets to the South East.They said the zone had the candidates with the capacity, patriotism and passion to govern Nigeria.
The event chaired by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu had an array of Igbo leaders, including the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Senator Ben Obi, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Mrs. Beatrice Ekwueme and Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo. Read more
‘Road2Blow’ introduces accelerator programme to support rising talents (Tribune)
From chronicling the stories of emerging talents to providing the resources they need to become successful, Road2Blow has championed a platform that brings unknown entertainers to the forefront. Following the recent nomination for Best Documentary at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice (AMVCA) awards and multiple global festival screenings, the platform has introduced a development initiative for rising talents in Nigeria.
The Road2Blow Accelerator Program is set to equip passionate talents with a wide range of resources needed to advance their skills and careers. The five-week programme will provide a selected class of 10 talents with a mastery of various entertainment business disciplines including film, music and comedy. From hands-on sessions with established names in Nigerian media and entertainment to community-building forums and visits to leading creative hubs, the program aims to open new doors for the selected participants and educate them in relevant subject matters including marketing, personal branding, intellectual property, finance, negotiation etc.
In his remarks at the press announcement of this program, Road2Blow’s founder Taiwo Adeyemi said, “There are so many bright, talented individuals at the threshold, who just need access to bring their vision and voice to a bigger audience. Our online community of nearly 20,000 members is proof that there is more to be done for these guys. This is the foundation Road2Blow was built on and why we exist. So, this program is just another expression of the brand’s ethos of putting underdogs at the forefront, in the little way we can.
“The program’s inaugural theme is “Find Your Blow” and beginning from the 1st of April throughout the month, the public is invited to nominate talents who meet the eligibility criteria and are deserving of a spot in the accelerator program via its social media channels. Read more
Imo Attack: Operatives foil attempted assault on Mbieri police station (Channels)
The Imo State Police has said that its operatives foiled an attempted attack on the Mbieri police division in Mbaitoli Local Government Area by gunmen suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network, a militia arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the early hours of Friday.
Confirming this in a press statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, Mike Abattam, said the hoodlums, who came in their numbers, threw Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) into the station and shot sporadically.
He added that the IEDs and gunshots affected some vehicles parked within the premises and shattered roofs and windows within the police premises.
Abattam explained that police operatives attached to the division also engaged the hoodlums, forcing them to retreat in panic, escaping in their vehicles. Read more
Abuja-Kaduna Attack: DSS, Army need to be queried – Primate Ayodele (Independent)
The Leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has accused Nigeria’s security network of corruption stressing that the Department of State Services, DSS; Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba; and Service Chiefs are not in charge.
Citing the Abuja-Kaduna train attack incident, the clergyman said security operatives need to be queried because they are yet to make any arrest more than 72 hours after the attack.
In a statement by his spokesman, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele noted that the security situation of the country should not be allowed to get out of hand towards the election because there is still danger ahead.
Primate Ayodele said, “The security situation of our country should not be allowed to get out of hand towards election because there is still danger ahead. The DSS and Army need to be queried on the airport and train attack; something is wrong, which they need to report. It’s more than 72 hours, and no arrests have been made on it. If a prominent politician was among the victims, unnecessary arrests would have been made; there is serious corruption in our security network. Read more
Jim Carrey says he’s ‘retiring’ from acting: ‘I really like my quiet life’ (People)
Jim Carrey says he’s planning to end his decades-long Hollywood career.
During a conversation about his newest movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the 60-year-old star revealed to Access Hollywood that he is “retiring” from acting.
Asked by host Kit Hoover in an interview that was posted Thursday if he was being serious, Carrey said, “I’m being fairly serious.”
“It depends,” he explained. “If the angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink, that says to me that it’s going to be really important for people to see, I might continue down the road. But I’m taking a break.” Read more
Erik Barmack, ‘Blood Red Sky’ producer Benjamin Munz team for high-speed German action film ‘The Chase’ (Variety)
In one of the biggest swings in Europe’s market, Erik Barmack, the former Netflix VP of international originals, is teaming with Benjamin Munz, producer of “Blood Red Sky,” Netflix’s most-watched non-English movie of all time, on a tentpole high-speed German action film, “The Chase.”
Billed by Barmack as “‘The Fast and the Furious’ meets ‘Money Heist’” – which he helped bring to Netflix – “The Chase” marks the first movie out of the gate at Munz’s Berlin-based new label, Fright Zone, the first production company in Germany that will focus exclusively on developing and producing fantasy, action, horror and science fiction films as well as TV shows in and from Germany.
Overseen by founder and CEO Munz, Fright Zone will produce with Barmack, who is now working out of his own L.A. label, Wild Sheep Content, a company that he started with The Mediapro Studio, headed by Laura Fernández Espeso. Crucially, the movie will be shot in German, as “Blood Red Sky.” “Films can be ambitious without feeling Hollywood,” said Barmack.
“The Chase” is created by Germany’s Korbinian Hamberger, whose writing credits take in episodes of iconic ZDF crime franchise “Soko” and 2018’s “The Travels of Young Marco Polo,” the latter for German channel Kika, as well as an episode of 2021’s Netflix series, “Kitz.” Read more
‘Arrow’ & ‘The Hobbit’ star Manu Bennett joins Constantin movie ‘perfect addiction’; filming begins Monday in Poland (Deadline)
Arrow and The Hobbit actor Manu Bennett is joining Kiana Madeira (Trinkets), Ross Butler (13 Reasons Why) and Matthew Noszka (Star) in YA movie Perfect Addiction.
Filming is due to get underway in Poland on Monday.
Written by Stephanie Sanditz (The High Life) and to be directed by Castille Landon (Fear of Rain), the story centers on successful boxing trainer Sienna Lane, who discovers that her boyfriend Jax, the reigning champion, has been cheating on her with her own sister. She sets out to get revenge by training the one man capable of dethroning him: his arch-nemesis Kayden. Bennett will play Julian, the MMA coach to Kiana Madeira’s Sienna.
Producers are Constantin Film’s Robert Kulzer, JB Pictures’ Jeremy Bolt, and Aron Levitz, President of Wattpad Webtoon Studios. Executive producers are Constantin’s Martin Moszkowicz, Wattpad’s Eric Lehrman and Lindsey Weems Ramey. Endeavor Content handles sales. Read more
Patrick Demarchelier, famed fashion photographer of Princess Diana, more stars, dies at 78 (USAToday)
Patrick Demarchelier, who famously photographed Princess Diana and many other A-list celebrities, has died. He was 78.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier,” a message on his Instagram account read. “He is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons Gustaf, Arthur, Victor and three grandchildren.”
The photographer died Thursday. No cause of death was given.
Demarchelier’s photographs have appeared on the covers of Vogue, Allure, Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar and for several campaigns for fashion houses including Dior, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. He was most famously known to capture some of Princess Diana’s signature photographs, later becoming her personal photographer. Read more
Taraji P. Henson named to Joe Biden’s HBCU Board of Advisors: ‘I am excited’ (People)
Taraji P. Henson is having a full-circle moment with her alma mater Howard University,.
On Thursday, the Empire alum, 51, shared that she was named to President Joe Biden’s HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Board of Advisors.
Henson –– who studied musical theatre at HBCU Howard University before graduating in 1995 –– revealed the news with a throwback snap of her wearing an alumni hat at a football game.
“I am excited to announce that President Biden has appointed me to serve on his HBCU Board of Advisors,” she captioned the photo. “Since taking office, the President and Vice President [Kamala] Harris have invested $5.8 Billion in HBCUs and I look forward to working with them to continue efforts to support these important institutions. Read more
Thomas Rhett, Katy Perry team up on new song ‘Where We Started’ (UPI)
Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry have teamed up on a new song.
Rhett, 32, and Perry, 37, released a single and lyric video for the song “Where We Started” on Friday.
In “Where We Started,” Rhett and Perry sing about how far they’ve come.
“Those days when you’re brokenhearted / And you’re getting knocked down / And you say you don’t know / How far we’re gonna go / Just look at that road / And think about where we started,” the pair sing. Read more
Lady Gaga to perform at 2022 Grammys (Billboard)
Lady Gaga will perform at the 2022 Grammy Awards, which will air live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3.
Gaga and Tony Bennett are nominated for five awards, including album of the year for their second collaborative album, Love for Sale, and record of the year for “I Get a Kick Out of You.”
The announcement of Gaga’s booking comes just three days after Foo Fighters canceled their tour in the wake of the sudden death of drummer Taylor Hawkins. Yesterday, the Recording Academy confirmed that the tour cancellation included the band’s previously announced performance at the Grammys.
It is possible that Bennett will join Gaga to perform and/or to accept awards, should they win, but that was not announced. Gaga has two solo numbers on the Love for Sale album, “Let’s Do It” and “Do I Love You.” The entire album consists of songs written by Porter, one of the main architects of the Great American Songbook. Read more
Osimhen, Oshoala emerge winners at Nigeria Pitch Awards (Nation)
Super Eagles and Napoli FC’s sensation, Victor Osimhen, emerged as the biggest winner of the 8th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards. The Nigerian striker, who was confirmed Player of the Month for March in the Serie A, emerged the Striker of the Year and the King of the Pitch making him Nigeria’s Most Valuable Player for 2021.
Super Falcons and FC Barcelona Femení goal scorer, Asisat Oshoala continued her dominance of the women’s award category as she was named the Queen of the Pitch for the fourth time.
Shina Philips, President of the awards, encouraged Nigerians to put the disappointment of the inability of the country to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Qatar behind them and look forward to a better future with the Super Eagles.
In the Goalkeeper of the year category, Maduka Emilio Okoye emerged the winner while Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong beat compatriots, Olisa Ndah and Lean Balogun to win the Defender of the year award for the third time. Read more
Spurs reaching Champions League would be ‘miracle’: Conte (France24)
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte believes it will be a “miracle” if his side qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Spurs are three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal after battling back into the race to finish in the top four.
Manchester United sit one point adrift of Conte’s men in fifth, with both teams having played a game more than the Gunners.
Tottenham can temporarily climb above Arsenal if they beat Newcastle by two goals on Sunday before their north London rivals visit Crystal Palace on Monday. Read more
Jennifer Kupcho and Minjee Lee share lead in last major at Mission Hills (Guardian)
Jennifer Kupcho shared the lead Thursday in the Chevron Championship in her second – and last – start at Mission Hills, the tree-lined layout she has quickly fallen in love with.
“Honestly, I think it’s just being comfortable on this golf course,” Kupcho said. “I get here and I just, I feel comfortable. I love this place.”
Kupcho shot a six-under 66 in sunny and calm morning conditions to join fellow early starter Minjee Lee atop the leaderboard after the first round of the final edition of the major championship at Mission Hills.
“I really like the layout of this golf course, the beautiful shape that it’s in every year,” Kupcho said. “It always is so fun to be here, so just taking advantage of how much I like the course and the atmosphere.” Read more
Brentford boss urges Denmark star Christian Eriksen to ‘save a few goals for us’ (Independent)
Thomas Frank hopes Christian Eriksen has saved some goals for Brentford after another memorable week for the Danish superstar.
The 30-year-old returned to the national team during the recent international break for the first time since his cardiac arrest last summer and scored in Denmark’s matches with the Netherlands and Serbia.
Eriksen found the net with his first touch after being introduced at Amsterdam Arena last week before he capped an emotional return to Parken Stadium – the scene of his near-death experience on June 12 – with a goal as he captained his country to a 3-0 win.
“The first thing I said to him when he came back in was hopefully he saved a few goals for us because scored in his first two games for Denmark,” Frank said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea. Read more
Saudi offer ‘assurances’ for F1’s Jeddah return (PlanetF1)
F1 is likely to remain in Saudi Arabia, with the country’s government ready to offer “assurances” following the tension at the latest grand prix.
Reports are indicating Formula 1 have no plans to tear up their contract with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, even though drivers had to be convinced to continue the race weekend following a terrorist attack on an oil facility only 12 miles from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
That incident took place on Friday during FP1 and when that day’s track action had been completed, a meeting between drivers, team principals and officials stretched into the early hours of the next morning at which the concerns of the competitors were addressed.
Ultimately, the remainder of the weekend passed off uneventfully off track, but Lewis Hamilton for one admitted he could not wait to get home. Read more
Josh Taylor scores Jack Catterall fight and claims surprise result (MEN)
Josh Taylor beat Jack Catterall by a split decision victory at the OVO Hydro last month, maintaining his unbeaten record as well as his world champion status. However, there has been much controversy surrounding the result, with many believing that Chorley fighter Catterall had been the more impressive fighter on the night.
Taylor has been ordered to fight Alberto Puello to defend his WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring light-welterweight titles. Meanwhile, Catterall will have to work his way back towards a world title shot – this is the reason for such controversy, given the stakes and the case was even referred to the police by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Chorley MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
And now, Scotsman Taylor has addressed the result, even revealing that he scored the fight himself. While he admitted that Catterall could have claimed victory, the result was correct in his view.
The 31-year-old explained: “”I am still of the opinion that I did just enough to the win the fight,” he told Sky Sports News, “I have watched it back a few times now and my first impressions when I watched the fight back is that it was a very close fight and it could have gone either way.
Justine Henin hopes Iga Swiatek will thrive as world no. 1 after Ash Barty’s decision to retire from tennis (Eurosport)
Justine Henin believes Iga Swiatek has what it takes to prove she is the number one player in the world following Ash Barty’s decision to retire from tennis.
The Pole, who will ascend to world No. 1 after the Miami Open, will face Naomi Osaka in Saturday’s final after beating Jessica Pegula 6-2 7-5 in one hour and 50 minutes on Thursday.
Former world No.1 Henin believes Barty retiring is “not good news” for the women’s game but backs Swiatek to rise to the expectation of being the number one player on the WTA tour.
“Barty’s retirement is not good news for women’s tennis today,” she told Eurosport. “She was a girl who brought a lot of creativity, with an extremely complete game. And she had this consistency. Read more