Man attempts suicide on Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge (Channels)
A young man on Wednesday morning attempted to plunge to his death from the Lekki -Ikoyi link bridge in Lagos.
A viral video on social media showed patrol officers of the Lekki Concession Centre and other bystanders preventing the man from taking the leap off the bridge.
The patrol officers were seen trying to motivate the apparently inconsolable man after which he was handed his attempted suicide remain vague.
Suicides, especially in public spaces, have become rampant of late with the popular case of 21-year-old Odunare Olalekan in December 2021, who was caught on video perching on the rails of Berger Bridge in Epe, Lagos for several minutes before jumping to his death in the Lagos Lagoon.
According to Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, Attempted Suicide is a crime in Nigeria and is punishable by one year in prison. Read more
Bamise murder: Okada ban stalls BRT driver’s trial (Nation)
The trial of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver Andrew Ominnikoron, accused of the rape and murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, was stalled at the Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on Wednesday.
Prosecution officials told Justice Sherifat Sonaike that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) – in whose custody Ominnikoron is – did not produce him in court following security concerns about the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada.
Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on May 18, 2022, announced the ban on okada operations in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) – Ikeja, Surulere, Lekki, Eti-Osa, Mainland, Lagos Island and Apapa.
The Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), is on Lagos Island while the NCoS keeps custody of remanded suspects such as Ominnikoron at its Ikoyi or Apapa facilities.
Ini Edo speaks on motherhood (Guardian)
Nollywood actress Ini Edo has opened up on the many changes motherhood has had on her lifestyle.
The actress who recently welcomed her first child via surrogacy made this revelation known during a chat with Lilian Afegbai on her talk show Lilian’s Couch.
Speaking on learning to love someone else, she said, “The fact that you can actually love somebody else more than yourself. All of a sudden, somebody else is more important than yourself.”
“I’m somebody who just really loves myself and my space. But then, you realise that before you start to think about yourself, you wake up in the morning and you’re not thinking of yourself. You’re thinking of your child.”
The popular actress revealed that she had welcomed a child via surrogacy speaking with Stella Dimoko back in December.
Responding to critics from some people at the time she said “Yes I do have a daughter and I had her through surrogacy. The Eggs are mine and so genetically she’s my blood. I chose this path to fulfill my dream of becoming a mother.” Read more
Lagos hands over keys, documents to new homeowners (ThisDay)
As part of a fulfillment to make housing available to all residents of Lagos State, the state government yesterday handed over keys to new homeowners in the state.
The state Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, used the occasion to call on new homeowners at the Babatunde Olushola Benson Estate, Ibeshe, and LagosHOMS at Sangotedo Phase 1 Estate to make efforts to keep the two government-owned properties well preserved and properly maintained.
He gave the advice to the homeowners during the handover of keys and other documents to them in his office at Alausa, Ikeja recently, saying: “It is important to be mindful of the need to keep the various homes and the estate in good condition to fully achieve the goal of making Lagos a 21st century economy.”
Akinderu-Fatai noted that the estates have been provided with state-of-the-art infrastructures such as good roads, drainages, and water and sewage treatment plants to make life easier and convenient for all the new residents in line with the directives of the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Read more
Couple, 3 children die, Lagos police suspect generator fumes (Punch)
The family and friends of Lawrence Olorungbo, his wife and three children have been thrown into mourning after their decomposing bodies were found at their apartment in the Apapa area of Lagos State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the corpses were found after several efforts to contact Lawrence and his wife on their telephone numbers proved abortive.
In a bid to ascertain how they were doing, a yet-to-be-identified associate was said to have paid the family a visit.
However, when the associate got to the premises, it was learnt that the door leading into their apartment was locked.
The associate was said to have knocked on the door to get the attention of a family member to open the door, but no one answered.
Our correspondents gathered that the friend was wondering why no one responded when a strange smell oozing from the apartment permeated the environment. Read more
COVID-19: NPHCDA partners community pharmacists (Leadership)
In a bid to increase vaccination coverage across the country, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is partnering with the Association of Community Pharmacists, towards achieving herd immunity.
Speaking during the flag-off on Tuesday in Abuja, executive director of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, acknowledged that community pharmacies are one of the most easily accessible and frequently consulted points of care for health care service delivery by the public sector especially in underserved population due to their interconnectedness with the communities.
He said “In Nigeria, for example, community pharmacies involvement in differentiated care and administration of antiretroviral medicines for HIV care have been shown to improve retention on treatment, adherence to medication, and overall better treatment outcomes.
“In fact, community pharmacists have contributed greatly during the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic through ensuring the availability and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPEs), hand sanitizers, etc. I want to affirm that this synergy will once again enhance our COVID-19 vaccination programme and help the country achieve herd immunity while strengthening the health care system and contributing to health security. Read more
Avoid Kaduna highway for now, security group urges travellers (Punch)
Quite a several people had been reportedly abducted on Tuesday after travellers along Kaduna-Birnin-Gwari Road in Kaduna State, were attacked by bandits.
It was gathered that the bandits, who blocked the highway, set up to eight vehicles on fire.
Following this, the Chairman of Birnin Gwari Vanguards for Security and Good Governance, Ibrahim Nagwari, has advised travellers to avoid the highway pending the restoration of security in the area.
Nagwari, in a statement, said that there was a “need for the people of Birnin-Gwari and communities along the Kaduna-Birnin-Gwari Highway to halt with immediate effect travelling on this notorious highway until the security situation improves.” Read more
Peter Obi has youths, masses, people – Peter PSquare slams Dele Momodu (Independent)
Nigerian artiste, Peter Okoye of PSquare has lashed out at Ovation Magazine Publisher and Presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, over claims that Peter Obi, a Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), cannot win the 2023 presidency.
Momodu who appeared on a current affairs programme ‘Your View’ on TVC, said Obi could not win the 2023 presidency in a local fringed party like Labour.
When asked if Peter Obi would be able to pull the type of votes Trump did in the US, which nobody thought existed or get a large number of youths to vote for him in the general election, Momodu said it’s impossible.
According to him, the first thing Obi would face is to fund the party because the party is not financially buoyant and Nigerians do not make contributions. Read more
3 feared killed in Kwara cultists clash (Punch)
Three people were feared killed in a renewed cult clash in Ilorin, Kwara State capital on Monday night over battle for supremacy.
Punch Metro gathered that the attack which occurred around Omoda roundabout in the metropolis paralysed social and commercial activities as residents and shop owners scamper for safety.
Although, the Kwara State Police Command claimed officially that only one casualty was recorded, residents confirmed that two others were gunned down around Oju-Ekun area in the metropolis.
Mallam Sofiullahi, a resident, said the suspected cultists trailed two members of a rival cult group to the area and shot sporadically, killing one in the process.
“Two others were rushed to the hospital including one Hausa commercial motorcyclist who was hit by a stray bullet”, he added. Read more
Osun lawmaker stages lone protest bare-footed, demands rescue of kidnapped train passengers (Leadership)
A member of the House of Representatives, representing Ede South/Ede North/Egbedore/Ejigbo federal constituency of Osun State, Hon. Bamidele Salam, on Wednesday, staged a one-man protest on the street of Abuja, to demand the immediate rescue of kidnapped Kaduna train passengers and other Nigerians in captivity.
Salam, who trekked bare-footed from Unity Fountain to National Assembly complex, held a placard with the inscription, “President Muhammadu Buhari, do more to secure freedom for Kaduna train abductees and other citizens in capacity.”
The placard also had the picture of the kidnapped train passengers.
While speaking with journalists on his concern, Salam said, “As an individual, I am worried by the turn of events in our dear nation. Our nation is becoming a jungle of sorts where criminals carve out turfs and operate freely without let or hindrance. Read more
Young Dolph suspected killers Justin Johnson & Cornelius Smith get new court date (HipHopDX)
The court date for two of Young Dolph’s suspected killers has reportedly received a new date. According to FOX13 Memphis, Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith were in court on Friday (May 27) where their attorneys asked to reschedule.
As reporter Jeremy Pierre explained in a tweet, “YOUNG DOLPH ACCUSED KILLERS COURT DATE RESET: Cornelius Smith and Justin Johnson’s attorneys have requested today’s hearing to be rest to July 1st. Smith’s bond hearing will be on that day as well. Attorneys say they have received new discovery in the case that needs to be viewed.”
Smith’s attorney, Michael Scholl, claimed he has more evidence that will perhaps convince a judge to grant bond to his client. Smith’s family and friends are expected to speak on his behalf during the July 1 hearing.
“We are receiving more information and I want to take a look at that,” Scholl said. “One of the factors that goes into the bond is likelihood of conviction. Other factors are flight risk.” Read more
Kate Moss attends Johnny Depp’s 3rd performance in England as jury deliberations continue (People)
Johnny Depp took the stage Tuesday for the third night in a row with friend and collaborator Jeff Beck as jury deliberations continued in his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star, 58, first joined Beck, 77, on Sunday night during his show at Sheffield City Hall. The pair then appeared together at Royal Albert Hall on Monday and Tuesday.
Depp’s ex-girlfriend Kate Moss, who testified for the actor on May 24, attended Tuesday’s show and was snapped by photographers leaving the venue alone after spending some time backstage.
According to a video of the show posted by the Associated Press, Depp was welcomed to the stage by Beck to the sound of the crowd’s cheers and received a standing ovation after his performance. Read more
Tribeca Festival 2022 sets Crypto Platform OKX as new presenting sponsor (Deadline)
The 2022 Tribeca Festival said OKX will become its first cryptocurrency partner and sponsor as it prepares to unspool in NYC June 8-19.
The fest over the years has added podcasting, gaming, music and VR/AR experiences to its core in film, television and robust lecture series. A cryptocurrency partner supports an “exploration into new frontiers of artistic expression,” Tribeca said.
“Cryptocurrency is opening up new doors for artists to explore the boundaries of storytelling, and the Tribeca Festival is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution. The metaverse will alter the way creators and consumers approach creative expression,” said CEO and co-founder of Tribeca, Jane Rosenthal. “Our partnership with OKX marks a new era of artistic independence and technological advancement,” for the festival.
The exclusive relationship is OKX’s first foray into entertainment. As a presenting partner, the crypto trading platform will be prominently featured at high-profile events and venues “engaging and educating creators and consumers alike about cryptocurrency and its developing ecosystems.” It will also support Tribeca’s year-round programming efforts by co-hosting events at cities across the U.S and globally. As part of the partnership, the exchange holds exclusivity for non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces, cryptocurrency exchanges, usage of social tokens, and De-Fi and Game Fi trading categories for Tribeca events. Read more
BTS Army fights back against Tucker Carlson after he slams K-Pop group’s White House appearance (Variety)
Tucker Carlson has made an enemy out of the BTS Army after he spoke out against the K-pop group’s May 31 appearance at the White House. The group addressed the press and spoke with President Joe Biden about Asian inclusion and representation to mark the final day of Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month.
“Things have gotten very bad for Joe Biden, both public-facing and internally,” Carlson told viewers of his eponymous Fox News show. “What are they doing about it? Well, they broke glass in case of an emergency and invited a Korean pop group to speak at the White House today.”
Carlson threw to a clip of BTS member RM addressing press at the White House. “Hi, we’re BTS and it is a great honor to be invited to the White House today to discuss the important issues of anti-Asian hate crimes, Asian inclusion and diversity,” the singer said.
“Yeah, so we got a Korean pop group to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States. Okay. Good job, guys,” Carlson quipped. Read more
Jerzy Skolimowski’s Cannes jury prize winner ‘EO’ heading to U.S. with Sideshow, Janus Films (THR)
EO, Jerzy Skolimowski’s drama told through the eyes of a former circus donkey that became one of the breakout hits of Cannes, where it premiered in the official competition and won the Jury Prize, has found a home in North America.
Sideshow and Janus Films have acquired North American rights to the film, marking their first collaboration since teaming on the domestic release of another major Cannes breakout, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car, which would win the Oscar for best international feature (one of four nominations), gross more than $2.3 million in North America, and claim international feature wins at the Gotham Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Independent Spirit Awards.
Sideshow and Janus Films are now planning a fall 2022 theatrical release for EO, which is presented by Skopia Film and Jeremy Thomas (Skolimowski and Thomas have been working together since 1978 when The Shout won the Grand Prix in Cannes), and stars Sandra Drzymalska, Lorenzo Zurzolo, Mateusz Kosciukiewicz and Isabelle Huppert. It was produced by Ewa Piaskowska and Skolimowski, who both wrote the screenplay, with Eileen Tasca as the Italian co-producer and Thomas as executive producer.
In addition to North America and the previously announced deal with ARP for France, HanWay Films has closed deals with The Searchers (Benelux), I Wonder (Italy), A Contracorriente (Spain), BFI Distribution (U.K. and Ireland), Odeon (Greece), Bir (Turkey), Front Row (Middle East), DDDREAM (China), Fine Films (Japan), Applause (Taiwan), Pictureworks (India) and Nitrato (Portugal). Read more
UN chief worries Ukraine war overshadowing climate fight (ABC)
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned that the Ukraine war is diverting attention away from climate change, while at the same time showcasing the world’s “suicidal” dependence on fossil fuels.
Speaking ahead of an environmental conference in Stockholm, Guterres said the scale of the conflict has “inevitably” shifted the focus from other issues, including efforts to halt the global temperature rise.
“The sense of urgency in the debate on climate has of course suffered with the war in Ukraine,” Guterres told reporters at the Swedish prime minister’s official residence. “But I think this war has demonstrated one thing: How fragile is the world in its dependence on fossil fuels.”
He pointed to decisions by the European Union this week to stop most imports of Russian oil as part of sanctions imposed after the Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has underscored how dependent many European countries are on Russian oil and gas. Read more
Adiatu :Tulcan Energy won’t stop NWFL Super Six sponsorship (Nation)
The Chief Executive Officer of Tulcan Energy Resources Tayo Adiatu has pledged the company’s continuous sponsorship of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six, adding it is his organisation’s ‘support and development for the Girl Child in Nigeria’.
Adiatu said as much when the NWFL’s Chairperson and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member, Aisha Falode, paid a thank you visit to the company’s corporate headquarters in Lagos as official sponsors of the just concluded NWFL Super Six in Benin City.
Falode said the NWFL management team came to pay Tulcan Energy Resources CEO and other management team members a thank you visit for making the 2021/2022 Super Six a huge success.
“We were happy to have the resources needed, the corporate support and funding to host a very successful Super Six, first time in the history of women’s football in Nigeria,” Falode said.
Man Utd finally get one over on Paul Pogba as second bitter exit announced (Mirror)
Manchester United finally managed to get the better of the outgoing Paul Pogba as his Old Trafford exit was officially announced.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of June and speculation raged all season regarding his next move. It has now been announced that he will wave goodbye to the Red Devils on a free transfer when his deal expires ahead of 1 July.
United confirmed his exit on Wednesday afternoon with a lengthy statement reliving the highlights of the World Cup winner’s six-year spell with the club after his then-world-record switch back from Serie A outfit Juventus in 2016.
With the midfielder waving goodbye – and seemingly on the verge of yet another free transfer to join the Italian club – it would appear that the Old Lady have twice got the better of United in signing Pogba. Read more
Zouma banned from keeping cats after abuse (WestAustralian)
West Ham defender Kurt Zouma has been banned from keeping cats for five years and ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service as a punishment for kicking and slapping his pet cat in abuse caught on video.
The France international received his sentence at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty last week to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
In footage of the abuse that took place on February 6 and surfaced on social media, the soccer player could be seen kicking his Bengal cat across his kitchen, before throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping its head.
District judge Susan Holdham described the actions as “disgraceful and reprehensible”.
World No. 1 Swiatek extends winning run to reach French Open semis (France24)
Iga Swiatek powered into the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday as a comfortable victory over American Jessica Pegula extended the world number one’s winning streak to 33 matches.
The Polish star cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win on Court Philippe Chatrier to set up a last-four meeting with Daria Kasatkina on Thursday.
Swiatek will equal Venus Williams’ record for the longest unbeaten run for a women’s player in the 21st century if she wins a second Roland Garros title this week.
But she said she still feels nervous before big matches despite appearing in almost unbeatable form. Read more
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Joe Rogan gives his thoughts on ‘crazy’ fight talks (GiveMeSport)
Joe Rogan has recently said he doesn’t “know what would happen” if Mike Tyson and Jake Paul were to meet inside a ring, stating Jake would be a better fighter than his brother Logan for the legend.
As the Paul brothers have made such an impression on the boxing world, the pair have garnered endorsement and praise from a number of top fighters past and present, most notably “Iron” Mike himself.
The former heavyweight champion has complimented both brothers on the impact they have made on the sport, even claiming fighters would actively avoid a fight with the younger Jake.
Tyson himself has been heavily linked with fighting Jake on numerous occasions and has put his price on participating in such a contest. While talks have gone all but mute on the possible battle, Joe Rogan believes “Iron” Mike vs “The Problem Child” Jake could be an interesting fight. Read more
Martin Brundle calls for ‘urgent’ FIA changes as relations with F1 bosses at rock bottom (Express)
Martin Brundle has insisted that changes are made within the FIA as relations between them and F1 bosses are reportedly at rock bottom. The delayed start to Sunday’s Monaco GP has not helped matters with the decision-making making receiving plenty of criticism.
The commentator was of the view that the wait to see if the rain would increase before the race began was unnecessary. “Holding up a race in anticipation of incoming weather is not necessary,” the former F1 driver wrote in his column for Sky Sports.
“We have virtual and real Safety Cars, red flags, pit-stop crews who can change tyres in two seconds, and two types of wet weather tyres to cover those challenges. That’s what Formula 1 racing is all about.” Reflecting on the rather confusing situation, Brundle continued: “A couple of reliable sources tell me that there were heated arguments in Race Control during the impasse as we all looked on unsure of what was happening. “This presumably explains the periods of inaction and lack of information, and the reason why the Safety Car was not out exploring track conditions as usual. The FIA, for the well-being of F1, urgently needs a root and branch change with a fully dedicated and empowered Race Director with at least one understudy, a dedicated circuit and systems inspector, plus an empowered and effective communications department,” he commented. “I consider this a highest priority issue.” Read more