Man stones peacemaker to death over N700 (Punch)
An Ondo State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Akure has remanded a man, Funmilayo Asojo, in a custodial centre for allegedly killing a peacemaker, Bamiduro Adewole, with a stone.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the victim was killed while settling a rift between the defendant and a man who owed him (Asojo) N700 on December 28, 2022, at Ute town, in the Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The 59-year-old, who was a security guard in a public primary school, was allegedly hit with a stone in the head by the defendant.
He was later rushed to a hospital where he died two days after. Read more
Father docked over rape of daughter (DailyTrust)
A 35-year-old father, Temitayo Bamiro, was docked at an Ojo Magistrate’s Court, Lagos on Monday for allegedly defiling his 13-year-old daughter.
Bamiro pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge preferred against him.
The prosecutor, Dr Simon Uche, told the court that the defendant was in the habit of sexually assaulting his daughter and had forcefully penetrated her anus repeatedly in the past without her consent.
The offence, he added, contravened the Criminal Laws of Lagos State. Read more
UNILAG suspends admission of students for 2 courses into 2023 session (Guardian)
University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced that there will not be an admission of students to two programmes for the 2023 academic session.
UNILAG registrar Oladejo Azeez made the disclosure in a statement on the tertiary institution’s website.
“All prospective UTME and Direct Entry candidates for the 2023 admission exercise should please note that the University of Lagos will not run two programmes, namely: Biochemistry and Petroleum & Gas Engineering. Hence, there will be no admission into the two programmes.
“Candidates are hereby advised not to choose any of these two programmes, and those who have done so should change to other programmes.” Read more
Government warns Lagosians against pipeline vandalism (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has called on residents of Ejigbo, Egbe-Idimu, Alimosho, Oshodi and their environs to promptly report suspicious moves or vandalism of petroleum pipelines to the government and other relevant authorities.
The Head of the Department of Oil and Gas Department in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Sesan Odukoya, made the call on Monday during a stakeholders’ forum held in Egbe-Idimu.
Odukoya noted that the enlightenment session was important for oil and gas pipeline host communities in Ejigbo, Egbe-Idimu, Alimosho and Oshodi-Isolo Local Council Development Areas to prevent fire outbreaks due to pipeline vandalism.
He said, “The number of avoidable loss of lives and properties claimed by the illegal activities of pipeline vandals is lamentable. To this end, the state government intends to bring to the barest minimum and eradicate fire outbreaks from pipeline vandalism. Read more
Group offers free medical service (Nation)
Asocio-political group, Team Better Naija, has offered free medical services to residents of Ekiti State, as part of its efforts to promote the aspiration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The medical outreach, which attracted a large turnout, featured medical tests, medical consultation on diabetic, blood pressure, optical care, general check-ups and free health counselling.
The beneficiaries, after examination by health professionals, were given free medications to treat their ailments and free eyeglasses for those in need at no cost.
The group National Coordinator, Remi Omowaiye, an engineer, said the initiative was meant to assist the less privileged that lacked access to free and qualitative health care services. Read more
Osun residents lament scarcity of new Naira notes, seek extension of deadline (ThisDay)
Market women in Osun State have pleaded with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the January 31st deadline for the return of old N200, N500 and N1000.
The market women in Osun State equally lamented the scarcity of the new naira notes.
Speaking during the sensitisation of stakeholders on the central bank’s Naira Redesign project held at Atakumosa market in Ilesa, some market men and women lamented the scarcity of the new naira notes with a plea that the apex bank should extend the date for the deadline.
They said non-availability of new notes might make it practically impossible to meet up with the deadline set by the CBN. Read more
NAFDAC boss cautions Nigerians against long fasting (Guardian)
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, has warned that long fasting contributes to the high rate of kidney problems being experienced in the country.
She, therefore, advised Nigerians to observe their religious fasting with common sense, else, they pay with their kidneys. Speaking on the unending influx of unregulated pharmaceutical products into the country, Adeyeye explained that the water level in the human body must be enough to make the organs to function.
She lamented that some people fast for 10 or 20 days and drink only little or no water, stressing that by doing so, the kidney is being punished.
She said: “We are a very religious country, Muslims and Christians fast a lot and it is part of the kidney problem. Your body has to have omistatic balance, meaning that the water level in your body must be enough to make your organs to function.
“Some people will fast for 10 or 20 days and drink only little water, the kidney is being punished. Now, if you put chemicals in it, it triples in exponential manner, it damages the kidney because the kidney doesn’t have water to dilute and filter. If you must fast, I will advise you fast with common sense. If not, we will pay with our kidneys.” Read more
UNILORIN VC elected AWAU Sec-Gen (ThisDay)
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), at the weekend elected the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU).
The election was one of the major highlights of the eighth conference and 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association hosted by the University of The Gambia, Banjul, between January18 and 20, 2023.
A statement issued in Ilorin signed by the institution Director of Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Kunle Akogun, stated that the tenure for the office was three years.
The statement said others elected were Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, Vice Chancellor of University of the Cape Coast, Ghana, chairman; Prof. Herbert Robinson, Vice Chancellor, University of The Gambia, Vice Chairman; and Prof. Akeem Olawale Lasisi, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Financial Secretary. Read more
Vivica Fox rallies for Kill Bill 3 (Variety)
Vivica Fox knows Kill Bill fans are ready for Vol. 3.
“People are hungry,” she said at the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance. “Quentin [Tarantino], let’s go!”
Fox portrayed Vernita Green in Tarantino’s 2003 martial arts revenge drama Kill Bill Vol. 1 and the 2004 sequel Vol. 2, opposite Uma Thurman and Lucy Liu. The first movie stars Thurman as the Bride, who swears retribution on a team of assassins (Fox and Liu among them) after they try to kill her.
There’s nothing official in the works, but Tarantino has mentioned a potential Kill Bill Vol. 3 would focus in part on the daughter of Fox’s character as she sets out to avenge her mother’s death by killing Thurman’s the Bride. Read more
Girls Trip 2 sets course for Ghana with original cast members returning (Collider)
Girls Trip 2, the long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed Girls Trip, is finally happening and as confirmed by writer-producer Tracy Oliver, the sequel will see the girls reconnect once again for another fun getaway, and this time, the West African country, Ghana has been chosen as the rendezvous.
Oliver revealed this exciting news at the ongoing Sundance Film Festival where she is promoting the second season of her Prime Video comedy series, Harlem which is set to return to the streamer next month.
Speaking to Variety Studio presented by Audible, Oliver revealed she had a “definitive Girls Trip 2 update” before going on to confirm that the sequel is “officially happening. I can say that.” The First Wives Club writer also noted that the all-star cast from the original film will all be back for the sequel before further divulging a key plot detail adding; “No one else knows this, Will Packer (original film’s producer) might kill me, but we’re looking to set it in Ghana.” Read more
Navy Seal deserter killed in Ukraine (Fox)
A former Navy SEAL was killed in Ukraine on Wednesday, the Navy confirmed to Fox News Friday.
Daniel.W. Swift had been on active deserter status since March 2019
“We cannot speculate as to why the former Sailor was in Ukraine,” the Navy said in a statement to Fox News.
Swift is the sixth known American to die in Ukraine during the war. Read more
Antonio Banderas reveals 1 major problem with voicing Puss In Boots (HuffPost)
Antonio Banderas might be an Oscar-nominated acting legend, but to many people he’ll always be best known for voicing a certain animated swashbuckling ginger pussycat.
The Spanish star has now revealed that providing the voice for Puss In Boots, who made his on-screen debut in 2004’s Shrek 2, comes with a very particular problem for an in-demand actor.
As he gears up for the release of the feline character’s latest outing in Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, Antonio says playing the animated character has become “like riding a bicycle” but after five films and two TV specials, the same issue remains.
“Even if there was a gap of several years, it’s just like riding a bicycle,” Antonio told Radio Times. “The only problem that I had is a problem I actually had for the first movie. Read more
Beyonce fans snub strict no-phones rule as Dubai concert leaked in thousands of videos (Mirror)
Beyoncé has finally returned to the stage for her first live performance in five years – but her latest concert has sparked mass debate on social media.
The American megastar headlined a private concert in Dubai to mark the opening of luxury hotel Atlantis The Royal.
Despite a strict no-phones policy at the exclusive, 1,500-seat gig, extensive footage of the private gig has flooded social media with thousands upon thousands of clips surfacing on Twitter and Instagram.
For those who were lucky enough to attend the much-talked-about concert, they were invited for ‘an all-expenses-paid luxury weekend’ that served as the unofficial opening of the venue, complete with a ‘once in a lifetime performance’. Read more
Beirut blast probe resumes after 13 months: judicial source (RFI)
The Lebanese judge investigating the deadly 2020 Beirut port blast has resumed his work, a judicial official said Monday, after a 13-month suspension due to political pressure.
“Judge Tarek Bitar has decided to resume his investigation,” the official told AFP.
The probe into the cause of the blast, one of history’s largest non-nuclear explosions, had been stalled since December 2021 as a series of complaints against Bitar obstructed his work.
The official said Monday Bitar has ordered the release of five detained suspects and pressed charges against eight others. Read more
Alec Baldwin will not be charged with shooting Rust director Joel Souza (Standard)
Alec Baldwin will not be charged with shooting the director of Rust, Joel Souza, according to reports.
The actor, 64, was recently charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died on set of the movie in October 2021.
However, it has been reported that the American star will not be charged with the shooting of Souza, although he was hit by the same bullet that killed Hutchins.
According to TMZ, the reason for this is there is reportedly “no crime” as far as the shooting of Souza is concerned. Read more
Peseiro unveils plans to actualise AFCON target (Punch)
Jose Peseiro, Head coach of the Nigeria men’s national team, has once again said his ambition is to lead Nigeria to glory at the next Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast.
The Portuguese tactician had previously promised to bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians by winning the long-coveted trophy after the country last won it in 2013 under the guidance of late Stephen Keshi.
The 62-year-old tactician, who took over the Eagles job last May, has turned his attention away from the disappointment of not being at the World Cup in Qatar after the Super Eagles, under Austin Eguavoen, failed to qualify for the Mundial and said the goal was to become champions of Africa again.
“Our ambitions when I signed the contract with Nigeria, the big goal and main goal is we want to win the next AFCON,” Peseiro tells Mirror Football. Read more
IMC orders indefinite freezing of fixtures adjustments (Sun)
Following a raft of requests for fixtures rescheduling by a number of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) says further approvals have been frozen indefinitely.
A circular signed by Davidson Owumi, the Head of Operations cited a directive from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which frowned at the deluge of requests seen as threatening the integrity of the NPFL.
“Consequent upon the directive of the NFF, there would be no more rescheduling of matches either for political or logistics reasons. The fixtures have to be strictly adhered to,” the circular informed the clubs.
It went on to explain that the directive is in response to a chaotic demand for fixture changes that if not checked could undermine the values of the league. Read more
Everton poised to target Marcelo Bielsa to replace Lampard (IrishIndependent)
Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri is considering a move for former Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa after Frank Lampard was sacked for the Merseyside club’s alarming drop into the relegation zone.
Everton are currently in 19th place in the Premier League after a run of 10 games without a win.
Bielsa swiftly emerged as a leading candidate, although it is unclear whether or not he would agree to take the Everton post.
Former Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuttl also has his admirers among the Goodison hierarchy and is also understood to be under consideration as Moshiri looks to move quickly to ensure a replacement is in place before the next Premier League game at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal on February 4. Read more
Newly-retired football star Bale to play Pebble Beach event (StraitsTimes)
Gareth Bale said on Monday he will play in golf’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am event in February, just weeks after the former Real Madrid and Wales star announced his retirement from football
Bale, who hung up his boots earlier in January, will join a number of other celebrities at the famous Californian links course along with some of the world’s top golf professionals.
The 33-year-old wrote on Instagram: “Delighted to announce I will be playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at the start of next month! Let’s go.”
Former Tottenham forward Bale won five Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns with Real but retained a passion for golf that once angered Madrid fans. Read more
ICC under increasing pressure to suspend Afghanistan (DW)
The ICC is under increasing pressure to suspend Afghanistan as a full member nation due to the Taliban’s continued ban on womens’ and girls’ participation in sport, as well as restrictions on education.
The inexhorable rise of the Afghanistan men’s cricket team since 2000 has been lauded as a heartwarming story of triumph amid war, occupation, poverty, repression and regime change.
However, following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 and the subsequent ban on female participation in sport or exercise, as well as the loss of many other basic rights, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is under increasing pressure to suspend Afghanistan from cricketing activity for violating its membership criteria.
According to ICC Membership Criteria 2.2 (a)(i) countries must: “Have the appropriate status, structure, recognition, membership and competence to be recognized by the ICC as the primary governing body responsible for the administration, management and development of cricket (men’s and women’s) in its country.” Criteria which Afghanistan no longer fulfills. Read more
Novak Djokovic has hope to win 2023 Australian Open after injury scare (NBC)
All the hours Novak Djokovic is putting into repairing his body between matches at the 2023 Australian Open is starting to pay off.
The 35-year-old Serbian said after his fourth round win over Australian Alex de Minaur that he finally was able to play a painless match for the first time this tournament, but that it has taken a lot of maintenance.
“It’s been honestly exhausting to be involved in a lot of different treatments and machines and stuff that we do,” Djokovic said after the win. “At the same time … It is necessary in order to get myself in a condition to play. So I’m really glad that my body has responded really well.”
Ahead of the Australian Open, the No. 4 seed questioned whether he would be able to compete after sustaining a hamstring injury earlier this month. The pain continued to affect him throughout the first three rounds in wins over Spain’s Roberto Carballés Baena, France’s Enzo Couacaud and Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov. Read more