Man strangles wife to death in Abuja, flees (Punch)
A man identified as Wisdom Joseph has allegedly strangled his wife, Evelyn Alifiya, to death in the Federal Capital Territory.
The couple, it was gathered, had been having a running battle, with the husband threatening to kill her.
It was learnt that the matter got worse when Evelyn found a gun in Joseph’s bag on February 23.
She was said to have planned to report him to the police before he got wind of it, killed her and fled.
She was said to have been found lifeless on the floor when the police broke into the apartment. Read more
Oshodi stool: Lagos family seeks Oba Akiolu’s intervention (Sun)
The Oshodi-Tapa family of Lagos Island, Epe and Oshodi has appealed to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu to intervene in the issue of claims being made by some individuals to the stool of Baale of Oshodi. The family particularly cited an alleged campaign by Mr Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo to be installed as Oba of Oshodi.
Akinsanya is the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Making the appeal in a statement issued by the Olori Ebi Oshodi Tapa Chieftaincy Council, Pa Surakat Alabi Oshodi, the family noted that members of the Oshodi-Tapa family are the undisputed owners of Oshodi, and by extension the traditional rulers of the entire Oshodi community. He expressed concern that some impostors were trying to leverage on political affiliations to usurp and distort the time-honoured tradition.
While distancing members of the family from any campaign to make Akinsanya Oba of Oshodi, the family head disclosed that all gazetted Bales of Oshodi were from the Oshodi family, adding that there was only one exception which was eventually nullified by the judiciary. Read more
I’ll make LASUST best choice, reduce tuition fees, Sanwo-Olu assures (Tribune)
Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday assured students of the new Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST), Ikorodu, that he would make the institution bigger and the best choice in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu gave this assurance when he had a stopover at the Ikorodu campus of the University, while on his way to the commissioning of the new plant of Kimberly-Clark Factory in Odonguyan area, just as the governor also assured the students that he would work towards reducing the institution’s school fees.
Addressing the students, who came out to welcome him after his helicopter landed at the school of technology car park, Governor Sanwo-Olu said he was committed to making LASUST one of the best universities of choice in Nigeria.
“Great students of Lagos State University of Science and Technology. You are now university students; it is going to work well. We would continue to do what we’re doing to ensure that you finish well. JAMB has put your name (Lagos State University of Science and Technology) as a full university. Read more
Nigerian, Canadian navies strengthen 60 years bond (Guardian)
The Nigerian Navy and Canadian Navy on Friday said that they would continue to strengthen the cordial bond between them as they mark 60 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.
The acting High Commissioner to Canada, Mr Kelvin Tokar said that Nigeria and Canada had lots of cordial linkages between the two countries and those linkages had continued to grow over the years.
Tokar made the assertion during the visit of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) GOOSE BAY and HMCS Moncton to the Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos State.
“This auspicious visit is timely because it coincides with the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between Canada and Nigeria which dates back to 1962 when they were first established. Read more
Restore LTV’s N17m monthly subvention, pensioners beg Sanwo-Olu (Punch)
Retired workers of the Lagos State Television have appealed to the state government to restore the TV station’s monthly subvention of N17m to enhance its operations.
They lamented that the subvention was reduced to less than N3m, despite the growing competition occasioned by the proliferation of broadcast organisations in the state.
Speaking at the launch of a book written by the Nigerian Union of Pension, LTV branch, and titled, ‘History of Lagos Television, the branch chairman, Mr Gabriel Fadeyi, said the broadcast outfit should be well-funded since it was not established for commercial purposes.
He also urged the state government to fully expand the TV station to take care of the five divisions, including Epe, Badagry, and Ijanikin. Read more
Lumen Christi wins WAEC Award (Guardian)
Lumen Christi International High School, Uromi, Edo State has been honoured with yet another Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award for producing the best aggregate results in WASSCE for School Candidates in 2021in Nigeria.
This is the sixth time the all-boys Catholic boarding school will win the award, having clinched it in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2016.
A letter signed by Moyosola Adeyegbe, the Acting Head, Public Affairs on behalf of the Head of National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Patrick Areghan, which was made available to The Guardian, said the award will be presented to the school during the Formal Opening Ceremony of the 70th Annual Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
The letter indicated that the event will take place at The Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja at 12noon.
The institution’s principal, Rev. Fr. Theophilus Itaman, in an interview, said the award will encourage the school and its students to gun for more outstanding achievements. Read more
Attack: FG assures Nigerians of safe evacuation from Ukraine (Nation)
The Federal Government on Friday assured Nigerians living in Ukraine of their safe evacuation amidst Russia’s multiple attacks on Ukraine.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen in Abuja.
Onyeama said the Federal Government was making arrangements for a special flight operation to evacuate her citizens from Ukraine in view of the escalating tension between that country and Russia.
He added that the Nigerian Embassy in Kiev had been contacted and told to make arrangements for those wishing to return home from other areas including Donetsk and Luhensk. Read more
Concerned Nigerians’ Adeyanju lauds Buhari for signing electoral bill into law (Independent)
Activist and Convener of the civil society organisation, Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Electoral Amendment Bill into law.
Expressing his commendations shortly after the President assented to the bill, Adeyanju, in a press statement he signed on behalf of the Concerned Nigerians described the gesture as a courageous step that will be considered as his.
He added that the Electoral Act and the innovations it will spur in Nigeria’s electoral space will be considered as one of Buhari’s greatest legacies.
The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that a few hours ago, President Buhari yielded to the cry of the average Nigerian citizen and signed the Electoral Act Bill into law. Read more
Train services in Nigeria cheap, heavily subsidised – NRC MD (Punch)
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has said it offers one of the cheapest train services in the world, adding that its current charges for rail transportation were low when compared with the value of services offered.
Its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr Fidet Okhiria, who disclosed this during an interview with Saturday PUNCH, also said the operations of the NRC were heavily subsidised by the Federal Government to make rail transportation affordable.
“We are operating under a heavy subsidy. That ticket you say is N5,000, if you value it, you would see that it is up to N20,000. The government still provides funding. It pays our members of staff 100 % because what the customer pays cannot pay salaries. So, the government is subsidising our operations.
“In Europe, it costs more to travel by rail than by air because the rail takes you from city centre
to city centre; it is timely and more convenient. But we have to also meet the cost of operation halfway. The government is providing a lot of funds to make it work. Read more
Singer Burna Boy hints at new album (Punch)
Grammy award-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, on Friday hinted that he was working on a new album.
He made this known on his verified Instagram page where he shared pictures of himself in the studio.
“Album mood activated,” his caption read.
The singer had in September 2021 stated that he would not release any album till further notice. Read more
Kanye West steps out with Kim Kardashian lookalike: ‘That’s creepy AF’ (Independent)
Kanye West has been spotted with social media star Chaney Jones — and Twitter has a lot to say about it.
West, who has legally changed his name to “Ye”, was spotted with Jones less than 24 hours after West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian said the rapper has caused her “emotional distress” after spreading “misinformation” in court documents viewed by TMZ.
“I have asked Kanye to keep our divorce private, but he has not done so,” Kardashian wrote, according to Billboard. “Kanye has been putting a lot of misinformation regarding our private family matters and co-parenting on social media which has created emotional distress.
“I believe that the Court terminating our marital status will help Kanye to accept that our marital relationship is over and to move forward on a better path which will assist us in peacefully co-parenting our children.”
Now, social media users have been quick to point out that Jones bears a striking resemblance to Kardashian. Read more
Tech companies mobilise plans to help employees in Ukraine (Metro)
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifies, technology companies are mobilising to help employees based in the country.
Many American, Israeli and British companies have offices in Ukraine and rely on the emerging tech talent there to bolster their workforces.
But as Vladimir Putin continues his advance towards Kyiv, they are shifting focus to help workers and their families.
In a post on LinkedIn, the CEO of Grammerly, Brad Hoover, said his company remains ‘committed to Ukraine’.
For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live
The learning and artificial intelligence company was founded in the country and has its main office in Kyiv. Read more
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker want ‘small wedding’ with just ‘friends and family’ (People)
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker know exactly what they want for their upcoming wedding.
The Poosh mogul, 42, and Blink-182 drummer, 46, “want a very small wedding,” a source tells People exclusively.
“There are two weekends she’s looking at in May. They don’t want it to be a press frenzy,” the source says of Kardashian. “She wants it very private with closest friends and family.”
The insider adds that Kardashian is “currently getting sketches of dresses” as well. Read more
Royce Da 5’9 & Joe Budden show disapproval for Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked new ‘Slaughterhouse’ (HipHopDX)
Grammy Award-nominated Detroit rap artist Royce Da 5 ‘9 just revealed his opinion of Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked’s upcoming project in an Instagram post.
On Friday (February 25), The Allegory lyricist posted a photo illustration of the cover art for The Rise And Fall Of Slaughterhouse, Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked’s new collaborative album and a follow-up to 2020’s H.A.R.D. EP.
Nickle Nine also shared an anecdotal, hypothetical story about Slaughterhouse — the four-man Hip Hop group he was once a part of along with Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked.
“You have 25% ownership/equity in a building,” Royce Da 5’9 wrote on Instagram. “Let’s say an apartment building… You built this building with your 3 partners, brick by brick.. It’s worth millions.. Suddenly, the value drops because it needs renovations etc .. You and your partners have been talking about when and how this work is gonna get done.. Y’all just need to agree on a plan of attack.” Read more
Steven Spielberg developing new movie about Steve McQueen’s Bullitt character (EW)
Steven Spielberg is ready to take on another Steve… McQueen to be exact.
On Friday, Warner Bros. and Amblin confirmed that Spielberg is developing a new film centered on the character Frank Bullitt, as originated by Steve McQueen in 1968’s Bullitt. It is not a remake, but rather an entirely new story built around the Bullitt character.
The film is still in development, with no deals done as of yet. Amblin says it will definitely not be Spielberg’s next film, and he’s currently in post-production on The Fablemans, a semi-autobiographical project loosely based on his childhood growing up in Arizona.
Kristie Macosko Krieger will produce alongside Spielberg, with Josh Singer (First Man) attached to write. Steve McQueen’s son, Chad, and granddaughter, Molly, are also on board to executive produce. Read more
Retired SWAT officer acquitted in movie theatre shooting (ABC)
A Florida jury on Friday acquitted a retired police SWAT commander of murder for fatally shooting a fellow moviegoer during an argument over cellphone use.
Deliberations in the trial began Friday and the six-person jury returned its verdict late that night, news outlets reported.
Retired Tampa police Captain. Curtis Reeves, now 79, had been charged with second-degree murder for killing Chad Oulson during an altercation at a suburban movie theater on Jan. 13, 2014.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Richard Escobar said that Oulson, 43, made Reeves, then 71, reasonably believe his life was in danger by turning, yelling and reaching toward him. He said Reeves made the decision to shoot based on his nearly 30 years in law enforcement and hours of training on the justifiable use of deadly force. Reeves didn’t have to wait until he was hit before defending himself, Escobar said. Read more
Lost Illusions wins best film at France’s Cesar Awards (THR)
Xavier Giannoli’s sprawling period piece Lost Illusions has won the top prize for best film at the 2022 Cesar Awards, France’s equivalent to the Oscars.
Lost Illusions was the front-runner going into this year’s Cesars, with 15 nominations. It picked up 7 awards, including the best male newcomer nod for star Benjamin Voisin, best-adapted screenplay honors for Xavier Giannoli and Jacques Fieschi’s big-screen version of the Honoré de Balzac’s classic novel, a best-supporting actor award for Vincent Lacoste, best cinematography for Christophe Beaucarne, best costume design for Pierre-Jean Laroque, and best set design for Riton Dupire-Clement.
The plot of Lost Illusions revolves around the young and ambitious, but poor poet Lucien de Rubempré (Voisin), who starts up a forbidden affair with the baroness Louise de Bargeton (Cécile de France). Music Box picked up North American rights for the film.
Leos Carax’s musical romance Annette starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, which was last year’s opening night film in Cannes, picked up 11 Cesar nominations and won 5, including best director for Carax. Driver was nominated in the best actor category, one of the few American stars to get a Cesar nomination, but lost out to Benoît Magimel, who took the prize for his starring role in
Emmanuelle Bercot’s Peaceful. Read more
People question my heritage a lot — Plumptre (Guardian)
Super Falcons defender and ex-England youngster, Ashleigh Plumptre, has explained that football has pushed her beyond her boundaries.
Plumptre helped Nigeria to a 2-0 win over Ivory Coast on her debut last Friday in Abuja, and was part of the team’s 1-0 victory in the second leg on Wednesday in Abidjan. The 3-0 aggregate win qualified the Super Falcons to Morocco 2022 Africa Women’s Nation Cup, which will hold in July.
“I know the importance of representing something bigger than me.” Plumptre repeats these words when talking about playing for hometown Women’s Super League club Leicester City, as well as switching national allegiances to play for Nigeria.
Despite being a lifelong Foxes fan, as a youngster the defender “saw the badge” of the club she supported as representing only a men’s team. The former England youth international also never considered that her Nigerian heritage would lead to a call-up to play for the Super Falcons – the nine-time African champions who she made her debut for last week.
But then again, a career of any sort in football was not something she envisioned. Read more
LMC approves night kick-off for 3SC home matches(DailyTrust)
The League Management Company (LMC) has granted the request of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, for their home matches to be played under floodlights.
According to a letter dated February 23, 2022, and signed by Salisu Abubakar, COO, LMC Ltd. and addressed to the Secretary, Oyo State Football Association, the league organising body said it gave its nod to the request after due considerations.
“After due considerations, the LMC hereby grants Shooting Stars approval for their home matches to be played at 7.00pm, with effect from Matchday 16 game number 158 3SC v Enugu Rangers,” part of the letter read.
The LMC however called for special security arrangements for the night matches, especially for security/control measures as well as constant power supply to the stadium, to ensure that no game is interrupted. Read more
Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta slammed as Nicolas Pepe underlines Gunners commitment (Mirror)
Mikel Arteta has been slammed despite Arsenal’s 2-1 Premier League win over Wolves on Thursday night.
The Gunners kept their push for Champions League qualification on track with a dramatic win at the Emirates with two late goals sealing the win.
Hwang Hee-chan put Wolves into the lead, but Nicolas Pepe levelled with a smart turn and finish just 11 minutes after he came off the bench before a Jose Sa own goal in the 95th minute of added time.
But famous Gunners supporter Piers Morgan has taken aim at the Arsenal boss following the win. Read more
Inter draw at Genoa to let Milan off hook (France24)
Inter Milan failed to capitalise on AC Milan’s home draw against Udinese on Friday with a goalless draw at Genoa which allowed their local rivals to stay top of Serie A.
Champions Inter would have moved level on 57 points with Milan had they won at relegation strugglers Genoa but could not make the most of long spells of dominance at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and stay two points off the lead.
Napoli can now reclaim the summit on goal difference with a win at Champions League-chasing Lazio on Sunday night before they host Milan next weekend.
Champions Inter have a game in hand on the two contenders to their title but have failed to win in their last four league matches in a mini-slump which has also seen them all-but eliminated from the Champions League by Liverpool. Read more
Mikaela Mayer to defend junior lightweight titles vs. Jennifer Han in April (ESPN)
Mikaela Mayer will defend her IBF and WBO junior lightweight titles on April 9 against Jennifer Han, a source told ESPN on Friday.
The fight will be Mayer’s first since she defeated Maiva Hamadouche by unanimous decision on Nov. 5 to unify the IBF and WBO crowns. It will be Mayer’s second straight fight as the main event.
The location has yet to be determined but will be in the United States.
Mayer (16-0, 5 KO) will make the third defense of her WBO title and first of the IBF crown. Read more
Callaway pauses relationship with Phil Mickelson; Workday cuts ties with golfer after comments (ABC)
Callaway Golf paused its relationship with Phil Mickelson on Friday, becoming the fourth longtime sponsor to either end or halt its partnership with the six-time major champion after his controversial comments about the PGA Tour and organizers of a Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway league became public last week.
KPMG and Amstel Light announced earlier this week that they were ending their sponsorship with Mickelson. Workday did the same Friday, and Callaway later issued a statement regarding its stance.
“Callaway does not condone Phil Mickelson’s comments and we were very disappointed in his choice of words — they in no way reflect our values or what we stand for as a company,” it said. “Phil has apologized and we know he regrets how he handled recent events. We recognize his desire to take time away from the game and respect that decision. At this time we have agreed to pause our partnership & will re-evaluate our ongoing relationship at a later date.”
In 2017, Callaway and Mickelson had agreed to extend their relationship through the remainder of his playing career. Read more
Knicks spoil RJ Barrett’s career 46-point night in disastrous loss to Heat (NYPost)
RJ Barrett scored a career-high 46 points, but the first game out of the All-Star break turned into Black Friday for the Knicks at the Garden.
After Derrick Rose’s return was scrapped by another “procedure’’ to his right ankle, the Knicks lost to the Heat, 115-100, and to make matters worse, they lost rookie shooting guard Quentin Grimes to a subluxation of the patella, which is a partially dislocated kneecap.
The new losses of Grimes and Rose and the loss on the court overshadowed Barrett’s career-high scoring night, while Julius Randle came back to Earth with a stinker.
The Knicks dropped 10 games below .500 at 25-35. The totality of Black Friday means the Knicks’ chances of making a play-in push look to be over. Read more