Masked gunmen kill Lagos director, steal phone, files (Punch)
Aggrieved family members of a civil servant, Abiodun Adenuga, have called on the Lagos State Police Command to track down the gunmen who shot him at the Sindende Guest House in the Agege area of the state.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the victim lodged at the guesthouse on October 6.
Around 1.30am, no fewer than four masked men were said to have invaded the facility, as they robbed staff and lodgers, including Abiodun.
During the robbery, the assailants allegedly shot the father of four in the chest and dispossessed him of his phone and office documents.
Abiodun’s sister, Adebisi, said the 56-year-old, who was found in a pool of blood in his room, was rushed to the Surgical and Emergency Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, for treatment. Read more
Why boys must be involved in curbing gender/domestic violence (Nation)
The Boy-Child Initiative’ is a creation of the Office of the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. It was aimed at ensuring a gender-balanced society. Mrs Sanwo-Olu, together with the wife of the Deputy Governor Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, are championing the boy-child initiative to entrench the right values in the boys and ultimately ensure a better society.
According to Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, it is not enough to educate the girls about gender and domestic violence, the boys should also be carried along to ensure the society is rid of abuse and violence.
The initiative was launched recently, starting with an awareness walk from Ikeja City Mall to the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja and a news briefing. The theme was ‘The 21st Century Boy-Child: Creating a Vision for Transformation,’ with the Governor’s wife, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and pupils selected from the formal and informal sectors, participating. They displayed placards with various inscriptions such as ‘I stand with the boy-child’; ‘Stop neglecting the boy-child’; ‘Boys are important too.’ Read more
Diversification: FG, Lagos synergize on boosting housing sector’s for economy devt (Vanguard)
The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have initiated move to harness potentials in the housing sector towards cushioning the strains in the economy.
The duo disclosed this yesterday, at the 10th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, held in Ikeja, Lagos.
The council, is the highest policy advisory organ on the housing sector in the country.
Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, O. B. Ode-Martins, said the 10th conference would be optimised to gather submissions to form the bases for policies towards optimising opportunities in the sector for economic revitalisation.
Ode-Martins, said the council would be coming up with inferences drawn from the deliberations, which according to him, would be instrumental for policy making towards vitalising and repositioning the sector for economic development.Read more
#EndSARS: Panel orders independent DNA test to ascertain missing child’s biological mother (Vanguard)
The National Human Rights’ Commission’s (NHRC) independent investigative panel on the defunct SARS and other police units in the country, on Monday, ordered that an independent doctor be brought to ascertain the DNA of a boy who allegedly disappeared during the EndSars protests.
The panel chairman, Justice Suleiman Galadima (Rtd), gave the order at the resumed sitting of the panel in the case of alleged abduction and enforced disappearance of a boy, filed by one Esther Tanko.
Tanko had petitioned the panel alleging the abduction and enforced disappearance of her three-year-old son, Elijah Tanko, in the petition, marked 2020/IIP-SARS/ABJ/66.
Joined as respondents were the investigation police officer (IPO), Desmond Abela; defunct SARS, FCT; FCT Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police. Read more
Ifeanyi Uba seeks court permission to visit Nnamdi Kanu in DSS facility (Vanguard)
The senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Uba, has sought an order of a Federal High Court, Abuja to visit leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Department of State Service (DSS) detention.
Uba, who is also the candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the Nov. 6 Governorship Election, said he filed the application so that an order of the court could be obtained to direct the DSS allow him access to the detainee.
The lawmaker, in a motion on notice with suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 dated and filed on Oct. 15 by his counsel, Agugoesi Ikem, sought three orders.
He said as a senator from the zone, he took it upon himself to carry out his oversight legislative functions to visit the Kanu at the detention facility to ascertain from him “if he is involved in any way in what is happening in the South East.
“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court granting Leave to Sen. IfeanyiUba to visit thé Defendant, NnamdiKanu, as part of his oversight legislative function. Read more
When Oba Akinrera ignited cultural renaissance through Olojo festival in Ifetedo (Tribune)
For Oba Akinola Oyetade Akinrera, Latiri 1, October 6, 2021, was another milestone in his chequered history as the Olubosin of Ifetedo Kingdom. Dignitaries from far and wide converged on the headquarters of Ife South Local Government Area, Osun State, to further reawaken the Yoruba nation on their rich cultural heritage, value system, customs and tradition. A huge number of leading monarchs, business moguls, industrialists, cultural ambassadors, academics, bureaucrats, statesmen and technocrats joined in the cultural renaissance Oba Akinrera, a lawyer cum investor, initiated since he ascended the throne.
From His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 2 to other prominent traditional rulers, the occasion was remarkable in many respects. In their conviction, beyond the facade of culture and tradition symbolised by the festival were the inherent huge economic potentials.. Oba Akinrera put this into a sharper perspective in his brief remarks at the festival, when in a brief opening remark, he underscored how the immense opportunities in culture could be turned into wealth via tourism. According to him, at the moment, United States, Latin America, United Kingdom and Canada are taking advantage of the huge cultural heritage of the Yoruba ethnic nationality to attract tourists through high profile regular cultural celebrations of the Yoruba nation.
A few of those intrinsic values in traditional Yoruba culture and custom were thus on display at the Olojo festival Troupes, bata drummers, dancers, acrobats, Ijala worshippers all in customary costumes, were at their best, keeping guests spellbound for hours with awesome chants and dexterity.
Resplendent in sparkling white, Oba Akinrera later led thousands of people to the Ogun shine at the centre of the community for the customary rites and sacrifices at the shrine, defying a heavy downpour which many ascribed to as a good omen of better days ahead for the community, citizens and the participants and their families. Colourful banners adorned the streets and walk ways, just as members of different age groups, professional bodies and artisans, in uniform attires reflecting their affiliations, joined in the massive moment to the site. Read more
Farmers charged to embrace science, technology to increase yield (Tribune)
Farmers have been charged to develop more interest in scientific and technological developments and knowledge in order to reduce losses and improve the farming culture in Nigeria.
This was the view of Managing Director, PigFan Nigeria Ltd, Femi Malomo during a one-day seminar organized by the company for pig farmers which held at the mini hall, University of Ibadan Hotel, recently, with the theme “Reducing piglet losses.”
Malomo, while making his presentation on the topic “Piglet management from farrowing to weaning”, stated that so many odds are against pig farmers in Nigeria as they do neither control live weight prices of pigs nor the prices of feed. He therefore said that the only way pig farmers can break even and make profits was for them to take necessary steps to ensuring they have more and healthy piglets at farrowing and weaning.
“We organised this seminar to help the farmers produce using the latest technology in pig farming so that their losses can be reduced. We’ve been able to impart so much knowledge and they will take this knowledge to their farms and they will be able to improve their farms and become more profitable and also be able to improve the society”, Malomo said.
Malomo, maintained that pig farming and business market has not been saturated and advised that more youths should engage in agricultural ventures rather than quick money-yielding schemes, as the sector has assurances of a durable income and investment. Read more
Afolabi, Attah, top African leaders named for AfriSAFE award (Guardian)
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, has been nominated, alongside some top African leaders by Health, Environment and Safety (HSE) professionals for the Africa Safety Award for Excellence (AfriSAFE) 2021 Legend Award.
This was disclosed by AfriSAFE Advisory Board member, Wale Bakare, who said Afolabi’s nomination was consequent upon his leadership roles in promoting safety and health.
Other distinguished individuals that have been shortlisted from Nigeria in other categories are former CEO, NLNG, Tony Attah; CEO, TGI Group, Rahul Savara; CEO, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, Adeoye Fadeyibi; CEO, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Busola Alofe; Chief Human Resource Officer of IBEDC, Ehi Obaseki; Director, Mondel Cadbury International, Ete Pinnicks, among others.
In a statement, Femi Da-Silva, the Chief coordinator of AfriSAFE, said the nominated individuals displayed a high standard of leadership and professionalism in their contribution towards the growth and development of health, safety and environment in Africa. Read more
Gunmen kill police sergeant, attack Ebonyi police station (Nation)
Gunmen around 12am on Monday attacked Ohaukwu Police headquarters at 135, Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu local government area, Ebonyi state killing a police sergeant
They also set the station ablaze and burnt vehicles at the station.
Police spokesperson, Loveth Odah, confirmed the attack.
She said:”About 23hrs, yet- to-be identified gunmen came to Ohaukwu Divisional Headquarters to attack the men and officers on duty and they were repelled. On the process, one police officer, a Sergeant paid the supreme price. Read more
2023: Group make Case for North Central, Backs Yahaya Bello (Leadership)
Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, a North West group has made a case for a North Central presidency, calling on the Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello to join the race.
The group known as “GYB Awareness Project 2023,” said after wide consultation with stakeholders including youth groups, student unions, market unions, religious and traditional bodies from the North-West geo-political zone, called on Governor Yahaya Bello to contest for the office of the President.
The group leaders, Fatima Kaita and Saifullahi Kajuru, said the North-Central appears to have the best presidential material comes 2023.
“As the clamour for who succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari continues to resonate, all democratic stakeholders across the country and beyond must stand for the interest of peace and development of Nigeria irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations. Read more
Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet and Jason Momoa’s spirits aren’t dampened by rain at Dune’s London premiere (Metro)
Hollywood’s finest were out in full force at Monday’s red carpet and special screening for the new sci-fi epic Dune, with stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Jason Momoa enjoying themselves at the glitzy event.
From director Denis Villeneuve, the new cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic 1965 novel stars Chalamet as Paul Atreides, son of a powerful duke (Oscar Isaac) in the far future of humanity, who is given the stewardship of the dangerous and unforgiving desert planet Arrakis, aka Dune.
The planet, for all its challenging conditions, also yields the precious substance spice, the properties of which extend human life and make faster-than-light travel possible, leading to fights between rival houses for control over the planet.
Momoa, full of his usual personality, rocked up to the premiere in a vintage car, before walking the red carpet in a claret velvet jacket, black brocade waistcoat and trousers and matching patent tassel slip-on shoes. Read more
French PM meets Pope as abuse scandal rages (Channels)
French Prime Minister Jean Castex met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday as the French Catholic Church battles a storm over clerical child sex abuse and the sanctity of confession.
The long-planned trip to Rome, which includes talks with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, follows the publication of a devastating report estimating that French Catholic clergy had abused 216,000 children since 1950.
Francis, who has made battling the global scourge of clerical abuse a priority of his papacy, expressed “my shame, our shame” at the findings, echoing a similar sentiment from French church leaders.
But a row broke out when Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, the head of there Bishops’ Conference of France, said priests were not obliged to report sexual abuse if they heard about it during the Catholic ritual of confession, used to admit to sins. Read more
BBC’s George Alagiah to take break from TV after cancer spread (Guardian)
The newsreader George Alagiah is to take a break from his presenting duties at the BBC as he deals with “a further spread of cancer”, his agent has said.
The TV journalist, 65, was first diagnosed with the illness in 2014 and again in 2017.
Alagiah had returned to television on the BBC News at Six following his previous treatment.
But a statement from Alagiah’s agent said he was “to take a break from studio duties to deal with a further spread of cancer”.
She added: “He was first diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in April 2014. In a letter to colleagues in the newsroom Mr Alagiah said his medical team had decided to hit the new tumour ‘hard and fast’. Read more
A murder suspect who gained wide public sympathy in China has died after a week on the run (CNN)
A murder suspect who garnered widespread sympathy from the Chinese public has died after more than a week on the run, triggering an outpouring of sadness and outrage on social media.
Ou Jinzhong, who was accused of killing two neighbors and injuring three others in China’s southern Fujian province, killed himself while resisting arrest on Monday, police in the city of Putian said in a statement on Monday evening.
Ou was sent to hospital and died despite emergency rescue efforts, the police statement added.
Over the past week, hundreds of police and other search crew members had been looking for Ou in the hills, where he fled after allegedly attacking his neighbors in a seaside village in Putian on Thursday. Read more
Basque leader says Eta terror deaths ‘should never have happened’ (Guardian)
A leading leftwing Basque nationalist politician and former Eta member has said the violence the terrorist group used in its quest for independence “should never have happened” and it ought to have laid down its arms far earlier than it did.
Speaking as Spain approaches the 10th anniversary of Eta’s decision to abandon the armed campaign, Arnaldo Otegi, the general coordinator of the Basque coalition party EH Bildu, said the pro-independence Basque left would never forget the victims of terrorist violence.
“Today we want to make specific mention of the victims of Eta’s violence,” said Otegi. “We want to express to them our sorrow and pain for the suffering they endured. We feel their pain, and that sincere feeling leads us to affirm that it should never have happened, that no one could be satisfied with what happened, and that it should not have lasted as long as it did. We should have managed to reach [the abandonment of the armed campaign] sooner.”
Otegi, who joined Eta as a teenager and was later imprisoned for kidnapping, is credited with playing a pivotal role in persuading the group to renounce violence and seek independence by peaceful, political means. To many in Spain, however, he remains a potent reminder of the bloodshed that marked Eta’s five-decade campaign for a Basque state, during which more than 800 people were killed. Read more
Why the COVID-19 vaccine didn’t protect Colin Powell (NYPost)
Colin Powell’s death from complications of COVID-19 — despite being fully vaccinated — is a relatively rare but serious phenomenon that has disproportionally afflicted elderly Americans.
Similar “breakthrough infections” have happened to just 0.008 percent of the 176 million Americans who contracted the virus despite being fully vaccinated — but 70 percent of those hospitalized with breakthrough infections are over 65, according to the AARP.
And those afflicted elderly patients have accounted for 87 percent of all breakthrough infection deaths in the US, the AARP reported.
“Throughout the pandemic older adults have been more likely to suffer from COVID complications than their younger peers, and experts say the same reasons that make them more susceptible from the get-go could be causing them to bear the burden of severe breakthrough cases,” the outlet said.Read more
Vaccines Are Safe, Shun Conspiracy Theories, Tunis Tells ECOWAS Citizens (Leadership)
Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Dr Sidie Mohammed Tunis has urged citizens of the sub-region to take the COVID-19 vaccines and shun all forms of conspiracy theories, stressing that the vaccines are very safe.
Tunis made the call yesterday in Winneba, Ghana at the opening of the Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament to consider and adopt the Parliament’s Draft Budget for the year 2022.
He stressed the need for the citizens to get vaccinated as cases continue to surge across the sub-region.
“As it stands, the third wave of the pandemic seems to be stabilizing across our States, but cases are still high with the West African Health Organization (WAHO) reporting a total of 649,077 cases across the region as of October 14, 2021.
“On the vaccine front, more doses are getting into arms daily and we seize this moment to appreciate our partners under the COVAX initiative and friendly Governments that have donated doses to African Countries. Vaccines Are Safe, Shun Conspiracy Theories, Tunis Tells ECOWAS Citizens Read more
Newcastle investigating alleged racist gesture made by supporter during Tottenham match (Metro)
Newcastle have launched an investigation into an alleged racist gesture made by one of the club’s fans towards the Tottenham away end at St James’ Park at the weekend.
The incident happened during Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat to Spurs on Sunday afternoon, the first match since Premier League approved a Saudi-backed takeover of the north east outfit.
Northumbria Police have been notified and the Magpies intend to cooperate fully with authorities to discover the details and ‘pursue the strongest possible action’ should any criminal behaviour have occurred.
In a statement on their official website, Newcastle underlined that there was no place for racism in the sport or society in general. Read more
Washington State football coach fired for refusing COVID vax(NYPost)
Washington State Football Coach Nick Rolovich has been fired for refusing to comply with the state’s vaccination mandate.
Rolovich entrenched himself as the only unvaccinated head coach in the Pac 12 conference this summer when had first announced that he would not be getting vaccinated by the state of Washington’s Oct. 18 deadline, mandated for all educational employees in the state.
The Cougars coach, who earned $3 million a year, had reportedly sought a religious exemption.
“This is a disheartening day for our football program. Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team,” said athletic director Pat Chun in a statement, obtained by CBS Sports.Read more
Team Lagos beats Delta to girls’ football gold (Guardian)
Team Lagos has clinched the gold medal in the female football event at the ongoing sixth National Youth Games holding in Ilorin, Kwara State. The state of the Centre of Excellence defeated Team Delta 1-0 in the final played at the Kwara Stadium yesterday.
The state also won four gold and a silver medal in the deaf athletics event decided at the Maracana Stadium, University of Ilorin.
In the volleyball’s female event, Team Lagos won a bronze medal, while her male and female athletes secured a silver and bronze medal in the handball event respectively.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, has described the attitude of winning at all costs by some states at the ongoing Games in Ilorin as a dangerous trend that won’t serve the country’s sports well in the long run.
“How can we explain a situation where athletes of between the ages of 10 and 11 years old are competing with their seniors in a youth games? It is a sad scenario. If we continue like this, as a nation, it will not end well.” Read more
WHO names football star Drogba ambassador (Vanguard)
World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday, announced football legend Didier Drogba from Côte d’Ivoire as its new Goodwill Ambassador for Sport and Health.
Drogba will promote WHO’s top tips on how physical activity can lead to a healthier and happier life, and also highlight the value of sports, particularly for the youth.
The Ivorian striker is best known internationally for his long and record-setting career at Chelsea Football Club, and for having been named African Footballer of the Year in 2006 and 2009.
He is the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team.
He also has a long track record off the pitch, of participating in various campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles, anti-malaria campaigns, and HIV prevention and control.
During the announcement of his new role, in Geneva, Drogba said he was honoured to team up with WHO and “support its work to help people reach the highest level of health possible, especially young people in all countries.
“I have benefited first-hand from the power of sports to lead a healthy life and I am committed to working with WHO to share such gains worldwide.” Read more
€60m Ndidi Leicester’s costliest player (Punch)
SUPER EAGLES midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, is Leicester City’s Most Valuable Player, according to reputable football statistics website, Transfermarkt.
Ndidi had the highest number of successful tackles in the EPL in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons as well as finishing second behind Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the 2019/20 league season.
The Nigerian was valued at €60m as of June 8, 2021, with Belgium midfielder, Youri Tielemans, coming second at €55m, while Turkish defender Caglar Söyüncü was third at €45m.
Ndidi, who was valued at €14m when he joined the club from Belgian side Genk in 2017, has seen his stock rise after impressive performances in four seasons. He was valued at €50m in March but his value has increased by another €10m. Read more
Lacazette’s late Arsenal equaliser ‘tough’ to take for Palace boss Vieira (BBC)
Patrick Vieira said Arsenal’s late equaliser was “really tough” to take as his Crystal Palace side were held to a draw in a thriller at Emirates Stadium.
Alexandre Lacazette scored deep into injury time to deny club legend Vieira a winning return, pouncing after Palace failed to clear a corner and Gabriel Martinelli’s effort was saved.
The Gunners started brightly and led deservedly through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after Vicente Guaita’s diving save to deny Nicolas Pepe.
But Palace improved – as the Gunners faded – and Christian Benteke continued his good record in games against the Gunners with the equaliser. Read more