Masqueraders carted away N550,000 after attack on Plateau church – Pastor (Punch)
Pastor John Dashe, the clergyman in charge of the Grace of God Mission Church, Shikal-Talbut, Lantang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, has said that masqueraders who attacked his church also stole from the house of God.
In an interview with Punch newspaper he said
“The masqueraders destroyed all the musical instruments of our church – the drum set, piano, loudspeakers – were destroyed. They also destroyed the box in which church money was kept. We had N550,000 in that box, which we had saved up to buy some equipment. But they took the money away after destroying the box. The guitar, amplifier and the stabiliser were also carted away by the masqueraders”.
Pastor Dashe said that the whole drama started on September 7, 2022 when a letter was brought to him by some people who said there would be a traditional dance of masquerades in the community. “When I saw the letter, I told them that I would not collect it. I’m a pastor; what business will a pastor have with masqueraders to be getting letters from them?” He said.
However, after he refused to collect the letter, he said they told him that they had lined up masqueraders’ activities from September 12 to 19. “So, I talked to them about September 18, which was a Sunday and they left. Later they dragged me to the police station”. Read more
Lagos to begin construction of Lekki airport in 2023 – Spokesperson (Channels)
The Lagos State Government says it will commence the building of an airport in the Lekki area of the state next year.
According to a series of tweets on Friday by a spokesperson to the Lagos State Governor, Jubril Gawat, the information was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Private Partnerships, Mr. Ope George, on Thursday.
“He revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government has sought and obtained approval from the Federal Government for the construction of the new airport in Lagos,” Gawat said.
“The Project is expected to take off in the year 2023, it will be constructed on 3,500 hectares of land, master plan & aeronautical designs are in place; while studies are ongoing about strategies, funding & other issues, after which the project will be taken to the marketplace. Read more
Ogunsola emerges first UNILAG female VC (Punch)
The Governing Council of the University of Lagos, Akoka, has appointed Prof. Folasade Ogunsola as the first female and 13th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Ogunsola, who was a former Deputy VC (Development Services) of the institution between 2017 and 2021 under the outgoing VC, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, was also the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos and was reputed as being the first woman to occupy the position.
A statement by the Communication Unit of UNILAG read, “The Governing Council of the University of Lagos has approved the appointment of Professor Folasade Ogunsola as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the university.
“The appointment was made known at the end of the special meeting of the Council held on Friday, October 7, 2022.” Read more
Crown Flour Mill equips women with baking skills (ThisDay)
In an effort to boost economic dependency of women, Crown Flour Mill (CFM) Limited, the flour milling subsidiary of Olam Agri has empowered indigent women in the country with baking skills.
The training programme, accompanied with certification will offer participants an opportunity to take up employment in the hospitality sector or set up their own baking outfits.
The beneficiaries of the empowerment initiative tagged, ’Crown Flour Angels’ (CFA) were presented with the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examination certificate at an event organised by the flour milling business, recently.
Speaking on the gesture, Country Head for Olam Agri Nigeria, Ashish Pande congratulated the women, while urging them to make the best use of the acquired skills. Read more
UNILAG VC charges students on innovation as Siemens commissions N70m innovation lab (Tribune)
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has tasked students with innovation, describing it as the way out of problems.
Professor Toyin said this at the commissioning of Siemens Energy Innovation Lab at the University on Friday.
He described innovation as developing new things and solving problems for a better society.
The Vice-Chancellor assured that the lab will be used by the students and consequently lead to modelling and innovation in the area of energy. Read more
2023: Trade group declares support for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu (Vanguard)
A trade group, under the auspices of Lagos Planks and Building Materials Market Association, has expressed support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Bola Tinubu and the second term bid of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2023 general polls.
The President of the association, Abdullateef Adelodun, on behalf of members expressed their support at a media briefing in Ikeja, on Friday, ahead of the group’s 30th anniversary celebration slated for November 1.2023.
Adelodun said that the trade group, operating in 170 markets in Lagos, have resolved to support all the APC candidates in the state as well at the forthcoming general elections.
According to him, “Among those jostling to get the presidency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands head and shoulder above the rest. If we, as a nation, are ruled by the desire to tap our most competent, most able, best tested and adroit consideration for the presidency, Asiwaju is the impeccable choice. Read more
School underscores commitment to teachers’ wellbeing (Guardian)
The Executive Director of Grace Schools, Mrs. Olatokunbo Edun Grace Schools has affirmed the schools’ commitment to providing adequate resources to equip and empower its teachers to enhance students’ academic growth.
Edun said the schools remained strongly committed to promoting capacity development for the teachers through various professional development programmes.
She also said that beyond the yearly celebration of teachers on International Teachers’ Day, Grace Schools had always developed a pro-active and dynamic action plan to promote the teachers’ welfare. Edun later distributed foodstuffs and other essential commodities to appreciate their dedication to the job.
Meanwhile, the schools’ Parents/ Teachers’ Association (PTA) also provided a comprehensive free medical check-up for the teachers. Read more
NCDC on alert over Ebola outbreak in Uganda (Sun)
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), said on Friday, that it has activated its strengthened systems in response to recent outbreak of Sudan strain of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Uganda.
NCDC said that though, the virus has not been detected in Nigeria, but the chances of the outbreak extending to Nigeria is very high due to frequent travel between Nigeria and Uganda through Kenya.
NCDC Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, in a statement on Friday, said the NCDC-led multi-sectoral National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group (NEVHD TWG) working with partners and stakeholders has conducted a rapid risk assessment to guide in-country preparedness activities.
He explained: “Based on available data, the overall risk of importation of the Ebola virus and the impact on the health of Nigerians has been assessed as high for the fact that the Sudan Ebola Virus does not currently have an effective drug for treatment or licensed vaccine for prevention. Read more
Hoodlums kill soldier in Jigawa (Independent)
Hoodlums on Wednesday allegedly killed a soldier while resolving the farmers and herdsmen conflict in the Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
Malam Musa Muhammad, the local government chairman who confirmed the incident to newsmen said, ”the soldier was killed while on duty after they responded to a distress call to down tension following the public unrest after the herders reportedly encroached farmland.”
Musa explained that the suspected criminals shot the soldier with a bow and arrow before using a machete on his body. Read more
Actress Ngozi Ezeonu receives international appointment (Vanguard)
Veteran Nollywood actress, Ngozi Ezeonu has bagged an international appointment.
The actress took to her Instagram page to confirm her latest achievement.
She said she has been appointed as an International Peace Ambassador and expressed appreciation to God.
Celebrating her new appointment, Ezeonu said it is another feather to her cap. Read more
London may be ‘heaven’ they’ve always spoken about – Oga Sabinus (Nation)
Popular skit maker Oga Sabinus has said London, the capital of United Kingdom may the heaven many spiritual people have always spoken about.
Oga Sabinus recently travelled to London for his first global comedy concert tagged: “Sabinus Live in London” which took place on Friday September, 30, 2022.
Obviously having the best time of his life, ‘investor’ said since he left for London, he’s been having the feeling that rapture has already taken place.
Many Christians believe in a future ‘End Time’ event when all true believers still alive before the end of the world will be taken from the earth by God into heaven. The term describing this event is the Rapture. Read more
Patti LaBelle reveals Mariah Carey, Ledisi, and Jazmine Sullivan will be on new album (Vibe)
Patti LaBelle doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon after over 60 years as an entertainer.
The “Lady Marmalade” singer sat with CBS Mornings and revealed that Mariah Carey, Ledisi, and Jazmine Sullivan are all set to appear on her new album.
“[There will be] a lot of surprises,” said LaBelle, 78. After dabbling in several genres including jazz and gospel, the Philly native revealed that her constant need to reinvent herself is “very intentional.”
“You don’t want to become boring to people,” she explained. Read more
Viola Davis on pushing for bold roles and “The Woman King” being her ”magnus opus” (Sky)
Her latest film is the true story of a fierce group of female warriors who protected a West African Kingdom in the 1800s, given the Hollywood treatment.
And like her latest character, Viola Davis has told Sky News she’s had to fight in order to succeed.
“If I waited for the sort of roles that come to me, then I would be coasting on two days here, one day here, pushing a paper, playing an obligatory lawyer that has a name that nobody ever uses,” she said.
“You know, I would be relegated to those sorts of stereotypical roles. Read more
Bono announces 14-date solo concert tour to promote Surrender memoir (People)
Bono is going on tour!
Earlier this week, the U2 frontman, 62, announced a series of solo shows in support of his forthcoming memoir, Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, which is due out Nov. 1.
“I miss being onstage and the closeness of U2’s audience,” Bono said in a press release. “In these shows, I’ve got some stories to sing, and some songs to tell… Plus I want to have some fun presenting my ME-moir, Surrender, which is really more of a WE-moir if I think of all the people who helped me get from there to here.”
The tour kicks off at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on Nov. 2, and Bono will make stops in cities including Chicago and Los Angeles before heading overseas for shows in Europe and wrapping the run in Madrid on Nov. 28. Read more
Liverpool to host Eurovision 2023 (DW)
The UK offered to host on behalf of the Ukrainian winners Kalush Orchestra, whose country has been invaded by Russia. The band supported the choice, adding that they knew Liverpool would honor their homeland.
The city in northwest England will stage next year’s competition instead of Ukraine, home to 2022 Eurovision winner Kalush Orchestra, due to security concerns amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Liverpool’s winning bid was announced on Friday by Graham Norton, the television presenter and comedian who does the Eurovision commentary for the BBC. After several cities signaled their desire to host the event, it had been down to Liverpool and Glasgow, Scotland, as the final two candidates.
The 67th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 13, 2023, organizers confirmed. Read more
Tim Minchin says that working with Emma Thompson on Netflix’s Matilda musical was ”a dream come true” (DailyMail)
Tim Minchin has revealed how he lived his ‘life long dream’ of working with Emma Thompson in the upcoming Matilda movie.
The Australian comedian, 57, composed the score for the remake of the 1996 Roald Dahl classic with Thompson starring as head teacher Miss Trunchbull.
‘She just threw herself so hard into this role,’ he told 9Honey about the Oscar-winning British actress.
‘I was listening to her sing these songs and I’m like, “You’re gonna kill your voice” and she was just like, “Rahhhh”. Read more
Protests present Iran with ‘Berlin Wall’ moment, says activist targeted by regime (TimesOfIsrael)
Iran may use the Islamic veil as a tool of oppression, but the hijab is also the weakest pillar of an embattled regime trying to forestall its own “Berlin Wall” moment, said a prominent Iranian-American activist based in New York.
Masih Alinejad, 45, who fled Iran in 2009, became known in 2014 after she launched a social media campaign called mystealthyfreedom.org that encourages Iranian women to protest against the obligation to wear the hijab in their country.
In her opinion, Iranian women rejecting the mandatory hijab will have a similar effect as the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, which marked the beginning of the end of the Soviet Union.
The journalist and activist now has 500,000 followers on Twitter and eight million followers on Instagram, where she posts dozens of photos or videos every day of Iranian women removing their hijab or images of the violent repression in her homeland. Read more
Ukraine governor says mass grave found in liberated eastern town (Aljazeera)
Ukrainian authorities have found a mass grave in the recently liberated eastern town of Lyman and it is unclear how many bodies it holds, the regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko has said.
Kyrylenko, the governor of eastern Donetsk province, wrote on Telegram on Friday that officials in Lyman had found “a mass grave where, according to local information, there could be both soldiers and civilians. The exact number is yet to be ascertained”.
In a separate report, the Ukrinform news agency cited a senior police official as saying the grave contained 180 bodies. The Kyiv Post also tweeted that a mass grave was found in Lyman “where 180 bodies are buried”, including very young children.
Ukrainian troops retook Lyman, in the Donetsk region, from Russian control last weekend.
FCTA department organizes football tournament to showcase exemplary use of parks (Independent)
The federal capital territory Administration (FCTA) through it department of Development Control organised an intra-divisional football tournament to help staff members unwind and socialize.
Director of the Department, Tlp Muktar Galadima, hinted that the significance of the football competition was to showcase exemplary use of parks in the nation’s capital, in line with the park policy of the FCT Administration.
He gave this hint during two of the games played on an asphalt field in the Sports Complex at the River Plate Park, Central Area, Abuja, that the tournament was organized to add a socialization and relaxation component to the workplace.
According to Galadima: “We want to show Abuja residents that parks are not meant for drinking and others, but are for relaxation and recreational activities. Read more
Ons Jabeur gives heartwarming speech to home crowd at Jasmin Open (GMS)
Ons Jabeur has waited an eternity for a chance to play in front of a home crowd and she is making the most of the opportunity.
The Tunisian is the number one seed at this week’s Jasmin Open in Monastir and has now made it through to the quarter-finals.
After beating US star Ann Li in the opening round, Jabeur defeated Evgeniya Rodina in straight sets on Thursday –– much to the delight of the fans in attendance.
It was a boisterous atmosphere from the get-go as the crowd got behind one of Africa’s finest-ever tennis players. Read more
England boss Sarina Wiegman and USA coach agree over Lionesses’ World Cup chances (Express)
Sarina Wiegman’s European Champions once again lit up Wembley and proved that the Lionesses are ready to take on the best on the planet. But Wiegman, despite beating the defending World Cup winners, insisted England would only be the best team in the world when they have won the trophy themselves.
Lauren Hemp’s opener and Georgia Stanway’s penalty were enough to lay down a marker ahead of the next summer tournament. And on a night when modern technology made three crucial interventions, they showed that the chasm which used to exist between the sport on the respective sides of the Atlantic now is just the width of the VAR offside crosshairs. It left USA coach Vlatko Andonovski to back them as the main contenders for their World Cup crown.
“I absolutely believe that,” he said. “They have an incredible squad and the players that if you give them the space can make a difference. I wouldn’t mind playing them in the final again.”
Wiegman admitted that lifting the ultimate crown is always on her mind. “The target is there all the time!” she said. “Whatever happens we know this is just a starting point for the World Cup, but it shows you are at a very high level. England can beat anyone.” Read more
Kluivert nets 1st goal for Valencia in 2-1 win at Osasuna (USAToday)
Justin Kluivert scored his first goal for Valencia to help Gennaro Gattuso’s side win 2-1 against an Osasuna side that finished the testy Spanish league match with nine men on Friday.
Kluivert, a forward, was making his first start in his fourth appearance since joining Valencia from Roma on loan. He made a nice run behind the defense, took a through ball from Edinson Cavani, and chipped the goalkeeper to score in the 28th minute.
Kluivert is the son of former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert, who scored two goals in his brief stint with Valencia in 2005-06.
When told that his father scored for Valencia 16 years before, Kluivert replied “Madre mía! That’s a long time! Read more
Chris Eubank Jr offers to pay for removal of boxing fan’s Conor Benn tattoo (Mirror)
Chris Eubank Jr has offered to pay for a fan to have a tattoo of Conor Benn removed from his body.
A Twitter user shared a photo of a supposed tattoo on their abdomen, telling Benn he was “distraught” after his fight with Eubank Jr was cancelled due to an adverse finding in one of his pre-fight drug tests. “I’m absolutely distraught,” they wrote. “Conor Benn, you were my hero and now I’ve got to walk about with this for the rest of my life as I can’t afford laser treatment to remove it. Broken hearted.”
Eubank Jr saw the tweet, and offered to have his team organise the money to get the tattoo taken off. “Don’t worry mate, I’ll pay for your tattoo removal,” he wrote in response to the viral photo. “Just shoot over your info to my team & I’ll sort everything out for you. Email is in my bio.” At the time of writing, the user had not responded to the boxer’s offer.
Eubank Jr may be in a joking mood, but he is also likely devastated by the news that broke yesterday of his fight with Benn being called off. The younger fighter tested positive for clomifene; a banned drug that is usually prescribed to treat infertility in women but can also boost testosterone production in men, and despite both men agreeing to fight, the bout was ultimately cancelled. Read more
Bryson DeChambeau fury at ‘lies’ in rankings delay for LIV rebels (IrishIndependent)
Bryson DeChambeau has accused the Official World Golf Ranking of “slow playing” the LIV Golf Series’ urgent quest for its golfers to pick up points and declared that “lies are being told” to block the Saudi-funded circuit.
DeChambeau criticised the game’s traditional powers for the decision to deny LIV’s bid to circumvent the OWGR application process for points by forming a “strategic alliance” with the Mena Tour, the little-known development circuit based in Dubai.
LIV had believed that the loophole would give its players access to ranking points at this week’s £22 million (€25m) event in Bangkok. But OWGR deemed that the Mena Tour submission had been made too late and that it was conducting a review.
With the OWGR panel featuring Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner, and Keith Pelley, the DP World Tour chief executive, DeChambeau thinks there is a deliberate tactic to stall the procedure, despite LIV being made aware that the application for its own recognition could take at least a year. Read more
Gasly to replace Alonso at Alpine, De Vries to join Alpha Tauri (RFI)
French driver Pierre Gasly will leave Alpha Tauri to replace two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso at Alpine next season, the team announced Saturday.
Dutchman Nyck de Vries, who made his Formula One debut standing in for Williams’ Alex Albon at last month’s Italian Grand Prix, will replace Gasly at Alpha Tauri.
Gasly, who has been with the Red Bull stable since making his Formula One debut with Toro Rosso in 2017, will line up with countryman Esteban Ocon at Alpine.
Gasly, 26, said it was “emotionally very special” to join the French team, who are locked in a close contest for fourth place with McLaren in this season’s constructors’ championship. Read more