Ministerial Nominee under fire as tweets where he tackled Tinubu resurface (DailyTrust)
Some old tweets where Bosun Tijani, a ministerial nominee, criticised President Bola Tinubu have resurfaced.
The 46-year-old Nigerian-British entrepreneur’s name is among the 19 sent to the Senate on Wednesday.
Tijani, who holds a Bachelor degree in Economics and a Diploma in Computer Science from University of Jos, Plateau State, is the CEO and co-founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHub). Read more
American Academy of Ophthalmology appoints UNILORIN don (Guardian)
Professor of Ophthalmology at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and Director of Computer Services and Information Technology (COMSIT), Dupe Ademola-Popoola, has been appointed as an international trustee-at-large of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) for three years.
The appointment of the Consultant Ophthalmologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) was announced by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the world’s largest Academy of Ophthalmology via a letter dated June 28, 2023. Read more
APC probes Adamu, others as Ganduje emerges new chair (Sun)
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has set up an external audit panel to scrutinise financial transactions under the leadership of its erstwhile chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.
This is as former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Ajibola Basiru, yesteday, emerged national chairman and secretary of the party, respectively.
The probe of Adamu, former Nasarawa State governor is against the backdrop of alleged widespread incidences of financial recklessness during his reign as chairman. Read more
Commissioners List: Lagos Assembly laments exclusion of some LGAs, party loyalists (Independent)
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Thursday, expressed dissatisfaction with the list of commissioner-nominees sent to them recently by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for screening and confirmation.
While some lawmakers lamented the exclusion of some parts of the State in the nomination, some urged the House to take another look at the list, as others requested that the nominees’ local government areas should be attached to the list.
In a ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (Ikorodu 2) told his colleagues that despite contributing to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election, Ikorodu got one slot in the list. Read more
Lagos reaffirms commitment to fostering enabling environment for businesses (ThisDay)
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for economic growth across all sectors in the state.
Also yesterday, the Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria (CIBN) kicked off the ‘Generation Next Forum,’ an initiative targeted at attracting youths into the financial ecosystems and educating them about the trends that would shape the future of banking.The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat, reiterated his commitment yesterday, while speaking at the inaugural edition of the CIBN Generation Next Forum.
Delivering the speech, Sanwo-Olu said the theme of the forum, ‘Industry 5.0 Banking Revolution: Insights for Generation Next’ could not be more timely or relevant as the nation’s teeming youth continued to search for and lay a solid foundation for a fulfilling and rewarding career in the various sectors of the economy including the banking sector. Read more
FAAN bans taxi operators at Abuja Airport over infighting (Leadership)
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has proscribed Taxi services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja over crisis rocking the association.
This followed the unresolved factional disputes amongst the car hire operators, which has been affecting airport car hire service operations, the management of FAAN explained.
In a press statement by the director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, the authority urged passengers to make use of secured alternative means of transportation. Read more
Kano’s anti-graft commission arrests father, son over N4b sleaze (Vanguard)
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) on Thursday said it has arrested former Managing Director, Kano State Agricultural Company (KASCO), Bala Muhammad Inuwa, a principal suspect in the ongoing investigation into the fraudulent diversion of over N4 billion belonging to the Kano State Government.
The commission also said it has in it custody, Bala Inuwa Muhammed (Jr), a co-signatory who along with his father misappropriated and diverted the sum of N3.2 billion.
The Chairman of the commission, Bar. Muhuyi Rimingado confirmed the arrests in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Kabir Abba Kabir. Read more
NEMA distributes relief materials to 650 flood-battered households in Bauchi State (Guardian)
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday began the first phase of distribution of relief materials to 650 vulnerable persons and households affected by the 2022 floods Bauchi State.
Mr Suleiman Muhammad, Assistant Director, Relief and Rehabilitation at NEMA said in Bauchi that the items would be distributed to households in the 20 local government areas of the state.
He said the distribution of the items represented the 2023 National Special Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI) programme for victims of the 2022 flood and the most vulnerable persons in the state. Read more
US police drop battery investigation following Cardi B microphone throw incident (BelfastTelegraph)
Police in Las Vegas have dropped their criminal battery investigation into an incident involving Cardi B, during which the US rapper threw a microphone at a fan.
The incident, which took place last month, occurred after a member of Cardi B’s audience appeared to throw water on her from the crowd.
In video footage shared on social media, the WAP singer responded by throwing the microphone into the crowd. Read more
Lin-Manuel Miranda to adapt The Warriors as stage musical (Variety)
Lin-Manuel Miranda is adapting a stage musical version of The Warriors, Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel. That book inspired a 1979 cult action thriller directed by Walter Hill that is even more widely known.
Details for the project are still murky, but an individual with knowledge of Miranda’s plans confirmed his involvement.
Both film and novel center on a fictional street gang in New York City, who travel from the Bronx to their home turf in Coney Island after they’re framed for the murder of a respected gang leader. Read more
Lizzo’s former dancers “shocked” by singer denying harassment and bullying allegations (Mirror)
Lizzo’s former dancers who previously filed a lawsuit against the singer say they are ‘shocked’ and ‘disheartened’ by Lizzo’s new statement denying the bullying and sexual harassment they allegedly experienced while working for her.
“The About Damn Time” singer is being sued by her former dancers Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez for alleged discrimination, sexual harassment, and creating a hostile work environment.
The 35-year-old singer claimed that these allegations are untrue, and that she previously warned the dancers regarding their own “inappropriate and unprofessional” behavior. Read more
Live-action movie about “Monopoly” is in the works (LadBible)
Coming off the success of Barbie, it seems all our favourite childhood toys are being converted into movies, and Monopoly’s up next.
With Lionsgate set to buy eOne from Hasbro, it means the entertainment company can begin production on the long-awaited “Monopoly” film.
The $500 million deal between Lionsgate and Hasbro is expected to close later this year, giving Lionsgate access to over 6,500 titles from eOne. Read more
Trump pleads not guilty to 4 charges over efforts to overturn 2020 election (Guardian)
Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal charges over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, marking the third time this year the former president has been forced to respond to a criminal indictment.
Trump was arrested and arraigned on four felony counts outlined in special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.
The arraignment came two days after Smith’s office filed its indictment, accusing Trump of executing a “criminal scheme” to remain in office even after it became clear that he had fairly lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden. Read more
2 US Navy men charged with spying for China (France24)
Two serving members of the US Navy have been arrested on suspicion of spying for China, the Department of Justice said Thursday.
The men are suspecting of selling secret information to Beijing that included manuals for warships and their weapons systems, as well as blueprints for a radar system and plans for a huge US military exercise.
“These arrests are a reminder of the relentless, aggressive efforts of the People’s Republic of China to undermine our democracy and threaten those who defend it,” said Suzanne Turner of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, which was involved in the sting. Read more
US credit rating downgraded over rising debt, standards of governance (AlJazeera)
Top rating agency Fitch has downgraded the United States’s credit rating over its rising debt and a “deterioration in standards of governance”, prompting protests from the White House.
Fitch, one of the big three rating agencies, on Tuesday dropped the credit rating to AA+, down one notch from the highest rating AAA.
The lower credit rating, which provides investors with a guide of the risks associated with investing in the debt of a particular country, could over time raise borrowing costs for the US government. Read more
2023 Women’s AfroBasket: D’Tigress trounces hosts Rwanda to reach 4th consecutive final (Vanguard)
African champions Nigeria’s D’Tigress have qualified for the final of the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket after a convincing win over hosts Rwanda.
In the semi-final played on Thursday, D’Tigress outclassed Rwanda by 79 points to 48 to qualify for a fourth consecutive final.
The defending champions, who are aiming for a fourth successive title in Kigali, Rwanda, won in convincing fashion and finished ahead in all four quarters in the semi-final. Read more
Chukwueze unites with Milan squad (Sun)
AC Milan’s adventure in the United States has come to an end after three friendly games. In fact, the Rossoneri are already back in Italy and will continue their pre-season next week, along with two important additions.
The players have been given a few days off and training will resume at Milanello on Sunday. There will be two new faces in the mix: Samuel Chukwueze, who has been working at the training ground since signing, and Yunus Musah who was expected to arrive on Thursday night.
Milan have four friendlies left before the season opener against Bologna and we will surely get to see the duo in these games. For Stefano Pioli, these are two important additions as the midfield is lacking depth, while the right flank needs a proper winger. Read more
Iwobi hoping to help Everton to better season (Guardian)
Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has been a regular in the Everton starting XI during the Toffees’ pre-season matches ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League season. The upcoming campaign will be his fifth at the Merseyside club since moving there from Arsenal in 2019.
Everton narrowly escaped relegation into the Championship last season. They finished 17th, one place above the drop zone, with Leicester City, Leeds United, and Southampton being the three unfortunate clubs to be relegated. Victory over Bournemouth in the final game of the campaign ensured Iwobi’s side remained in the top flight of English football.
No player in the Everton squad featured more than Iowbi last season. The Nigerian was involved in all 41 games, scoring two goals, and providing nine assists. He has enjoyed some rest over the summer, and he is now ready to go again for club and country. Read more
Tom Brady: NFL legend becomes minority owner of Birmingham City (BBC)
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady has become a minority owner of Championship side Birmingham City.
The NFL legend, who retired from the sport in February, has “entered a partnership” with Blues’ new owners Knighthead Capital Management LLC.
The 46-year-old will become chairman of a new advisory board at St Andrew’s.
“Tom Brady joining the Birmingham City team is a statement of intent. We are setting the bar at world class,” Knighthead co-founder Tom Wagner said. Read more
Mike Tyson to train Francis Ngannou for boxing fight with Tyson Fury (Mirror)
Mike Tyson will train Francis Ngannou and be in the former UFC champion’s corner for his fight against Tyson Fury.
Ngannou makes his boxing debut on October 29 against heavyweight champion Fury in Saudi Arabia. The fight will take place over 10 three-minute rounds and will go on both men’s professional records, but Fury’s WBC title won’t be on the line as Ngannou is not ranked by the organisation.
Tyson welcomed the idea of coaching Ngannou in an interview last month and the heavyweight legend has now followed up on his promise, stating:. “It is no secret I back Ngannou 100 per cent in this face-off of champions. He has one hard punch, and when it lands, it’s game over. Read more
F1 photographer leaps to Lewis Hamilton defence after Mercedes star “savaged” over image (Express)
F1 photographer Kym Illman has offered a defence for Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time world champion received heaps of backlash off the back of an image from the Belgian Grand Prix, in which Mercedes press officer Charlotte Davies was pictured holding an umbrella over the Briton’s head.
The image was posted to Illman’s Instagram page on Friday ahead of the opening action of the weekend at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, with the renowned photographer snapping the pair on their walk through the rain back to the TV and media pen in the paddock.
While Illman’s audience of over 200,000 Instagram followers regularly interacts with his content, this post attracted particular intrigue. The post has received over 40,000 likes and over 450 comments, while most of the account’s posts only tend to see a few dozen commenters.