Motorists groan as gridlock grounds Lagos-Ibadan Expressway again (Punch)
Motorists, commuters and residents of communities in Lagos and Ogun states, on Saturday, were stranded for many hours on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway due to gridlock occasioned by the reconstruction of the road.
Since the reconstruction of the road began in 2021, road users have been facing a lot of hardship, with the recent shift to the Otedola Bridge, Berger and Isheri areas compounding the problem.
One of our correspondents, who monitored the situation between Berger and Arepo on Saturday, observed that the four lanes of the road had been collapsed into two on the approach to Isheri.
Some drivers also drove against the traffic and ended up worsening the gridlock on the road. Read more
LASPA reacts to erroneous post by supermarket on ‘paying for parking’ (Independent)
Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has said that its attention has been drawn to a social media post in respect of Nellies Supermarket.
LASPA further stated that the Authority would like to set the records straight in order to forestall future misleading of the General Public, explaining that the business was served a ‘Demand Notice’ for parking slots identified on the setback outside the fence of the Supermarket.
“The Demand Notice issued, clearly stated Parking on Setback, which obviously cannot fall “within” your premises as was wrongly claimed in the Post, but outside the perimeter fencing of the compound, the supermarket is located. All setbacks of private and public buildings remain the State Government property for public use as needed.
“Our staff that served the Notice requested for any Government Permit/Licence issued to you for the use of the setback for Commercial purpose in order to further assist the Authority in the area of database update but your staff could not avail any document. Read more
2023: Council chairmen, group drum support for Tinubu (Nation)
Ahead of next month’s commencement of campaigns for the 2023 general election, Local Government chairmen of no fewer than 22 states have declared their readiness to canvass and mobilise electorate toward casting their votes for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, in order to ensure that he wins the election and succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari.
Aside from them, a group of individuals from different fields across the country and abroad under the aegis of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity (BATS) Vanguard, have also announced their readiness to engage and educate everyone across the country to benefits that awaits Nigeria should Tinubu becomes the country’s leader.
They declared their total commitment to ensuring that Tinubu becomes the next president during an official launch of BATS Vanguard, led by its Global Chairman, Dr. Dare Owotomobi and Otunba Dengel Anifowoshe, in Ikeja, Lagos.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) President, Kolade Alabi, announced the plans of the council chairmen and indicated talks were already at an advanced stage for more councils to declare their support for Tinubu and campaign for him within their respective councils. Read more
Man kills lover over debit card in Delta (Vanguard)
A man has allegedly murdered his lover in Orhono area of Eku community, Ethiope East local government area of Delta State.
Sunday Vanguard gathered that the two were on good terms before the sad incident on Friday night.
Details of the incident were hazy but multiple community sources said the woman was a casual worker in a farm in another community.
They said her man friend allegedly got home that night, demanded for the woman’s debit card which she refused to part with and a fight ensued between them.
“Some said the man kicked her in the abdomen region and she fell. But others said he used a hard object to hit her and she suddenly collapsed and gave up the ghost immediately, “ one source said. Read more
TASUED opens up on lecturer declared wanted by ICPC (Nation)
Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) Ijagun Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, says its lecturer, Dr. Olaniran Balogun, who was declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has been relieved of his position.
TASUED further said Balogun who was the Head of Department of Religious Studies, had also been placed on interdiction pending when he cleared himself of all allegations of misdemeanors leveled against ICPC.
The management made this known on Saturday evening in a release by Gbenga Omilola, Deputy Registrar, Media and Corporate Relations.
The ICPC had a few days ago declared Balogun wanted for alleged abuse of office and asking for gratification. Read more
BBN: I was tempted but respected marital vows — Kess (Punch)
A recently evicted Big Brother Naija contestant, Kess, says he was tempted to get involved with other women while in the competition but he chose to respect his marital vows. In an interview with Sunday Scoop, he said, “We were in the house with beautiful women and the house was extremely cold. If one is not strong willed, one will think of doing one or two things. But, I am disciplined, and that was why I was able to stay true to myself.”
He also admitted that his status as a married man who kept to himself was one of the reasons people didn’t see him as interesting in the house. He added, “If I was not married, it would have been more exciting for the viewers because they want to see content.”
He also noted that his main aim of going for the show for him was to invest the cash prize (if he had won) in his businesses. He said, “I import cars from the United States of America, and sell them. I also run a table water factory in Benin, Edo State. I was looking forward to winning the money and using it to expand my business.”
Kess also stated that though he had never been involved in entertainment, he would like to explore the movie industry. He said, “Before I went into the Big Brother, I was not into entertainment at all. It was a big leap for me to participate in BBN, which shows that I am not scared of trying new things. I am open to opportunities. I have interest in the business side of filmmaking.” Read more
BBNaija: ‘This thing be like job o, I don tire’, – Deji says Chichi is too clingy (Vanguard)
BBNaija level up housemate, Deji has stated that he is tired of the relationship and can no longer continue with it, due to Chichi’s constant demand for attention.
In a conversation with Dotun, Deji said he refused to go to bed because he wanted Chichi to sleep off and then he would sneak to his own bed.
Dotun asked him to sleep inside with his lover but he replied “E go wan sleep, e go want make I follow am go inside, I don tire”
Chichi tells Deji they should go to bed
Deji: I’ll meet you inside
Deji to Dotun: this thing e no easy o
Dotun : Wetin happen
Deji: e go wan sleep, want make I follow am go sleep, I no know who send me. this thing be like job, I don tire
Earlier in the week, Chichi got emotional over a heated discussion with Deji who told her he was no longer interested in pursuing a relationship with her. Read more
Musical legend Bongos Ikwue joins MCSN (ThisDay)
At a recent ceremony held at his Asokoro, Abuja palatial home, the one-time celebrated Nigerian country music icon, Bongos Ikwue registered as a member of the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN). The registration, carried out by the MCSN’s director general/CEO Mayo Ayilaran, was witnessed by the society’s chairman, and notable musician, Orits Williki.
Brimming over with excitement over his full-fledged membership of MCSN, the musician, who is best known for the NTA soap opera theme music “Cock Crow at Dawn” and for such soul-stirring songs as “Still Searching”, “What’s Gonna Be, Gonna Be”, “Amen” and “Eche Une”, said: “I’m a little above 80. It’s been long overdue.”
He also urged younger musicians to register their works. “There’s so much technology now. You can never repeat anything you have done.”
In his remarks, the MCSN chairman, Williki decried the fact that Bongos Ikwue’s works have over the years been used with impunity without royalties accruing to him. “We look forward to when the works will bring back the dividends to him,” he said. “I am happy that we are doing the right thing.” Read more
Bandits kill soldier, abduct Zimbabwean in Kaduna (Tribune)
Bandits stormed a farm in Anchau village of Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State and killed a soldier who was detailed to provide security in the company.
It was gathered that in the process, the bandits abducted two personnel, a Zimbabwean national and a Nigerian.
A member of the vigilante group in the area who pleaded for anonymity told newsmen at the weekend that the bandits invaded the farm around 1:30 pm on Wednesday.
He said, “Bandits attacked and killed a soldier working in a farm company. They also kidnapped one Mr Charles Choko from Zimbabwe and one Yusuf Aliyu Bello from Kano State.” Read more
J.K. Rowling addresses her absence from Harry Potter reunion special (People)
J.K. Rowling is addressing her absence from the Harry Potter reunion.
During her appearance on Virgin Radio Saturday, the author explained why she wasn’t featured in the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, which debuted Jan. 1 on HBO Max.
“I was asked to be on that, and I decided I didn’t want to do it,” she told the host, Graham Norton, via a clip uploaded to YouTube. “I thought it was about the films more than the books, quite rightly. That was what the anniversary was about.”
“No one said don’t [do it]…I was asked to do it and I decided not to,” she added. Read more
Bob LuPone Dies: Off-Broadway MCC Theatre founder was 76 (Deadline)
Bob LuPone, a Tony-nominated actor and the founder of the off-Broadway MCC Theatre, has died. He was 76. The brother of Patti LuPone had been in a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
“The MCC Theatre community mourns the loss of our much loved and uniquely inspiring partner, colleague, and dear friend, Bob LuPone, who lived fearlessly and with great curiosity, good humor, a boundless passion for connection, and a whole lot of heart. We will miss him deeply and always,” read a statement from MCC.
LuPone was born on July 29th, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to Angela Louise (known as Pat), a housewife, and Orlando Joseph LuPone, a school principal.
His passion for the arts began at an early age. In the sixth grade at his North Port, Long Island elementary school, he saw his younger sister Patti dance at a PTA Dance Concert in a colorful hula skirt. After he told his mother how badly he wanted to wear the skirt, she told him that if that’s what he wanted then he’d have to enroll in dance class, which he did the following year. He started by taking tap lessons after school before enrolling in the Martha Graham Studio, where he studied under Antony Tudor, José Limon and Graham herself, from ages 15 to 18. Read more
At 90, the Venice Film Festival looks better than ever (ABC)
Cinema’s biggest stars just seem to shine a bit brighter at the Venice International Film Festival, which begins this week in the Northern Italian city.
Think of Lady Gaga, a woman who has never shied away from a grand entrance, somehow topping even herself delicately perched over the edge of a moving water taxi and vamping for the cameras like a classic screen siren. Or Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck evoking old Hollywood glamour to make their official debut as a couple just last year.
Whether you’re a celebrity gliding down the red carpet in front of hundreds of flashing cameras or an onlooker an ocean away daydreaming about Timothée Chalamet’s crystal-studded Haider Ackermann suit, or that electric moment between non-couple Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac, it is the kind of occasion that ignites the imagination. And that’s all before you even step inside the theater.
For director and actor Olivia Wilde, the dream of Venice was woven into the fabric of her new film, “ Don’t Worry Darling.” Ending up at the festival became a shorthand for the type of movie she wanted to make. Read more
John Boyega reveals he is helping to write Attack the Block 2 (DigitalSpy)
Attack the Block 2 will not only return John Boyega to the role of Moses, it’ll also be co-written by him.
“Quite close” to kicking off production on the urban sci-fi comedy sequel, the Star Wars hero caught up with Collider to discuss the development process alongside his director and co-writer Joe Cornish.
“We’ve collaborated heavily on making a story that makes sense for Moses and the other characters, and the new characters that will be coming up in the sequel too. And then, also, there’s different perspectives in writing it, with Joe having his perspective and me having mine.
“London has changed so much, in so many different ways, over the years since the first movie,” he continued. Read more
Harry Styles, Adele and Ed Sheeran to face off at 2022 MTV Video Music Awards (BelfastTelegraph)
British music luminaries Harry Styles, Adele and Ed Sheeran will battle it out across the pond at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.
They face competition from US heavyweights including Billie Eilish, Jack Harlow and Lil Nas X, at the annual ceremony for the event known as the VMAs.
Styles, Harlow and Doja Cat are the three frontrunners at this year’s event, with eight nominations each, closely followed by Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Nas, with seven.
Styles is up for top awards including artist of the year, best album for his latest release Harry’s House, and video of the year for As It Was. Read more
Shooting scare halts Wiz Khalifa concert in Indiana, 3 injured in evacuation (USAToday)
Rapper Wiz Khalifa’s concert in suburban Indianapolis ended early and abruptly Friday after a shooting scare caused people to flee the outdoor venue, leaving three with injuries.
People started exiting the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville about 10:30 p.m. Friday after a reported disturbance on part of the amphitheater’s lawn, authorities said. Some of them shouted about a possible shooting, but no weapon was found, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Saturday. Police did not immediately reply to a message seeking details on the nature of the disturbance.
The audience ‒ many of them young ‒ began exiting as security responded. All exits were opened according to Ruoff’s emergency procedures, the release said.
The music stopped, and Khalifa and his band left the stage immediately. Read more
23 killed in Libya’s Tripoli as fears grow of a wider war (Aljazeera)
Clashes between militias backed by Libya’s rival governments have killed at least 23 people and wounded dozens more, according to the country’s health ministry.
The fighting in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, on Saturday was the worst there in two years and has raised fears the country could plunge back into full-blown war.
Among the fatalities was Mustafa Baraka, a comedian known for his social media videos mocking militias and corruption. Baraka died after he was shot in his chest, said Malek Merset, an emergency services spokesman.
Merset said emergency services were still trying to evacuate wounded and civilians trapped in the fighting, which erupted overnight and continued into Saturday evening. Read more
Ahead Ghana clash: Super Eagles B team not under pressure – Olusesi (Sun)
Super Eagles B team captain Tope Olusesi has said they are hoping for a good game against Ghana Black Galaxies, BSNsports.com.ng reports.
The Nigerian team arrived in Ghana on Friday ahead of the first leg of the 2023 Championship of African Nations qualifier against their arch-rivals.
Olusesi of Rangers International of Enugu said the team is ready for the game and they are not under pressure.
“We are hoping to have a good game here in Ghana because the technical crew have played their part and we are ready. Read more
Arsenal turn frustration into delight to stay top of the table (IrishIndependent)
Something special is stirring. It was not pretty, and for long periods it was ineffective. But in the end, strikes from Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Magalhaes sealed a come-from-behind victory that ensured Arsenal ended the weekend at the Premier League summit.
It was in the equivalent week last year — international breaks aside — that Mikel Arteta’s side narrowly defeated newly promoted opposition. That result arguably saved him his job.
Twelve months later, times are very different.
Defeat was a little harsh on Fulham, who, having been unceremoniously dumped out of the Carabao Cup midweek by the EFL’s bottom side, had a more than passable stab at the team at the polar opposite end. Read more
Elena Rybakina feels like she’s ‘not the Wimbledon champion,’ says life as champion ‘not the greatest’ (CNN)
Just weeks ago, Elena Rybakina claimed arguably the most sought-after accolade in tennis: becoming a Wimbledon winner.
However, despite her momentous first grand slam victory in London in July, she describes her experience as a Wimbledon champion as “not the greatest,” saying she feels like she’s “not the Wimbledon champion.”
Rybakina’s frustrations come after world ranking points were not awarded at Wimbledon this year in response to the tournament organizer’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Typically, Rybakina’s world ranking would have skyrocketed after winning Wimbledon — she would have been expected to crack the top 10 in another year. However, the 23-year-old has fallen to No. 25 in the world.
And speaking ahead of the US Open which begins on Monday, Kazakhstani Rybakina expressed her unhappiness at life since her maiden grand slam victory. Read more
Nottingham Forest are closing in on the loan signing of Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi (DailyMail)
Nottingham Forest are closing in on Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi.
Negotiations had hit a snag on Friday but positive talks followed and the deal will be a major coup for Steve Cooper with Brazilian international Lodi having been followed by the likes of Manchester City.
Forest will pay an initial loan fee of £4.7million with the option to buy set at £25.4m for Lodi who has 15 caps.
Cooper has already brought in two left backs this summer in Harry Toffolo and Omar Richards. Read more
Tiger Johnson batters, bloodies, stops Harry Gigliotti In 5th on Pedraza-Commey Card (BoxingScene)
Delante “Tiger” Johnson accomplished his mission Saturday night.
The 24-year-old junior welterweight prospect became the first fighter to stop Harry Gigliotti inside the distance in their non-televised bout on the Jose Pedraza-Richard Commey undercard at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Johnson (5-0, 4 KOs), a 2021 U.S. Olympian from Cleveland, battered and bloodied Gigliotti until referee Mark Nelson determined during a completely one-sided fifth round that Gigliotti had taken too much punishment.
The official time of the stoppage was 2:17 of the fifth round. Read more
Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists FIA is committed to women’s racing (PlanetF1)
After criticism of Stefano Domenicali for his comments about women getting to Formula 1, Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists the FIA will “actively encourage the participation of women” in motor racing.
The Formula 1 CEO recently earned the ire of Sebastian Vettel and other drivers when he poured cold water on the prospect of a female racing in Formula 1 in the near future.
“Realistically speaking, unless there is something like a meteorite, I don’t see a girl coming into F1 in the next five years,” he said. “That is very unlikely.”
He did, however, add that he is working to improve the system, as to be “able to give the chance for girls to be at the same level with the guys, they need to be at the same age when they start to fight on the track”. Read more
Serena Williams will play doubles at US Open with sister Venus as retirement looms (Deadline)
Serena Williams and her sister Venus will make an appearance together at the U.S. Open after receiving a wild card entry. This tournament is believed to be Serena’s last as she recently announced an “evolution” away from tennis.
“Serena and Venus on the same court,” the official US Open Tennis account tweeted. “The 2x #USOpen women’s doubles champions have accepted a wild card.”
The U.S. Open is set to begin on Monday and this would be the first time the sisters played together in the said tournament since 2014. Serena and Venus won the US Open doubles tournament together in 1999 and once again in 2009. The last time the sisters played together at a major was at the French Open in 2018.
In an interview with Vogue, Serena announced she was retiring from tennis, although she prefers not to use that word. Read more