My British mum’s family opposed her relationship with Yoruba architecture student in 1954, now I’m searching for dad – 68-year-old Briton (Punch)
Sixty-eight-year-old Mr Paul Bolton, born by an English woman to a Nigerian man in 1954, has said he is in search of his Nigerian father believed to be a Yoruba man, whom he has never met.
The chartered structural consultant, living in Surrey (South-East England), told The Punch newspaper in an interview that he was born in Leeds. “My father’s name is given as Femi Odiendie or Femi Odeiwde. My mother’s maiden name was Denise Rosamund Mary Williams.
“I am unaware of any siblings on my father’s side. My mother had two children after she married several years later to someone other than my father”. Read more
BRT Passenger’s Disappearance: Police nab 2, ask public for help (Vanguard)
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the abduction of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Ayanwole Oluwabamise, who went missing after boarding a bus operated by Lagos Bus Services Limited, popularly called BRT.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said: “As soon as the report got to the police, investigation into the disappearance of Oluwabamise was immediately initiated.
“To ensure a speedy and diligent investigation, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, immediately directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, to take over the case.
“In the course of an ongoing investigation, two suspects have been arrested and are currently helping in our investigation,” he added.
The Command appealed to anyone with useful information that could help the investigation to come forward. Read more
Another 306 Nigerians in Ukraine arrive Abuja from Hungary (Tribune)
A new batch of 306 Nigerians in Ukraine arrived Abuja from Hungary on Sunday.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) stated that they arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 12:30 a.m. aboard Air Peace Boeing 777-300 Flight APK 7534 through Budapest, Hungary.
The arrivals increased the number of Nigerians evacuated by the Federal Government to 1,112 as 807 others had earlier been evacuated in three batches as at Saturday.
NiDCOM stated also that the returnees were excited to be home after the uncertainty of fleeing from the war. Read more
Lagos hospital abandoned my husband inside ambulance to die — Bereaved wife (Vanguard)
Fresh facts have emerged on the circumstances that led to the death of a 48-year-old artisan, Seun-Tijani Atepasile, who fell from a water tank he was repairing on top of a building situated in Gbagada, Lagos.
The news of the incident and eventual demise of Seun-Tijani Atepasile filtered out on December 6, 2021.
Sunday Vanguard learned that Atepasile had been contacted by one Lanre Okunade, a tenant in the said building, to carry out repairs on the leaking water tank mounted on top of the building.
Unfortunately, that particular job would be his last as he was reported to have slipped from the top of the water tank and fell heavily to the ground, thereby sustaining grave injuries to his head and some parts of his body. Read more
TCN upgrades Egbin Transmission Substation (Guardian)
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has upgraded its Egbin 330/132/33 Kilovolt (kV) Transmission Substation in Lagos State, with installation of a 60 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) 132/33KV power transformer.
TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, said in a statement in Abuja on Sunday that the transformer which was installed by TCN in-house engineers was energised at 13.05pm on March 2.
“With the new 60 MVA power transformer, the substation capacity to supply bulk electricity to Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) has increased by 30 MVA.
“This is because TCN has decommissioned an old 30 MVA transformer within the substation, which will be serviced and moved to other areas within its network that have a history of minimal electricity demand. Read more
Lagos APC Ndigbo: You can’t control me — Idimogu tackles Igbokwe over excos inauguration (Vanguard)
Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Drainage Services, Joe Igbokwe and a Lagos lawmaker, Jude Idimogu, today clashed over the executive list of Ndigbo in Lagos All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ejigbo Local Community Development Area, LCDA.
The clash occurred at the official inauguration of Executive Members of Ndigbo in APC, Lagos State, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chapter at the party secretariat.
Despite the fraca, the inauguration of the executive members of Ndigbo was conducted by Igbokwe amidst protest from the group loyal to Idimogu, who represents Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Speaking with newsmen after the rancorous inauguration, Idimogu said that the inauguration was not supposed to hold until all interest groups were harmonised in order to avoid unnecessary trouble among the Ndigbos in Lagos APC. Read more
150 trained tour guides will be Lagos destination ambassadors – LASG (Leadership)
Lagos State government has said the 150 trained tour guides will operate as destination ambassadors in Lagos State.
The state government had unveiled the revised tourism master plan and policy in July 2021, with human capital development identified as one of the strategic themes to improve service quality in the tourism industry in line with global industry standards.
For effective service delivery, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture are making frantic efforts to transform the tourism landscape.
The state’s Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State, Pharm. Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf noted the initiative is the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. Read more
Osinbajo now in charge, says Buhari (DailyTrust)
President Muhammadu Buhari says Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is now in charge of the country.
The president said this shortly before he departed Abuja for a routine medical check-up in London, the United Kingdom.
The president had initially planned to embark on the trip from Nairobi, Kenya after attending the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) at 50 in that country.
His spokesman, Femi Adesina, had on March 1, said from Kenya, the president would proceed to London for “routine medical checks that will last for a maximum of two weeks.”
However, the president returned to Abuja on Friday around 1.p.m, fueling speculations. Read more
New police dress code illegal, says Adegboruwa (Nation)
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Saturday faulted the new dress code approved for policewomen by the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, saying it was illegal.
In his view, the IGP appeared to have used the new dress code to enforce religion, which contravened the constitution.
On Friday, Acting Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced in a statement that the “new and improved” dress code would now allow female police officers to wear stud earrings.
Adejobi said the female police officers would also be permitted to wear headscarves under their berets or peak caps while in uniform. Read more
Lawmaker facilitates 18 new classrooms, 20 toilets at Sabon Layi Primary School, Potiskum (Independent)
As part of his quest towards improving a better conducive environment for effective teaching and learning, Abdullahi Adamu Bazuwa, a member representing Potiskum Central at the Yobe State House of Assembly has facilitated the construction of 18 classrooms and 20 Toilets in Sabon Layi Primary School in Potiskum town.
The lawmaker’s delegation witnessed the handing over ceremony of the project by the contractor. The school management and the host community applauded his efforts for facilitating such multi-million naira projects to the community.
The contractor and the community members emphasized the need for proper maintenance, sustainability and security of the project for long term benefits.
The contractor who handed over the project to SDGs, the lawmaker, received and handed over the project to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Read more
David Ondříček’s Zátopek leads 2022 Czech Lion Awards with 8 wins (Variety)
“Zátopek,” director David Ondříček’s biopic about Olympic champion Emil Zátopek, dominated the 29th annual Czech Lion Awards, winning in eight categories across 13 nominations.
The Czech Lion Awards were held on Saturday evening at Dvořák Hall in Prague’s Rudolfinum. The awards, which are voted on by a 350-person jury of members from the Czech Film and Television Academy, are considered the highest film honors in the Czech Republic.
During the ceremony, “Zátopek” won awards for best film, director, actor in a leading role, cinematography, editing, sound, production design and makeup and hairstyling. Prior to the ceremony, it was also announced that the film had previously won the fan vote category at the awards, as well as an award for its poster design.
“We deeply appreciate that the members of the Czech Film and Television Academy awarded the film ‘Zátopek,’ not only as best film, but also in so many other categories, reflecting the amazing work of the entire production team,” Ondříček said in a statement along with his co-producer Kryštof Mucha. “We have devoted more than ten years of preparation to ‘Zátopek,’ and all those who worked on the film have given not only their professionalism, but also their hearts.” Read more
Sean Penn recounts ‘startling’ experience of crossing Ukraine-Poland border (People)
Sean Penn is back home after being in the thick of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Academy Award winner, 61, recalled the “startling” experience of crossing the border from Ukraine to Poland earlier this week as he appeared Friday on Anderson Cooper 360°.
“We had the luxury of being able to abandon a rented vehicle on the side of the road. This was a startling thing to me; it was mostly women and children, some in groups and some just a mother and her child, in almost all of those cars,” he explained. “In some cases, the father was dropping them off and returning, because we know that from 18 to 60, men are not to leave, they’re to stay in the resistance against Russia.”
“I didn’t see any luggage. It was as though they wanted to believe they’re going to be able to come back, and there was an immediacy to leave because of the incredible amount of people leaving and how long it takes to get out of the country now. So, the car is pretty much, aside from those who have family or friends that could help on the other side, all they have,” Penn continued. “So, in the several miles that we walked after abandoning our car, I didn’t see one of those cars move a car length because that line was so slow. And then you get there and you see all those who have walked as well in that crowd.” Read more
Cobra Kai and The Big Bang Theory star lands next movie role (DigitalSpy)
Cobra Kai and The Big Bang Theory star Courtney Henggeler has landed a big new movie role in the George Clooney-directed film, The Boys in the Boat.
The movie tells the story of the University of Washington men’s rowing team in the mid-1930s, who overcame the odds to not only represent the United States in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, but to win the gold medal.
Deadline reports that Henggeler is taking on the role of Hazel Ulbrickson, the wife of Coach Ulbrickson, the rowing coach who leads the team to Olympic glory. He is being played by Star Wars actor Joel Edgerton.
Also among the movie’s cast are Fantastic Beasts actor Callum Turner, Mare of Easttown’s Jack Mulhern, EastEnders star Sam Strike and New Amsterdam’s Luke Slattery.
Further stars include The Order’s Thomas Elms, Ackley Bridge actor Tom Varey, Free Rein’s Bruce Herbelin-Earle, Origin’s Wil Coban and Little Women star Hadley Robinson. Read more
Nick Cave responds to fan who accuses him of ‘double standard’ over ‘solidarity with Ukraine’ post (Independent)
Nick Cave has defended himself from an accusation of “double standards” after expressing “undivided solidarity” with Ukraine.
The musician replied to a message sent to him via Red Hand Files, a portal that allows Cave’s fans to ask him questions.
One fan named Ahmet addressed Cave’s previous post about the Russia-Ukraine war, stating: “What bugs me about the Ukraine message, though, is that you haven’t expressed such a support for the Palestinian people.”
Ahmet continued by saying that Cave hasn’t “expressed clear and undivided solidarity with the Palestinian people who are also subjected to such a brutal treatment”.
The message added that Cave had “described Israel as a functioning democracy and mapped out the solution as a political will shared by both sides”. However, Ahmet said that Cave posting his support of Ukraine but not Palestine “puts [him] on a position of a double standard”. Read more
Pregnant Harry Potter star Jessie Cave rushed to hospital as she shares snap from bed (Mirror)
Harry Potter star Jessie Cave has revealed she was taken to hospital after feeling like she’s been “hit by a tonne of bricks”.
The 34 year old, who is currently pregnant with her fourth child, posted a photo from a hospital bed on her Instagram page to share the news with fans.
Jessie’s snap shows her bump attached to a monitor as she sports a pair of leopard print leggings and bright blue trainers.
Jessie told her 209,000 followers in the caption: “Triage, once again……
“Anyone else had covid in the 3rd trimester & had it hit them like a tonne of bricks for weeks?,” followed by a mind blown emoji. Read more
Kristen Stewart teases directorial debut and talks fame at film festival event in her honor (ET)
Pretty soon Kristen Stewart could be doing her magic from behind the camera — as a director.
The 31-year-old Oscar-nominated actress said as much Friday at the 37th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where she was being honored with the American Riviera Award following her deft portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer.
“I’m trying to put a movie together right now,” Stewart said. “I have a couple balls in the air. I’ll tease you with that, but I’m very excited. The worst thing is when you can’t tell everything to everyone all at once.” Variety had previously reported that Stewart was adapting the memoir The Chronology of Water.
Charlize Theron was on hand to deliver Stewart her latest accolade. The American Riviera Award aims to recognize actors who have made a significant contribution to American Cinema. Some past recipients include Renée Zellweger, Jeff Bridges, Mic Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Robert Redford, Martin Scorsese and Sandra Bullock. Read more
The Game says he’s a better rapper than Eminem (NME)
The Game has thrown down the gauntlet, claiming he’s a better rapper than Eminem, and he’s said he would happily go up against him in a VERZUZ battle.
The Compton rapper is the latest artist to appear as a guest on N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s popular Drink Champs podcast.
During the chat, Game talked about how he wasn’t a fan of Eminem busting out of the courthouse building during his Super Bowl performance alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.
He then added that he feels he’s a better rapper than Eminem, even though he used to think otherwise. “I like Eminem, he’s one of the fucking good MCs, great MCs,” Game said. Read more
Rangers secure hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gombe Utd (DailyTrust)
Enugu Rangers have picked their sixth win of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League following a 1-0 victory over Gombe United in Nnewi.
It was a tight contest in the first 45 minutes as both sides failed to take their chances to open the scoring.
However, that changed in the second half as Chidiebere Nwobodo made the best use of a pass from Chukwuebuka Okorie to give Rangers the lead in the 49th minute.
The Flying Antelopes held on to the lead to inflict a fifth league loss on the visitors.
In the other game played, Heartland FC also defeated visiting Niger Tornadoes by a lone goal scored in the 11th minute by Jonas Emmanuel.
Tornadoes who are fighting not to drop into the relegation zone began the game threatening the host but a resolute Heartland were alert to avoid dropping further in the same relegation zone. Read more
Ighalo slams critics over Eagles return (Punch)
Al Hilal striker Odion Ighalo has slammed critics who have questioned his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad for this month’s Qatar 2022 World Cup playoffs against Ghana, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Ighalo makes a return to the squad for the game against the Black Stars after his former club Al Shabab refused to release him for the recent Africa Cup of Nations Cup in Cameroon.
Ighalo who took his tally to five in six appearances for the club since he joined from Al Shabab in January – 18 goals in 25 appearances for both Al Shabab and his current club (Al Hilal) told ESPN that he remains unperturbed by the rants of the Eagles fans.
“I don’t pay attention to that. Everything they’re saying is their own cup of tea. At my age, I just signed for a new team. This is my 11th team in my professional career. Read more
United can’t afford any more mistakes (IrishIndependent)
Ralf Rangnick has warned the Manchester United hierarchy that they cannot afford to make any more mistakes in the transfer market if they are to ever catch up with Manchester City and Liverpool.
The interim manager takes his side to the Etihad Stadium for today’s Premier League derby, with Pep Guardiola’s City competing with Jurgen Klopp’s team for the title, while a fourth-place finish is looking an increasingly tall order for United.
It marks a dramatic decline for United, last champions in Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2013. And Rangnick is in no doubt that the club’s record in the transfer market leaves much to be desired in comparison to those of City and Liverpool.
“Having a clear transfer strategy and signing players who fit into that system — that’s what both clubs have been doing in the last five or six years,” Rangnick said. Read more
Chelsea news: Thomas Tuchel and Kai Havertz agree after win while John Terry hits back (Mirror)
Chelsea stormed to a 4-0 win at Burnley on Saturday afternoon as they continue to put last weekend’s defeat in the Carabao Cup final behind them.
The west London club booked their place in the quarter finals of the FA Cup on Wednesday and strengthened their hold on third spot in the Premier League with victory at Turf Moor.
Thomas Tuchel and Kai Havertz claimed that Chelsea showed their character in bouncing back from their cup final heartache to win their following two fixtures.
Meanwhile, John Terry, who’s recent tweet praising the Chelsea owner drew criticism has hit back at Labour MP Chris Bryant. Read more
I can deal with everything’: Ukraine’s Yastremska in Lyon final after escaping Russian bombs (France24)
Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska reached the Lyon WTA final on Saturday, just a week after escaping Russian bomb attacks on her home city of Odessa, and said: “I can deal with everything”.
The 21-year-old, with a Ukraine flag draped over her shoulders when she walked on court and playing in her country’s blue and yellow, beat Romanian second seed Sorana Cirstea 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 after two and a half hours.
“My spirit is pretty strong right now — that’s why I think I can deal with everything. I’m Ukrainian, and Ukrainian people are very strong. You can see that now during the war,” the former world number 21, who dropped to her knees at the moment of victory, told a news conference.
“Every win from now on goes to my country. Compared to what’s going on, it has no big meaning.” Read more
Haas F1 team terminates Russian driver Nikita Mazepin’s contract in Formula One (USAToday)
Russian driver Nikita Mazepin was dropped by Haas F1 despite the FIA ruling he could compete in Formula One races under a neutral flag.
Haas also ended its sponsorship with Uralkali, the Russian fertilizer company owned by Mazepin’s father. Dmitry Mazepin is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his son’s contract to drive was linked to the team sponsorship.
“As with the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict,” Haas said in a statement Saturday.
Formula One earlier this week terminated its contract with the Russian GP. The race in Sochi was contracted through 2025. Read more
Matthews first Strade Bianche ends with stitches (CyclingNews)
Michael Matthews this year finally had his chance at Strade Bianche but the BikeExchange-Jayco rider certainly didn’t get the debut he had hoped for on the white gravel roads of the Tuscan hills.
A huge crash caught up many of the favourites at about 100km to go and, while initially the Australian rider thought he may be able to get through unscathed, he soon joined the likes of World Champion Julian Alaphilippe
(QuickStep-AlphaVinyl) on the ground.
“We came over a crest then downhill
“We came over a crest then downhill [into] a massive crosswind,” said Matthews. ”I was actually okay and avoiding some of the crashes and then someone ran into me really fast from behind and flipped me over my handlebars, so that was my Strade Bianche done which I’m really disappointed about.”
The wind was gusting as the race hit the fifth sector of gravel then part way through – as the Lucignano d’Asso section became exposed – chaos ensued with the falls beginning right near the front of the field. Even those that escaped the large crash were not safe, with solo riders also caught out as the wind whipped by and threw them off balance. Read more