NDLEA arrests 15 Nigerians, foreigners, seizes 187,791kg drugs in Lagos (Vanguard)
The Special Area Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Apapa, Lagos, yesterday disclosed that 15 persons, including Nigerians and foreigners, were arrested in the last six months with 187,791 kilogrammes of assorted drugs.
Some of the arrests and seizures were reportedly made in terminals around the Apapa area of Lagos.
This disclosure was made by the Commander, NDLEA Special Area Command, Ameh Inalegwu, on the occasion of Terminal Owners/Operators engagement, in its War Against Drug Abuse, WADA campaign, held at the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA multipurpose hall, Apapa.
A breakdown of the arrest showed that three suspects: Chinedu Agbougwu, Chukwuemeka Kingsley and Romanus Onah, were found in possession of 74.119kilohgrammes of Amphetamine, concealed in Rotors machine, last September. Read more
Lagos Assembly aspirant, Akinwale begins distribution of free JAMB forms (Sun)
A young politician, Akinwale Israel, hoping to represent his constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, has begun free distribution of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board JAMB form to eligible students within the Alimosho Constituency 01.
The beneficiaries of Israel’s kind gesture cut across Alimosho Local Government Area , Agbado Oke-Odo, Ipaja Ayobo, and Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDAs).
Speaking on his motive for the initiative, Akinwale, said the program is borne out of his passion for education.
According to him,:” I am doing this to support, empower and encourage younger people to pursue education because education is key and inevitable and it is the bedrock of any great society. Read more
LASU begins study-work scheme with 10 students (Tribune)
The Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo has commenced its work-study policy with 10 students of the institution studying the different courses as a pioneer set.
The scheme is one of the six-cardinal agenda of the administration of the current Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who assumed office six months ago.
Receiving the pioneer set at her office on Thursday, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said the overall objective of the scheme was to empower the students of the university with work experience right from school and at the same time raise some incomes for them.
She said the choice of fixing the students on ICT-related jobs and with the Directorate of ICT of the school is to enable them to acquire ICT knowledge and skills that have become most relevant globally across fields of human endeavours. Read more
Police arrest property owner, others over attack on Lagos officials (Punch)
No fewer than four persons, including a property owner, have been arrested by the Nigeria Police for allegedly attacking officials of the Lagos State Government in the Ajao Estate area of the state.
It was learnt that officials from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority and the Lagos State Building Control Agency were on an enforcement operation for the removal of illegal constructions and shanties in the area when they were attacked.
They were said to have gone to remove an illegal construction at 1, Robinson Gbagi Street, Ajao Estate when the hoodlums swooped on them with various weapons.
The General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, who confirmed the incident, said one of the LASBCA officials received machete cuts on the head and shoulder and was rushed to a hospital while others who sustained other forms of injuries received medical care. Read more
2023: Lagos APC spokesman, Oladejo declares for Reps (Independent)
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Publicity Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Honourable Seye Oladejo, has declared his intention to represent Mushin Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives.
He declared his intention on Friday March 18, 2022, at a meeting held with party executives at the APC Secretariat in Mushin.
Speaking at the meeting, Oladejo appreciated God Almighty and all the party faithful for all the successes and achievements being recorded within the constituency.
“Next to God are human beings, the leaders empowered to direct the affairs of this great party. They deserve nothing but honour whether they are present here or not,” he said. Read more
‘The Rise of Igbinogun’ gets private screening (Punch)
A new movie titled, ‘The Rise of Igbinogun’ had a private screening on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at the Sky Cinemas, Sangotedo, Lagos, ahead of a cinema premiere on Friday, March 18.
The screening was supported by entertainment platform, StarTimes, as part of its commitment to the growth of Nollywood and the celebration of quality productions.
With a rich feel of ancient African culture, the epic action-thriller is the tale of a young warrior who fights against injustice in her land while battling her own demons. As the lead character, Igbinogun, steals from the rich and helps the poor, she must watch out for the king and his guards as well as her own father. Ultimately, this is a story of a young woman embracing her destiny.
Written and directed by Innocent Ideh, and produced by Tunde Aina and Ideh, the adrenaline-filled movie stars Enyinna Nwigwe, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Ego Nwosu, Tina Mba, Shaffy Bello, Akin Lewis, Damilare Kuku and Bella Salami. Read more
Sri George empowers youths, provides tools (Guardian)
To boost education and improve Nigerian youths’ quality of life, a business tycoon and writer, Babatunde George, popularly known as Sri George, has provided vision board and other education expeditions for Secondary School students.
Speaking during a press briefing held recently in Lagos, George said the “focus is to encourage formal education among young ones, who would grow to become leimprovingaders in the future.
“We want to change the narrative among these young ones, by their reading culture, which has become very poor. In recent times, youths are more enthusiastic about going into entertainment rather than concentrating on education. Based on this, we are using suitable means to improve their interest in education.”
He continued: “The target is to ensure that people, especially the youths, are in a better state of mind and environment for them to be productive. It’s all about upgrading human consciousness and awareness. This is the reason we are targeting secondary school students. We are going to enlighten them about legal ways of making money, which is something that I have always done. Read more
Obiano’s wife has committed sacrilege, she must apologise to Igbo –Obi of Awka (Sun)
The Obi of Awka Ancient Kingdom, Awka Capital Territory, Dr. Austin Ndigwe (JP), has given the wife of the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano seven days to publicly apologise to the entire Igbo people or face serious consequences, over her sacrilegious action against the symbol of Igbo unity, Bianca Odumegwu- Ojukwu.
A press statement signed by the traditional ruler emphasised that the former governor’s wife should also tender an unreserved apology to the new governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo for her disgraceful conduct during his inauguration as well as to the chief judge of the state who was conducting the swearing in.
“Bianca told me after the incident that what angered her was that Ebere called her unprintable names, including prostitute and queried her presence at the swearing in ceremony.
“Unfortunately, this grave sin was committed in the land of Awka, which is known for peace and unity. Therefore, as the traditional ruler of the people and chief custodian of our culture, I am under obligation to perform some sacrifices to cleanse our land of this filth and pollution and to appease the gods. Read more
Court vacates order barring APC National convention (Nation)
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Kubwa, Abuja, on Friday, vacated the order of interim injunction that stopped the All Progressive Congress (APC) from holding its National Convention planned for March 26, 2022.
The interim order had followed a suit by an aggrieved member of the party, Salisu Umoru.
The judge, Justice Bello Kawu, vacated the injunction following an application by APC.
Granting APC’s application on Friday, Justice Kawu, held that the plaintiff lacked the locus to sustain the restraining order. Read more
APC chairmanship: Zulum endorses Akume as Arewa Youths root for Almakura (Guardian)
Barely a week to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, Arewa youths in the South-south and Southeast have described Senator Tanko Almakura as the best candidate to occupy the office of the national chairman of the party.
This came as the aspiration of Senator George Akume for the chairmanship position received a boost yesterday after Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State endorsed him.
The Arewa youths under the auspices of Arewa Youth South South and South East had made their position public last Thursday in Port Harcourt, the River State capital.
The spokesperson of the group, Alhaji Anas Yero, commended the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee for putting all machineries in place to ensure that the March 26 convention of the party would be a reality and also for zoning the position of chairmanship to the North-Central zone. Read more
Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele reunite for new Netflix movie (DigitalSpy)
Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele, known as comedy duo Key and Peele, are reuniting for a new film on Netflix. But even more exciting than that, it’s a new animated film from Henry Sellick, who directed Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach.
Deadline reports that the film, titled Wendell & Wild, stars the duo as a pair of demon brothers who convince a troubled teen to summon them into the Land of the Living.
But the teen, Kat, demands something in return for her help, and that something leads them all on a journey between life and death, all in beautiful stop-motion.
Beyond Key and Peele, the film has an impressive voice cast. We’ve got Black Panther’s Angela Bassett, Mission: Impossible Ving Rhames, Avatar: The Last Airbender’s James Hong, This Is Us’ Lyric Ross, The Village’s Maxine Peake, Homeland’s Igal Naor, Supergirl’s David Harewood, Luke Cage’s Gabrielle Dennis, Legends of Tomorrow’s Ramona Young, A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting’s Tamara Smart, From Dusk till Dawn: The Series’ Natalie Martinez, and more. Read more
T.I. names Moneybagg Yo as trap music museum’s 2021 trapper of the year (HNHH)
Tip and the famed museum honored Moneybagg with an iced-out ring.
Undeniably, it is Moneybagg Yo’s time to shine as the Memphis rapper has continued to climb the charts. With each new release, Moneybagg reaches a new milestone in his career, and quickly, he has become one of the most sought-after artists in the industry. His albums have taken over No. 1 positions and his singles have been the subject of viral social media challenges, so it makes sense that T.I. and the Trap Music Museum would honor the A Gangsta’s Pain hitmaker.
On Instagram, T.I. dedicated a post to Moneybagg and showed off a championship-like ring with “Trap Music Museum” set in diamonds.
“On behalf of The Trap Music Museum @trapmusicmuseum I’m Honored to present 2021’s Trapper of the Year award [medal emoji] to @moneybaggyo,” Tip wrote in the caption.”Bro you’ve become one of the industry’s most talented, consistent hit makers & last year you spread out & stood on business about your art. You represent ya city & the culture of Trap Music Well!!! Congratulations [champagne bottle emoji] to you, ya team, ya family, & ya label on all ya success King [crown emoji] Here’s to [clinking champagne glasses emoji] many more in the future Bro. Salute [strong arm emoji].” Read more
Britney Spears casually returns to Instagram after vanishing from the platform (Independent)
Britney Spears has returned to Instagram two days after vanishing from the social media site.
On Wednesday (16 March), the singer’s account could no longer be found, causing fans on Twitter to share their confusion over Spears’s absence from the platform.
However, Spears returned on Friday (18 March), making no comment about the temporary deletion.
Her comeback post saw her posing for the camera in a white top with a simple rose emoji caption. Her fans joyfully welcomed her back in the comments section. Read more
Arcade Fire announce last minute New York concert for Ukraine victims (NME)
Arcade Fire have announced a last minute concert in New York tonight (March 18) to help victims in Ukraine.
The band took to Instagram today to confirm they are playing a benefit show at the Bowery Ballroom.
In the post, frontman Win Butler and band member Richard Reed Parry can be seen stapling posters for the show on a message board.
“Hey New York, we’re gonna play a show tonight, if you guys wanna come,” says frontman Win Butler. “It’s a benefit gig for Ukraine at the Bowery Ballroom.” Read more
Back To The Future’s Christopher Lloyd to star in season 3 of the hit Disney+ show The Mandalorian (DailyMail)
He won’t exactly be time traveling, but Christopher Lloyd is getting ready to step into a story set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
The actor, 83, will join the third season of the hit television show The Mandalorian which is set in the Star Wars universe, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The show is in the middle of shooting its third season in Southern California, and the outlet reported that Lloyd’s name appeared on the call sheet.
While it’s unclear what role the Taxi actor will play, The Hollywood Reporter said it will be some kind of guest starring appearance. Read more
AARP Movies for Grownups Awards: ‘Belfast’ named best picture (THR)
Belfast was named best picture by the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards during a virtual event celebration broadcast March 18 by Great Performances on PBS.
Four-time nominee King Richard earned two awards for stars Will Smith (best actor) and Aunjanue Ellis (best supporting actress). Being the Ricardos‘ Nicole Kidman won best actress, and House of Gucci‘s Jared Leto won best supporting actor.
Handed out by AARP The Magazine, the Movies for Grownups Awards celebrate projects that resonate with mature viewers while advocating for the 50-plus audience. The show celebrated the awards’ 20th anniversary with an event hosted by four-time Emmy nominee Alan Cumming, who opened the show with a parody of Cabaret‘s “Wilkommen,” the opening song from the Broadway musical that earned him a Tony in 1998.
King Richard actress Saniyya Sidney, who played Venus Williams in the Warner Bros. film, presented the best actor award to her “on-screen dad” Smith. Their co-star Demi Singleton, who played Serena Williams, was also on hand to present Ellis with her best supporting actress award. Read more
Prince Harry and Meghan ‘tipped to present award at Oscars’ after Philip memorial snub (Mirror)
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are tipped to make a star appearance at next weekend’s Oscars ceremony to hand out the top award of the night.
The 37-year-old Prince and his 40-year-old wife could be taking to the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood next Sunday night as part of the 2021 Academy Awards ceremony.
It is suggested the couple will announce the winner of the Best Picture Award – which is the top gong of the night and is traditionally reserved to be revealed at the end of the ceremony.
But the appearance of Prince Harry on such a high profile stage could bring scorn, however, as he made the eyebrow raising decision to snub an upcoming memorial to the late Prince Philip – his grandfather – who died last year aged 99.
26th NUGA commences today, Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu, others to grace opening ceremony
(Independent)
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, Nigeria’s Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, among others personalities are expected to grace the opening ceremony of the 26th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) sporting events.
The 26th NUGA games event officially kicks off today at the expansive University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka sports complex.
The Vice-Chancellor of the host university, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe said adequate preparations have been put in place not only to host the biannual games but also to rank first on the log of champions.
He said the games would serve many beneficial purposes including the meaningful engagement of the participating students whose lectures are currently on strike, and the discovery of talents for future opportunities for the country..” Read more
NFF okays Baba Yara Stadium, says pitch fantastic (Punch)
The Nigeria Football Federation inspection team to Kumasi has okayed the Baba Yara Stadium, venue of the crucial Qatar 2022 World Cup first leg final qualifier between Nigeria and Ghana.
The Eagles depart Abuja on Wednesday March 23 for the clash in Kumasi, scheduled for Friday March 25. The reverse fixture holds in Abuja four days later.
The Ghanaians resorted to the Kumasi stadium, after the Confederation of African Football rejected the earlier presented Cape Coast Stadium on Wednesday.
On Friday, NFF Executive Committee member, Aisha Falode, led the inspection team to the 40,653-capacity Baba Yara Stadium, situated in the heart of the city. Read more
Liverpool avoid Champions League nightmare after Mohamed Salah setback (LiverpoolEcho)
Liverpool’s runway to Paris has been illuminated and the plot for European Cup No.7 begins in earnest.
It takes just 80 minutes to fly from Merseyside to the French capital and the flight-scanning websites have no doubt already been inundated by Reds fans as they dream about a potentially glorious evening on May 28.
And the football route for Jurgen Klopp and his team could quite easily have been more treacherous too during Friday’s draw quarter and semi-final draws in Nyon.
A first meeting with Benfica since a Europa League tie in 2010 will see the Reds head to Lisbon on April 5 before a second leg at Anfield on Wednesday the 13th. Read more
Candy wants fan involvement as race to buy Chelsea heats up (France24)
Nick Candy has vowed to involve Chelsea fans if the British property tycoon succeeds in his bid to buy the troubled Premier League club.
Candy is believed to have submitted a bid of over £2 billion ($2.6 billion) for his boyhood team before Friday’s deadline and he promised to give fans a ‘golden share’ ownership stake.
On a frantic day at Stamford Bridge, former Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe also lodged a joint bid.
Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family followed suit, while LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly’s consortium also made a confirmed bid. Read more
Australian pro cyclist embarks on 1063-kilometre ride to Ukraine border in support of war refugees
(WAToday)
Australian professional cyclist Lachlan Morton, whose ultra-endurance feats have benefited charities around the world over the years, is undertaking another epic ride Saturday to raise money in support of Ukrainian war refugees.
The 30-year-old rider for American team EF Education-EasyPost will depart from Munich on a non-stop, 1063-kilometre odyssey that will carry him through the Czech Republic and Poland and ultimately to the Ukraine border at Krakovets.
Morton was inspired to undertake his latest ride while racing the Gran Camino in Spain. He was having breakfast with his Ukrainian teammate, Mark Padun, when news broke that Russia had invaded the country. Morton began poring over maps on the internet and thought to himself, “I could actually do this”.
“That made it hit closer to home, having a teammate who is directly impacted by it,” Morton said. “I found it hard to focus on trying to get ready for a race when something so significant was happening in the world. Read more
Hamilton vows to be “more aggressive” in 2022 (GPFans)
Lewis Hamilton has vowed to be “more aggressive” in the new F1 campaign in response to missing out on his eighth world championship last year.
Hamilton was denied the record-breaking title in controversial fashion when losing out on the last lap in Abu Dhabi to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The Mercedes driver caused a stir by remaining silent on social media for a number of weeks following the 2021 season finale but insists that he is not out for revenge this season, instead promising to be a more aggressive driver.
“That’s not my psyche, not how I’m approaching this season,” said Hamilton on the prospect of gaining revenge. Read more
‘Novak Djokovic’s shown he is willing to pay the price of…’, says expert (TennisWorld)
Young Novak Djokovic, 19, was eager to chase big goals after a breakthrough in 2006, starting the following season with the Adelaide title. In the United States, for the first Masters 1000 of the year, Djokovic lost the Indian Wells final to Rafael Nadal and avenged the loss in the Miami quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals.
Djokovic unseated Andy Murray for the second straight tournament in the same round to reach his second straight Masters 1000 final. Novak played at a very high level from start to finish to score a 6-1, 6-0 win in 63 minutes.
And immerse yourself in the clash for the title. Djokovic dropped 12 points in seven service games, fending off all three break chances. The Serb stole nearly 60% of return points and grabbed five breaks from nine chances to emerge at the top in no time.
Serving 41%, Murray had no chance against a returner of Djokovic’s caliber, going down with five winners and committing more than 20 unforced errors. The Briton lost ground in the longest exchanges and gave up 11 straight games. Read more
