Nigeria vs South Africa: Bolt blocks users involved in fake ride request trend (Tribune)
Bolt, the popular e-hailing transport company, announced on Thursday that it has blocked an undisclosed number of accounts involved in making fake ride requests and then cancelling them.
Bolt addressed the situation on X, stating, “Bolt is aware of the recent fake ride requests between individuals in Nigeria and South Africa. We’ve swiftly implemented measures to resolve the issue and have restricted inter-country ride requests.”
“Those responsible have been blocked from the Bolt app. We prioritise the safety and integrity of our platform and are committed to supporting our driver-partners,” the transport company stated. Read more
FG declares 4.4 million children malnourished in NE, NW (Nation)
More than four million children in the North East and North West regions are suffering from malnutrition, the Federal Government has declared.
The government listed several factors contributing to the widespread malnutrition as limited access to food, poor dietary habits and improper feeding practices.
These, issues, according to the government, are exacerbated by broader economic and political challenges, as well as low health-seeking behaviors and educational levels among the population. Read more
Gboyega Isiaka receives Michael Okpara Leadership Prize Award (ThisDay)
Member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon.Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI) has been honoured with the 2024 Michael Okpara Leadership Prize Award.
GNI, as he is popularly known, has been nominated for the award in appreciation of his outstanding performance as a member of the green chamber. He has also been nominated for his excellent contributions to national issues.
The federal lawmaker is reputed for offering quality representation to the people of his constituency. He is likewise known for his transparency, accessibility and proactive approach to national issues. Read more
Gbenu charges Badagry West to preserve cultural heritage (Independent)
The Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Gbenu Joseph Henugbe, has charged the traditional institution and leadership of various groups in the council area to work in unison towards the preservation of the cultural heritage of the people.
Hon. Gbenu spoke during the celebrations of the 2024 Isese Day at the event which was held at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ilufemiloye Ajose, Posii III, the Alapa of Apa Egun Awori Kingdom.
Represented by Solomon Zosu, the Senior Special Assistant On Information, Tourism and Special Works, Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Gbenu added, “Our rich cultural heritage is a valuable asset for sustainable development and tourism. Read more
We’re working with local, global agencies to nab Yahaya Bello (DailyTrust)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is working with local and international organisations to ensure that former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, is brought to justice.
Daily Trust reports that the commission had charged Bello with 19 counts of money laundering involving over N80 billion, which he allegedly diverted from the Kogi State Government’s treasury.
However, since filing the charges, the commission has not been able to bring him to court for arraignment. Read more
Elections should be held 1 year before swearing-In, SAN suggests (Channels)
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kayode Adeluola, has suggested that elections be held in Nigeria one year before swearing-in so as to conclude all litigation concerning the elections and avoid any ambiguity.
Adeluola, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday made the suggestion in support of the just retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, pointing out the need for reforms in the judiciary.
“I will also admonish that we should have our elections well in advance for the time for swearing in. All cases will be held and will be determined well before the date of swearing-in,” Adeluola said. Read more
EFCC arrests Abuja billionaire over ‘internet fraud, money laundering’ (DailyTrust)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a billionaire, Hyginus Nkwocha, for alleged internet fraud and money laundering in Abuja.
The Commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, that Nwokocha was arrested on Wednesday.
“Nkwocha, 35, was arrested at Ever Green Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, following intelligence about his suspected involvement in internet fraud and money laundering. Read more
Police arrest 2 kidnappers in Anambra (Punch)
The Anambra State Police Command said it has arrested two suspected kidnappers and members of an armed robbery gang, operating at Uga, Ekwulobia, Umuchu, Nkpologu, Ezinifite, Aguata communities and environs.
The suspects were said to be members of a notorious secessionist group involved in kidnapping, car snatching and armed robbery operating at the remote communities in the state.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the state police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Thursday. Read more
Zoë Kravitz and Naomi Ackie Discuss Having a Lot of ‘Conversations’ and a ‘Big Group Hug’ after tough ‘Blink Twice’ scenes (Complex)
Naomi Ackie and Zoe Kravitz attend the “Blink Twice” photocall at IET London: Savoy Place on August 18, 2024 in London, England.
Dave Benett/WireImage
The filming of painful Blink Twice scenes led to healing discussions between the all-star cast, led by actress Zoë Kravitz.
Kravitz, who co-wrote and directed the crime thriller, spoke to People alongside the film’s lead actress Naomi Ackie, where both divulged about intense scenes. Just days ahead of the film’s Aug. 23 theatrical release, a trigger warning was issued, noting that while Blink Twice is “fictionalized,” it contains “mature themes,” “depictions of violence” and “sexual violence,” along with a website for support resources.
Regarding graphic scenes, Kravitz shared that the cast had “a lot of conversations.” Read more
World’s second-largest diamond found in Botswana (BBC)
The second-largest diamond ever found – a rough 2,492-carat stone – has been unearthed in Botswana at a mine owned by Canadian firm Lucara Diamond.
It is the biggest find since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, found in South Africa in 1905 and cut into nine separate stones, many of which are in the British Crown Jewels.
The diamond was found at Karowe mine, about 500km (300 miles) north of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone. Read more
Jermaine Jenas breaks cover after BBC axing as blistering email sent to staff emerges (Mirror)
Jermaine Jenas looked less than impressed after an email to his BBC colleagues was revealed.
The former The One Show and Match of The Day presenter was sacked by the corporation after they became aware of alleged inappropriate behaviour. Jermaine has remained tight-lipped on the topic, stating that he is consulting with his legal representatives in the wake of the allegations.
Jenas, 41, also stated that he wasn’t happy with the allegations and that there are “two sides to every story”. But an email sent by the BBC’s Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski abruptly brought his time at the Beebs to an end. The email, seen by the Mirror, sent to staff at 3.39pm on Thursday read: “I wanted to let you know that Jermaine Jenas is no longer working for the BBC.” Read more
Usher kicks off tour in Washington D.C. after delay due to neck injury (People)
Usher is finally hitting the road after a brief delay!
The R&B legend, 45, kicked off his long-awaited Past Present Future Tour with two sold-out shows at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Aug. 20, and Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Earlier this month, Usher said he would be postponing the first three shows of his highly anticipated tour due to a neck injury he suffered during rehearsals. Usher announced he would postpone the first date in Atlanta, on Aug. 14. The next day, he said he had to postpone two more shows. Read more
U2 announce new “immersive” concert film from Sphere Las Vegas residency (NME)
U2 have announced a new concert movie that was filmed during their residency at the Sphere Las Vegas – find out more below.
Titled V-U2, the concert film was directed by the band’s guitarist The Edge and Morleigh Steinberg over the course of their historic residency at the Sphere Las Vegas. The film is being described as an “immersive concert film” that was “created specifically for Sphere, and will utilize the venue’s technologies to create an experience that is only possible at this next-generation entertainment medium.” Read more
Channing Tatum says it’ll be ‘horrifying’ when his daughter finally sees his Magic Mike dance moves (EW)
Channing Tatum knows that it’s coming — the day when his 11-year-old daughter, Everly, finally watches his Magic Mike movies and sees his real dance moves. He’s not looking forward to it.
“I’m so grateful that she doesn’t know how I dance,” Tatum told host Seth Meyers on Wednesday’s episode of Late Night. “It’s going to be horrifying when [she] does.”
Tatum, 44, is a former stripper, and his story inspired 2012’s Magic Mike, the Steven Soderbergh-directed film about male exotic dancers, as well its sequels, Magic Mike XXL and Magic Mike’s Last Dance. Read more
Canada government steps in to end crippling freight rail shutdown (France24)
Freight rail operations were set to resume across Canada on Thursday following federal intervention to end a crippling disruption triggered by labour disputes at the country’s two main operators.
Work stoppages at Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) locked out nearly 10,000 workers and threatened to upend the North American economy, which is heavily dependent on rail operations.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he had hoped collective bargaining negotiations between the companies and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), the union representing the workers, would resolve the conflict. Read more
Rangers, Zilimadjou tie still 50-50 – Ilechukwu (Punch)
Despite securing a 1-0 win in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first round preliminary tie against Zilimadjou FC of Comoros, Enugu Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu believes the game is still evenly balanced heading into the return leg at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Uwumiro Frank’s 22nd-minute goal gave the Nigerian a win in the first leg played on Sunday at the same venue.
Both sides adopted the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, for their CAF Champions League games after their respective stadiums failed to meet CAF’s approval. Read more
Cole Palmer speaks out on Chelsea injury scare after medical staff carry out assessment (Mirror)
Cole Palmer is optimistic he has avoided injury after feeling a muscle issue in the latter stages of Chelsea’s 2-0 UEFA Conference League play-off victory over Servette.
The PFA Young Player of the Year was a second-half substitute as the Blues secured their first win of the season ahead of next week’s decisive second-leg in Switzerland.
However, the result was somewhat soured at the full-time whistle when Palmer could be seen clutching what appeared to be his hamstring as he left the field in dialogue with Chelsea’s physios. Read more
Arsenal agree Mikel Merino deal; Nketiah to Forest – sources (ESPN)
Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and are on the brink of finalising a deal to allow Eddie Nketiah to join Nottingham Forest, sources have told ESPN.
The north London side are set to pay a fee in the region of an initial £28 million ($36.6m) plus around £4m in add-ons to sign Merino, who will become the club’s third summer signing after David Raya’s loan deal from Brentford was made permanent and Riccardo Calafiori joined from Bologna.
Merino is now expected to undergo a medical and sources have suggested he is expected to sign a four-year contract with an option for a further year.
Talks have also progressed with Forest over Nketiah, with one source suggesting the Midlands club have made an improved offer of around £30 m plus add-ons which Arsenal are poised to accept. Read more
Albon welcomes the challenge of Sainz as Williams team mate (StraitsTimes)
Alex Albon welcomed the challenge of having Carlos Sainz as his Williams team mate next season and said he hoped they could lift the former champions back up the Formula One pecking order.
Spaniard Sainz is leaving Ferrari to make way for incoming seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton and his move to Williams was announced as the sport headed into the August break.
“It will be a challenge of course, I think Carlos is very highly regarded, I welcome it,” Albon told reporters at the Dutch Grand Prix, the start of the second half of the season, on Thursday. Read more
Hull shoots 67 to lead wind-swept Women’s British Open (WashingtonTimes)
Golf balls wobbled on the tees and greens. Players wore big earmuffs and neck warmers and donned oven-style mitts between shots. American star Rose Zhang said she lost balance simply standing up.
Gusts of up to 40 mph (64 kph) played havoc with the best female golfers in the world at the Women’s British Open at St. Andrews on Thursday.
Charley Hull dealt with it the best. Read more
Iowa suspends football coach Kirk Ferentz for recruiting violation (ABC)
Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz and assistant Jon Budmayr are suspended for the Hawkeyes’ season opener as part of a school-imposed penalty for a recruiting violation in late 2022.
Ferentz, the longest-tenured coach in the FBS who has led Iowa since the 1999 season, admitted to a Level II violation for contacting a player and his family prior to him entering the transfer portal.
“I frequently tell our players to abide by the rules, and in this instance, I did not.” Ferentz said in a statement issued Thursday. “In 26 years as a head coach at Iowa — and more than four decades as a coach — this is my first potential Level II NCAA infraction. I made a mistake and would like to apologize to our players, University leadership, and our Hawkeye football fans. I know Coach Budmayr echoes those sentiments.” Read more