NNPC helicopter crash: Tinubu calls for probe, condoles families (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Board, its staff, and the families affected by the recent helicopter crash off the coast of Bonny Finima in Port-Harcourt.
In a Friday statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu expressed his “deepest sympathies” to the families of those lost, affirming his solidarity with the grieving parties.
This was contained in a statement titled, “President Tinubu Commiserates with the NNPC Board and Families of Victims Onboard the Helicopter in Port-Harcourt.” Read more
Helicopter Crash: We have recovered 2 more bodies – NSIB (Vanguard)
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the recovery of two more bodies from the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The helicopter, carrying six passengers and two crew members, crashed on Thursday, resulting in the confirmed deaths of three individuals at the scene.
In a follow-up on Friday, the NSIB reported that two additional bodies were located, bringing the total recovered to five. Three people remain missing as recovery efforts continue. Read more
Despite leaving $70b in Nigeria’s coffers, we owe more debt now – Obasanjo (NewTelegraph)
Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over the growing amount of debt being owned by the country, years after he left office.
Chief Obasanjo disclosed that he left the nation with about $70 billion when he left office in 2007, including a $45 billion reserve and $25 billion in a designated “Excess crude” account.
The former President lamented that there is poor quality of leadership in the country. Read more
Aviation Ministry approves Kogi’s bid for international airport (Tribune)
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has approved the bid by the Kogi State Government to build an international airport in Zariagi.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement issued on Friday, said the approval was conveyed in a letter by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, dated October 9, 2024.
He said the administration of Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo was committed to the timely completion of the project with strict adherence to regulatory standards, saying an airport in Kogi State would serve 10 other states and reduce traffic on the Lokoja-Abuja road. It will also decongest the traffic at the International Airport in Abuja. Read more
Ex-INEC Chair, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, dies at 83 (Leadership)
Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who served as Chairman of the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) from 1989 to 1993, has passed away.
The NEC is now known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Born on October 2, 1941, Nwosu died in a hospital in Virginia, USA. Read more
Kanu: Court summons DSS DG over contempt (DailyTrust)
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a notice of summons to the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for an alleged contempt involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a judicial process issued by the registrar of the court dated October 24, 2024, the court asked the DG to appear before it and show cause why he should not be committed to prison for alleged contempt of court.
The notice reads, “And take further notice that you are hereby required to attend the court on the first mentioned day to show cause why an order for your committal should not be made.” Read more
Fee hike: NANS calls out UNILAG, vows permanent shutdown of institution (Vanguard)
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed displeasure against the University of Lagos (UNILAG) management, denying any agreement on the proposed annual fee increment, following a recent meeting with student representatives.
NANS in a statement made available to Vanguard on Friday by the Senate President, NANS headquarters, Senator Akinteye Afeez Babatunde, firmly refuted claims that student representatives consented to these hikes, labelling the assertions as misleading and an attempt to justify financial burdens on students and their families.
NANS expressed solidarity with UNILAG students, emphasising their opposition to the recent increases in both school and hostel fees. Read more
Cooking Nigerian meals keeps me grounded on tour – Ayra Starr (Nation)
Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr has revealed that cooking Nigerian meals is a vital part of her life, especially while touring.
In an intimate conversation with fellow singer Coco Jones, Ayra Starr emphasised the importance of home-cooked meals in keeping her happy and centered.
According to her, Nigerian food is more than just sustenance; it’s a source of comfort. Read more
Raye’s car stolen with all her song writing books for second album in the boot (OK!)
British songstress Raye has shared a bittersweet update with her fans on her 27th birthday, revealing that her car was stolen along with all her songwriting books inside. The Mercury Prize-nominated artist, 27, who recently swept the Brit Awards with six wins, took to Instagram to share the unfortunate news that put a damper on her album plans.
She posted: “It’s my birthday and my car got stolen with all my songwriting books in the boot so no second album any time soon love you bye.”
Amidst birthday snaps, one photo showed a quirky cake with the message: “Sorry ur car got stolen”. Celebrity pals like Clara Amfo, Mabel, Stefflon Don, and Indiyah Polack dropped birthday wishes in the comments. Read more
Martine McCutcheon opens up on “trust” after shock split from husband Jack McManus (Mirror)
Life after a 12-year marriage would challenge anyone, especially in the glare of the public eye.
However, Martine McCutcheon is determined not to be defeated by it. The 48 year old actress and songstress, famous for her role as Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders and starring in the beloved Christmas film Love Actually, divulged her separation from her husband Jack McManus in August after nearly two decades together. Although it was Jack’s choice to end their union, Martine has expressed her desire to wish him well for his future endeavours.
Sharing on Instagram, she stated: “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision. We are both so very blessed and grateful for our beautiful, 9 year old son Rafferty, who’s happiness and welfare has always been, and will continue to be, our number 1 priority.” Read more
Josh Andrés Rivera raves about girlfriend Rachel Zegler’s Broadway debut (FilmNews)
Josh Andrés Rivera has raved about his girlfriend Rachel Zegler’s recent Broadway debut in Romeo + Juliet.
The 29-year-old actor has praised Zegler, 23, after she made her Broadway debut in the new production of William Shakespeare’s tragedy.
“Rachel just made her Broadway debut, which is really, really, exciting,” Rivera told Us Weekly ahead of the play’s opening on Thursday. Read more
David Walliams puts on an animated display as he promotes his latest children’s novel while Matt Lucas teases a Little Britain reboot (DailyMail)
David Walliams puts on an animated display as he posed for some fun photos after a visit to Heart Radio on Thursday.
The comedian, 53, joined the station to promote his latest children’s novel “Super Sleuth”, just as his old comedy partner Matt Lucas teased an exciting new project.
He looked smart in a dark blue shirt which he teamed with a pair of black denim jeans for the interview. Read more
John Lithgow and his wife of 43 years try to follow this rule when he’s away on location filming (People)
John Lithgow and wife Mary Yeager have learned to turn the actor’s work trips into vacations.
Now that Yeager is retired from her job at UCLA, where she was a professor of business and economic history for decades, she’s freer to join her husband, 79, when he flies abroad to film.
“We’ve worked out this great system whereby she arrives to visit in all these exotic locations when I have only about two weeks left,” Lithgow, who recently shot his new movie Conclave in Italy, tells PEOPLE. Read more
“Venom: The Last Dance” director explains why Michelle Williams didn’t return (DigitalSpy)
Venom 3 director Kelly Marcel has explained Michelle Williams’ absence from the Marvel film.
“The Last Dance” is set following the events of Venom: Let There Be Carnage with Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and Venom on the run from both of their worlds.
The unlikely duo are forced into making a devastating decision when all hope seems lost, marking the last dance between Eddie and Venom. Read more
Turkey strikes northern Iraq and Syria after attack kills 5 near Ankara (Independent)
Turkish forces have launched airstrikes on suspected Kurdish militant targets in Syria and Iraq for a second day on Thursday, after Ankara said an attack on a state aerospace company in the capital killed five people.
The strikes targeted sites linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) — which is recognised as a terrorist group by the US, EU and others — or by a Syrian-Kurdish militia that is affiliated with the PKK.
On Wednesday, Turkey’s air force carried out airstrikes against similar targets in northern Syria and northern Iraq, hours after government officials blamed the deadly attack on the headquarters of the aerospace and defence company TUSAS, on the PKK. Read more
Osimhen missing as CAF lists Lookman, Ekong for top awards (Nation)
Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman is in the race for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year along with his compatriot, William Troost Ekong and eight others with Victor Osimhen who won the prestigious award in 2023 not in the picture at all,
The winner would be crowned in December in Marrakech, Morocco but the Confederation of African Football has listed eight other players including Amine Gobiari (Algeria), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo).
Others on the list are: Serhou Guirassy (Cote d’Ivoire), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Ronwen Williams (South Africa), Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire) and Sofiane Rahimi (Morocco). Read more
Libya vs Nigeria: CAF keeps parties in suspense (Punch)
The Confederation of Africa Football is keeping all concerned in suspense after failing to announce its verdict on Wednesday as regards the botched AFCON qualifying Group A fixture scheduled for October 15 at Benina Martyrs Stadium.
It appears the football body has yet to arrive at a decision, with BeIN Sports revealing that the Disciplinary Committee entertained explanations from both parties on Wednesday via video conference, with Libya and Nigeria duly represented.
CAF had previously decided to cancel the Libya-Nigeria match after the Nigerian national team left Libya in protest at the diversion of its flight to Labraq Airport, where they were locked in for 18 hours with neither food nor water. Read more
‘I don’t know’ — Osayi-Samuel keeps mum on Fenerbahce future (CompleteSports)
Bright Osayi-Samuel refused to provide an hint on where he will be playing his football next season.
Osayi-Samuel is yet to sign a new contract with Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbahce.
The Nigeria international’s current contract will expire next summer. Read more
Man United title winner makes bizarre career change after retiring (DailyMail)
Imagine turning up to the office and finding out that the guy who nicked your seat is a Premier League title winner. Good luck getting it back.
That may be the case for workers in Copenhagen as former Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has taken a job as a business developer with global banking firm UBS.
The 40-year-old spent five seasons with the Red Devils after joining in 2010 and made 29 appearances for them. Read more
Conte offers Kvaratskhelia contract update: ‘‘There are discussions’’ (FootballItalia)
Napoli coach Antonio Conte has provided a brief update on the state of the talks between the club and star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia over a new contract extension, explaining that there are talks, but that there are also other priorities for the team first and foremost.
Conte confirmed that talks between Napoli and Kvaratskhelia’s party have been ongoing ‘for a while now’, but insisted that the facts and figures of the operation are down to the sporting director to disclose.
The Partenopei coach is hopeful that Kvaratskhelia will sign a new contract at the Stadio Maradona, but explained that he has asked all of his players to give their full commitment until the end of the season, regardless of their contractual situation. Read more
Alonso’s “missing” F1 races as he reaches landmark 400 grands prix (RN365)
The 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix will be the 1,121st world championship event in F1 history – and for the first time, there will be a quadruple centurion on the grid.
Fernando Alonso is set to enter his 400th grand prix – the first driver to reach that extraordinary figure, with Lewis Hamilton set to take part in his 352nd.
It means Alonso will have entered 35.68% of ALL world championship grands prix since the 1950 British Grand Prix kicked things off in May of that year. Read more