Oniru Building Collapse: Stop playing politics with human lives, Lagos APC tells PDP (Independent)
The Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has chided the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the recent building collapse that happened in Oniru area of the state.
Seye Oladejo, the party’s spokesman in a statement said “our attention has been drawn to the heartless, irresponsible, mindless and insensitive politicking with human lives by the Lagos State PDP over the unfortunate September 4 building collapse”.
“While we, as a responsible and responsive government, empathise with the victims of the incident, we do not lack the political will to be decisive according to the rules of law”.
“The Lagos State government has not hesitated to investigate the cause of such incidents and wield the big stick where necessary”. Read more
I became a singer straight from UK prison – Burna Boy (Nation)
Afrobeats singer, songwriter and record producer, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu aka Burna Boy has recounted his journey into the music industry.
The Grammy award winner tweeted he had no idea that he would live long, noting that he came into the music industry from prison in the UK.
The 31-year-old was arrested in London in 2010 for allegedly murdering an individual.
And according to some reports, he has been banned from the UK for 15 years.
According to him, Nigerians are unaware of his personality and he is also uninterested in being the biggest artist but just wants to be happy and do what he loves. Read more
DSS raids terrorists’ negotiator’s Kaduna residence, office (Punch)
A team of the Department of State Service raided the residence of Malam Tukur Mamu, the Publisher of Kaduna-based Desert Herald and Media Consultant to controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who withdrew as one of the negotiators between the terrorists that attacked the March 28 Abuja-Kaduna bound AK-9 train passengers.
A source familiar with the matter told one of our correspondents that the heavily armed DSS personnel stormed Mamu’s residence and the office of the Desert Herald Newspaper at about 12:30 am on Thursday.
It was gathered that the officers ransacked every nook and cranny of the house and carted away laptops, phones and documents.
The sources, however, said nothing incriminating was found in both the residence as well as the office. Read more
How Ogun school principal ordered pupils to undress during exams (Independent)
The ugly incident that followed the 2022 West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at the Sonyindo Community High School (Senior) will remain indelible in the minds of some students of the school located in Sagamu, Ogun State.
The female Principal of the school was reported to have instructed and forced male and female students of the school who wrote the 2022 WASSCE to remove their blouses and shirts in the full glare of teachers.
However, the motive which was not immediately known to the students and teachers caught them wondering and unaware as the male and female students without underwear had their chests bare as the staff of the school watched the antics of the principal in amazement.
Sources said the Sonyindo Community High School Senior, Principal explained that the shirts and blouse were meant for other indigent students at the school.
Though the last paper by final year students is traditionally celebrated as school friends scribble farewell messages on each other’s uniforms. Some students even tear the sleeves off their shirts.
However, a male student dismissed the notion and described the incident as horrible and barbaric. Read more
Lagos trains law enforcement agents in sign language (Punch)
The Lagos State government has said as part of its efforts to promote inclusiveness in the state, it has trained some of its workers, law enforcement agents, and other stakeholders in sign language communication.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mr Oluwadamilare Ogundairo, stated this on Wednesday, during the 2022 sign language training workshop held in Lagos.
He said, “The idea of this training is to make Lagos truly an inclusive mega city that is welcome to all; where everybody can aspire to come and live as long as they can abide by the law. Today, under the THEMES agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos is no longer in competition with any state in Nigeria, we are looking at global standards and if we must get there, it must be inclusive for all.
“In Nigeria today, we have to take the issue of people with disability very seriously and it is a critical component of governance and sustainable development and the right way to go. In Lagos, we have to keep doing this so that MDAs and people like law enforcement agents and parastatals that deal with the public are equipped to be able to adequately communicate with people with disabilities in Lagos State. Most of the countries we are trying to compete with have scaled those things we are still grappling with more than 30 to 50 years ago.” Read more
NIIA to LASU’s foreign policy students: You have to read widely (Nation)
The graduate students and final year students of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, recently visited the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos. It was a moment of revelation for students. Assistant Editor Bola Olajuwon reports.
The academia is a place of research and development service to society. The Lagos State University (LASU) is not left out of this time-tested road. Seminars and field trips, according to its researchers and lecturers, are the order of the day to create synergy between the university, government, industries and national needs.
Recently, the graduate students and final year students of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, as part of the new vista in the varsity, visited the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on a study visit.
A senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Prof. Kayode Soremekun, who is a former Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), led the visiting students to the NIIA. Read more
PDP BoT chair Walid Jibrin resigns (Channels)
Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees Chairman, Walid Jibril, has resigned, Channels Television has learnt.
“I am stepping down as the chairman of BoT. I am stepping down to make it easier for all of us,” he said at a BoT and National Executive Committee meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
He also confirmed his resignation to Channels Television.
Jibril’s resignation occurred amid agitation by the southern caucus of the PDP for the party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to step down for a southerner. Read more
Prosecute oil thieves now, PENGASSAN tells Federal Govt (Leadership)
As the impact of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism continue to ravage the Nigerian economy, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has charged the federal government and security agencies to hold accountable and prosecute oil theft perpetrators in the country to curb the menace.
The union, which is staging a nationwide street rally in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Warri, today, to protest the impact of crude oil theft, decried high level ‘collusion and connivance’ involved in the crime, which has left Nigeria broke and borrowing heavily to finance its appropriations at a time that oil prices have remained consistently high in the internal market.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, on Wednesday PENGASSAN president, Festus Osifo, charged the government to hold those whose responsibility is to protect oil pipelines to account.
He said the rally is commencing by 9a.m., in the streets of Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos and Warri simultaneously. Read more
PDP: Injustice negates zoning arrangement – Wike (Vanguard)
The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that the zoning arrangement in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), could not be achieved because of injustice, noting that he will not stop talking about it.
Wike said this at the inauguration of the satellite campus of the Rivers State University in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
He said that the perpetrators of the injustice in the party would definitely account for every wrong deed that they have done on the day of reckoning.
“That is why I am telling the people there, it cannot work. You can’t take everything. If you take everything, it will purge you, so it’s better to do the right thing now,” Wike said. Read more
Blocked Funds: FG to sanction airlines selling tickets in dollars (Sun)
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, vowed to descend heavily on foreign airlines selling tickets to Nigerians in dollars, saying such action was a violation of Nigerian laws.
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after the week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The minister said findings at government disposal revealed that some airlines are refusing the naira and were instead charging ticket fares in dollars. He also alleged some other airlines have blocked local travel agencies from accessing their websites for ticketing transactions, choosing to release tickets to passengers at exorbitant rates. Read more
Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth thriller ‘Poker Face’ sells to Screen Media (Variety)
Screen Media, a division of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, has acquired North American rights to “Poker Face,” a thriller starring Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth.
Crowe also directed the film, which is scheduled to release in theaters on Nov. 16. It’ll land on digital platforms on Nov. 22.
Set in the world of high-stakes betting, “Poker Face” stars Crowe as tech billionaire and gambler Jake Foley, who offers his best friends a chance to win more money than they’ve ever dreamed of. But to play, they’ll have to give up the one thing they spend their lives trying to keep…their secrets. As the game unfolds, the long-time pals will discover what is really at stake.
Along with Crowe and Hemsworth, the cast includes RZA of Wu-Tang Clan fame and “Fast and Furious” star Elsa Pataky. Stephen M. Coates wrote the screenplay with Crowe. Read more
Zac Efron addresses jaw plastic surgery rumours (NME)
Zac Efron has shut down rumours that he’s had plastic surgery, saying his jaw muscles “grew” because of an injury.
The actor was subject to social media speculation following an appearance on last year’s Earth Day, where he collaborated with Bill Nye The Science Guy.
Speaking to Men’s Health, however, Efron explained that an accident and a lapse in physical therapy caused his masseter muscles, used for chewing, to grow.
The actor said he was running through his house in his socks when he slipped and smacked his chin against the granite corner of a fountain. After he lost consciousness, Efron woke up to find his chin bone “hanging off his face”. Read more
Ricky Martin sues nephew who accused him of incest, sex abuse for $20m (BBC)
This “La Vida Loca” show isn’t over yet.
Ricky Martin is now suing his nephew — who previously accused the singer of sexual abuse — to the tune of $20 million.
The Latin pop icon filed suit in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday against Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, claiming his nephew was attempting to “assassinate” the singer’s reputation, according to court docs obtained by The Post.
The lawsuit, first reported by TMZ, comes after the 50-year-old pop star was slapped with accusations that he was romantically involved with Sanchez, and allegedly harassed the young man after their relationship ended.
In July, Martin’s 21-year-old nephew claimed he was a victim of domestic abuse and incest at the hands of Martin and was granted a restraining order against the singer.
Ricky Martin
Martin, 50, denied the allegations, calling them “nonsense.” Read more
Tom Hanks reveals missed Star Wars cameo opportunity (DigitalSpy)
Recent Star Wars movies have featured a number of celebrity cameos, from Simon Pegg’s junk dealer Unkar Plutt to an appearance from James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, as a stormtrooper.
The movies almost had one more major cameo, however, in the shape of two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks.
In a recent interview on Josh Horowitz’ Happy Sad Confused podcast, the legendary actor said he almost appeared in the Han Solo spin-off film Solo: A Star Wars Story, but scheduling conflicts prevented the idea from coming to fruition.
“I would have done that, yeah. I couldn’t make that work. I couldn’t get there in time. I think if you do a survey, all kinds of famous people have been in a stormtrooper outfit. I think [Daniel] Craig was in one. Movie executives have shown up to be a stormtrooper. I’d do it,” Hanks said. Read more
John Lennon’s acoustic rendition of Yellow Submarine featured on new Revolver boxset
(MusicNews)
A newly mixed and extended edition of the Beatles’ seminal 1966 album ‘Revolver’ features an acoustic rendition of ‘Yellow Submarine’ by John Lennon.
The special box set has been freshly mixed by producer Giles Martin – the son of the legendary Liverpool group’s late studio wizard George Martin – and engineer Sam Okell in stereo and Dolby Atmos, utilising the latest technology.
And it boasts never-before-released studio recordings and demos, including the downbeat rendition of ‘Yellow Submarine’.
Giles said at a listening event for the boxset: “I didn’t realise it was very much a John Lennon song, that Paul commercialised in a way [until that clip].” Read more
Eminem’s Manager feared rapper might have had ‘brain damage’ following drug overdose (HipHopDX)
Eminem‘s manager, Paul Rosenberg, was concerned the rapper might have had brain damage following his hospital stay in 2007 after overdosing on methadone.
Slim Shady appeared on the latest episode of Rosenberg’s Paul Pod: Curtain Call 2 podcast that was released on Wednesday (September 7). During the conversation, they discussed Eminem’s drug overdose and his journey to recovery.
“It took a long time for my brain to start working again,” Em admitted, to which Rosenberg replied: “I mean, you literally were coming off of an overdose and they had to sort of stabilize you with a few medications. And some of them took you a minute to adjust to – let’s just leave it at that.
“So you’re learning to rap again, almost literally, right? Because it’s probably the first time you were creating without having substances in your body in however many years, right?” Read more
US announces $2b in aid for 19 countries ‘at risk for future Russian aggression’ (CBC)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unscheduled visit to Kyiv on Thursday as the U.S. announced major new military aid worth more than $2 billion US for Ukraine and other European countries who feel threatened by Russia.
In meetings with senior Ukrainian officials, Blinken said Joe Biden’s administration would provide $2 billion in long-term foreign military financing to Ukraine and 18 of its neighbours, including NATO members and regional security partners “most potentially at risk for future Russian aggression.”
Pending expected U.S. congressional approval, about $1 billion of that will go to Ukraine and the rest will be divided among Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, the State Department said.
“This assistance demonstrates yet again our unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s future as a democratic, sovereign and independent state, as well as the security of allies and partners across the region,” the department said. Read more
Super Eagles’ Taiwo Awoniyi bags UK degree (Punch)
Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, has bagged a degree in Business Management from Buckinghamshire New University, Wycombe, United Kingdom.
Europe-based Nigerian sports journalist, Ojora Babatunde, took to Twitter to celebrate the Nottingham Forest player, Wednesday.
The 25-year-old bagged the degree a few days after his fellow in the Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi also got done with a business and management diploma.
Babatunde tweeted, “Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi @taiwoawoniyi18, bags a degree in Business Management, from Buckinghamshire New University, Wycombe. Read more
Graham Potter secures Chelsea transfer agreement with Todd Boehly in long-term contract (Express)
Graham Potter reportedly asked for guarantees that he would have power in the January transfer market and beyond before committing to a long-term contract with Chelsea. The Blues are now expected to unveil the Brighton boss as their new head coach by the close of play on Thursday with Potter due to arrive at their Cobham training ground this afternoon after saying his goodbyes in Sussex.
Potter spent two hours at Brighton’s Lancing training ground complex but did not take training ahead on the Seagulls’ trip to Bournemouth this weekend.
The former Swansea manager is set to sign a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge where he will be tasked with turning Chelsea’s fortunes around following a challenging start to the 2022/23 campaign.
While the appointment has been plain sailing ever since the Blues identified Potter as their top managerial target, the 47-year-old tactician did request some assurances before committing to the position. Read more
Monaco, Rennes, Nantes and Nice begin quest for European glory (RFI)
French outfits Monaco, Rennes, Nantes and Nice on Thursday begin their European campaigns in the Europa League and the Europa League Conference.
Monaco, who botched their chance to play in the Champions League following a defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the qualifying rounds, travel to Red Star Belgrade in Group H.
“We’ve been through a rough couple of weeks,” said Monaco boss Philippe Clément after the 1-0 victory at Nice on Sunday. “We’ve reacted well to all of it and have managed to win a difficult match. Red Star will be another tough game and then there’s another one against Lyon on Sunday.”
Rennes launched their Group B campaign in Cyprus at Larnaca. Read more
Italian GP: Lewis Hamilton facing back of the grid start after engine penalty (GMS)
Mercedes will fit a fourth power unit to Lewis Hamilton’s car this weekend at the Italian GP, meaning he will start the race at the back of the grid.
The Briton’s team has elected to fit a fourth power unit this weekend for Monza, which is set to trigger a penalty that will start him at the rear of the field.
This is the consequence of the accident he had with Fernando Alonso at the Belgian Grand Prix, with the impact on landing after Hamilton was punted up into the air at the key moment.
Hamilton and Alonso clashed on lap one at Spa and Lewis found himself up in the air after they banged wheels, with him coming down with a pretty severe bump. Read more
Ricky Hatton issues Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua prediction after fight update (MEN)
Ricky Hatton has predicted Tyson Fury to beat Anthony Joshua should the two face each other later this year.
The Gypsy King and Joshua remain in talks with the two camps speaking over the last 72 hours. Fury had initially looked to face Oleksandr Usyk, however he will be out of action until 2023.
News emerged earlier this week that Joshua has reportedly accepted Fury’s offer for a fight with the WBC and Linear heavyweight titles on the line before the end of 2022, with Fury revealing that he had offered Joshua a 60:40 split for their proposed ‘Battle of Britain’ fight – a bout which is long overdue with the two going back and forth for the better part of six years.
And with fight talks ramping up amid updates from promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, Manchester boxing legend Hatton has given his prediction of how he believes would be victorious should the two meet. Read more
Graham Potter: Chelsea set to appoint Brighton boss as manager in next 24 hours (BBC)
Potter, 47, spoke to Chelsea owner Todd Boehly on Wednesday night after Thomas Tuchel was sacked and has reached a verbal agreement with the club.
Potter was at Brighton’s training ground on Thursday morning but did not lead the team’s session.
Chelsea hope to name a new manager before Saturday’s game away to Fulham.
The club, currently sixth in the Premier League, has also held talks with former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim about the vacant role.
Brighton are planning a press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth, but it is not clear who will speak to the media.
Former Ostersunds FK and Swansea manager Potter led Brighton to a ninth-place finish last season, the club’s highest ever top-flight finish. Read more
Oscar Pistorius hailed as “model prisoner” boosting his chances of early release (Mirror)
Jailed Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been praised as a “model prisoner” by those who are rehabilitating him which will hugely boost his chances of early release.
Fallen superstar Pistorius, 35, was jailed for the murder of his stunning model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, 29, who he shot dead at his home on Valentine’s Day, 2013. Pistorius – who had his feet amputated when just a baby due to a birth defect – became known as the Blade Runner after becoming a star athlete running on prosthetic legs.
The sprinter became the first ever disabled athlete to win a track medal in a race for able bodied runners and the first disabled runner to compete and run in the Olympics. He took the London Olympics by storm in 2012, running against the world’s best in his blades but although he never got a medal his courage brought him worldwide acclaim.
But his glittering career and celebrity lifestyle was shattered when he shot his lover, former FHM and fashion model Reeva, dead in the bathroom of his home in South Africa. He claimed he thought she was a burglar when he fired four hollow pointed 9mm bullets designed to tear human flesh apart through the door of his home in Pretoria. Read more