Osinachi: Tears, as Church makes men reassure wives of love, forgiveness (Vanguard)
Osinachi: Tears, as Church makes men reassure wives of love, forgiveness
Men of The Covenant Nation holding and reassuring their wives in Church on Easter Sunday.
It was Easter Sunday. However, in the wake of the circumstances that led to the death of gospel songbird, Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu, churches preached “husbands love your wives”.
In fact, The Covenant Nation had a post-service mini-marriage seminar, where couples sat together.
The high point of the meeting was when men were made to hold their wives, look them in the eyes and confess their love for madams.
In short, it was a recitation that drove home a single message — reassurance of love and devotion, garnished with forgiving and forgiveness.
Afterwards, a fews wives’ eyes were red, with some wiping off tears. Read more
Oga Bello praises Sanwo-Olu as 37 filmmakers get N200m loan (Nation)
Veteran actor and filmmaker, Adebayo Salami aka Oga Bello has heaped praises on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after the presentation of a N200m loan to 37 filmmakers.
Speaking after the presentation of cheques, Oga Bello, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues praised the Sanwo-Olu-led government while assuring that the funds will be well utilised and paid back without defaulting.
Represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf during the presentation of cheques to the 37 beneficiaries of the special interest-free loan to filmmakers at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the initiative aims to address financial challenges that inhibit quality film production in Lagos and Nigeria.
In his words, “this Initiative and presentation of cheques being done today is a testament to our commitment to ensure the potentials of the entertainment industry are realized. Read more
Easter: Soludo appeals to gunmen to embrace peace (Independent)
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has asked those who still hide in the bush to launch attacks on innocent citizens of the state to embrace peace, vowing that no inch of Anambra space will be won by them.
In his Easter message to the people made available by his head of media, Joe Anatune, Soludo said, “Let me again reassure you that our dear state will continue to thrive on the trajectory of growth, peace and development despite the current wave of insecurity which is drastically being addressed.”
“And in this spirit of Easter, I call on those who are still in the bush to surrender their arms and accept the olive branch which has been offered to them.
“Let me reiterate that as a people, we will never cede or yield our homeland to criminals. The irrepressible spirit of the good people of Anambra State shall always triumph” Read more
Lagos joins rubber revolution as NARPPMAN inaugurates state exco (Independent)
The move by rubber producers and marketers under the auspices of the National Rubber Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NARPPMAN) to tap into the potential of Lagos State has yielded positive results with the inauguration of a new executive of the body in the state.
The event, which took place at the Lagos Television, Ikeja, saw Mr. Adejuyigbe Alo, the state chairman, pledging that envisaged investments in rubber will increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.
He called on the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to make the dream come true by helping the association by providing sufficient land in the Ikorodu and Epe areas of the state for rubber cultivation.
Alo, who was dispatched from Osun State to give birth to the association and revolutionise rubber production in Lagos State, said: “When I was asked to come to Lagos to begin the process of the rubber revolution, I thought at first that it was an impossible assignment. Read more
TomTom’s ‘Breathe for It’ summit engages stakeholders for music industry growth (Guardian)
Tom Tom, the leading candy brand from Cadbury Nigeria Plc (a part of Mondelēz International), officially kicked off the “Breathe For It” Summit on Thursday, 24th March 2022, in a virtual gathering, as part of its efforts to champion and encourage youth creativity and drive.
Delivered as a panel session moderated by Motolani Alake, Editor, Strategic Partnerships and Lead, Pulse Podcast Network at Pulse Nigeria, key industry players shared insights for success within the entertainment sector, at the event. The panellists included famous Songwriter and Rapper Reminisce Alaga, Director, Integrated Marketing Communications, TeamApt; Osagie Alonge, Entertainment Lawyer; Foza Fawehinmi, A&R Consultant; Excel Joab; as well as Focus Ramon, a Music Producer and Sound Engineer. The event was aired for music and entertainment lovers and stakeholders to watch from the comfort of their homes.
Cadbury’s Category Lead (Gum and Candy) in West Africa, Morolake Emokpaire, gave more insight into the Company’s decision to champion this engagement. She said, “The reception we got from the audience at the summit, further emphasizes the reason we launched the “Breathe for it” campaign, which is to inspire, focus and build clarity in the pursuit of what Nigerian youth love. Our panelists were spot on in their delivery. You will agree with me that conversations about the music industry have to be made because it has become one of our largest exports as Nigerians and Africans.
“As we aim to engage more Nigerian youth to breathe deeply no matter the challenges they face, we have lined up activities like MTV Base Cypher that is ongoing, “Breathe for it” Verses Challenge 2.0, which is about to start, and so much more for them to show their talents in what interests them the most.” Read more
I’m sad my sisters are still in captivity, says rescued Chibok girl Grace Dauda (Nation)
The Bring Back Our Girls Movement, Lagos, Saturday, held its weekly sit-out at Falomo, Lagos, to commemorate the eight anniversary of the abduction of over 200 students of the Government College, Chibok, Borno State by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
One of the liberated girls, Grace Dauda, was there to share her experience.
Looking pretty and well-kept, Dauda recalled her experience in the three years she spent in captivity saying: “Imagine yourself living in the forest, no freedom and fighter jets hovering around. No one would want that. Please we need these young women back. We can’t fold our hands and do nothing, thereby losing them forever.
“I want to tell the Nigerian government to help us out. I no longer hear anything about my sisters in captivity. Please don’t forget about these young women. They are suffering because I know what I went through when I was there. They deserve better.” Read more
Bauchi Speaker defects to PDP (Channels)
Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon Abubakar Suleiman has dumped the APC for the PDP.
He declared that he is now a member of the PDP during the Ramadan breaking of fast hosted by the Governor with stakeholders from four local government areas of Ningi, Toro, Warji and Dass.
The Speaker was elected under controversial circumstances.
Recall the leadership crisis that engulfed the Bauchi State House of Assembly in 2019 after 11 members out of 31 lawmakers elected Hon Suleiman as Speaker and this led to the emergence of a factional Speaker. Read more
Easter: APGA, NNPP preach peace,reconciliation (DailyTrust)
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the Easter celebration to demonstrate true commitment to unity.
The parties in their separate messages also urged the citizens to shun all divisive tendencies threatening national coexistence.
The National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye, on Saturday in a message said Easter, which was a commemoration of resurrection of Jesus Christ, was another opportunity for all to take a look at their lives and their relationship with one another.
He said Jesus Christ laid down his life to reconcile humanity with God, so they could live in abundance. Read more
Nigerian scholars in Russia mount pressure over delayed allowance (Punch)
Parents of scores of Nigerian students benefitting from the Bilateral Education Agreement scholarship of the Federal Scholarship Board in Russia are currently under pressure over their upkeep as the Federal Government has not paid their allowance since September 2021.
It was learnt that after a failed bid to convince the Federal Government, some of the parents were making fresh efforts to send another round of delegation to the government this week to appeal on behalf of their children, whom they said were grappling with a spike in the prices of food and services in Russia, a development that has been compounded by the war with Ukraine.
A delegation of the parent’s body was said to have met with the Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, in March and was told that the ministry had sent the money to the Central Bank of Nigeria for disbursement.
But the spokesperson for the apex bank, Mr Nwanisobi Osita, denied this, saying the CBN would have effected the payment if the education ministry had submitted the necessary documents. Read more
Lizzo pokes fun at Chris Evans pregnancy rumours in ‘SNL’ hosting debut (USAToday)
She’s 100% that you know what, and Lizzo is giving it her 100% as a first-time “SNL” host.
Not only that, but she was also the show’s musical guest.
But before blessing fans with her musical prowess and hilarious sketches, Lizzo got real during her opening “Saturday Night Live” monologue. “My name is Lizzo and, yes, I’m shocked I have clothes on, too,” she joked, stepping out in a bright blue dress with a matching shimmery fringe jacket.
It wouldn’t have been a Lizzo monologue without bringing up Captain America Chris Evans. Read more
Anitta becomes the first-ever Brazilian solo artiste to perform at Coachella (People)
From the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro to the Coachella stage!
This Friday, Brazilian singer Anitta made her Coachella debut and became the first-ever solo artist from the country to do so.
“Hi, world, welcome to Brazil. This is my country,” Anitta wrote on Instagram after the show on Saturday. “Just wanna say many many many thanks.”
Anitta, 29, started her show by rolling up in a motorcycle to join her first special guest, Snoop Dogg, onstage. The two, who have been close friends since releasing their song “Onda Diferente” in 2019, performed their hit together to get the show started. At one point, Anitta even encouraged Snoop to try twerking with her — he attempted it, but it didn’t last long. Read more
Electronic music museum criticised for lack of diversity (NME)
The newly opened Museum of Modern Electronic Music (MOMEM) has been criticised for a lack of diversity.
An open letter published on the day of the museum’s opening (April 6) took aim at the Frankfurt-based museum for being too male-dominated, for lacking in diversity and for not sufficiently recognising techno’s Black roots (via MixMag).
It was written by female:pressure, which describes itself as “a global network of women and non-binary artists in the electronic arts that has been advocating for gender equity and diversity in electronic music since 1998.” The network has over 2800 members around the world.
The letter from the group said: “We are shocked that in an event that is extensively funded by the city and the Cultural Office of Frankfurt and of such importance for the city, the manifold achievements of women and non-binary artists in and for the history of electronic music are ignored in such a way.” Read more
WandaVision star Paul Bettany responds to Doctor Strange 2 rumours (DigitalSpy)
WandaVision’s Paul Bettany has teased the possibility of his Marvel character’s return in Doctor Strange 2.
Bettany appeared on ABC News alongside Claire Foy to promote their latest miniseries A Very British Scandal, when host Michael Strahan asked the actor whether he will be in the Benedict Cumberbatch-led movie.
When asked to provide a hint, Bettany answered evasively: “Yes – n0… I – yes – no!” before Foy interjected: “Yes he is – no he’s not.” To which Bettany replied: “Am I?”
Foy turned to her co-star and insisted: “You are, yeah!” before turning to Strahan with a smirk to say: “No you’re not,” teasing the host further. Read more
Actor Matthew Lillard and Director Bill Whirity create “Decentralised Movie Studio”; first project is Vampire film ‘Let Them Die (Deadline)
Actor Matthew Lillard, best known for his roles in the hit films Scream and Scooby Doo, and writer-director Bill Whirity have launched Midnite Movie Club, an NFT based project that allows holders to participate in the first ever ‘Decentralized Movie Studio’. Lillard and Whirity want to give the power back to the audience by letting them decide what films the company produces.
Midnite Movie Club’s focus is specifically in the genre space, i.e. Horror, Sci-Fi, Action/Adventure, and Fantasy. The first project from the newly established company is a high-concept vampire movie titled Let them Die – which will go into production summer 2022.
Midnite Movie Club is set up as a DAO or Decentralized Autonomous Organization, which means the community makes decisions together. This is capable due to blockchain technology, the voting will be fair and transparent.
“NFTs, blockchain and Web3 are the future of the internet”, say the founders. “In the coming years, this technology will revolutionize many aspects of our daily lives and the film industry is no exception. Most people think of NFTs as just the artwork, but it is the underlying technology behind them that makes the Midnite Movie Club possible. The MMC is a private community, like a country club or a gym, and your NFT acts as your membership card. It is your key to the kingdom, so to speak, and it is how you cast your vote and help the filmmakers develop their films. Read more
J.J. Abrams to film Spice Girls documentary
to be filmed by Star Wars director (DailyMail)
They rose to fame at warp speed nearly 30 years ago and now the Spice Girls have teamed up with a Star Trek devotee to make a candid documentary about their stellar career.
J. J. Abrams, who has directed hugely successful Star Wars and Star Trek movies, approached the girls with the idea.
Sources say Geri Horner, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm and Melanie Brown have all agreed to cooperate with the film – and Posh Spice Victoria Beckham is tempted to join in too.
The documentary would tell the story of the band’s rise to stardom in the mid-1990s and feature interviews and unseen material from their personal archives. Read more
Ukrainian politicians, including Melitopol mayor, attend Vatican Easter vigil (ABC)
Pope Francis has invoked “gestures of peace in these days marked by the horror of war” in an Easter vigil homily in St Peter’s Basilica, attended by the mayor of the occupied Ukrainian city of Melitopol and three other Ukrainian politicians.
The pontiff noted that while “many writers have evoked the beautification of starlit nights, the nights of war, however, are riven by streams of light that portend death”.
Pope Francis did not refer directly to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but he has called for an Easter truce in order to reach a negotiated peace.
That call appeared in vain on Saturday, as Russia resumed missile and rocket attacks on Kyiv, western Ukraine and beyond in a stark reminder that the whole country remains under threat. Read more
2022 WAFU Zone B U20 Cup of Nations: Nigeria faces Ghana again (Leadership)
Ghana and Nigeria will renew their rivalry following the draw for the 2022 WAFU Zone B U20 Cup of Nations during a draw held in Niger.
The Black Satellite will face Nigeria and Burkina Faso in group B of the upcoming tournament.
Meanwhile, the host country, Niger, has been paired against Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin.
Ghana won last year’s edition and qualified for the Afcon, which they also won due to their outstanding performances.champions will hope to defend the title. Read more
Cristiano Ronaldo scores 50th hat trick of his club career in key victory for Manchester United
(People)
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another major milestone.
The 37-year-old Portuguese soccer star earned the 50th hat trick of his club career on Saturday as he led Manchester United to a 3-2 victory over last-placed Norwich City at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo sealed the hat trick on a free kick, his first of the kind in over 18 months, according to Sports Illustrated.
The Manchester United forward celebrated his big accomplishment and the all-important win on Instagram, noting that he is “very happy with this win” and glad that his team is “back on track in the [English] Premier League.” Read more
Guardiola defends Zack Steffen after mistake against Liverpool costs City (Guardian)
Pep Guardiola defended his team selection and stand-in goalkeeper, Zack Steffen, following a dreadful first-half display that ruined Manchester City’s Treble chances in the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
Liverpool led 3-0 at the break, courtesy of a first-half performance that Jürgen Klopp labelled the best of his reign plus a calamitous error by Steffen, who dithered on John Stones’s back pass and allowed Sadio Mané to score with a tackle. The US international was one of seven changes Guardiola made from the team that started Wednesday’s bruising Champions League quarter-final at Atlético Madrid. He was adamant there was no alternative in the midst of a gruelling schedule and pursuit of the Premier League title.
The City manager insisted: “We had a lot of fixtures and travels and a lot of important games and that’s why I picked the team. The first goal was a set piece, where Liverpool are so strong and scored many goals, and the second was an accident. Then we conceded a goal in the last minute of the first half, but afterwards we showed incredible pride. We didn’t look tired after we scored because football is about momentum. We had the most clear chances and we scored goals. It is not easy to do that against Liverpool. We fought to the end and showed our pride.”
Guardiola confirmed Rodri and Riyad Mahrez were fit to play at Wembley but his other changes from Madrid, including Kevin De Bruyne, all had fitness problems. He added: “Rúben [Dias] has had seven weeks off, Kyle [Walker] couldn’t play and [Ilkay] Gündogan had a knock on the knee. It is what it is when you play a lot of games. When everyone is fit we are OK, but to play Madrid, Liverpool, Madrid, Liverpool in a short space of time meant we had to rotate players. We know when we arrive at this stage of the season and we are fighting for titles it can be hard. It was difficult today – but we reacted in a marvellous way and we were close to coming back.” Read more
RBC Heritage: Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood in contention as Harold Varner III holds narrow lead (Sky)
Shane Lowry is just a shot off the lead heading into the final round of the RBC Heritage, with Tommy Fleetwood also in contention as he chases a maiden PGA Tour victory.
Lowry mixed eight birdies with two bogeys on his way to a six-under 65 at Harbour Town Golf Links, lifting him to 10 under and a three-way tie for second, as Harold Varner III carded a round-of-the-day 63 to take a narrow advantage into Sunday.
Varner birdied four of his opening six holes and followed further birdies at the ninth and 12th with back-to-back gains from the 15th, bolstering his hopes of a breakthrough PGA Tour victory, with Lowry joined a stroke behind by Patrick Cantlay and Erik van Rooyen.
“Without complaining too much, 65 is the worst score I could have shot,” Lowry said. “I hit the ball unbelievable today, and I didn’t really hole anything. That putt on the last is probably as long as I’ve holed all day. Read more
DAMS boss set for F1 sporting director-type role
(PlanetF1)
DAMS managing director Francois Sicard is reportedly set to join the FIA to fill a role similar in scope to a Formula 1 sporting director.
The findings of the FIA’s report into the controversy of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December included a note that “a new F1 sporting director will be recruited” – and Motorsport.com report the DAMS boss is set to take the role in question, although the job description and title are yet to be finalised.
The move to create the sporting director-style role has come as part of the FIA’s aim to create a new race management team, dividing the roles previously held by Michael Masi in the hope of providing a less pressured environment from Race Control – exemplified by the appointments of Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich to rotate in the role of race director this season.
Sicard, who has overseen 14 title wins in four different series as DAMS boss, is reportedly set to make the move which would see him oversee certain operations in not only Formula 1 but F2, F3, F4 and Formula Regional under this job’s remit, according to the report. Read more
Scottie Barnes scheduled for MRI after exiting vs. 76ers with ankle injury (SI)
Raptors forward Scottie Barnes exited Saturday’s Game 1 loss to the 76ers after sustaining a left ankle sprain in the fourth quarter.
Barnes’ ankle was inadvertently stepped on by 76ers center Joel Embiid as the All-Star big man made a move to the basket with a little over nine minutes to play. The rookie writhed on the floor in pain for a few minutes before being helped to the locker room.
The Sixers, who controlled much of the contest, beat the Raptors, 131–111, to take a 1-0 series lead to open the first round.
Raptors coach Nick Nurse told reporters after the game Barnes is scheduled for an MRI on Sunday after his X-rays came back negative, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Prior to exiting, the first-year sensation recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Read more