Pandemonium as Alaba International traders protest extortion by RTEAN (Vanguard)
Pandemonium broke out in Alaba International Market, Ojo area of Lagos State on Wednesday, when some aggrieved traders protested extortion by members of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, in the area.
This came just as a group of physically-challenged people blocked both sides of the National Stadium roads, along Funsho Williams Avenue, formerly Western Avenue, in Surulere Local Government Area.
The protesters, who claimed to be athletes, alleged exclusion from the 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta State.
Some of the disabled athletes had thronged the road leading to Teslim Balogun and National Sports facilities to express displeasure over exclusion from the event scheduled to commence on November 28. Read more
Police teargas Lagos physically-challenged protesters (Nation)
Police on Wednesday morning fired teargas at Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos.
The action was to disrupt the protest staged by PWD at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos.
The protesters caused a gridlock on roads connecting to the Stadium.
According to PWD, the protest is a result of their exclusion from the 2022 National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Delta State. Read more
Don’t give up dreams, Lagos tells PWDs (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has called on People living With Disabilities across the state not to give up on their dreams or career pursuits as the administration encourages inclusivity.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mr Oluwadamilare Ogundairo, according to a statement on Tuesday, made the call during an event to celebrate a visually impaired broadcaster, Mr Morakinyo Idowu, popularly known as Baba Gbelegbo, in Alausa, Ikeja.
He said, “The essence of this award is to recognise Chief Morakinyo’s exceptional services and dedication as well as encourage persons with disability and their parents not to ever give up on their dreams; through this special recognition award, the office is sending a message to PWDs to continue to give their best in their chosen field.
“The developmental agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has continued to put in place policies and programmes tailored precisely for every member of the society irrespective of gender or status. Read more
Jaiz Bank grants over N1b loan to non-Muslims, Says MD (Tribune)
Jaiz Bank has disbursed over N1 billion loan facilities to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owned by non-muslims.
This was disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja by the Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, Dr Sirajo Salisu, while throwing more light on the public perception surrounding Islamic banking in Nigeria.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at the Bank’s headquarters in Abuja, Dr Sirajo who before his new appointment was the Executive Director, Northern operations of the Bank said there is a need for Nigerians to be enlightened on what Islamic and non-interest banking entails.
He said: “the message we want to pass across to Nigerians is that non-interest banking is pure business and a non-Muslim can be a shareholder of an Islamic bank not only in Nigeria but everywhere. Also, a non-Muslim can be a customer and staff of an Islamic bank. Read more
Campaigns: We’ll sanction erring guideline violators — LASAA (Vanguard)
As political campaigns begin, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisements Agency (LASAA) has appealed to political parties, politicians, campaigners and their supporters to adhere to the guidelines on the use of election campaign materials in Lagos State ahead of the 2023 general elections.
In line with its enabling law to control and regulate advert displays in Lagos state, LASAA is ready to assist and work with all political parties, politicians and campaigners in ensuring that they enjoy visibility in the state. LASAA is also set to ensure a level-playing ground for all political parties in the state.
A statement by the LASAA’s Managing Director, Mr. Adedamola Docemo, explained that guidelines issued in accordance with the agency’s responsibilities on the use of billboards/wall drapes, banners, A-frames, and posters, to establish sanity and protect the environment from defilement, visual blight and other adverse effects of unregulated display of political campaign materials must be strictly adhered with.
Docemo also noted that the guidelines were issued without prejudice to any political party, association or aspirant, stressing that “it is our intention to ensure fairness and equality amongst all concerned stakeholders, while judiciously performing our duties and applying the rules without sentiment or bias.” Read more
Ogun Church attacked by kidnappers raises security team (DailyTrust)
The Celestial Church Christ (CCC), SBJ Oshoffa Parish, Wasinmi in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, has assembled youths of the church into what it called “security outfit” in a bid to tackle insecurity challenges around the church.
In June, a group of kidnappers stormed the church during a vigil and abducted two members.
The victims were later freed after the abductors reportedly took N1 million ransom and some other items.
The Shepherd of the parish, Oluwatomisin Ehuwaojomo, said the incident had forced the church to rethink and come up with a security strategy in the face of “escalating insecurity in the state and Nigeria.” Read more
Lagos to divert traffic at Oke-Koto/Agunbiade intersection in Agege (Independent)
As part of efforts to carry out flood abatement works and rehabilitation of some sections of the Oke-koto/Agunbiade intersection in the Agege Local Government Area, the Lagos State Government has announced traffic diversion plans for the duration of the rehabilitation works.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Transportation signed by the Commissioner, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, the section of the road will be temporarily closed to traffic for a period of One Month commencing Friday 21st October, to Monday 21st November 2022 order to allow the rehabilitation works.
The state government while urging road users to obey traffic signs which have been mounted along the construction zone to minimize discomfort for road users and ensure smooth traffic flow during the rehabilitation period also appeals for caution and cooperation of commuters.
Highlighting the diversion routes, the statement advised Oke-koto bound motorists from Oba Ogunji through the Fly Over Bridge to navigate their ways through the bridge ramp to Old Abeokuta/Nitel and Connect Orile-Agege. Similarly Oba Ogunji bound motorists from Old Abeokuta road are enjoined to drive through Agege- Isokoko to connect Asade-Oba Akran road. Read more
Kizz Daniel’s new single, “Cough”, tops chart (DailyTrust)
Nigerian superstar, Oluwatobiloba Daniel, popularly known as Kizz Daniel, is back with another chat-topping hit single titled ‘Cough’.
The new song begins with an actual cough and lyrics stating, “I wanna flex my love,” alongside hit jams.
Just like ‘Buga’, the new song comes with a dance move, ‘Odo’.
The new release has hit number one on the Top 100 Nigeria Apple Music chart in less than 48 hours over social media and airwaves.
The high-flying, top-rated Afrobeat artiste, who recently acquired a new mansion, took to his Instagram page on Friday, October 14, to share a video of the song alongside a female dancer who was sighted rocking his body beside a swimming pool in an undisclosed location. Read more
Oscars did not order Nigerian selection committee to Re-vote, says NOSC’s chairperson (ThisDay)
Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC), Chineze Anyaene-Abonyi has said that the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) did not order the Committee to undertake another voting exercise as speculated in some quarters.
She disclosed that she had written to the Academy for clarifications after receiving the directive for a five-day grace of extension to reconvene, and got a response saying: “the Academy is unable to dictate voting procedure or influence any outcome regarding voting. Any decisions regarding revoting must be decided by the full Nigerian Official Selection Committee based on the Selection Committee’s own internal rules and regulations.”
There have been reports of a series of petitions to the Academy by some members of the Committee who, allegedly, are in favour of one of the films, thus asking for revote, even though the outcome of the members’ voting exercise of September 3, 2022 favoured “No Submission”. Read more
Anna Faris names Ivan Reitman as director she accused of spanking her on set (TheWrap)
Anna Faris has claimed that “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” filmmaker Ivan Reitman inappropriately touched her and yelled at her while filming the 2006 romantic comedy, making her feel “angry, hurt and humiliated.”
In the latest episode of her “Unqualified” podcast, the “Scary Movie” and “Mom” star sits with Lena Dunham for wide-ranging and candid conversation about their experience in the film and TV industry – which brings Faris to revisit the claims of directorial misconduct she’d previously teased in 2017.
Faris said that Reitman, the late Oscar nominee best known for the original “Ghostbusters” films, “slapped my ass.”
“Can I speak ill of the dead?” she posed. Read more
Nicki Minaj hints at new album dropping in 2022 (HipHopDX)
Nicki Minaj has hinted that her new album will arrive before the year is out.
During a conversation with one of her “long time idols” Jada Pinkett-Smith for Interview magazine published on Tuesday (October 18), the Young Money megastar indicated her long-awaited fifth LP will be released in 2022.
“I wasn’t sure how I was even feeling about having to put out an album this year, but that song happening and people liking it, that made me happy,” Nicki said, referring to her chart-topping, record-breaking single “Super Freaky Girl.”
She added: “People have gone through so much recently that they want to have fun. It’ll probably expedite the album to come out this year.” Read more
John Cale announces first new album in a decade Mercy and shares Weyes Blood collaboration ‘Story Of Blood’ (NME)
John Cale has announced details of his first new album in a decade, ‘Mercy’.
The founding Velvet Underground member will release the new album on January 20, 2023 via Domino.
The collaboration-heavy album also features turns from Animal Collective, Fat White Family, Sylvan Esso, Laurel Halo, Tei Shi, Actress and more.
Discussing his love of Weyes Blood, Cale said in a statement: “I’d been listening to Weyes Blood’s latest record and remembered Natalie’s puritanical vocals. I thought if I could get her to come and sing with me on the ‘Swing your soul’ section, and a few other harmonies, it would be beautiful. Read more
France TV distribution acquires 5 documentaries spanning science, history, politics (Variety)
France tv distribution has picked up five new documentaries: “The Climate: A 50 Year Battle,” “The Epic History of Europe: From Cesar to Charles de Gaulle,” “Denisova Unveiled,” “Icons of the 20th Century: An Historical Journey” and “MBZ: The Hidden Face of the UAE.”
“The Climate: A 50-Year Battle” shines a spotlight on the first time the United Nations set forth the risks human activities pose to the climate in June 1972. The one-off documentary also recounts the scientific and political battles to raise global awareness about climate change in the last 50 years. Written and directed by Alexis Barbier-Bouvet et Elena Sender, “The Climate: A 50-Year Battle” is produced by Effervescence for French Broadcaster France 5.
“The Epic History of Europe: From Cesar to Charles de Gaulle” tells the history of France, from the Celts to Versailles and Napoleon’s conquests, right on through post-World War II. Produced by Banijay Studios France and Indigènes productions, the two-part documentary uses animated 3D maps and live action, as well as dramatizes events. Commissioned by France 3, the docu was directed by Fabrice Hourlier and is co-written by Hourlier et Stéphanie Hauville.
“Denisova Unveiled” is a science documentary charting excavations conducted by archeologists in 2008 during which a bone belonging to a prehistoric individual from an unknown human species was discovered. “Denisova Unveiled” follows the team of archeologists as they embark on a scientific explorations from Europe to Tibet and Papua New Guinea to find out more about newly discovered human species. The one-off documentary was directed by Guy Beauché, and was penned by Émilie Partin, Fabrice Papillon. It was produced by Galaxie Presse for French Broadcaster France 5. Read more
Riverdale star lands 1st lead movie role in new rom-com (DigitalSpy)
Riverdale star Drew Ray Tanner has landed his first lead role in new rom-com Boot Camp.
The actor, who is best known for playing Fangs Fogarty on The CW series, will star in Boot Camp, which is based on the Wattpad story of the same name.
The story follows Whitney Carmichael (Rachel Boudwin) who goes to an intense summer boot camp to reinvent herself, and begins to fall for personal trainer Axel (Tanner).
The deepening connection allows her to let go of her expectations and find the strength to embrace her true self. Read more
Russia-Ukraine war: Israel rules out arms sales to Kyiv following Moscow warning (MEE)
Israel will not send weapons to bolster Ukrainian resistance against Russia, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said on Wednesday, following warnings from Russia that such a move would harm its relations with Tel Aviv.
Gantz, who has struggled to maintain Israel’s relative neutrality since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, told a briefing of European Union ambassadors that its policy would not be altered.
“Our policy vis-a-vis Ukraine will not change – we will continue to support and stand with the West, we will not provide weapon systems,” he said, according to a statement from his office.
He added that his country would continue providing “humanitarian aid” and “life-saving defensive equipment” to Ukraine. Read more
5 hours’ sleep is tipping point for bad health (BBC)
At least five hours sleep a night may cut the over-50s’ chances of multiple chronic health problems, researchers say.
Ill health can disrupt sleep – but poor sleep may also be a forewarning or a risk itself, they say.
There is evidence sleep helps restore, rest and rejuvenate the body and mind – but why the “golden slumber number” might matter remains unclear.
The PLoS Medicine study tracked the health and sleep of UK civil servants.
All of the about 8,000 participants were asked: How many hours of sleep do you have on an average weeknight?” Read more
Mason Greenwood pictured leaving prison as dad comes to meet him after bail is granted (DailyStar)
Mason Greenwood has now left prison after being granted bail at a private hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court.
The Manchester United footballer, 21, was being held at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham after District Judge Mark Hadfield decided to remand him in custody on Monday, October 17.
Greenwood, who is charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, was due be held in prison until his next court appearance, which has been set for Manchester Crown Court on Monday, November 21.
However, on Wednesday morning, Judge John Potter granted Greenwood bail with conditions not to contact any witnesses in the case including the complainant, and to reside at an address on Bow Green Road. Read more
Under-pressure Gerrard says he’s enjoying the pressure (RTE)
Under-fire Steven Gerrard insists he will front up to the challenge at Aston Villa he battles to steer them away from danger.
They go to Fulham on Thursday just a point above the relegation zone after two wins this season.
Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea left Villa in a worse position than when Gerrard was appointed 11 months ago and Mauricio Pochettino has been touted as a replacement.
But Gerrard remained bullish and is determined to be a success at Villa Park. Read more
Middlesbrough football parking warning after 76 cars fined (BBC)
Football fans are being warned to park properly after more than 70 fines were issued at the last home match.
Middlesbrough Council said it issued penalty notices to 76 cars found illegally parked around the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, when Boro lost 2-1 to Blackburn Rovers.
The council said that while the number of “dangerously” parked cars had reduced, there were “still too many”.
“Such parking is completely unacceptable,” a spokesman said. Read more
Charles Leclerc set for grid penalty at United States Grand Prix (PlanetF1)
Charles Leclerc is set to receive a five-place grid penalty at the United States Grand Prix, according to reports.
The penalty is said to be for taking a sixth Ferrari engine of the season, three more than the maximum permitted.
The Monegasque driver has already incurred power-unit penalties at the Canadian and Belgian Grands Prix, dropping to the back and 10 places on the grid respectively.
In Austin, it will be only five, although in any case Leclerc is now competing only for second position in the World Championship after Max Verstappen secured back-to-back Drivers’ titles at the previous round in Japan. Read more
LeBron James voices his frustration with Los Angeles Lakers after opening night loss (Mirror)
The Los Angeles Lakers lost their opening game of the NBA season as they were beaten 123-109 by the Golden State Warriors, and LeBron James seemed frustrated with the options around him.
The 37-year-old proved that age is just a number on the opening night of the regular season, netting 31 points and 14 rebounds while just missing out on a triple-double. Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook also contributed with solid numbers, but elsewhere on the court the contribution was lacking.
The Warriors were spearheaded by Stephen Curry as always, but even with a 33-point haul all eyes weren’t on him, as it was a valiant team effort once again. There’s a reason they’re the NBA champions and it’s clear to see why the Lakers didn’t even make the play-offs last year, and James is already annoyed.
Speaking after their opening night defeat, James told reporters: “We’re getting great looks, but it could also be teams giving us great looks. To be completely honest, we’re not a team constructed of great shooting… It’s not like we’re sitting here with a lot of lasers on our team. Read more
Man wins N38m sports betting with N800 (Nation)
An unidentified man has become a multi-millionaire after placing a bet on sports betting site with only N800.
The man, who instantly became a celebrity in a viral video, was seen with neigbhours trooping to the betting centre to confirm his N38million win after words spread out.
The system screen showed the man placed the multiple bet on Friday, October 14, 2022 with N800 only and won N38,317,130.00. Read more
