Police arraign Ice Prince for abducting cop (Punch)
The Lagos State Police Command on Friday arraigned music artiste, Panshak Zamani, aka Ice Prince, for assaulting and abducting a policeman in the Lekki area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a tweet, said the artiste was driving to a destination in the state when the police patrol team in the area stopped him at about 3am for driving without licence plates.
The policemen were said to have insisted that Ice Prince should visit the station and after agreeing, one of the policemen entered the vehicle.
Hundeyin, in the tweet, said, the artiste, thereafter, abducted the policeman, assaulted and threatened to throw him into a river before he was later arrested. Read more
Commuters stranded in traffic congestion on Ikorodu Road (Punch)
Commuters and motorists are stranded in a heavy gridlock on Ikorodu-Lagos Road, inward Mile 12, Friday morning.
The heavy traffic was particularly noted around Itowolo to Ajegunle areas, with both sides of the road blocked.
Our correspondent observed that yellow buses, popularly known as Danfo, faced on-coming vehicles, thereby complicating the traffic congestion.
Commuters were seen taking to their feet and trekking to their destinations, while some of them, who spoke to our correspondent, said they would rather trek to wherever the traffic was lighter before boarding another vehicle to continue their journey, than remain in the gridlock. Read more
CIBN partners FinTech NGR, FSI to promote professionalism (Vanguard)
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN has signed an agreement with the FinTech Association of Nigeria Fintech NGR and FinTech Development and Advocacy Initiative FSI to promote professionalism in the financial services industry.
The signing of the agreement was witnessed by representatives and members of CIBN FinTech NGR and FSI at the Bankers House Victoria Island on Thursday in Lagos.
Dr Ken Opara of CIBN said the alliance was a unique one in the annals of the Institute, describing the event as one that marks the first time the institute is collaborating with two partners at once for the provision of a certification.
He added that it is also a further step towards the realisation of the mandate of the institute to promote professionalism whilst enhancing knowledge and competencies in the financial services ecosystem. Read more
UNILAG hosts 4 West African Universities in 2-day regional workshop, plans stronger collaborations (Independent)
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has concluded plans to strengthen collaborations with sister universities in the West African sub-region.
The plans formed part of resolutions reached at a two-day Regional Stakeholders Impact Workshop, which rounded off at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre recently.
Some of the areas identified for possible partnerships by the University of Lagos and four West African higher institutions include green energy, sports development, artificial intelligence, medical interventions, and entrepreneurial innovations, especially in the fintech sector.
The universities are the University of Sierra-Leone, the University of The Gambia, the University of Liberia and the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali. Read more
Osinbajo advocates debt-for-climate swap, African nations’ participation in carbon market (DailyTrust)
In a call that can at once significantly advance the course of global net-zero emissions targets, facilitate energy access and the development of African countries, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN is proposing a Debt-For-Climate (DFC) Swap deal.
Explaining the DFC concept during a lecture on a just and equitable energy transition for Africa at the Center for Global Development in Washington D.C, Osinbajo stated that “debt for climate swaps is a type of debt swap where bilateral or multilateral debt is forgiven by creditors in exchange for a commitment by the debtor to use the outstanding debt service payments for national climate action programmes.
“Typically, the creditor country or institution agrees to forgive part of a debt, if the debtor country would pay the avoided debt service payment in a local currency into an escrow or any other transparent fund and the funds must then be used for agreed climate projects in the debtor country.”
Justifying the rationale behind such a debt swap deal, the Vice President submitted that the commitment to it would “increase the fiscal space for climate-related investments and reduce the debt burden for participating developing countries.
“For the creditor the swap can be made to count as a component of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).” Readmore
7 passengers die in fatal road accident in Ekiti (ThisDay)
No fewer than seven persons last Wednesday evening lost their lives in a fatal road crash involving two vehicles in Ekiti State.
The accident, which claimed seven lives, involved an 18-passenger bus and a Toyota car, which had an head-on collision on Iluomoba-Aisegba highway, leading to the death of the casualties.
An eyewitness revealed to journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that one of the vehicles was about to dodge a pothole, and was said to have lost control and collided with the oncoming vehicle traveling to Ado Ekiti.
The news that first filtered into town was 19 persons lost their lives in the accident, but the information was refuted by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).
Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander, FRSC in Ekiti State, Mr. Olusola Joseph, who refuted the claim that 19 persons had died, revealed that the number of passengers that occupied the two vehicles were 17.
The sector commander clarified that seven passengers lost their lives and the victims had been deposited in the morgue. Read more
Why Nigerians are facing harsh treatment in UAE – FG (DailyTrust)
In recent weeks, social media have been flooded with reports of inhumane treatments meted out to Nigerians in the country.
Commenting on the issue, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated that the UAE authorities recently released new guidelines for visa applications for people under the age of 40.
She said many Nigerians now try to circumvent the guidelines by applying for “family visas,” instead of providing clarity on the kind of visa they are asking for.
She disclosed that six months genuine bank statement, accommodation details, as well as a return ticket, must be produced on arrival.
Daily Trust reports that the UAE authorities had tightened visa rules for Nigerians in the aftermath of an unrest by some Nigerians in the country.
Police arrest suspected serial rapist in Abakaliki (Nation)
The Police in Ebonyi State have arrested a 19- year-old suspected serial rapist who specialises in molesting and robbing victims in Abakaliki, capital of the state.
Police spokesperson, Chris Anyanwu stated this at a briefing at the C Division of the police command on Friday.
He gave the name of the suspect as Miracle Onwe,an indigene of Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu local government area of the state.
According to the spokesperson, the suspect was arrested after his latest victim raised alarm after he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her in a farmland. Read more
Ogun PDP deputy chairman, Odunjo resigns, quits party (Sun)
A former member of Ogun State House of Assembly, Leye Odunjo has resigned as the deputy chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as his membership of the party in the state.
Odunjo conveyed his resignation in a letter he personally wrote and addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, though the State Chairman, Sikirulai Ogundele, said the decision to quit his position and membership of the PDP was his personal choice.
The former member of the OGHA, in the letter dated Tuesday, August 30, a copy made available to our correspondent on Friday, who Ogundele and other members of PDP in the state for their love, support and cooperation and noted that he would miss them all, however, kept mum on his next political move.
“I humbly write to inform Your Excellency of my decision to resign as the state Deputy Chairman of Ogun State PDP and as a member of the party. Read more
Court acquits ex-gov Jang of fraud charges (Channels)
A state High Court sitting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Friday, discharged and acquitted a former governor of the state, Jonah Jang, of over the N6.3 billion corruption charges levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court presided over by Justice Christy Dabup also discharged and acquitted a former cashier in the office of the Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Yusuf Pam, who was accused alongside the former governor.
Jang had in March 2021 appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to pardon another ex-Governor of Plateau, Joshua Dariye; a former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame.
The Council of State led by the President subsequently in April 2022 approved the pardon of 159 convicts including Dariye and Nyame. Read more
Lead singer of reggae band Aswad, Drummie Zeb dies aged 62 (Mirror)
Drummie Zeb, the lead singer of reggae band Aswad, has died aged 62.
The band released a statement announcing the news on Friday, writing: “It is with deepest regret and profound loss that we have to announce the passing of our brother Angus ‘Drummie’ Gaye.
“Drummie was the lead vocalist for the iconic band Aswad and is much loved and respected by both family, friends and peers alike.
“More information will be given at a later time but on behalf of his family and Aswad – we ask that their privacy is respected at this heart-breaking time. Read more
Yungblud releases ‘Yungblud’ album, ‘Tissues’ music video (UPI)
Yungblud is back with new music.
The 25-year-old British singer and actor released the album Yungblud and a music video for the song “Tissues” on Friday.
The “Tissues” video shows Yungblud sing and dance among a group of people frozen in place at a theater. At the end of the video, the people join Yungblud in dancing.
Yungblud celebrated the album’s release in a post on Instagram. Read more
Ludacris to star in Disney holiday movie, ‘Dashing Through The Snow’ (Vibe)
Ludacris has landed a new movie role. According to Deadline, the Hip-Hop veteran is set to star in an upcoming Disney holiday film titled Dashing Through The Snow. The comedic movie is currently in production in Atlanta and aiming for a debut during the 2023 holiday season.
Additionally, Lil Rel Howery, Teyonah Parris, Oscar Nunez, Gina Brillon, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Ravi Patel, Marcus Lewis, and Madison Skye Validum have starring roles in the film.
Dashing Through The Snow is directed by Tim Story and produced by Will Packer through his Will Packer Productions, and John Jacobs through his Smart Entertainment. Story will also executive produce the film along with Johanna Byer, Ross Fanger, and Zac Unterman. The movie was written by Scott Rosenburg.
According to the outlet, Dashing Through The Snow is based in the Georgia state capital. The film will share the story of a divorced social worker in the Atlanta Police Department who hates Christmas due to a painful childhood memory. While spending Christmas Eve with his daughter, he gets a call and inadvertently evokes the wrath of a local politician. Through the ordeal, he meets a man who helps him understand the joy and magic of Christmas. Read more
Timothée Chalamet,Taylor Russell play cannibals in love (DailyMail)
Timothée Chalamet was feeling cut off from the world in the early days of the pandemic. Then Luca Guadagnino, whom Chalamet saw as a father figure while filming “Call Me By Your Name,” called with a new possible project. It would be another young romance set in the 1980s. But instead of Italy they´d be going to the American Midwest. And they’d be cannibals.
The film, “Bones and All” is having its world premiere Friday night at the Venice Film Festival, where it is among the competition titles. Chalamet and Guadagnino gathered before the premiere to discuss the film with the cast.
It’s a significant departure for the Italian director of films like “A Bigger Splash” and “I Am Love,” marking the first time Guadagnino has made an American film – something he’s wanted to do for some time. Then his longtime collaborator, screenwriter David Kajganich, came to him with an adaptation of Camille DeAngelis´ young adult novel and he saw in it an opportunity to make a film about identity and outcasts. Read more
Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ finds young stars to play Prince William and Kate Middleton in Season 6 (TheWrap)
Netflix’s “The Crown” has developed a reputation for finding fresh talent to portray some of the most notable names in British history which will now include Prince William and Kate Middleton for Season 6.
Young Prince William will be portrayed by 16-year-old Rufus Kampa and 21-year-old Ed McVey while Kate Middleton will be played by Meg Bellamy. The royal roles will mark the first on-screen credits for all three actors.
Kampa, who will play the Prince at age 15, has previously appeared on stage at the West End as well as in the Waterloo East Theatre and Wycombe Swan. McVey, who will portray the Prince in his later teen years and as an early adult, graduated from Drama Centre London last year and has appeared on stage at The Old Vic. Bellamy has been involved in amateur productions, though “The Crown” marks her professional debut. Read more
Mariah Carey clarifies calling Meghan Markle a ‘diva’ on podcast (PageSix)
Mariah Carey clarified that when she called Meghan Markle a “diva,” she meant the comment in an “empowering” way.
After tweeting that she “really enjoyed” talking to the Duchess of Sussex in Tuesday’s episode of the “Archetypes” podcast, the “Hero” singer addressed the awkward moment.
“Yes! I called her a diva, in the most fabulous, gorgeous, and empowering meaning of the word!!!” Carey wrote.
The Grammy winner, 53, made headlines earlier this week for calling out Markle’s “diva moments” during their interview, which admittedly made the “Suits” alum, 41, start “to sweat” and “squirm” in her chair.
Markle asked her guest, “What kind of diva moments did I give you?” Read more
Ukrainian refugees to be given free bikes to help employment (BBC)
Ukrainian refugees are being given refurbished second-hand bikes to help them find jobs.
The Wheels to Work scheme aims to help refugees access training, volunteering and skills opportunities as well as attend English lessons, job interviews, and get to work.
Refugee Oksana said the bike is the “only way she travels”.
South Gloucestershire Council has been collecting donated bikes and mending them before giving them on. Read more
Yusuf says Super Eagles ready for CHAN qualifiers second leg clash with Ghana (Vanguard)
As the Super Eagles B get set for the return leg against the Black Galaxies of Ghana, Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf has expressed optimism that his team will qualify for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be hosted by Algeria in 2023.
The Home-Based Eagles lost 2-0 to Ghana in Cape Coast and will have to overturn the result in the return leg against the Ghanians slated for Saturday, September 3 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, if they are to qualify for CHAN.
According to Yusuf, they were lapses in the first leg, but they have put all that behind them and are looking forward to a good result on Saturday.
“What is past is past and that is the case with the match we played in Ghana. Now we are looking forward to a good match on Saturday. Read more
Jordan Henderson ruled out of Merseyside derby (RTE)
Liverpool are still waiting to find out the extent of Jordan Henderson’s hamstring injury, but the midfielder will definitely miss the Merseyside derby with Everton.
The England international limped out of Wednesday’s victory over Newcastle and is awaiting the results of a scan.
Boss Jurgen Klopp does not know how long he will be out for, but says he definitely will not be involved in the lunchtime game at Goodison Park.
“We are still waiting for the result,” said Klopp. “He is definitely out, but we don’t know about the extent.” Read more
Klopp relieved to sign Arthur as Henderson awaits scan results (Guardian)
Jurgen Klopp admits he was relieved to sign Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus to help ease Liverpool’s injury crisis.
Klopp is waiting to discover the result of a scan on Jordan Henderson’s hamstring injury as Liverpool’s midfield continues to be battered by injuries ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Everton.
England international Henderson limped out of Wednesday’s victory over Newcastle and will definitely miss the Everton clash.
Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have also been hit by Liverpool’s midfield injury curse this season.
Arthur is still waiting for international clearance so will not feature against Everton.
But Klopp is pleased with the 26-year-old’s arrival for the rest of the season and he should be involved in Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Napoli.
“I was really happy about his transfer. My information is that it will not happen until tomorrow, the international clearance. We all hope it will be fine for Napoli,” Klopp told reporters on Friday. Read more
Bacary Sagna backs Arsenal to prove ‘main contenders’ for Manchester City’s Premier League title (Standard)
Bacary Sagna believes Arsenal can push Manchester City all the way this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have taken maximum points from their opening five games, sitting two points clear of the champions as things stand.
After an ambitious summer recruitment drive, the Gunners look much stronger than last time out, albeit at a very early stage of the campaign.
City, meanwhile, have been boosted by the arrival of Erling Haaland. The Norway international has scored nine goals already this season, sending an ominous message to the rest of the Premier League. Read more
Tyson Fury lines up alternative opponent if Oleksandr Usyk deal falls through (Mirror)
Tyson Fury has accepted a call-out from old rival Mahmoud Charr – if the heavyweight champion can’t agree a deal with Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury announced earlier this year that he was hanging up his gloves after defeating Dillian Whyte in his last title defence at Wembley Stadium. However, he has almost instantly backtracked on that idea and has declared his intent to unify the division against Oleksandr Usyk as early as this December.
Fury has also been looking into the possibility of fighting Derek Chisora, although his former pal turned down a £2million offer to face the world champion in a bout at the Principality Stadium this year. And now, it appears that Fury is looking into the possibility of facing Charr after conditionally accepting his unexpected social media call-out.
Over the past few months, Fury has been going back-and-forth on social media in video posts with Chisora, strongman-turned-boxer Thor Bjornsson and now Charr. The Germany-based Syrian fighter said in an Instagram post out of the blue today: “Tyson Fury, take the fight, I’m ready, I challenged you out, take the challenge, I’m ready for you man, no excuses.” Read more
F1 ruling clears way for Piastri to drive for McLaren in ’23 (DailyMail)
Oscar Piastri will join McLaren on a multiyear deal in 2023 after Formula One’s contracts board ruled in his favor and against Alpine on Friday.
Alpine was in dispute with Piastri – the team’s reserve driver – after he said he didn’t want promotion to the Alpine seat vacated by Fernando Alonso for next year.
Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer wanted to retain the 21-year-old Australian driver.
The matter went before F1’s Contract Recognition Board this week and the four-person tribunal ruled that McLaren had an existing contract in place. Read more
Serena Williams eyes spot in final 16 on day 5 of US Open (ABC)
Serena Williams will try to stretch her potential farewell into the last 16, facing Ajla Tomljanovic in a third-round matchup at the U.S. Open Friday.
It’s the opening match of the night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the same spot from which Williams won her first two matches after saying she was preparing to end her tennis career.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, who will turn 41 this month, would become the oldest woman to reach the fourth round of a major in the professional era, which began in 1968.
Williams, who said recently that the U.S. Open is likely to be her final tournament, defeated the world’s second-ranked player, Anett Kontaveit, to advance to the third round. Read more