Police, BRT begin manhunt for driver in whose bus 22-year-old lady got missing (Guardian)
Police in Lagos and the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit are searching for a BRT driver in whose bus a 22-year-old lady was allegedly kidnapped.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the alleged victim, Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwola, works as a Fashion Designer at Chevron Estate, Ajah, and spends weekends at Ota, Ogun State, with her sister.
She was returning to Ota from Ajah on Saturday, Feb. 26 when she boarded a BRT bus with number 240257 going to Oshodi at about 7 p.m. at Chevron Bus-Stop.
Sensing danger as the bus did not pick any other passenger at subsequent bus stops, Oluwabamise engaged a friend using voice notes on her phone
The voice notes showed that the bus driver said he liked Oluwabamise and asked for her name and other details. Read more
I’ll marry any man that sends me fuel-Waje (Nation)
Singer, Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje has vowed to marry any man that is thoughtful enough to send her fuel in her dire moment.
As the fuel scarcity worsens with difficulty biting much harder, the Edo-born singer in an Instagram post on Friday updated those seeking her hand in marriage alongside those intending to join the list.
In her post, the 41-year-old vocalist revealed the most important item on her marriage list is 100litres of fuel although her family will gladly accept 25litres at this point.
Waje also highlighted all the lucky man stands to gain if he’s able to come through with the ‘fuel.’ Read more
TOOAN seeks separation from NURTW to end conflicts (Leadership)
The Lagos State Chairman of Tricycles Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN) Alhaji Azeez Abiola has called on the Lagos State government to intervene and separate their association from National Union of Roads and Transport Workers (NURTW) to end frequent conflicts in Lagos State.
Abiola who made the calls at a press conference at TOOAN state secretariat in Moiran Abule Egba area of the state, said that the only way peace could reign among the two factions is to be on a separate entity and control as stipulated by memorandum of understanding in the state.
He said TOOAN is ready to continue to work in harmony as they have always done, saying “Since 1998 that we registered our union as TOOAN, we never had issues with anybody until recently Alhaji Musiliu Akisanya( a.k.a Oluomo) decided to hijack union from the original owner of
He stated that the call would also allow the association to achieve its objectives and to form a synergy that would ensure the mechanism of the group come to reality in the state and Nigeria at large. Read more
University education is not for employment, says ASUU UNILAG chairman (Channels)
Mr Dele Ashiru has faulted the belief that university education is tailored for employability, maintaining that graduates from the institutions are supposed to be employers of labour.
The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Lagos State (UNILAG) chapter, made the comment on Friday during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
“There is a fundamental assumption that is wrong: university education is not for employability. That one is basic,” he said during the show. “If you have a good university education, you should be an employer of labour.”
According to him, access to university education is not for everybody, explaining that in developed nations; only a few people get to that level.
Lagos Baptist West holds Lifeway conference (Nation)
The annual LifeWay International Conference of the Lagos West Baptist Conference commences on March 11 and ends on Sunday March 13,2022.
The LifeWay Conference is designed to enrich the spiritual lives of members of the Baptist denomination.
It is aimed at teaching key spiritual and scriptural issues to further deepen Baptist faithfuls.
The theme for this year’s conference is : “Baptist Autonomy:The Spirit, Principles and Practice”. Read more
You can get meters free, Ikeja Electric tells customers (Punch)
An official of Ikeja Electric, James Timothy, has said that electric meters are free to their customers, in spite of the payment that several consumers make to acquire meters for their property.
Speaking at a virtual sensitisation meeting organised by IE for Youth leaders and stakeholders, on Friday, March 4, 2022, Timothy said that meters rolled out under both the Federal Government National Mass Metering Programme and Meter Asset Provider scheme are free to consumers.
The official of IE Metering Project Team said that, while no payment is required at all for meters issued under the FG’s NMMP because all payments have been made by the Central Bank of Nigeria, meters issued under the MAP scheme require payment by consumers before they are issued.
He, however, said that the amount paid by a customer to acquire a meter under the MAP scheme is refunded to the customer in the form of energy credit spread over the period of 36 months. “So, it is also free,” he said.
FCTA warns against buying Land from IDPs (ThisDay)
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has cautioned members of the public not to buy land from Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), living in Abuja.
The admonition was issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the FCT Minister, Ikharo Attah after the enforcement team removed illegal structures behind the Old Federal Secretariat at Area I, Garki, Abuja.
He said some people were paying as much as N100,000 to the internally displaced persons for swampy land infested with snakes and reptiles around the perimeter fence of the Old Federal Secretariat.
He said the authority realized that many of the illegal structures had been in the area for many years. Read more
Ukraine War: ‘I spent 24 hours in cold’, Nigerian evacuee narrates experience (DailyTrust)
Wegwu Kella, a student of Dnipro Medical Institute, Ukraine, has narrated her experience before evacuation.
Kella, who was among the 415 Nigerian evacuees that arrived Abuja, via Max Air, from Romania, said she is having a sweet-bitter feeling.
While sharing her experiences over the bombing and difficulties she went through before getting to the border, and her final departure to Nigeria, she said: “Ukraine still remains my home”.
“Leaving Ukraine was a bitter-sweet feeling. I’m not quite happy about it because I’m leaving school.” Read more
2023: Northern youths give condition to back Southern candidate, want Funmi Ayinke as consensus (Independent)
Some youths from the north have advocated for a power shift to the south ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The group, under the aegis of Northern Youths for Good Governance, in a statement on Thursday, said it has adopted renowned philanthropist, Amb. Funmi Ayinke, as its consensus presidential candidate.
In the statement signed by its president, Comrade Ibrahim Abdulsalami, the group said of all aspirants from the south, Ayinke ticks Abdulsalami said the north is impressed with Ayinke’s credible disposition to growth and development of the country ably “evident in her track record that speaks volumes of an unparalleled and committed Nigerian burning with a passion for contributing her quota to the entrenchment of democracy as well as availing Nigerians the dividends of democracy”. all the boxes even though she is yet to formally declare her intention to contest. Read more
Sergeant guns down 6 colleagues at police headquarters in Maiduguri (DailyTrust)
A police officer simply identified as Sergeant Bello has shot and killed at least six mobile police officers in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
The incident happened inside the police college quarters of Borno Police headquarters in Maiduguri, according to sources.
A senior police officer told our correspondent that the errant officer is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
A family source said the police sergeant had a misunderstanding with his wife and neighbours tried to intervene but he didn’t listen. Read more
Kim Kardashian removes ‘West’ from her social media accounts (PageSix)
Goodbye, West.
Kim Kardashian removed her married last name, West, from her social media accounts Thursday, just one day after a judge declared her legally single in her divorce from Kanye West.
Part of Kardashian’s petition included a desire to change her name from Kim Kardashian West back to Kim Kardashian, so it’s no surprise the Skims founder made it official across her public profiles.
Although “West” has been scrubbed from social media, she’s still promoting her KKW Fragrance collection in her bio. Read more
Red Hot Chili Peppers share funky new single Poster Child (MusicNews)
Red Hot Chili Peppers have released their new single, ‘Poster Child’.
The funk rockers have given fans another taste of their upcoming comeback album, ‘Unlimited Love’, following the release of last monnth’s lead single ‘Black Summer’ – which has already amassed more than 16 million Spotify streams.
The latest tune is accompanied by an animated promo.
The follow-up to 2016’s ‘The Getaway’, released on April 1, will be their first LP to feature guitarist John Frusciante since 2006’s ‘Stadium Arcadium’. Read more
Jack Harlow to star in ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ reboot (FarOut)
The cult classic sports comedy White Men Can’t Jump, starring Woody Harrelson, Wesley Snipes and Rosie Perez is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, with a reboot of the film also on its way in the near future. American rapper Jack Harlow is set to make his acting debut in the upcoming movie, filling the sneakers of Harrelson, whilst any news as to returning cast members is currently unknown.
Filmmaker Calmatic, who is also responsible for the upcoming House Party remake, will be directing the new project, whilst black-ish screenwriters Kenya Barris and Doug Hall will be penning the script.
The reboot of the classic 1992 film will follow a similar story to the original film, tracking the lives of Sidney (Snipes) and Billy (Harrelson), two rival basketball hustlers who team up for one big score.
Better known for his music than his basketball skills, Harlow earned the role in the new film after winning over the filmmakers and casting team in an impressive debut audition that likely showed off his sporting attributes as shown in the recent NBA All-Star Weekend’s Celebrity Game. Read more
‘Swan Song’ director among Irish Film and TV academy rising star nominees (THR)
Benjamin Cleary, the writer/director whose debut feature Swan Song starred Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Awkwafina and Glenn Close, is among 2022 Screen Ireland – Irish Film & Television Academy rising star nominees
Announced by the IFTA on Friday, the five-strong list also includes Colm Bairéad, writer/director of An Cailín Ciúin, which won the Berlinale’s Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury award for best film earlier this year, Kate Dolan, writer/director of Toronto-bowing You Are Not My Mother alongside the film’s lead star Hazel Doupe, and Sam Keeley, who played Eric ‘Viking’ Kinsella in the Irish-U.S. co-production Kin (and will soon be seen in NBC’s Tiger King dramatization).
The winner will be announced at the virtual IFTA awards ceremony on March 12.
“This prestigious award shines a light on five superb Irish professionals who are proving themselves to be world-class talents, exemplifying high-quality craft, skill and expertise on the world stage,” said Áine Moriarty, chief Executive of the Irish Film and Television Academy. “As Ireland’s rising stars, they are a reflection of a brilliant new wave of Irish talent in what may be a Golden Era for the Irish Screen industry, and the Academy is proud to recognise their achievements.” Read more
Diddy gave ‘Snowfall’ actor Damson Idris valuable advice after meeting Jay-Z (HipHopDX)
Damson Idris’ role as Franklin Saint in FX’s Snowfall has propelled him to new heights and into the company of the biggest rappers. During a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, the London-born actor revealed Diddy gave him some valuable advice after meeting JAY-Z for the first time at an Oscars party.
“It’s funny, like I’m about to be nervous but they know so much about my work that I’m almost not allowed to be nervous anymore,” he explained. “I remember when I first went to the Gold Party at Oscar night and Puff [Daddy] introduced me to Hov – that’s how I met Hov, through Puff. And Puff was like, ‘Yeah, Hov, this is Damson Idris, he’s like the new Denzel [Washington].’ And I was like, ‘Nice to meet you.’ And Hov walked away and Puff was like, ‘You see how you’re acting right now? Like ain’t nothing a big deal? Yeah, keep that… keep that.’”
He continued, “So ever since then, if I meet anyone – and it isn’t like some hater stuff, like I love them, but keep it in. At the end of the day, like I said, if you ever meet Denzel, it’s just ‘thank you.’ I’m not asking for a picture, I’m not asking for advice or anything. Just ‘thank you.’ You’ve already given me everything through existing.”
Damson Idris was recently pictured alongside JAY-Z at Super Bowl LVI, while also in the same room as Rihanna, LeBron James, A$AP Rocky, Kevin Hart, Jack Harlow and fellow British actor Daniel Kaluuya. Read more
The Batman director Matt Reeves says Glasgow ‘is a very special place’ as film hits cinemas today
(DailyRecord)
The Batman hits cinemas today, and director Matt Reeves has given huge praise to Glasgow after shooting the film here.
Robert Pattinson is the latest actor to take on the role of Bruce Wayne, as many famous faces have played the caped crusader – from George Clooney to Christian Bale.
The Batman films in many iconic Glasgow locations, and many fans even speculated that Batman’s famous Batcave lair may even be located “under” the city’s graveyard.
Other locations include Glasgow Cathedral and Glasgow Royal Infirmary. And Hartwood Psychiatric Hospital in Shotts will double up as Gotham’s orphanage. Read more
Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska pays a moving tribute to the ‘incredible’ women facing war (Glamour)
The rallying cries of Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have been ringing out across the world over the past week, since the Russian attack on the country began. His words have encouraged both Ukrainians and those in the diaspora to mobilise and move to support the country in any way they can, as Russia’s troops continue to advance. But today, it is the words of his wife, and Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, that really stick with us, as she paid tribute to the women of Ukraine in a moving Instagram post.
Uploading a slideshow of images to her feed, Zelenska referenced that there are two million more women than men in Ukraine and that this has taken on a “new meaning” following Russia’s invasion, giving the country’s resistance has a “particularly female face”.
“Before the war (how scary and still unusual to pronounce it) I once wrote that there are two million more women in Ukraine than men… and now it takes on a whole new meaning. Because this means that our current resistance also has a particularly female face ,” the First Lady wrote in her caption. “My admiration and bow to you, incredible compatriots!”
Olena also made it clear that her awe stretched beyond just those picking up weapons and marching out to meet Russian troops, it extends to every single woman who is playing her part in keeping the country, and it’s people, going: “To those who fight in the ranks of zsu, and those who signed up for teroboronu. Those who heal, save, feed. To the volunteers who find everything necessary for it. And those who continue to do their usual job – in pharmacies, shops, on transport, in utilities, so that life lasts and wins.” Read more
Qatar 2022: Iwobi missing as Nigeria invite 2 new players, 30 others for Ghana clash (Punch)
Technical Adviser Augustine Eguavoen has called up Captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forwards Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho in a Super Eagles’ provisional list of 32 for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off round against the Black Stars of Ghana.
Everton’s Alex Iwobi was missing from the provisional list obtained by The Punch on Friday.
Also called up are goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Daniel Akpeyi, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Abdullahi Shehu, midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and forwards Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo and Samuel Chukwueze.
Leicester City FC of England forward Ademola Lookman, recently cleared by FIFA to switch international allegiance and former U-17 World Cup star Akinkunmi Amoo are officially called up for the first time, while defender Calvin Bassey and forward Emmanuel Dennis return to the fold of the three-time African champions. Read more
Pep claims he would happily lose Manchester derby to win PL title (Football365)
Manchester City boss is ready for his side’s clash with Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United on Sunday, labelling the German as the ‘father of gegenpressing’.
City’s lead at the top of the Premier League table could be cut down to just three points when they kick off on Sunday, should Liverpool beat West Ham on Saturday evening.
The game will mark Rangnick’s first Manchester derby and Guardiola has revealed what has changed at United under the German since his appointment as interim boss in December.
“The difference from Rangnick is the pressing, Rangnick is a father of the gegenpressing in these positions. You see with Liverpool and Southampton and Jesse Marsch with Leeds, a little bit with Tuchel. Top clubs, five or six teams are playing this way. Read more
China to suspend Premier League coverage to avoid broadcasting show of solidarity with Ukraine (Independent)
China is suspending its coverage of the Premier League this weekend to avoid broadcasting the clubs’ show of solidarity with Ukraine.
The Premier League is planning to show its support for the Ukrainian people amid Russia’s devastating invasion of the country, with club captains due to wear armbands in the national colours of yellow and blue across all 10 games. There will also be a moment of silence before kick-off at each ground, while messages of support will appear on advertising boards and on screens in stadiums. The official Premier League logo has also been altered to reflect the Ukrainian flag.
“The Premier League and our clubs wholeheartedly reject Russia’s actions and will be showing support for the people of Ukraine at all matches this weekend,” a statement read. “We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted. A show of solidarity for Ukraine will be visible at all Premier League matches from Saturday 5 to Monday 7 March.”
Chinese broadcaster iQIYI owns China’s exclusive rights to the Premier League, with a contract worth a reported £120m up until the end of the 2024-25 season. Despite the move to block coverage this weekend, The Independent understands the league’s long-term deal with iQIYI is not thought to be at risk over the issue. Read more
Gary Lineker and cricket legends lead Shane Warne tributes after sudden death (Mirror)
Tributes are pouring out as the sporting world mourns the death of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne.
Warne’s management released a statement announcing the 52-year-old had passed away from a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand.
“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement reads.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.” Read more
Why Mazepin has not necessarily been banned from the British GP (RN365)
Following the FIA’s decision that Russian and Belarusian drivers may participate in international competitions only in a neutral capacity and under the ‘FIA flag’ subject to specific commitments given by them, Motorsport UK, the FIA’s delegated national sporting authority (ASN) in the country, stated: “No Russian/Belarusian licenced competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK motorsport events.”
The statement added that “no Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (on uniform, equipment and car) to be displayed at Motorsport UK permitted events.” Note the neat reversal and lower-case usage of “UK motorsport events” and Motorsport UK permitted events – a crucial difference.
The British ASN went on to state that their decision had been taken “in full accordance with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommendations” – which it had, though, followed only selectively – and had been “made in full consultation with the UK Government and national sports governing bodies to ensure there is a unilateral response to the crisis.”
However, “unilateral” clearly means within a UK context and “consultation with the UK Government” hardly implies ministerial agreement. In addition, Motorsport UK’s stance is certainly not aligned with the FIA’s decisions as outlined above and subsequently clarified, namely that Russian/Belarusian drivers may participate in international/zone competitions in a neutral capacity. Read more
Manchester clubs face tricky derby as Leeds launch new era (Guardian)
Manchester United make the short trip to Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday buoyed by their recent record at the Etihad as Leeds begin a new era under Jesse Marsch.
Elsewhere, Liverpool will seek to make it seven league wins in seven against high-flying West Ham, one of only two sides to beat the Reds this season.
Arsenal could take advantage of visits to the top two for the Hammers and United by moving into fourth with games in hand to come when they travel to Watford.
AFP Sport takes a look at some of the key talking points ahead of the weekend action.
Can City end United Etihad jinx?
Even though they are now indisputably the top dogs in Manchester, City have had real problems beating United on their own turf in recent years. Read more
Lily Miyazaki switches nationality from Japanese to British (BBC)
World 206-ranked Lily Miyazaki has decided to play for Great Britain in future.
Miyazaki, 26, lived in Japan for the first six years of her life before settling in London aged 10, where she trained at the Sutton Tennis Academy.
Japanese citizens are not allowed to hold dual nationality, so Miyazaki has opted for British citizenship.
She will become the British number seven, and eligible to play for GB in the Billie Jean King Cup. Read more