Police confirm Taraba pub explosion (Punch)
Taraba State Police Command has confirmed an explosion at a local drinking spot in Jalingo, the state capital.
Spokesman of the Police Command, Abdullahi Usman, who spoke with newsmen, said details from the explosion were still sketchy but investigations by the anti-bomb squad were ongoing.
The PUNCH gathered that the explosion, suspected to be from an improvised explosive device, went off around 9 pm at Jika Drinking spot in Dorowa. Read more
Hilda Baci: Nigerian chef targets 100hrs new world record for longest cooking marathon (Guardian)
Nigerian chef, Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci has set herself 100hrs as she plans to set a new world record for longest cooking by a single person.
Hilda Baci had early Monday morning broken the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual cook.
By 08:32am on Monday, Hilda Baci had cooked for 88 hours and 32 minutes to equal the record which was previously set by an Indian chef, Lata Tondon. Read more
Assault: Policeman was drunk, says Seun Kuti’s manager (Vanguard)
Ayo Moses, Seun Kuti’s manager, has explained what went down on the day the Afrobeat artiste slapped a police officer on the third mainland bridge in Lagos.
Speaking exclusively to Potpourri on the phone, Ayo insisted that Seun Kuti was provoked by the officer, which led him to physically assault the officer.
“On the said day, Seun was driving with his family on the third mainland bridge, when he was suddenly hit from behind, by a police truck being driven by an officer who was reportedly drunk. This act from the officer led Seun’s daughter into a sudden shock, as she was visibly shaken by the hit. So, this made Seun pursue the truck, double-crossed it and forced it to a stop. When the police officer got down from the truck, instead of apologizing, he was arguing with Seun, which provoked him to slap the officer.” Ayo informed. Read more
Tinubu’s loyalists visit Bode George, seek support for president-elect (ThisDay)
As part of the efforts to build bridges and ward off the incessant attacks on the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, by the former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, the loyalists of the former Lagos State governor on Saturday visited George in his Lugard Road, Ikoyi office to solicit support for the incoming President of Nigeria.
George, a fierce critic of Tinubu, had vowed to go into exile if the former Lagos State governor who was the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as Nigeria’s president in the 2023 general election.“I have not changed my mind, if he (Tinubu) is the president I will go.
“If Tinubu wins, by that time I will be 80 years old. What am I doing here? I will wish you people well,” George had told ARISE NEWS Channel in November 2022.Speaking after Tinubu was declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election, the PDP chieftain said although he was yet to decide on his destination, his self-imposed exile remains in the works. Read more
Clearance of goods from Lekki Port takes 5 to 10 days — Lekki Freeport Terminal (Sun)
The container terminal operator for the Lekki Deep Sea Port- Lekki Freeport Terminal, a subsidiary of the CMA/CGM Group, has assured shippers of a faster turnaround time for the clearance of goods from the Port.
The Lekki Freeport Terminal said that clearance of goods would take between 5 to 10 days, which is fastest compared what is currently obtainable in existing ports across the country.
The Chief Commercial Officer, Lekki Freeport Terminal, Mr. Kehinde Olubi-Neye, disclosed this during a joint media parley by the management of Lekki Deep Sea Port- Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) and the terminal operator-Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT) at the Port recently. Read more
Sosoliso plane crash survivor, Kechi, bags MBA degree from US varsity (Tribune)
Nigerian singer Kechi Okwuchi has bagged an MBA degree from University of St. Thomas, Houston Texas USA.
Okwuchi, is one of the two survivors in the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash on Dec. 10, 2005, that claimed 107 lives, 60 of which were her schoolmates from Loyola Jesuit College.
The singer took to her Instagram page to post pictures and videos from the graduation ceremony.
She captioned, “Kechi Okwuchi, MBA officially.” Read more
Gambari to Nigerians: Elections are over, support incoming govt (DailyTrust)
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to start building support and providing the enabling environment for the incoming government to thrive.
Gambari made the call in Birnin Kebbi while briefing newsmen following a visit to Gov. Atiku Bagudu and the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar.
“I am here on a private visit to see the governor and His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gwandu. Because, as we are coming to the end of this administration. Read more
Court bars NYSC from disclaiming Enugu governor-elect certificate (Independent)
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, restrained the National Youth Service Corps and it’s Director Corps Certification, Ibrahim Muhammad, from issuing, publishing or continued to issue, publish disclaimer to the effect that the NYSC certificate of national service dated 6th January, 2003, issued to the the Governor-elect of Enugu state, Barrister Mbah Peter was not issued by the National Youth Service Corps.
Justice Ekwo made the order upon an ex parte motion dated May 4, which was moved by Emeka Ozoani SAN, on behalf of the applicant.
Ozoani brought the motion under section 13(1) & (2) of the Federal High Court Act Cap F12, Vol 6, Law of Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and. Order 26 Rule 6(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.
After hearing Mbah’s counsel, Justice Ekwo granted prayer one on the motion paper. Read more
Martha Stewart, 81, makes history as Sports Illustrated cover model in stunning photoshoot (Metro)
Martha Stewart has been unveiled as the latest Sports Illustrated model for 2023, landing one of the coveted covers beside Megan Fox, Kim Petras and Brooks Nader.
The TV host and businesswoman made history when she was announced, becoming the oldest cover model in history at 81.
A true icon.
In the main picture, which was captured in the Dominican Republic, she could be seen posing in a white swimsuit, which she paired with a gold jacket. Read more
Enrique Iglesias cancels show at the last minute with worrying medical issue (Mirror)
Enrique Iglesias was forced to pull out of headlining a Mexican festival at the last minute after doctors’ orders.
The Spanish heartthrob, 48, was set to entertain crowds at the Tecate Emblema Festival in Mexico City on Saturday, but had to disappoint his fans after a bout of pneumonia left him unable to perform.
The singer took to social media to share the unfortunate news and to offer an update on his condition. Read more
Simon Pegg discusses his struggle with alcoholism during Mission Impossible III (FarOut)
British actor Simon Pegg has disclosed details of his battle with alcoholism while shooting the 2006 film Mission Impossible III.
Pegg played Benji Dunn in the franchise and reflected upon the dark time in a new episode of the BBC’s radio programme Desert Island Discs. The Hot Fuzz star explained how he suffered a mental health breakdown and turned to alcohol. “You become very sneaky when you have something like that in your life,” he told host Lauren Laverne.
He continued: “You learn how to do it without anyone noticing because it takes over. It wants to sustain itself and it will do everything it can to not be stopped. But eventually it just gets to a point when it can’t be hidden, and that’s when, thankfully, I was able to pull out of the dive.” Read more
Cannes Film Festival prepares for a blockbuster return (National)
The Cannes Film Festival, which kicks off on Tuesday, is a colossal extravaganza that showcases the world’s best cinema. Following a cancelled 2020 festival, a much-diminished 2021 iteration and a triumphant 2022 return — it is finally back to its former glory.
“Let’s just say it’s gotten very hard to get restaurant reservations again,” says Christine Vachon, the veteran producer and longtime collaborator of Todd Haynes.
When the 76th Cannes Film Festival opens with the premiere of “Jeanne du Barry”, a historical drama by Maiwenn starring Johnny Depp, the gleaming Cote d’Azur pageant can feel confident that it has weathered the storms of the pandemic and the perceived threat of streaming (Netflix and Cannes remain at an impasse). Read more
Michael J. Fox reflects on his career and life with Parkinson’s (NPR)
When Michael J. Fox describes his experience with Parkinson’s disease in his new documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, he’s extremely blunt.
“Parkinson’s didn’t just kick me out of the house — it burned the f***ing house down,” he said, in a conversation with director/producer Davis Guggenheim.
And when he spoke with NPR’s Sacha Pfeiffer, he said every day with the disease is different. Read more
Thailand opposition party surges to stunning lead in preliminary vote count (UPI)
Thailand’s two major pro-democracy opposition parties swept to a landslide victory in elections held Sunday, according to preliminary results, as voters called for a change in the decades-long hold on political power by the military and the monarchy.
With about 80% of the vote counted at midnight, the progressive Move Forward Party was running ahead of the more established populist Pheu Thai party in the race to fill the 500 seats up for grabs in the House of Representatives — a stunning result for the upstart party.
Move Forward had claimed 114 seats, while Pheu Thai had 111 seats in the preliminary count, according to Thailand’s Election Commission. Read more
Britain promises long-range drones, missiles to Ukraine in Zelenskyy-Sunak meeting (AlArabiya)
Britain greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday with a promise of long-range attack drones on top of cruise missiles pledged last week, as the Ukrainian leader tours Europe winning new arms for a counteroffensive against Russia.
Zelenskyy met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the British leader’s Chequers country residence, the first foreign leader Sunak has hosted there since taking office in October.
Earlier Zelenskyy, who arrived from visits to Rome, Berlin, and Paris, wrote on Twitter: “Today – London. The UK is a leader when it comes to expanding our capabilities on the ground and in the air. This cooperation will continue today.” Read more
Golden Eaglets’ Yahaya Lawali wanted by Barcelona, top European clubs (Guardian)
Golden Eaglets defender, Yahaya Lawali is wanted by Barcelona and some other top European clubs in countries like France and Belgium ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Lawali was the brightest spot for Nigeria during the 2023 Under-17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Algeria which saw the Golden Eaglets exit the competition in the quarter-finals.
The right-back featured in all of the Golden Eaglets’ four games at the ongoing U-17 AFCON which will end this weekend even as he won the Man of the Match award on two occasions. Read more
Aina set for Torino exit (Punch)
According to Italian media Calciomercato, Nigerian defender Ola Aina could be playing his last season with Serie A side Torino as his contract expires at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The former Chelsea defender’s future at the club remains uncertain with his contract due to expire at the end of the season and has not made any intention of signing a new deal with the Maroons and could return to England.
The former Chelsea youth player has struggled with form following a series of injuries that have reduced his playing time at the Stadio Olimpico Grande. Read more
Mikel Arteta apologises to Arsenal fans as title dreams suffer fatal blow (Telegraph)
A dejected Mikel Arteta apologised to Arsenal supporters after the club’s title dream was all but ended by a disastrous defeat at home to Brighton.
Arsenal’s 3-0 loss in front of their own fans meant that Manchester City, who had thrashed Everton earlier in the day, are now just one victory away from securing a fifth league title in six seasons.
City could even be confirmed as this season’s champions before their next league match, against Chelsea on Sunday, if Arsenal lose to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening. Read more
Sam Kerr scores match-winner as Chelsea wins Women’s FA Cup in front of record crowd (ABC)
Sam Kerr has led Chelsea to their third straight Women’s FA Cup, scoring the lone goal in the final against Manchester United in front of a record crowd at Wembley.
With 77,390 people in attendance, the sold-out game smashed the previous record for a women’s domestic club football match — an Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona clash in 2019 — by 17,000 people.
It was also almost 30,000 more fans than last year’s decider, when just over 49,000 people set a then-record for a Women’s FA Cup match as Chelsea beat Manchester City in extra time. Read more
Italian Open: Cameron Norrie sets up Novak Djokovic meeting in Rome (BBC)
British number one Cameron Norrie beat Marton Fucsovics to set up an Italian Open last-16 meeting with world number one Novak Djokovic.
Norrie came through 6-2 7-6 (7-4) in a match that had been held over following Saturday’s rain interruptions in Rome.
Norrie had led by a set and 5-1 but was pegged back by the Hungarian before digging deep again to win.
Djokovic overcame Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 4-6 6-1 after seeing a 4-2 second-set lead disappear. Read more
Jayson Tatum’s 51 vs. Sixers sends Celtics back to ECF (ABC)
As Jayson Tatum connected on another 3-pointer midway through a third quarter Sunday — en route to outscoring the Philadelphia 76ers in the period by himself — he turned to a raucous Boston crowd and let out a cathartic yell.
“This is my s—” he said.
Tatum scored 51 points, the most in a Game 7 in NBA history, to lead the Celtics to a 112-88 victory to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. Tatum broke the record set two weeks ago by Stephen Curry, who scored 50 points in Game 7 of the Golden State Warriors’ first-round series against the Sacramento Kings. Read more