Policemen reject N4m bribe, arrest drug peddlers in Lagos (Punch)
Officers of Area K, Marogbo of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested one Esther Obiekezie for drug peddling alongside two others who attempted to bribe the police with N4 million for her release.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
The statement read, “The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has commended the officer in charge of the Police Tactical Team attached to Area K, Marogbo, Lagos State Command, SP Rilwan Kasumu, and team, for rejecting N4m bribe while investigating a case of drug peddling and unlawful possession of ammunition. Read more
Labour issues FG 14-day ultimatum for nationwide strike (Guardian)
Organized Labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Thursday gave the Federal Government an ultimatum of a nationwide strike that would take effect in 14 days.
Both NLC and TUC in a statement gave FG the ultimatum to implement a 16-point agreement they reached with the government on October 2, 2023.
They said the agreement includes a call for a minimum wage increase of 30%, which the government has not honoured. Read more
We’ll open reserves to address food costs — FG (Vanguard)
The Federal Government, yesterday, assured Nigerians that food items would be released from the National Food Reserves as part of the measures to crash food prices.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this after the meeting of the Special Presidential Committee in Emergency Food Intervention which was at the instance of President Bola Tinubu.
The meeting which was convened by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is part of the Federal Government’s move to stem rising food prices in the country. Read more
Tinubu: Every Nigerian deserves decent, affordable houses (ThisDay)
President Bola Tinubu has performed the groundbreaking of the 3,112 housing-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, and reiterated his administration’s resolve to provide decent and affordable housing for Nigerians.
The project is part of 20,000 housing units to be delivered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and it represents the first practical expression of the administration’s desire to implement a New City Development Plan under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the occasion, the president said under this plan, integrated living communities that will redefine the essence of residential living for Nigerians nationwide will be built, emphasizing that his vision is to build dynamic, integrated and self-sustaining communities, equipped with amenities to enhance the quality of living for residents. Read more
Kanye West announces Lagos tour (DailyTrust)
Lagos has been added to the list of nations that renowned American rapper, Kanye West, plans to perform in 2024 and 2025.
According to Entertainment news, the musician revealed the news on Wednesday in a post on his official Instagram story.
The touring roster for West’s collaborative album “Vultures,” which he is releasing in three installments, was revealed by TY Dolla $ign. Read more
Insecurity: FG deploys special military troops to Ekiti (Tribune)
Amidst the recent security challenges in Ekiti state, the Federal Government has deployed a special detachment of military personnel to the state to curtail the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements in the state.
The state was in the news last week over the killings of two revered traditional rulers along Oke-Ako axis and the abduction of school children and teachers in Emure-Ekiti. The incident happened the same day.
Worried by the events, the governor met with the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja ; the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa Mustapha and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu , where he called for more deployment of operatives to the state. Read more
NIGAV sets to unveil 2023 King, Queen Of The Air (Independent)
The Nigeria Aviation Awards (NIGAV) would later this month unveil the 2023 King and Queen of the Air in the Nigerian aviation industry.
The King and the Queen of the Air would be launched at the 13th edition of the annual awards, which would take place at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.
A statement by Mr. Fortune Idu, the Convener of the event, said that the session is sponsored by Santos Aviation, a United States-based aircraft interior refurbishing company. Read more
99-year-old Asaba monarch Edozien passes on (Nation)
The Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Professor) Chike Edozien, who will clock 100 years on July 28 this year, has passed on, The Nation has learnt.
There has been growing apprehension over the health of the 99-year-old monarch in the last couple of years.
Palace sources have declined to comment on the matter until the traditional protocol regarding his passage is followed. Read more
“We’re Being Bold Today”: The Ice Spice And Latto Beef, Explained (Complex)
Every other day, it seems like conflicts or rising tensions between rappers are becoming more and more frequent. Just last month, the conversation was focused on feuds between Drake and Mos Def or Blueface and Soulja Boy. Now all eyes are on Latto and Ice Spice.
This rumored feud has been simmering for at least a year. Initially, Latto seemed to be in conflict with Nicki Minaj after a heated Twitter exchange in 2022 over their past issues. However, fans now suggest that Latto’s focus is now set on Ice Spice, who isn’t holding back. The Best New Artist nominee has been closely associated with Nicki Minaj since 2023 when the Pink Driday artist dubbed Spice the princess of rap in 2023, going on to release the remix of “Princess Diana,” and “Barbie World” together. That same year, Latto collaborated with Cardi B, Minaj’s longtime adversary, on the stellar remix of “Put It on da Floor.” Read more
Taylor Swift claps back at critics of her releasing so much music and shares new album announcement back-up plan (NME)
Taylor Swift has hit back at those accusing her of releasing so much music, and revealed that she had a back-up plan to announce her new album.
The pop megastar first announced details of her upcoming studio album over the weekend, when she took to the stage at the 2024 Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
“I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret I’ve been keeping for the past two years, she said while accepting an award for Best Pop Vocal Album for ‘Midnights’. “My brand new album comes out April 19th. It’s called ‘The Tortured Poets Department.” Read mor
US Supreme Court to hear if Donald Trump can run in 2024 election (National)
The US Supreme Court on Thursday was scheduled to hear landmark arguments on former president Donald Trump’s eligibility to be on the 2024 presidential ballot.
The hearing places the Supreme Court at the centre of the 2024 US election, conjuring memories of when it was asked to weigh in on the Bush v Gore decision in 2000 that eventually handed George W Bush the presidency.
Mr Trump is appealing a ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that he is ineligible to hold office again because of his involvement in the January 6, 2021 insurrection. It marked the first time in US history that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment had been used to disqualify a presidential candidate. Read more
Mark Knopfler assembles 60 music icons for ‘‘Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)’’ remake (AbsoluteRadio)
Dire Straits legend Mark Knopfler has drafted in over 60 iconic musicians from the rock world and beyond for a charity remake of his seminal 1983 instrumental track ‘Going Home (Theme From Local Hero).’
Released on Friday 15th March 2024 under the moniker of Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes, the newly-expanded nine-minute instrumental epic was produced by Guy Fletcher, and it boasts an unprecedented line-up of some of the greatest guitarists in history – including, of course, Knopfler himself.
Proceeds from the track will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust and its American equivalent Teen Cancer America. Read more
The meaning behind “My Boo” by Usher and Alicia Keys (AmreicanSongwriter)
Usher is performing at the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. While the Internet predicts and wishes for a dream setlist, one song making most of these playlists is his hit single, “My Boo,” featuring Alicia Keys.
And if “My Boo” makes the list, then the next piece of speculation must follow: Will Alicia Keys be there?
Usher Raymond IV (cozy serendipity with the NFL’s continued use of Roman Numerals) is one of the most influential R&B artists of his time. His career began as a teenager with a self-titled release on LaFace Records in 1994. Though LaFace initially questioned Usher’s star power, his second album, My Way, left no doubt. Read more
Ryan Leslie releases new album ‘You Know My Speed’ (RatedR&B)
Ryan Leslie is back. The Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter has returned with his new album, You Know My Speed.
The 10-track offering includes the previously shared “Run It Back.”
The album also features an appearance from fellow R&B crooner Bobby V on the closing track, “Sounds.” The bedroom track was initially released in 2015. Read more
Cillian Murphy’s son Aran is joining an A-list cast in new movie (Unilad)
Cillian Murphy’s son is making his feature film debut.
The Peaky Blinders star shares two kids with his wife Yvonne McGuinness; Malachy, 17, and 16-year-old Aran.
While it’s thought Malachy has previously shown an interest in music, Aran has long been following in his father’s acting footsteps. Read more
Manchester United unwilling to offer more than £70m for Ivan Toney (SportsMole)
Manchester United are only prepared to go as high as £70m in their efforts to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer, according to a report.
Despite managing to fend off interest in their star man during the January window, Bees boss Thomas Frank has conceded that Toney will likely leave the club ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The England international’s contract at the Gtech Community Stadium only runs for another 18 months, and as he is not expected to sign an extension, an exit this summer will be Brentford’s last chance to recoup a significant fee. Read more
AFCON: Sanwo-Olu salutes Super Eagles, tasks them to return home with trophy (Independent)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for advancing to the final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday night by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, commended the Super Eagles for beating the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties kicks, after the the two sides played for one hundred and twenty minutes on Wednesday.
He said the Super Eagles fought gallantly to advance to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, noting that the victory over South Africa is a testament to the determination, resilience and commitment of the Super Eagles to winning the AFCON Cup. Read more
Son will ‘‘definitely’’ keep playing for South Korea, Klinsmann says (France24)
Son Heung-min will “definitely” continue playing for South Korea, underfire coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Thursday, after the skipper suggested he could end his international career following their Asian Cup exit.
South Korea lost 2-0 to lower-ranked Jordan in Tuesday’s semi-final in Doha as their wait for a first Asian title since 1960 goes on.
Tottenham striker Son, 31, cast doubt on his future with South Korea in the immediate aftermath. Read more
Scottie Scheffler wants punishment for LIV golfers who left PGA Tour if merger goes through (FOX)
A merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund – the financial backers of LIV Golf – remains in question.
However, if there comes a time when the merger is etched in stone, Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer who plays on the PGA Tour, believes those that left for LIV Golf should not be welcomed back with open arms.
“You had some guys that left our Tour and then sued our Tour,” Scheffler said to The Golf Channel prior to the WM Phoenix Open’s opening round on Thursday. “That wasn’t really in great taste. Read more
British Grand Prix remains on F1 calendar until 2034 (StraitsTimes)
The British Grand Prix will remain on the Formula One calendar until 2034, following a 10-year extension with Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers’s Club (BRDC), F1 announced on Thursday.
The first ever Formula One Grand Prix was held at Silverstone in 1950 and the new deal will see the circuit involved for its ninth decade.
“I am delighted to announce the British Grand Prix will remain on the calendar for 10 more years with this agreement,” F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement. Read more
Rory McIlroy jumps up 26 places in sport’s rich list (BelfastTelegraph)
Golfers make up 10 of the world’s top 100 best-paid athletes, with Masters champion Jon Rahm now the second biggest earner behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Following his mega move to LIV Golf, Rahm edged out Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods as the game’s cash king in 2023 with an estimated haul of $203 million. The Holywood man McIlroy has moved up from 39th in 2022’s list to 13th in 2023.
According to sports business news specialists Sportico, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund — the money behind LIV Golf — has had an enormous effect on golf. Read more