Rehab: Lagos sets to shut Apapa Marine Bridge for 3 months (Vanguard)
The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to shut the Marine Bridge on the Apapa outward section of the bridge, partially for three months from Tuesday, March 9 to Monday, June 21, 2021, for emergency repair works.
This is coming Barry two weeks after the Third Mainland Bridge for fully reopened after about seven months of repair works on the bridge.
A statement on Friday, by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, stated that the partial closure to allow for emergency repairs as necessary to maintain the bridge infrastructure which includes removal and cleaning of the existing expansion joints to prevent further deterioration.
Oladeinde, also explained that during the period of the partial closure, traffic will be diverted to alternative routes, Apapa inward lane will be divided into two lanes to allow the counter flow of traffic. Read more
COVID-19 Protocols: US renovates consular pavilion for visa applicants in Lagos (NewTelegraph)
The United States Consulate General in Lagos has unveiled its newly expanded and renovated consular pavilion that seeks to improve the experience that visa applicants and American citizens in Nigeria receive.
Speaking during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, United States Consul General Claire Pierangelo noted that the renovated consular pavilion will provide a new safe space for visa applicants to socially distance while waiting for their appointment.
She said the Consulate is working hard to reschedule the visa applicants that were affected by the pandemic, adding that the new consular pavilion will go a long way in helping to achieve this goal. Read more
Lagos Speaker commends Gov. Sanwo-Olu over completion of Agege flyover (Guardian)
The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr Mudashiru Obasa, has commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over the completion of the 1.4 km Dual Carriageway Flyover at Pen Cinema, Agege.
Obasa gave the commendation during the inauguration of the bridge by the governor on Friday in Lagos.
He described the project as a dividend of true governance and the desire of All Progressives Congress (APC) to meet the yearnings of the people. Read more
Jonathan felicitates Obasanjo on his 84th birthday (Vanguard)
Former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has felicitated ex-President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 84th birthday.
Dr Jonathan described Chief Obasanjo as a sincere patriot and thanked God for his life and all the great things he has achieved.
In a goodwill message he personally signed, former President Jonathan said:
“As you mark this occasion of your 84th birthday, I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for a fulfilling and highly eventful life. Read more
Nigeria begins COVID-19 vaccination (NewTelegraph)
Nigeria on Friday commenced its COVID-19 vaccination as a medical doctor, Dr. Cyprian Ngong, of the National Hospital, Abuja, received a jab of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine.
The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, flagged off the exercise on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari .r
Nigeria had on Tuesday received about four million doses of AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine shipped into the country through the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport. Read more
Group backs developer on allegation of herdsmen sponsorship (DailyTrust)
The Executive Director of Abuja Grass Roots Project (AGRP), Yunusa Yusuf, has urged residents to disregard news going round that an estate developer was sponsoring Fulani herdsmen attacks in the FCT.
Com Yusuf said whatever funds the developer had made available to the herdsmen was for compensation over displacement.
Yusuf who made this call during a press briefing, advised youths to shun hatred, conflict, suspicion and rumour.
This came as an estate development company, TPumpy Concept Limited, recently came under criticism for allegedly paying a group of Fulani to procure arms. Read more
Student docked over assault on teacher (Leadership)
A student of Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife identified as Salami Lateef, (18) has been arraigned before an Ile-Ife magistrates’ court in Osun Staff over alleged assault on his teacher and a security personnel.
He however pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy and malicious damage leveled against him.
The police prosecutor, Sunday Osanyintuyi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 1st, 2021 at Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife.
Osanyintuyi added that the defendant conspired with others now at large to wit to assault and cause malicious damage. Read more
I tested positive for COVID, Says Obasanjo (DailyTrust)
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday revealed that he tested positive for the Coronavirus.
He broke the news in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, while speaking at a colloquium put in place to celebrate his 84th birthday.
The programme held within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library(OOPL), Abeokuta.
Obasanjo, who said he was a bit concerned about it, added that he had to put a call to his daughter, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo – Bello, an epidemiologist.
Obasanjo said, “It will surprise you that I tested positive for COVID-19. I called them to come and test me, they came on a Saturday, I didn’t get the result till Wednesday and it came out positive but I didn’t see any symptoms. Read more
Family of 7 in police net for kidnapping in Ogun (Leadership)
Men of the Ogun State police command on Friday, paraded four members of a family of Seven, who constituted themselves into a kidnapping syndicate in Sagamu area of the state.
While four of the suspect, which included their father, Oweniwe Okpara and three of his children namely; Samson Okpara, Bright Okpara and Eze Okpara were paraded in Sagamu, the three other children; Godwin Okpara, Godspower Okpara and Mathew Okpara were already cooling their feels at the police custody in Delta State.
Two other suspects, Christian Ishaha and Emmanuel Joseph who provided accommodation for the suspects in Sagamu township from where the suspects usually perfected their operations’ plans were also paraded alongside the Edo state-born Okpara kidnapping syndicate. Read more
Pope calls for an end to ‘violence and extremism’ in first address of Iraq visit (France24)
Pope Francis called for an end to extremism and violence in his opening address Friday on the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, long scarred by war and now gripped by coronavirus.
The 84-year-old is defying a second wave of the global pandemic and renewed security fears to make a “long-awaited” trip to comfort one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, while also deepening his dialogue with Muslims.
“May there be an end to acts of violence and extremism, factions and intolerance!” urged Francis in the stirring address, his first after arriving in Iraq.
Francis landed in the afternoon at Baghdad’s International Airport, where he was greeted by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, as well as groups showcasing Iraq’s diverse folklore music and dance. Read more
Kanye West ‘very focused’ on collaboration with Gap, CEO says (NYPost)
Gap’s chief executive says the apparel chain’s partnership with Kanye West is still going strong despite the rapper griping that he’s not on the company’s board.
Gap CEO Sonia Syngal said she spoke with West on Wednesday about their Yeezy Gap collaboration, a line of “elevated basics” that’s on track to launch toward the end of the first half of the year.
“He’s very, very focused on this incredible opportunity,” Syngal told Wall Street analysts on a Thursday conference call. “We’re both very excited about it.”
The “Stronger” artist sent Gap’s stock price soaring in June when he announced the 10-year deal between the clothing stalwart and his Yeezy brand, which is reportedly worth up to $3 billion. Read more
Mystery four-tonne sea beast washes up on Wales beach (Metro)
An unidentified creature, measuring 24-feet long and weighing an estimated four tonnes, has washed up on a beach in Wales. The mysterious beast was discovered on Broad Haven South Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, last week. The finders reported it to the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP). Experts couldn’t identify what it was, so samples of the decomposing remains have been sent away for testing. Matthew Westfield, the CSIP stranding co-ordinator for Wales, said: ‘It’s very difficult to tell for certain what it is because it’s so badly decomposed. Read more
Canada approves Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine (France24)
Canada on Friday authorized a fourth Covid-19 vaccine, adding Johnson & Johnson to its approved list alongside AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shots.
It is the first single-dose Covid-19 vaccine to be authorized in the country, and has been cleared for use by people over 18 years of age.
Ottawa has ordered up to 38 million doses, which can be stored at refrigerated temperatures from two to eight degrees Celsius (35-46 Fahrenheit), making distribution easier than some others. Read more
YouTube will lift ban on Trump channel when risk of violence decreases: CEO (NYPost)
Alphabet’s YouTube will lift its suspension on former President Donald Trump’s channel when it determines the risk of real-world violence has decreased, the company’s CEO, Susan Wojcicki, said on Thursday.
YouTube suspended Trump’s channel for violating policies against inciting violence after the assault on the US Capitol by the former president’s supporters in January.
“The channel remains suspended due to the risk of incitement to violence,” said Wojcicki, speaking in an interview with the head of the Atlantic Council think tank. She said recent warnings by the Capitol police about a potential new attack on Thursday showed that an “elevated violence risk still remains.” Read more
NASA’s Perseverance rover takes its first drive on Mars (BBC)
The American space agency’s (NASA) Perseverance rover has wiggled its wheels and undertaken its first drive across the surface of Mars.
Pictures downloaded to Earth on Friday indicate the excursion was a short roll and turn.
It’s two weeks now since the one-tonne robot landed on the Red Planet.
Engineers have spent the time commissioning the vehicle and its many systems, including its instruments and robotic arm. Read more
NFL: Maia Chaka makes history as first black female official (BBC)
Maia Chaka has become the first black female on the NFL’s list of officials.
The Virginia teacher has been promoted from the league’s officiating development programme after previously refereeing in the college game.
Chaka is the second woman to become an NFL official after Sarah Thomas.
“I am honoured to be selected,” Chaka said. “But this moment is bigger than a personal accomplishment. It is an accomplishment for all women, my community, and my culture.”
NFL: Sarah Thomas to be first woman to officiate in a Super Bowl
Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, said: “Maia’s years of hard work, dedication and perseverance – including as part of the NFL officiating development program – have earned her a position as an NFL official. Read more
Guardiola wary of ‘difficult’ United ahead of Manchester derby (France24)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Manchester United will be “difficult” opponents despite a huge gulf in form between the two sides ahead of Sunday’s derby.
City are on a run of 21 successive wins in all competitions — a record for an English top-flight team.
They are top of the Premier League table, 14 points clear of second-placed United, who have won just one out of their past five league matches and are struggling to score goals.
But the City boss said he was wary of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team, who are unbeaten away from home in the league for more than a year. Read more
Jeremie Boga: Keen to win more Ivory Coast caps (BBC)
Jeremie Boga is hoping that finding stability and form at Italian Serie A side Sassuolo is going to lead to more Ivory Coast caps.
The former Chelsea player’s only international cap was handed to him by Belgian coach Marc Wilmots as a late substitute in a 3-2 loss to Guinea in June 2017.
Since then the 24-year-old Boga has been overlooked, something that he wants to change.
“I have always wanted to play for the Ivory Coast, so it had nothing to do with me,” he told BBC Sport Africa.
“It was a decision made by the manager who was in charge at the time. Read more
Football lawmakers change handball rule again (Metro)
Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence, the game’s lawmaking body the International Football Association Board has announced. The controversial section of the handball law came into play during Thursday night’s Premier League game between Fulham and Tottenham, the Cottagers seeing a goal by Josh Maja ruled out when the ball cannoned into the hand of his team-mate Mario Lemina from a Davinson Sanchez clearance when he was a matter of yards away. And the IFAB has now agreed a change, which comes into effect from July 1. However, competitions have the flexibility to introduce changes prior to that date, IFAB said. Read more
The Knicks are finally a team to be proud of (NYPost)
Everyone who lives and dies with the Knicks can recall Amar’e Stoudemire smiling his new $100 million smile and proclaiming: “The Knicks are back.”
The Knicks were not back then, and 11 years later, they’re not back now.
But after so many fast breaks to heartbreak across the years, after Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson and the triangle offense, after David Fizdale, after the Kristaps Porzingis flameout, Tom Thibodeau has called timeout on misery, and on the eve of the All-Star break, Knicks fans this time are not relieved that the season is half over.
They can start to believe again. Read more
Leicester City close to signing Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard in £15m deal (Metro)Leicester City are closing in on a deal to sign Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, according to reports. The 23-year-old has been sublime since joining Celtic from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 with 81 goals in 160 appearances. Brendan Rodgers was the man who brought Edouard to Celtic on an initial loan deal from PSG in 2017 before his move was made permanent a year later for £9 million. Edouard has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, while Arsenal are also understood to have been monitoring the striker’s performances. Read more