Sanwo-Olu declares free BRT ride on Xmas, New Year days to residents (Vanguard)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved free ride on Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, corridors on Christmas and New Year days to residents.
Free bus commuter services would be offered to residents on the Ikorodu to TBS, Oshodi to Abule Egba and Lagos Badagry Expressway BRT corridors on both days.
A statement by the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, through Assistant Director, Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, stated that the free commuter bus services were being offered to residents in the spirit of joy, love and peace which the season of Christmas signifies.
According to her, “Mr. Governor is convinced that the best way to end the year and begin a new one is with hope, having faced many hardships during 2021. Lagosians must therefore enter the New Year, which promises to change and improve commuter experience, in comfort. Read more
NPA expects 27 ships with petroleum products, others at Lagos ports (Guardian)
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it is expecting 27, ships laden with petroleum products, food items and others from Dec. 24 to Jan. 5.
The NPA made this known in its publication, `Shipping Position`, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.
According to it, the ships are expected to arrive at the Lagos Port Complex.
The publication said that the ships contained general cargo, frozen fish, containers, bulk sugar, base oil, trucks, bulk wheat, steel, ethanol and butane gas. Read more
Christmas Eve: Panic as high-tension cables fall in Lagos (Punch)
There was tension in Igando and Idimu areas of Lagos State after high-tension cables fell across major roads and vehicles in the axis.
It was learnt that the cables fell after the pylon transmitting electricity from Egbin Hydro Power Station collapsed Friday morning.
The cables also fell on shanties located under the pylons in the densely populated area.
As of the time of filing this report, no casualty has been recorded.
This as the National Emergency Management Authority appealed to residents to be safety conscious.Read more
Ex-LCCI Director-General Urges Academic to Proffer Solutions to Nigeria’s Leadership Failure (DailyTrust)
The academia in Nigeria has been urged to interrogate the emergence of leaders in order to help develop a blueprint that makes it possible for only qualified persons to occupy positions of authority in the country.
Making the call at a colloquium with the theme ‘Perspectives on the development crisis in Nigeria’ organised by the Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, recently, former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Muda Yusuf, said it was time for scholars to take an active role in Nigeria’s development in all areas.
Yusuf, now Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, said, “For too long, academia has not been active enough in key issues in the country.
“A lot of things are falling apart and I think academia has a very important role to play in policy discussions and direction.” Read more
LAWMA partners firm for Lagos- Badagry Expressway cleanup (Guardian)
Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered West Africa ENRG, an environmental services company, for a thorough cleanup of heaps of refuse in black spots along the Lagos- Badagry Expressway, stretching 19 kilometres, from Mile 2 to Iyana- Iba.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, who disclosed this in his office, said the exercise would last for about three weeks, involving deep cleaning of the expressway, with particular focus on service lanes, dedicated bus lanes, tolled lanes, intersections, medians, and kerbs.
He said the move was to put a permanent stop to the menace of highway littering and indiscriminate dumping of waste along that corridor, adding that the agency would also focus on the sustainability of the work done.
According to him, the task of keeping Lagos clean is a collective responsibility and LAWMA is glad to partner with West Africa ENRG, for the cleanup of the Lagos Badagry Expressway, stretching from Mile 2 to Iyana Iba, which has experienced an upsurge of black spots, due to the activities of miscreants engaging in indiscriminate waste dumping. Read more
Christmas: Political leaders must listen to save Nigeria — Catholic Bishops (Vanguard)
THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has urged stakeholders, especially political leaders, to listen to their constituents in order to save Nigeria from collapse.
CBCN President, Most Revd Augustine Akubeze, said this in a Christmas message made available to journalists through the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Michael Umoh, in Abuja.
The message is entitled: ‘Speak Lord! Your Servant is Listening.
The CBCN also urged those in corridors of power to resist the temptation of arresting and charging those who criticise the government. Read more
How I almost dropped out of varsity in second year – Broda Shaggi (Punch)
Nigerian comedian and actor, Samuel Perry, recently revealed that he almost dropped out of the University of Lagos because of an international opportunity.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo published on Thursday, the actor narrated his ordeal and how he made a U-turn to continue with his university education.
“When I was in year two, I wanted to drop out,” Broda Shaggi said.
Revealing the reason, he said, “There was this theatre troop from Abeokuta. They said they needed dancers in Russia. So I went to Abeokuta and from Abeokuta, we went to Ife. We rehearsed, did everything, and were ready for the performance. It was a carnival in Russia.”
Broda Shaggi noted that the 12-man dance group went to the embassy for their visa but he was the only one who was successful during the application. Read more
Fed Controller says 2nd Niger Bridge ready in June (Vanguard)
The Second Niger Bridge may be completed by the second quarter of 2022, according to Mr Adeyemo Ajani, Federal Controller of Works in Anambra.
He said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday, that the contractor handling the project is on site and has been working uninterrupted after a cumulative one-year delay as a result of COVID-19 lockdown and issues with contract affected communities.
He, however, said these issues have been sorted out and that hopefully the job would be delivered in the second quarter of 2022.
He said the contracts for the connecting roads have been awarded but the contractors have not been mobilised. Read more
Delta lawmaker hospitalised as gunmen shoot vehicle at close range (Punch)
A member of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Reuben Izeze, has been hospitalised after suffering gunshot injuries as gunmen reportedly attacked him on Thursday night.
Hon. Izeze, representing Ughelli South Constituency at the State House of Assembly was said to have been shot at about 9:00 pm on Thursday night around Effurun, Uvwie Council Area, while returning home.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the yet to be identified armed men opened fire on his vehicle at close range.
It was gathered that one of the aides to the lawmaker who was with him in the vehicle was seized by the gunmen, but was later released.Read more
Why former Nickelodeon star Kel Mitchell was celibate for three years (PageSix)
Sex with lots of women was not “All That.”
Kel Mitchell — who rose to fame on Nickelodeon in the ’90s — said sleeping with lots of women in his 20s and “mixing spiritually” was harmful, leading the actor to celibacy for three years.
The “All That” star told Page Six recently that after seeking advice from his evangelist, he needed to “free himself” from past relationships and sexual partners that were not “of God” or “connected to God.”
“What I had to do was, I literally mentioned every woman that I had been having sex with … I forgave them and forgave myself,” Mitchell, 43, told us, adding, “After I said all their names they were released, I released my name from them, I released my spirit from them.”
He then explained that you can ask the lord to “take their spirit out of yours” to be made “free.”
“I was in my 20s at the time and it was just a freeing experience,” he said. “Like, I literally felt new. And then that’s when I decided I’m going to be celibate. It made me realize, like a lot of the relationships it was all just sex.” Read more
Iron Maiden don’t have plans to change their ways (MusicNews)
Iron Maiden are happy to be “dinosaurs”.
The heavy metal legends were narrowly beaten to the number one spot on the album chart by Drake this year and frontman Bruce Dickinson admitted he doesn’t really “get” the ‘Hotline Bling’ hitmaker’s work.
He said: “We went head to head with Drake the week the album was released. I don’t really get what he does, though a lot of people do, but going head to head with him felt like, ‘No this is real music played by a bunch of old geezers who make no concessions to the times in which we live.’
“People say, ‘You’re dinosaurs.’ And we go, ‘Yeah and there aren’t too many of those left.’
“This is who we are, it’s what we do.”
And Bruce is pleased the band haven’t relied on social media to grow their fanbase. Read more
Game of Thrones star explains why she chose Matrix Resurrections over Shang-Chi (DigitalSpy)
Game of Thrones actress Jessica Henwick has explained why she went for The Matrix Resurrections over Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, saying that her decision was based on Marvel’s wider plans.
Here’s where the Spidey and Hawkeye spoilers come in.
Henwick told The Hollywood Reporter that she felt like accepting a role in Shang-Chi would mean killing the possibility of reprising her role as Colleen Wing from the Netflix/Marvel shows, which Daredevil and Kingpin actors Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio did this month.
“That definitely did come up in the discussion,” she said. “If I did [Shang-Chi], I would effectively be putting Colleen to bed. It wasn’t the main factor, but it definitely came up in conversation.
“I love Colleen. She changed my life. Of course, if I was given the opportunity to revisit her, I would, but I just don’t know how likely that is. Read more
Chris Noth emerges amid sex assault allegations, says he’ll ‘let the chips fall’ (PageSix)
Chris Noth is letting “the chips fall where they may” as the number of women accusing him of sexual assault continues to rise.
“You have my statement right? My statement is out, I rest by my statement,” the embattled actor, 67, told paparazzi in a video Wednesday. “I’ll now let the chips fall where they may. My statement is my statement, that’s all I can give.”
The actor — who was accused by fourth woman on Thursday — was photographed grinning as he took a stroll around the neighborhood in Massachusetts.
Wearing a green beanie and black zip-up coat, paps said the “Sex and the City” star greeted a neighbor as he walked around in Great Barrington, Mass., where he’s been holed up amid the scandal. Read more
Anil Kapoor joins the cast of ‘Fighter’ starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone (TimesofIndia)
Actor Anil Kapoor who is celebrating his birthday today, has joined the cast of filmmaker Siddharth Anand’s highly-anticipated film ‘Fighter’ starring Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan. Welcoming Kapoor on board, earlier today, Hrithik Roshan took to his Instagram handle and penned down a warm note on Anil Kapoor’s special day.
Dropping a happy picture of the birthday boy with Siddharth and Hrithik, the ‘War’ actor wrote in a long caption, “Happiest Birthday to the man who grows younger each year in spirit and health, Anil Kapoor! Best wishes to you Sir. From witnessing your legendary presence on sets as a mere assistant, to finally having the opportunity of sharing the screen with you… Super excited for #Fighter.”
Happiest Birthday to the man who grows younger each year in spirit and health, @AnilKapoor! Best wishes to you Sir… https://t.co/rs1T0bxAOm
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) 1640321505000
Soon after this, Anil took no time to reply on Twitter. “Thank you so much Hrithik Roshan! Happy to be a part of team #Fighter and working with you on screen finally!” he wrote back. Read more
Hugh Jackman praises ‘Music Man’ understudy for stepping into lead role last minute (NYPost)
Broadway’s “The Music Man” swung into high gear last Thursday thanks to one “swing actor.”
Two-time Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman took a few moments out of Thursday’s preview to thank his co-star for the evening, and got a little “emotional” while doing so.
Jackman, 53, plays charming con artist Harold Hill in Meredith Wilson’s ragtime musical, opposite Sutton Foster, 46, as do-gooder piano teacher Marian.
But when Foster, 46, became suddenly unavailable for the show’s fourth preview, understudy Kathy Voytko stepped up with fewer than eight hours notice, Jackman revealed during a post-show speech in which he thanked many of the show’s swing actors. Read more
K-pop star Suga tests positive for Covid after BTS return from US (Guardian)
Suga, songwriter and rapper for the K-pop sensation BTS, has tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from concerts in the US, the group’s management has said.
The 24-year-old, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, was confirmed to have contracted the virus on Friday during his self-quarantine after returning home to South Korea on Thursday, according to Big Hit Music.
He had received his second Covid-19 vaccination in August, had not come in contact recently with any other band recently and was not showing any symptoms, the company said.
“He is currently administering self-care at home,” it said in a statement. “We see the artists’ health as our top priority, and will do everything we can to aid Suga in his speedy recovery.”
The band had a number of personal engagements in the US after holding their first in-person concerts in Los Angeles since the start of the pandemic. Read more
Deshazor Everett: Washington player in hospital after fatal car accident (BBC)
Washington Football Team have said player Deshazor Everett is in hospital with “serious but not life-threatening injuries” after being involved in a car accident in which a passenger died.
The incident happened in Loudoun County, Virginia on Thursday night.
Everett, 29, a strong safety, joined the team from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy” Washington said.
In a statement, the NFL side added: “We’ve been made aware of an automobile accident last night involving Deshazor Everett.
“A passenger in his vehicle lost their life and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends who lost a loved one. Read more
It’s difficult narrowing Super Eagles to 23 players, says Eguavoen (Guardian)
Augustine Eguavoen, has said that picking 23 out of a pool of 30 players for Super Eagles’ campaign at the Cameroun 2022 African Cup of Nations is proving to be a difficult task because of the high standard of the players available for selection.
Eguavoen is currently rounding off preparations for the African Cup of Nations, which kicks off on January 9, 2022 in Cameroun.
Speaking with The Guardian on Tuesday after meeting with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Eguavoen said some of the key players in the 40-man provisional list of players initially submitted by former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, are facing injury issues, which is expected to impact his selection process.
He disclosed that he met with the NFF on players that would be invited to camp for preparations, adding that as soon as the team’s coordinator sends out invitation letters to invited players’ clubs, a provisional list of 30 players would be released to the public this week. Read more
Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte suffers major blow as Frank Warren reveals four new opponents are being discussed for March (Metro)
Tyson Fury will not fight Dillian Whyte next, according to promoter Frank Warren, who has revealed there are talks with four other possible opponents for March.
The WBC have ordered a fight between their champion Fury and Whyte but a number of issues remain unresolved.
The main bone of contention as it stands is over the Londoner’s split of the fight purse. Fury’s camp want 80-20 in favour of ‘The Gypsy King’ while Whyte and Eddie Hearn are pushing for a split closer to 55-45.
Whyte is currently in legal arbitration with the WBC over the matter, but Fury’s promoter Warren does not expect it to be resolved any time soon. Warren says they will now move forward to find another opponent for Fury to fight first. Read more
Premier League meeting ‘a waste of time’, says Spurs boss Conte (BBC)
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte says Thursday’s meeting between managers and the Premier League to discuss issues around the Covid-19 pandemic was like talking to a brick wall.
On Monday the league chose to continue playing through the Christmas period.
Three games on 26 December have now been postponed, taking the total to 13, while players and club staff returned a record 90 positive tests last week.
Asked if the meeting was a waste of time, Conte said: “I think so.”
The Italian added: “Yesterday it was [like talking to] a wall and for this reason I also prefer to not go into it.” Read more
Teammate reveals what stars said during Eriksen cardiac arrest horror (RT)
One of Christian Eriksen’s international teammates has revealed what Denmark’s players whispered in the shocking moments following the stricken midfielder’s cardiac arrest on the pitch during a Euro 2020 match.
The former Tottenham star, who has just been released from his Inter Milan contract, collapsed as his country took on Finland in their opening match at the competition.
Six months on, RB Leipzig striker and compatriot Yussuf Poulsen has movingly described the minutes that followed Eriksen’s scare, as the rest of the Denmark team formed a circle around him to prevent further graphic scenes being caught on camera.
“When we stood around him at that time, we all feared that we might be watching him die,” admitted Poulsen to the Central German Newspaper, as relayed by Sky Germany. Read more
Runner urges women to speak out after ‘losing 5 times to transgender athletes’ (RT)
A female American college athlete has described the experience of being beaten by “biological males” as “extremely deflating”, urging women in the state where a transitioned swimmer has broken records not to be afraid to talk.
Idaho track athlete Madison Kenyon went to court when the state’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which bans trans women from competing in women’s sports, faced a legal challenge.
Now 20, Kenyon said she was first beaten by a transgender rival as a 14-year-old, and is imploring fellow athletes to express their opinions in Pennsylvania, where Lia Thomas – formerly a biological male competitor called Will – has been breaking records in the pool.
Athletes and their families have tended to speak under anonymity when they have discussed the case publicly because of reputed fears of repercussions, and Kenyon worries that part of the problem is a reluctance from those affected to raise their voices to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and other bodies. Read more
Burnley-Everton postponed because of Covid cases (BBC)
The Premier League has postponed Everton’s match at Burnley on Sunday because of coronavirus and injuries.
Everton were originally rebuffed by the league in their application to have the game called off.
But a Premier League statement on Friday said it had reviewed the club’s request “following further injuries to the squad”.
It means three of the nine English top-flight games scheduled for Sunday have now been postponed.
On Thursday, Liverpool’s game against Leeds at Anfield and Watford’s visit to Wolves were postponed because of coronavirus cases. Read more