Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Opebi-Ojota link bridge construction (Punch)
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has flagged-off the construction of the road linking Opebi-Ojota bridges to solve major traffic congestions in Ikeja.
The governor added that his administration has completed over 65 road projects with over 50 others at various stages of completion.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Wednesday during the flag-off event of the 3.89 kilometre-long carriageway to serve as easy exit for commuters leaving Ikeja-Onigbongbo axis towards Ojota and Maryland.
He said, “Prior to this project, there was no direct road linkage between Opebi, Maryland and Ojota. Available roads linking the areas are limited in connectivity options, thus paving the way for the high traffic volume and congestion within the Ikeja traffic network. Read more
EFCC arrests ‘Michael Jackson’ for internet fraud (Leadership)
The operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a suspected fraudster, known as ‘Michael Jackson’ for his alleged involvement in internet fraud.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, in Lagos following credible intelligence received by the commission on the illegal activities of some individuals allegedly involved in cyber-related fraud.
EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said Jackson, who poses as Ella, a transgender woman, allegedly defrauded unsuspecting victims of millions of naira.
He also said the suspect, who also claimed to be a Disc Jockey (DJ), had in his possession fetish items, which he claimed was “for grace and success.” Read more
Army arrests 150 suspected political thugs heading from Ibadan to Ekiti, moves them to barracks in Ondo (Tribune)
No fewer than 150 men suspected to be political thugs were arrested by men of the 32 Artillery Brigade in the early hour of Wednesday.
The armed men were arrested around 3:00 a.m. at Ita Awure/Efon junction in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State, and were said to be heading to Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, ahead of Wednesday’s primaries election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
A source told Tribune Online that all the arrested suspected political thugs had been moved to Owena Barracks in Akure, the Ondo State capital, for further investigation.
The source said the suspected armed thugs were on their way to Ekiti from Ibadan, Oyo State, and were arrested Efon Local Government Area of Ekiti State, by military men.
The souece added that the suspects were travelling in five 18-passenger buses before they were intercepted and arrested by soldiers. Read more
Reps condemn re-emergence of coups in West Africa (Channels)
The House of Representatives on Wednesday condemned the resurgence of coups in Burkina Faso and other West African countries, saying it portrays great dangers to democratic values in the region.
The House also called for sanctions from Nigeria, and other countries as well as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This is sequel to an urgent motion by a member, Julius Ihonvbere, with the title, ‘Need To Condemn Increasing Resort To Military Coups In The West African Sub-region.’
Ihonvbere lamented that there had been at least four coups in the subregion in the last six months alone, with recent cases being Burkina Faso and Mali. Read more
Tinubu graduated from our school, says Chicago university (Punch)
The Chicago State University says All Progressives Congress stalwart and presidential hopeful, Bola Tinubu, indeed attended the university.
Beverly Poindexter, who is in charge of official transcript requests, enrolment and degree verification at the Office of the Registrar, CSU, said this in a terse email response to The PUNCH on Tuesday.
“Mr Tinubu did attend our university, however, if further information is needed, go to studentclearinghouse.org website to make a formal request,” Poindexter wrote.
In an earlier letter dated August 20, 1999 and signed by then Registrar, Lois Davis, the university stated that Tinubu was its student between 1977 and 1979.
He wrote, “Please be advised that Bola A. Tinubu did indeed attend Chicago State University from August 1977 through June 1979. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Administration with honours on June 22, 1979. His major was Accounting.” Read more
‘There’s Sufficient Petrol’, Says NNPC As Long Queues Resurface In Abuja (DailyTrust)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has asked Nigerians not to panic amid the ongoing scarcity of fuel in Abuja.
Residents of Abuja are currently struggling to purchase fuel at different filling stations in the nation’s capital.
From Kubwa to Maitama, Utako, Asokoro, among others residents are scrambling for petrol as black marketers are smiling to the bank.
Commenting on the development in a statement on Wednesday night, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Garba Deen Muhammad, said it has sufficient petrol stock to meet the needs of Nigerians.
NNPC in a statement said, “Please do not panic, NNPC Ltd wishes to assure the public that the Company has sufficient PMS stock to meet the needs of Nigerians.
“The public is therefore advised not to engage in panic buying of petrol and to ignore all rumors that may suggest otherwise. Read more
Kolawole emerges Ekiti PDP gov’ship candidate (Leadership)
A former Commissioner for Environment in Ekiti State, Hon. Olabisi Kolawole, has emerged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the June 18, 2022 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Kolawole, who was the anointed aspirant of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, polled 671 votes
in the governorship primary election of the party, held in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Wednesday, to pick the party’s ticket.
He defeated his closest rival, former Governor Segun Oni, who garnered 330 votes out of a total of 1,200 delegates that participated in the keenly contested primary election.
Announcing the results of the exercise, chairman of the Ekiti State PDP Gubernational Primary Election Committee and Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, said Kolawole polled 671 votea to trounce Oni and other aspirants. Read more
Telecom operators rule out 5G interference with flights (Punch)
Nigerian telecom operators on Wednesday allayed fears of 5G’s interference with flight operations in the country.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria made the clarification in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo; and Head of Operations, Gbolahan Awonuga.
There has been ongoing debate in the United States over the risk of interference between 5G network and aviation equipment.
Industry stakeholders in Nigeria and subscribers of telecom operators have also been expressing concerns that the country’s aviation sector might experience the same issue. Read more
Over 500 blood units compromised after AEDC power cut – Commission (DailyTrust)
No fewer than 500 units of blood collected from voluntary blood donors have been compromised following disruption of power supply to the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) headquarters by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) last Friday.
The commission in a statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity Haruna Abdullahi on Wednesday said it had not defaulted in payment to AEDC to warrant the power cut.
The commission houses donated blood awaiting distribution to hospitals.
The statement said, “The headquarters of the National Blood Service Commission was thrown into total darkness on Friday, 21st January 2022 when officials of the AEDC abruptly cut off power supply to the commission. Read more
Tom Holland gushes over Benedict Cumberbatch’s convincing turn as villain in ‘Power of the Dog’: “I really hated you” (THR)
Tom Holland and Benedict Cumberbatch are good friends, bonded and best-known thanks to their adventures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Spider-Man and Doctor Strange.
On the heels of an on-screen pairing in Holland’s blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home, they combined forces yet again on Wednesday, this time in Cumberbatch’s honor to discuss his turn in Jane Campion’s critically acclaimed The Power of the Dog.
Holland quizzed Cumberbatch about the preparation, demands and challenges of stepping into the shoes of Phil Burbank in the Netflix film, which casts him as a charismatic yet troubled rancher who torments his brother, played by Jesse Plemons, his surprise sister-in-law, Kirsten Dunst, and her young son, newcomer Kodi Smit-McPhee. Cumberbatch went method for the role and the results have been impressive: He’s currently nominated for a Screen Actors Guild (a 7th SAG nod overall with no wins) and has snagged nearly two dozen critics group honors, more than any actor this season.
But before any questions were presented, Holland had kind words to get out of the way. “Congratulations pal, the movie is breathtaking,” Holland said to a humbled Cumberbatch during the online event for voting members of the Academy, SAG, PGA and other industry guests . “It’s incredible. The film is so shocking and it’s so gut-wrenching and the intricacies of your character — I’ve never seen a character arc quite like it.” Read more
Spotify pulls Neil Young’s music after singer gave ultimatum over Joe Rogan’s Covid’ disinformation’ (People)
Neil Young’s discography will no longer be available on Spotify.
The musician, 76, gave the music streaming platform an ultimatum earlier this week between his music and Joe Rogan’s podcast. On Wednesday, Spotify confirmed that it would be removing his songs for the time being.
“We want all the world’s music and audio content to be available to Spotify users,” a spokesperson for Spotify said in a statement to People on Wednesday. “With that comes great responsibility in balancing both safety for listeners and freedom for creators. We have detailed content policies in place and we’ve removed over 20,000 podcast episodes related to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. We regret Neil’s decision to remove his music from Spotify, but hope to welcome him back soon.”
In an open letter shared to his website on Monday that appears to have since been deleted, Young took a stand against COVID misinformation that he said was being disseminated in Rogan’s podcast. Read more
Metal Edge Magazine returns as website, archive of classic hard rock interviews (Variety)
Metal Edge, the colorful rock magazine whose monthly cover was collaged with photos of Bon Jovi, KISS, Skid Row, White Zombie and Dokken throughout the mid-’80s and ‘90s, is back. Initially published by Sterling, it shut in 2009 due to the waning popularity of both print and the mostly hair metal genre Metal Edge focused on.
Metal Edge is now owned by Project M, the company behind other music and culture outlets including Revolver, Brooklyn Vegan, Goldmine, Inked and the Hard Times.
At present, Metal Edge will be online only, and they’re kicking off with an exclusive feature on bassist Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue (pictured). The 2019 Netflix biopic “The Dirt” helped re-ignite interest in the band and their ‘80s rock genre.
“Back in the day, Metal Edge’s mix of exclusive artist interviews, onstage, backstage, in-the-studio and behind-the-scenes reporting, up-to-the-minute news and high-quality photography helped to define the look, sound and feel of heavy music,” new Editor-in-Chief Richard Bienstock says in his debut editor’s letter. “Now, that distinctive voice and perspective is back.” Read more
Morgan Stevens dies: Veteran television actor on ‘Fame’ And ‘Melrose Place’ was 70 (Deadline)
Morgan Stevens, who played numerous roles on television before a tragic confrontation with police derailed his career, was discovered dead at age 70 in his home today as part of a police wellness check. No information on the cause of death was released by police.
His death was first reported by TMZ.
Born October 16, 1951, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Stevens headed to Hollywood soon after graduating college. He appeared as Paul Northridge in one episode of The Waltons and in three reunion movies, including A Wedding on Walton’s Mountain, in which his character married Erin Walton (played by Mary Elizabeth McDonough).
His first major role was playing teacher David Reardon during two seasons of the TV show Fame. Stevens appeared in 20 episodes during season 2, then appeared as an occasional guest star when the show was syndicated, writing a third season episode, Catch A Falling Star. Read more
Prince Andrew demands jury trial as he denies sex assault claims (Metro)
The Duke of York has officially responded to a sex assault civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, saying he rejects the accusations and wants to fight them in court.
Documents filed today says he denies sexually assaulting her when she was under 18 and ‘hereby demands a trial by jury on all causes of action asserted in the complaint’.
The duke submitted 11 reasons why the case should be dismissed, including that Ms Giuffre’s claims are ‘barred by the doctrine of consent’ and by ‘her own wrongful conduct’.
He also denies that he is a close friend of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls last month.
Ms Giuffre, also known as Virginia Roberts, accuses Prince Andrew of sexually assaulting her in three different locations between 2000 and 2002. Read more
France, European allies urge Mali to let Danish counter-terrorism forces stay (France24)
France and 14 other countries urged Mali late on Wednesday to allow Danish special forces to remain in the African country, but its transitional government insisted on an immediate withdrawal.
In response to Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod saying on Tuesday that the troops were there by a “clear invitation,” the Malian government said it was surprised because a decision on the Danish request in June to deploy troops was still pending.
“No accord authorizes the deployment of Danish special forces to the Takuba Task Force,” the Malian government said in a statement. Norway, Portugal and Hungary are still waiting for approval and have not deployed troops, it added.
Mali’s government on Monday asked Denmark to immediately withdraw the troops. Read more
Judge tells 1/6 rioter Capitol police officers are patriots, sentences him to 3-plus years (Newsweek)
Nicholas Languerand, a 26-year-old who has identified himself as a believer in the QAnon conspiracy theory, was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison Wednesday for assaulting police officers during the January 6 Capitol riot in a hearing that saw the judge sentencing him say the January 6 rioters do not deserve to be described as “patriots,” as that description applies to the officers he assaulted.
“The patriots were the police officers who were defending the Capitol building and our democratic values,” U.S. District Judge John Bates said, according to The Associated Press.
The conspiracy theory played a significant role in Languerand being at the Capitol. His lawyer said he lost his job in late 2020 and in the weeks following he spent a significant portion of his time consuming online content about QAnon and the far-right extremist group the Proud Boys, the AP reported.
Languerand, who pleaded guilty to a felony assault charge in November, and his attorney maintain that he did not intend to commit violent acts when he arrived at the Capitol, a claim the prosecution disputed, providing multiple photos in the statement of facts of the 26-year-old throwing several objects at police officers. Read more
We’ll support Eagles’ incoming coach to succeed, Eguavoen promises (Guardian)
Maduka is disconsolate, says Omeruo
Coach Augustine Eguavoen has promised to support the team’s incoming manager as the country seeks to qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Nigeria will meet Ghana in a two-leg play-off in March for one of Africa’s five tickets to the World Cup. The first leg of the qualifier will hold in Ghana while Nigeria will host the decisive leg.
Eguavoen, who is Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) technical director, said before leaving Cameroun for Nigeria on Monday that the technical department is ready to support the new coach in whichever way he wants, adding that leading the country to Qatar 2022 World Cup is paramount, more than any other considerations.
The NFF recently named Portuguese coach, Jose Poseiro, as Super Eagles next manager following the sack of Gernot Rohr from the position.
Poseiro, according to the Federation, was in Cameroun as an observer, while the Eagles featured in the Africa Cup of Nations. Read more
Samuel Kalu joins Watford (Vanguard)
Super Eagles forward, Samuel Kalu has completed his switch to the Premier League with Watford football club in a deal that will last till June 2025.
Kalu who previously plied his trade with Ligue 1 side, FC Girondins de Bordeaux completed the switch on Wednesday as announced by the club on its website.
He becomes the fourth signing for the Hornets joining full-back Hassane Kamara, central defender Samir and midfielder Edo Kayembe at the Vicarage road club.
A club statement reads, “Watford FC is delighted to announce the signing of Nigerian international winger Samuel Kalu on a deal until June 2025 from French club FC Girondins de Bordeaux. Read more
Ebenezer Odeyemi scores in stoppage-time as 3SC beat Kwara Utd (Tribune)
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan striker, Ebenezer Odeyemi scored the last kick of the match as 3SC defeated Kwara United 2-1 in the rescheduled match of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
It was second home win for Oluyole Warriors as they secured the maximum three points for their late General Manager, Mr Rasheed Balogun.
Kwara United striker, Alao Danbani opened the scoring for his side in the 60th minute before 3SC Ayo Adejubu equalised 10th minute after to make 1-1.
Odeyemi scored the winning goal in the 95th minute, giving the needed three points as they move up from the relegation battle. Read more
Ander Herrera ‘turns down’ Premier League club out of respect for Man United and other transfer rumours (MEN)
Ander Herrera has reportedly turned down a move to another Premier League club out of respect for Manchester United.
According to Adam Clayton, who was speaking on The Athletic’s Football Podcast, the Spaniard who is currently at PSG has refused to sign for Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur.
Explaining the 32-year-old’s decision, Clayton said: “PSG’s Ander Herrera was mentioned as a name in contention for a swap deal with Tanguy Ndombele at Tottenham.
“But he’s happy at PSG and I’m told that he would only want to play for Manchester United in England.” Read more
DeRozan powers Bulls to 111-105 win over Raptors (BH)
DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points, Zach LaVine added 23 and the Chicago Bulls beat the Toronto Raptors 111-105 on Wednesday night.
Nikola Vucevic also scored 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, notching his fifth straight double-double and helping the Bulls win consecutive games for the first time since Jan. 7. Gary Trent Jr. led the Raptors with 32 points, while OG Anunoby added 23 points. Toronto has lost six of its last nine games.
Trent scored 16 points in the third quarter, helping the Raptors trim their deficit to five. Anunoby hit a putback to bring Toronto within one in the fourth, eventually hammering home a dunk that gave the Raptors a 103-102 advantage with 3:11 remaining. Read more
Horner hoping Hamilton doesn’t retire after Abu Dhabi heartbreak (Formula1News)
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner does not want Sir Lewis Hamilton to retire following his cruel championship defeat in 2021 that saw Max Verstappen claim his maiden title.
Hamilton and Verstappen entered the final round of last season level on points following what had been an incredible season of racing, and the Briton found himself comfortably leading the way late on.
However, 2021 would have one final and shocking twist in the tale, as Williams’ Nicholas Latifi slammed into the barrier in the closing stages.
This, despite Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s pleas to race director Michael Masi, extracted the Safety Car.
Golf course operator praises firefighters for saving facility during Mount Gambier fire (ABC)
A golf course operator says a “massive ball of flames” shot into the sky as a blaze tore through Mount Gambier’s heritage Crater Lakes precinct.
“We were extremely lucky, thanks to the Country Fire Service and Metropolitan Fire Service. Things could had been horrible,” said Blue Lake Golflinks operator Bill Burley.
He said back-burning along the edge of the course helped save the facility.
“Watching the fire bombers and helicopters, it was quite eerie,” Mr Burley said. Read more