Sanwo-Olu to protesting NURTW: I’ll act on grievances (Nation)
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has told protesting members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State Council that he would attend to their grievances.
Leaders and some members of all branches of the NURTW in Lagos State stormed Marina, Lagos House as early as 6:30am to protest the alleged interference of the union’s National body in the Lagos Council affairs.
The union members, who were received by the Governor, passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo).
Sanwo-Olu hailed the union members for not taking laws into their own hands. Read more
1 Killed, 5 Injured as Jeep crashes into Lagos shops (DailyTrust)
One person has been confirmed dead while five others sustained injuries as a Toyota Highlander ran into some shops at Amje bus stop, along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
It was gathered that the jeep with the number plate BDG 654 DC driven by one Akinola Sulaimon crashed into the shops around 3pm on Sunday.
Sulaimon was reportedly heading towards Kola bus stop from Tollgate when the accident occurred, resulting in the death of one Simisola Abedoye while five others were critically injured.
The police spokesperson in the state, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, who confirmed the crash in a statement, said the injured victims had been taken to the General Hospital, Ota, Ogun State for treatment. Read more
Lagos warns against indiscriminate fuel storage (Punch)
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has warned residents against inappropriate storage of petroleum products in view of the present fuel scarcity in the country.
The Director of LSFRS, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday
She said, “Since the advent of fuel scarcity across the country, some people have devised various illegal means of storing petroleum products, including storage in inappropriate places. This practice is one of the factors responsible for the increase in the number of fire outbreaks in the past few weeks and the situation had led to destruction of lives and properties in different parts of the state.
“The Lagos State Government is committed to guaranteeing the safety of lives and properties of the citizenry but we want to warn the public to avoid using jerry cans that have been used for petrol to store kerosene and any other flammable liquids and motorists should not store petrol in their boots, especially commercial vehicles.” Read more
Delta students, artisans get scholarship, training (Guardian)
No fewer than 250 university and secondary school students and 175 artisans from Delta communities have received the annual scholarship awards and skills acquisition training of the Midwestern/Suntrust Oil Joint Venture.
At the 7th edition of the programme at the weekend in Kwale, Delta State, an additional 51 students and 32 artisans were handed scholarships and training documents by officials of the joint venture partners.
Speaking during the scholarship award and skills acquisition new intake engagement, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Ltd, Emeka Onyeka, said the scholarship was designed to enhance human capital development and provision of qualitative education for host communities and Delta State in general.
The managing director, represented by Mrs. Mercy Max-Ebibai, Head External Affairs & Corporate Commission, said the scholarship testified to Midwestern joint venture’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening relationships with host communities and the state, adding that through the scheme, the joint venture was raising the next generation of leaders for communities and the nation. Read more
Ex-BBNaija housemates Teddy A, BamBam welcome second child (Nation)
Ex-Big Brother Naija Housemates, Tope Adenibuyan popularly known as Teddy A and Oluwabamike Olawunmi referred to as “BamBam”, have welcomed their second child.
BamBam announced the arrival of their second child on her Instagram handle, “bammy bestowed”, on Sunday.
The newborn’s picture was displayed as she wrote, “Akorede Maya Adenibuyan 03: 03: 2022”.
The couple’s fans felicitated with them at the comment section of the post on Instagram. Read more
Nigeria not working due to ‘extremely clueless’ leaders – Actor Ugezu Jideofor (Punch)
Nigerian actor, Ugezu Jideofor, has posited that Nigeria was not working due to her “greedy and extremely clueless” leaders.
In an Instagram post on Sunday night, the Nollywood star noted that the Nigerian authorities should concentrate on strengthening its administrative bureaucracy.
Using the fuel scarcity bedevilling the country as an example, Jideofor noted that it was a shame for Nigeria to spend so much on refinery maintenance and still lack petrol products.
He wrote, “If the authorities in Nigeria will tell themselves the truth, they will concentrate on strengthening our administrative bureaucracy and stay away from business. Read more
Constitution Amendment: Injustice against women cannot stand, APC women leader tells National Assembly (Vanguard)
The National Women Representative of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Stella Okotete on Sunday, urged Nigerian lawmakers at both House of Representatives and the Senate to urgently revisit the amendments that led to the non-passage of the gender issue bills or risk losing the support of the bulk of Nigerian women.
In a statement she personally signed, the Women Leader expressed extreme dismay that of the 68 legislations, five bills that had the greatest interest of women at heart in promoting and mainstreaming at the center stage of governance, political party participation, and entrench their place in society was not only overlooked but was outrightly denied.
It reads in parts: “Is with an utmost heavy heart that we express our regrets on the failure of the National Assembly for rejecting all bill related gender issues during the voting on the amendments to the 1999 Constitution on Tuesday 1st of March 2022. Constitutional reviews are a unique opportunity for countries to rectify anomalies in how they are governed but the recent amendments fell short of the expectations of the entirety of Nigerian women.
The statement reads in part: “Our disappointment beyond all reasonable doubt stems from the following 3 key points:
Denying 35 percent appointed positions for women and settling for 20 percent;
Denying women affirmative action in party administration and leadership; and
Denying specific seats for women in the National Assembly. Read more
MAN commends Akeredolu’s initiatives in creating investors’ friendly, economic viable environment (Tribune)
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, on his initiatives in creating investors’ friendly and economically viable environment to attract and support investors willing to impact on the state economy.
The Branch Chairman of MAN in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States, Mr Lanre Popoola, who stated this in Akure, Ondo state capital during the visit of MAN delegation to Akeredolu in his office noted that the present Akeredolu led administration in the state has shown the zeal to partner with private investors to improve the economy of the state.
Popoola said the steps embarked upon by Akeredolu attracted MAN which necessitated their visit to the state in order to synergise and partner with the state government in driving a road map for continued industrialization of the state.
He commended the economic initiative of governor Akeredolu in various ways and solicited more collaboration between the state government and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria in attracting reputable industries to tap into the natural resources of the state for overall economic benefits. Read more
Birthday: I hold you in high esteem, David’s cousin Dele hails singer’s father (Punch)
Bamidele Adeleke, cousin to popular Nigerian singer, Davido, on Sunday wished the singer’s father a happy birthday.
Sharing a picture of his uncle, Adedeji Adeleke, on his Instagram page, Dele stated that though they had their differences, he still held Davido’s father in high esteem.
In the birthday post, Dele also prayed for the celebrant, asking God to grant him grace.
He wrote, “I celebrate you today and pray to the Lord to grant you the grace to sustain the greatness He has bestowed upon you. Read more
The Batman Earns $128m at box office in the year’s biggest opening weekend. (NYPost)
“The Batman” swooped into first place at the box office, raking in $128.5 million on its opening weekend — more than any other movie this year.
The three-hour superhero reboot, starring Robert Pattinson as Gotham’s brooding caped crusader, is the second pandemic-era flick to earn more than $100 million in a single weekend, according to Variety.
The Warner Bros. film, which also features Zoë Kravitz as an exceptionally foxy Catwoman, beat out the Mark Wahlberg treasure-hunt flick “Uncharted” for the top spot.
“It’s fun to see the public really embrace the movie,” Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros., told the entertainment news outlet. “That bodes well for its run on the big screen. It helps that the word of mouth is so strong.” Read more
Spirit Awards: Best Director winner Maggie Gyllenhaal delivers tear-filled philosophy on being true to oneself (THR)
Maggie Gyllenhaal won best director for The Lost Daughter at the 2022 Independent Spirit Awards.
Gyllenhaal broke down in tears as she recognized the power and importance of love, independent film and The Lost Daughter’s various production members while accepting the honor on Sunday in Santa Monica.
After telling herself to “keep it together” while overcome with emotion, Gyllenhaal spoke about her philosophy as a director.
“I more than anything believe in love. … I don’t mean to lay down rules, but I think expressing love is among its most beautiful manifestations,” she said. “Those films reminded me what it looks like and what it feels like when somebody is true to themselves, when they listen to themselves.” Read more
Shaquille O’Neal gets a special 50th birthday gift from Jonah Hill: ‘Let’s remake Twins’ (People)
Happy birthday, Shaquille O’Neal!
While celebrating Shaq’s 50th birthday on Sunday, Jonah Hill suggested the former NBA athlete-turned-actor should collaborate with him to remake the movie Twins.
In honor of O’Neal’s milestone, the Wolf of Wall Street actor posted a picture of himself on Instagram standing next to the basketball icon, proudly displaying the height difference between the pair.
“Happy birthday to the GOAT @shaq let’s remake Twins,” Hill, 38, wrote in the caption (The late Ivan Reitman directed the 1988 buddy comedy about unlikely fraternal twin brothers who were separated at birth, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito).
Dua Lipa is facing a second copyright lawsuit over ‘Levitating’ (NME)
Dua Lipa is facing a second copyright lawsuit over her hit ‘Levitating’, less than a week after it was reported that Artikal Sound System had sued the singer for allegedly plagiarising their song ‘Live Your Life’.
As Billboard reports, in a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court on Friday (March 4), songwriters L. Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer allege that Lipa “duplicate[d]” the “signature” opening melody for ‘Levitating’ from their 1979 song ‘Wiggle and Giggle All Night’ and 1980 song ‘Don Diablo’, performed by Cory Daye and Miguel Bosé respectively.
“The signature melody is the most listened to and recognizable part of the infringing works and plays a crucial role in their popularity,” the complaint reads. “Because video creators frequently truncate the already brief snippets of sound on TikTok, the signature melody often comprises fifty percent or more of these viral videos.”
Brown and Linzer also argue that Lipa has admitted in the past to having “deliberately emulated prior eras” and “[taking] inspiration” from earlier music in order to create a “retro” sound. “In seeking nostalgic inspiration, defendants copied plaintiffs’ creation without attribution,” attorneys for the pair wrote. Read more
Dame Shirley Bassey to open this year’s BAFTA Awards (MusicNews)
BAFTA has today confirmed two very special performances for the 75th EE British Academy Film Awards next Sunday (13 March).
Legendary singer Dame Shirley Bassey will open this year’s show at the Royal Albert Hall, and actress Emilia Jones, nominated for her performance in CODA, will perform live during the ceremony.
Dame Shirley Bassey will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the James Bond franchise with an exclusive performance of an iconic Bond theme, to be revealed on the night. As the only singer to soundtrack multiple Bond films throughout her career, it’s fitting that Dame Shirley’s special performance will mark this milestone year for Britain’s most successful film franchise in unforgettable style. Since the first ‘Bond’ film – Dr. No – was released in 1962, the franchise has gone on to enjoy huge critical and commercial success throughout the years including 32 BAFTA nominations and 4 wins to date.
Emilia Jones will perform a beautiful rendition of Joni Mitchell’s powerful ballad ‘Both Sides Now’, a song taken from her performance in the film CODA. CODA has three BAFTA nominations and is one of the year’s most acclaimed films, garnering praise from critics and audiences alike. Read more
Nicki Minaj says she’s considered having Drake executive produce new album (HNHH)
Nicki Minaj says that she’s discussed having Drake executive produce her next album.
Nicki Minaj says that she’s spoken with Drake about having the Certified Lover Boy rapper executive produce her upcoming album. The two artists have collaborated numerous times throughout their illustrious careers, including on hits such as “Make Me Proud,” “Only,” “No Frauds,” and many more.
Minaj discussed working with Drake during a Q&A on Twitter, over the weekend.
In response to a question about how long it took her to come up with one of her lyrics, Minaj explained: “Few mins. What’s funny is- that was originally 1 of the many lines I had on Seeing Green. My SG verse was just way too long so I kept creating new edits & sending back & forth to Champagne Papi. Cuz he was like Wayne verse already long as well, so we gotta try to shorten the song.” Read more
Democrats set up clash with GOP by pairing Covid relief with Ukraine aid (CNN)
Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill are set for a showdown over Covid-19 relief that threatens to hold up desperately needed aid to Ukraine as the country fights back against Russia’s invasion.
House Democrats plan to introduce a massive bill as soon as Tuesday that would extend government funding through the end of September — and include roughly $10 billion to help bolster Ukraine, according to two Democratic sources. But they are setting up a clash with Republicans over Covid relief money expected to be included in the sweeping package.
Negotiations will take place this week to try to secure a deal to pass the bill before a March 11 deadline when government funding expires. Lawmakers are expected to avoid a shutdown, but if a broad funding package doesn’t move quickly, they may be forced to pass another short-term stopgap funding measure.
One Democratic source familiar with the matter said Sunday that Covid relief money will be included in the package — a move that would dare Republicans to block a package that includes money for Ukraine. While aid to Ukraine is a pressing priority with bipartisan support, Republicans are widely opposed to more Covid relief money, arguing that a full accounting of already allocated funds is needed before there’s any further spending. Read more
Improved NPFL thrills Ilechukwu (Punch)
Fidelis Ilechukwu, head coach of Nigeria Professional Football League side, Plateau United, is delighted with the improvement in the league with the 2021/22 season almost mid-way, The Punch reports.
In the past, coaches, players and fans alike have complained about the standard of the league, poor officiating and attacks on away teams.
So far, the 2021/22 NPFL season has recorded few cases of such with teams winning games away from home, this much to the delight of the former Heartland FC coach.
Speaking with The Punch, Ilechukwu said he was delighted to have seen some improvement in the league and commended the League Management Company. Read more
Manchester City have ‘fake lead’ in title race, warns Pep Guardiola (Guardian)
Pep Guardiola said Manchester City will have to take close to maximum points from their remaining 10 games of the season to retain the title following their 4-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
City led 2-1 at the interval before United suffered a second-half capitulation, though their interim manager, Ralf Rangnick, denied his players lack the requisite fight.
Guardiola’s team won via two goals apiece from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez, with Jadon Sancho scoring for United. City are on 69 points, six ahead of Liverpool who have a match in hand, with their goal difference 50 to the Merseyside club’s 51.
“We are trying to win the Premier League with 10 games left,” said Guardiola. “We have to make [claim] almost all the points to be champions. I have the feeling many things are going to happen until the end of the season – tight games are going to happen. Read more
Saka inspires Arsenal as Arteta’s men continue drive for Champions League position (IrishIndependent)
There is a growing sense of optimism and promise at Arsenal, who look increasingly well-placed in the race for the Premier League’s top four, and in Bukayo Saka they have a player who could make all the difference over the rest of this season.
Saka is not just the leading youngster in the league’s youngest team, but the leading youngster in the entire division.
No player under the age of 21 has been involved in more goals this campaign than this prodigious 20-year-old, and his contributions again proved crucial as Arsenal secured a fourth consecutive league victory.
Better teams than Watford have struggled to handle Saka’s speed of thought and movement, and Roy Hodgson’s relegation-threatened side came up short in their attempts to stop him at Vicarage Road. Read more
Barca and Atletico return to La Liga top four after wins over Elche and Betis (France24)
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid rejoined La Liga’s top four on Sunday after Barca needed a late penalty to beat Elche 2-1 before Atletico defeated Real Betis 3-1, Joao Felix scoring twice at the Benito Villamarin.
It is the first time Barcelona and Atletico have both been in La Liga’s Champions League qualification spots since August.
Atletico have struggled for solidity and consistency since winning the title last season while Barca are still recovering from a financial crisis and the departure of Lionel Messi.
Yet both teams will be growing in confidence that they can now achieve their minimum objective, which is to avoid missing out on the Champions League next season and the further financial damage that would cause. Read more
Scottie Scheffler capitalizes on stumbling field to win Arnold Palmer Invitational (NYPost)
It felt like half the field in the Arnold Palmer Invitational had one hand on the big, shiny winner’s trophy at one point or another in Sunday’s final round.
Player after player on a hot afternoon with temperatures pushing 90 degrees had a chance to seize the moment and each time they stumbled.
At the end of a positively wild day at Bay Hill, Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious, won for the second time in his past three starts and slipped on the signature Palmer red cardigan sweater that goes to the champion.
Scheffler shot a final-round 72 on a day when there were six rounds in the 80s and only two in the 60s. He finished 5-under par for the tournament, one shot clear of Tyrrell Hatton, who shot 69 Sunday, Viktor Hovland (74) and 54-hole co-leader Billy Horschel (75). Read more
Canada’s Leylah Fernandez defeats Camila Osorio to defend Monterrey Open title (CBC)
Canada’s Leylah Annie Fernandez has defended her title at the Monterrey Open.
The 19-year-old from Laval, Que., defeated Colombia’s Camila Osorio 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) Sunday to win the tournament in Mexico for the second consecutive year.
It’s the second WTA title of Fernandez’s career.
The Canadian lost the first set in a tiebreak and battled back in the second. The lengthy back-and-forth third set, during which play was suspended 15 minutes due to a power outage at a crucial moment, saw Fernandez fight off five championship points before cruising in the tiebreak. Read more
Rockets beat Grizzlies 123-112 to end 12-game losing streak (USAToday)
Kevin Porter Jr. scored 29 points, Christian Wood added 28 points and 13 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 123-112 on Saturday night to end a 12-game losing streak.
Porter scored 19 of his 22 second-half points in the third quarter to help Houston overcome a 10-point halftime deficit. Wood has scored at least 20 points in three games.
Jalen Green added 24 points and eight rebounds, and Eric Gordon had 12 points in the Rockets’ first victory since beating Cleveland on Feb. 2.
Desmond Bane scored 28 points, and Ja Morant added 22 points and six assists for Memphis, coming off a home victory Saturday night over Orlando. Steven Adams had season-high 23 points and finished with 12 rebounds. Read more