Seized jets: FG picks holes in Ogun agreement with Chinese firm (DailyTrust)
The Federal Government has blamed the government of Ogun State over the agreement with Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment, a Chinese firm.
Daily Trust had reported how a French court ordered the seizure of three presidential jets belonging to Nigeria over a contract dispute between the firm and Ogun government.
The court ruled that the firm should use Nigeria’s jets at the Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse international airports as “security for its claim of EUR 74,459,221”.
A US appeal court also ruled that Nigeria’s claim to sovereign immunity cannot stand in a commercial venture. Read more
War brews over constitution (Sun)
The recent call by The Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, on President Bola Tinubu, to set up a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution for the country, has reactivated the consciousness of ethnic nationalities and other interest groups on the need for a constitution that serves the interest of the people.
For decades, Nigeria has gone back and forth over constitution review and amendments. The last attempt was made in 2014, when then president, Goodluck Jonathan convened a National Conference headed by Justice Idris Kutigi. With Jonathan losing election the following year, not much has been heard about the conference report since then. Yet, agitations for the restructuring of the country have continued to grow, even in the face of socio-economic challenges.
Nothing wrong with current constitution – Arewa Think Tank
Notable Northern group, Arewa Think Tank said it would amount to misplaced priority for the federal government to embark on the constitution review when the nation is grappling with issues of insecurity that needed topmost attention to safeguard the country from terrorism and other criminal elements. Read more
NAFDAC seizes N200m worth of goods in Lagos illegal alcohol factory (Leadership)
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), said its enforcement officers uncovered an illegal facility producing various alcoholic beverages following credible intelligence in the Lagos Island area of Lagos State.
NAFDAC, according to a statement on Friday said, “After thorough surveillance, the officers discovered that several packing stores and rooms in Oke-Arin market had been converted into makeshift factories where different brands of alcoholic drinks were being produced, packaged, and distributed in the open market.
“During the raid, over 2,000 cartons of empty bottles and already packaged drinks were seized, along with a mini plastic mixing tank, an improvised filter, and various packaging materials.” Read more
UNILAG, LASUSTECH partner on mutual development (Punch)
The Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, is set to collaborate with the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos to explore opportunities in areas such as student exchange programs, joint research, and staff development.
The UNILAG’s immediate past Head of Department for Mass Communication, Prof Adepoju Tejumaye, disclose this during his visit to LASUSTECH where he inspected the LASUSTECH FM radio station and other departmental facilities.
Tejumaye welcomed by the Ag. Head of Department of Mass Communication, LASUSTECH, Dr. Steven Adesemoye, and other senior members of the department, commended the institution for its commitment towards practical training and student development, emphasising the importance of student involvement in radio broadcasting. Read more
Manufacturing key to growth, say footwear workers (Nation)
The National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE) has emphasised the need for strategic import policies to bolster production and drive growth.
According to its President, Comrade Goke Olatunji, manufacturing is critical to driving the country’s growth and ensuring a sustainable future for its people.
At the 32nd Industrial Relations Seminar in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Olatunji said the economy was not favourable to businesses. Read more
N21m Jumbo Allowances: Our federal lawmakers should be prosecuted — Nigerians (Vanguard)
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo last Friday stirred fresh controversy concerning the outrageous take-home pay of our federal lawmakers when he chided them for fixing their own salaries and allowances which he described as immoral.
President Obasanjo made the accusation while receiving six members of the House of Representatives who are co-sponsors of bills on single term / rotational presidency led by Ugochinyere Ikenga representing Ideato North and Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo state.
At the meeting, Obasanjo said, “With all due respect, you’re not supposed to fix your salaries. But you decide what you pay yourself, the allowances that you give yourselves. You give yourselves all sorts of things, and you know it is not right. Read more
Violators of airport rules will face justice, FAAN vows (Nation)
Violators of airport rules and anti-touting regulations will soon be subjected to instant justice as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has concluded plans to situate magistrate courts in airport premises across the country.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, made this known during the meeting held between FAAN management and heads of security agencies at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
The meeting was organised to intimate airport stakeholders on recent happenings at the airport, educate them on the strategic goals of the current management, and discuss ways of enhancing passenger-experience and facilitation. Read more
Off Season Elections: PSC urges Police to be ruthless to subversive elements (ThisDay)
The Police Service Commission (PSC), yesterday, urged personnel of the Nigerian police deployed to Edo and Ondo states on election duties to be ruthless to subversive elements that may want to take advantage of the elections to perpetuate violent crimes.
Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), also demanded the highest level of professionalism from security operatives who will be providing security services during the off season governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states holding in September and November this year.
Argungu noted that the operatives especially the Nigeria police force, the lead agency in election security must work to protect lives and properties of citizens before, during and immediately after the elections. Read more
Mary J. Blige on reuniting with Fabolous for new song “Breathing” and her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance (People)
Mary J. Blige finally feels like she can breathe again.
Eight years since she filed for divorce, the R&B icon, 53, is reflecting on how far she’s come with her liberating new single “Breathing,” which saw her reunite with Fabolous.
Blige’s latest single is a taste of her forthcoming album, which is due later this year. “It’s going to be out soon, probably the end of September, early October,” she says of the record. “But there’ll be two singles out before then.” Read more
Disney star arrested at theme park over “domestic incident’’ (BBC)
Disney Channel star Skai Jackson has been arrested after reports of a “domestic incident” at a US theme park.
The 22-year-old actress is best known for playing Zuri Ross in the sitcom Jessie which ran from 2011-2015.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed she was arrested on Friday afternoon for “spousal battery” at Universal Studios in Hollywood. Read more
Blake Lively “will not” publicly address her “feud” with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni (DailyMail)
Blake Lively has no plans to publicly address the rumored feud between her and It Ends With Us co-star/director Justin Baldoni.
The 36-year-old actress — who recently snubbed a fan on the red carpet — is reportedly trying to put the tension with Baldoni, 40, behind her, per TMZ.
The mother-of-four, who is married to Ryan Reynolds, is choosing to focus on her other castmates and her family. Read more
DRC: At least 16 dead in fighting between militias and rebels (AfricaNews)
Democratic Republic Of Congo
Clashes between local rebels and pro-government militias in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) killed 16 villagers on Thursday, a government official said, the latest violation of a ceasefire announced to help millions of displaced people in the region.
The villagers were killed in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province , during fighting between the M23 rebel group, which is believed to be backed by neighboring Rwanda , and local Wazalendo fighters , who often fight alongside Congolese security forces, according to Isaac Kibira, an administrative official in Rutshuru.
“The M23 rebel position was attacked by the Wazalendo youth (and) unfortunately, seven civilians died ,” Mr. Kibira said. A second clash in Rutshuru resulted in a vehicle being set on fire, killing nine of the passengers on board, he added. Read more
Glen Powell responds to backlash over cut Twisters kiss scene with Daisy Edgar-Jones (NME)
Glen Powell has responded to the backlash over his cut kiss scene with Daisy Edgar-Jones in Twisters.
In a new interview with Screen Rant, the actor said he is “delighted” by the chatter surrounding the deleted scene, as it shows that fans “care” about the film and characters.
“I really think that even that [backlash] shows that people care, which is really great,” he said. “I just love how excited people have gotten about that movie, and Daisy and I send each other the TikToks and the gifs. There’s so much funny stuff coming out of it. It’s fun.” Read more
New round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations begins without Hamas (Guardian)
A new round of negotiations aimed at brokering a ceasefire in the war in Gaza and preventing the fighting from escalating into a region-wide conflict got under way in Doha, as the death toll in the Palestinian territory reached a grim milestone of 40,000 people, according to local health authorities.
Mediators from the US, Qatar and Egypt met an Israeli delegation in the Qatari capital on Thursday afternoon, with talks expected to continue into the next day. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, is not directly participating in the talks, meaning expectations of a breakthrough are low. Read more
4 suspects arrested in the tragic shooting of General Hospital’s Johnny Wactor (Hello!)
Nearly three months after the tragic death of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor, who was fatally shot at the age of 37, the Los Angeles Police Department has made significant progress in the investigation. On Thursday, August 15, the LAPD announced the arrest of multiple suspects linked to the shocking crime.
Johnny, beloved for his role as Brando Corbin on the long-running soap opera, was killed on May 25 after he encountered armed car thieves attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle. Read more
CAF: Nigerian clubs to get $50k windfall (Punch)
Nigeria’s representatives in this year’s CAF Champions Club competitions, Enugu Rangers, Remo Stars, Enyimba, and El-Kanemi Warriors, will get $50,000 each as participation fees in the preliminary stages of the Champions League and Confederation Cup, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers and runners-up Remo Stars are representing the country in the Champions League, while Enyimba, who finished third in the NPFL, and President Federation Cup winners El Kanemi Warriors are competing in the Confederation Cup.
CAF announced the new monetary reward in a statement on Friday. Read more
Marco Silva laments “same story” as Fulham suffer late Manchester United defeat (Standard)
Marco Silva insists Fulham deserved a positive result despite losing 1-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Friday.
The Cottagers fell to Joshua Zirkzee’s late debut goal in the new Premier League season’s curtain-raiser, and Silva felt his side were cruelly denied a point they deserved.
Last season saw United stunned by Fulham when Alex Iwobi’s stoppage-time winner sealed a 2-1 victory for the London club at Old Trafford. Read more
PSG begin post-Mbappé era with win to open Ligue 1 season (ESPN)
Paris Saint-Germain got their post-Kylian Mbappé era off a winning start Friday by beating Le Havre 4-1 in their Ligue 1 opener.
However, the scoreline was more comfortable than the performance suggested, with PSG’s last three goals coming in the final five minutes.
The Paris club have dominated French soccer with 10 league titles in the last 12 seasons but are rebuilding after Mbappé left to join Real Madrid in the summer. Read more
Colin Kaepernick will not be a player or coach with the Chargers this season, Jim Harbaugh says (WashingtonTimes)
If Colin Kaepernick wants to join the Los Angeles Chargers, it will not be until next year at the earliest.
And it will only be as a member of Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff.
“I love Colin, but he’s not going to be on the coaching staff, which is set for this year. And he’s not going to be playing on the roster either,” Harbaugh said after Thursday’s practice. Read more
Taylor Fritz and Morgan Riddle confirm status as tennis power couple with new deal (Tennis365)
Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend Morgan Riddle is one of the highest-profile partners on the tennis stage and now the couple have teamed up in a high-profile sponsorship deal.
Fritz, who won a bronze medal with his American partner Tommy Paul in the doubles competition at the Paris Olympics, and his partner Morgan have been used to promote the new alcohol-free Heineken brand launching at the 2024 US Open and have posed for images that have been posted on their social media pages.
Morgan is a big star in her own right on Instagram, with 348k followers lapping up stories of her travels around the world supporting Fritz in his career. Read more
Novak Djokovic picks iconic doubles partner for blockbuster clash with Carlos Alcaraz (Express)
Novak Djokovic will line-up with the iconic John McEnroe in his next bid to get one over rival Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic has picked the 65-year-old to partner him in a glamorous exhibition match during US Open fan week, although Alacaraz himself has also selected well.
The Spaniard will team up with another American legend in Andre Agassi, with the doubles match scheduled for August 21. Read more