Senate summons Emefiele as dollar hits N700 (DailyTrust)
The Senate has summoned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, over the depreciation of naira.
This followed a motion by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (APC, Ekiti North).
Naira currently trades between N690 and N700 per dollar at the parallel market.
Contributing to the debate, Sani Musa, senator representing Niger East, said the naira would appreciate if we consume what we produce.
On her part, Biodun Olujimi, Senator representing Ekiti South, accused the CBN of taking responsibility to defend the naira. Read more
Lagos govt blocking our campaigns, posters, Jandor alleges (Punch)
The Peoples Democratic Party Lagos State governorship candidate, Olajide Adediran, on Wednesday, alleged that the Lagos State government was working in the background to prevent the party from executing its campaign plans.
Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, alleged that the advert agencies contracted by the party had refunded the money paid to them, citing instructions from the state government.
Adediran made the allegations while speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday. He added that posters pasted by the PDP were allegedly removed by state-backed hoodlums in a bid to prevent the party from its candidates and programmes to Lagosians.
The governorship candidate, however, said that plans are been put in place to ensure he sells his candidacy and that of his running mate, actress Funke Akindele, to Lagosian despite the alleged plot of the Lagos government. Read more
Gridlock in Abuja as Labour embarks on mega rally (ThisDay)
Workers under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and their affiliates thronged the Unity Fountain in Abuja early Wednesday morning to kick off their mega rally, meant to press home demands on the federal government to speedily resolve its dispute with unions within the Nigerian university system.
The protesting workers, who besieged the Unity Fountain in Abuja caused a traffic jam as motorists tried to seek alternative routes to avoid the Federal Secretariat area of the Federal Capital City (FCT).
For more than five months, the university unions including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Non Academic Staff Union of University and Allied Institutions (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) have been on strike with no end yet in sight.
Thousands of the workers, at the Unity Fountain, were briefly addressed by labour leaders before proceeding to the National Assembly. Read more
34 children, 141 other Nigerians return from Libya (Punch)
A total of 34 children, 141 male and female stranded Nigerian adults have been received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency after returning from Libya late Tuesday.
The Coordinator, Lagos Territorial Office, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the development on Wednesday.
He said the returnees, who were received on behalf of the Federal Government, arrived at the cargo wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, around 11:50pm.
He noted that the victims were assisted back into the country by the International Organisation for Migration with funding from the European Union.
Farinloye said, “NEMA has received a fresh batch of 175 stranded Nigerian returnees from Libya. The Director General of the Agency, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, represented by the Lagos Territorial Office Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, received the returnees on behalf of the federal government on arrival. Read more
2 die, 1 injured in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway accident (Punch)
Two persons have been confirmed dead while one person sustained injuries in an auto crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The road crash occurred at 4 am on Wednesday, around Kilometre 27, Ogunmakin, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun Sector Command, Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.
Okpe said two vehicles were involved, a trailer Iveco with registration number DUK517XA and a Volkswagen bus with registration number MUS05YF. Read more
SWAGA’23 set to hold youth summit in Lagos (Independent)
Ahead of the 2023 elections and in the realization of the need for increased participation of young people in political and governance processes in Nigeria, the foremost group mobilizing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, across the country; South West Agenda for Asiwaju 2023 will be holding a Youth summit tomorrow 28th July, 2022 in Lagos.
The Summit themed: “Youth Political Participation – Youth Involvement in Nigeria Politics and Policies through Capacity Building and Engagement”, will hold at Darlington Hall and Events Centre, Ilupeju Industrial Estate, Ilupeju Lagos State.
Notable scholars, political leaders and young Nigerians who have made positive marks in various fields of human endeavour will be speaking at the events as panelists and keynote speakers among whom are the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Lagos State University; Professor Olumuyiwa Noah, Professor Yemi Oke; a law Professor from University of Lagos, Senator Ita Enang; former Senior Special Adviser to President Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Dayo Israel; APC National Youth leader, Senator Dayo, Adeyeye; National Chairman of SWAGA’23, Hon. Monsuru Alao, Lagos Chairman SWAGA’23, Hon. Deji Jakande, DG Youth affairs SWAGA’23 Lagos State and the State Coordinator; Primate Charles Odugbesi.
The Panel will consist of : Niyi Gbodimowo, Damilola Marshal, Ahmed Agabiaka, Yemi Orija, Tope Adebayo, Dr. Seriki Muritala, Damilola Emmanuel, Lanre Okunlola and Seyi Olaoye. Read more
Headies disqualifies Portable over threat to life of co-nominees (Leadership)
Organisers of The Headies Awards 2022 edition, on Tuesday, disqualified controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, otherwise known as Portable, from the list of Award nominees over threat to kill his co-nominees.
The Headies via its social media handle stated that Portable was disqualified from the nominees’ list to further pass a strong message of not condoning reckless and uncouth statements.
“The music industry demands all-round excellence, and it is extremely important for young artists being potential role models to exude professional responsibility, proper decorum and have respect for others,” the organisers stated.
According to the organisers, Portable was disqualified due to a series of misdemeanours via his social media platforms. Read more
ASUU seeks bill to regulate foreign education for public officers’ children (Guardian)
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have called for a bill to regulate how children of public officers enrol in schools outside the shores of Nigeria.
Prof. Kingdom Tombra, Chairman of the University of Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island chapter of the union, made this known at the solidarity protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday in Yenagoa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NLC embarked on a nationwide protest in solidarity with the ASUU and other affiliate unions over the lingering industrial action in public universities in Nigeria.
“If this is done, it will build a better society by developing formidable educational institutions and improve funding of the university system in Nigeria.
“This struggle is not against the government, but about the working class and against the ruling class and we are very committed to it. Read more
Man in police net for allegedly defiling, impregnating 15-year-old step-daughter (Vanguard)
A man, Ojo Babatunde, has been arrested by the Ogun State police for allegedly defiling and impregnating his 15-year-old step-daughter.
DSP Sunday Abutu, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti.
He said that Babatunde was arrested by the Welfare Centre of the State Criminal Investigation Department, of the command.
“The suspect was arrested at No 15, Edugbe Street, Obadore, Omuo-Ekiti in Ekiti-East Local Government Area of the state. Read more
Body of Benchers holds call to Bar for over 1,000 lawyers (Channels)
The 2022 Call to Bar ceremony is ongoing in Abuja with hundreds of new lawyers expected to be inducted into the legal profession.
A total of 1,507 graduands from the Nigerian Law School will adorn the wig and robe on Wednesday as new lawyers at the event organised by the Body of Benchers.
While 1,501 of the lawyers are fresh graduates, the remaining six are from the previous call.
Their graduation followed the Bar final examinations held in May. Read more
Idris Elba hails upcoming “Luther” film as ‘massive achievement’ (RTE)
Idris Elba has said the upcoming Luther movie is a “massive achievement” for the cast and crew.
The Hollywood star also revealed the Netflix film version of his breakthrough BBC detective drama is close to completion.
Speaking on Capital Xtra, the 49-year-old reassured fans that the full-length feature stays true to its gritty roots.
The film will continue the story of haunted rogue Detective Chief Inspector John Luther following five critically acclaimed series on the BBC. Read more
‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ teaser trailer drops (THR)
Netflix dropped its teaser trailer and new key art for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio on Wednesday.
The teaser for del Toro’s richly crafted stop-motion reimagining of Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel opens with narration by Cricket (Ewan McGregor). “From my many wandering on this Earth, I had so much to say about imperfect fathers and imperfect sons, and about loss and love,” he says.
The teaser includes Geppetto (voiced by David Bradley) as he carves his wooden boy (Gregory Mann), and glimpses of characters including the Fairy (Tilda Swinton) and Sprezzatura (Cate Blanchett).
Says Cricket, this is “a story you may think you know, but you don’t.” Read more
Iran grants environmental activist Morad Tahbaz bail (BBC)
A British-Iranian man held in Iran has been released on bail with an electronic bracelet.
Environmental activist Morad Tahbaz, 66, has been released from prison on furlough, his lawyer said, and has returned to his home in Tehran.
Mr Tahbaz was told he would be released as part of a deal that saw Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe finally return home.
But when Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was freed in March, Mr Tahbaz was released from prison for just 48 hours.
His daughter Roxanne, who lives in the UK, said she was glad he has been granted furlough “to allow him to receive the medical attention he urgently needs”. Read more
“The Swimmers”: TIFF sets Netflix movie as opening night gala presentation (Deadline)
Sally El Hosaini’s Netflix movie The Swimmers will be making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival as the opening night film on Sept. 8 at Roy Thomson Hall.
The pic, based on a true story, follows the journey of two young sisters who fled war-torn Syria as refugees and made their way to the 2016 Rio Olympics to compete in swimming.
Deadline told you yesterday that CAA signed El Hosaini.
“I was deeply moved by the story of these two sisters and wowed by the storytelling,” said TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. “The Swimmers was the very best kind of surprise when we saw it this summer — an exciting, epic journey and the arrival of an important filmmaker. I’m thrilled that audiences in Toronto will be the first to discover Sally El Hosaini’s remarkable film, and that this year on our Opening Night we can honor everyone who risks everything to reach a better, safer life.” Read more
The Weeknd announces After Hours inspired haunted houses at Universal Studios (Independent)
The Weeknd is teaming up with Universal Studios to create two haunted houses inspired by his 2020 album After Hours.
The houses, named The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare, are designed by the team of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights and the 32-year-old singer himself.
“I always wanted my own Halloween Horror Nights haunted house, as Halloween has always been significant to my music, so this is a total dream come to life,” The Weeknd told Entertainment Weekly.
“I feel like my music videos have served as a launching pad for a collaboration like this, and I cannot wait for people to experience this madness!” Read more
Lupe Fiasco announces “The Cool” 15th anniversary tour (HNHH)
Lupe Fiasco is embarking on a five-stop tour in honor of the 15th anniversary of his album, “The Cool.”
Lupe Fiasco has announced that he will be traveling on the road for a five-city tour to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his album, The Cool. Fiasco will be performing the entire album from front to back at each of the concerts.
“Celebrating the 15th Anniversary Of ‘The Cool,'” Fiasco captioned the announcement post. “Performing the album from front to back in a city near you.”
The Cool was released in December 2007 and features collaborations with Gemini, Snoop Dogg, and Matthew Santos. The tracklist includes some of Fiasco’s biggest singles such as “Superstar,” as well as “Hip-Hop Saved My Life.” Read more
Biden to leave isolation after negative Covid tests, White House says (NBC)
President Joe Biden tested negative for Covid and will leave isolation Wednesday after five days, the White House said.
Biden received a negative Covid test Tuesday evening and again Wednesday morning and his symptoms have almost completely resolved, White House doctor Kevin O’Connor said in a letter. As a precaution, Biden will wear a mask for 10 days when around others, O’Connor said.
Biden will deliver remarks at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday from the Rose Garden, the White House said.
Biden tested positive for Covid on July 21 during a routine test and was experiencing a runny nose, cough and sore throat. He began taking the antiviral Paxlovid, a five-day course of treatment, and his doctor has said Biden’s symptoms steadily improved over that period. Biden is fully vaccinated and has received two booster shots. Read more
Kano Pillars’ Salisu joins IFK Gothenburg (Nation)
Former Flying Eagles attacker Saidu Salisu has joined Swedish giants IFK Gothenburg on loan from Kano Pillars with a view to signing a permanent deal.
The hitman was ever present in the squad list of Sai Masu Gida in the just concluded season but he was unable to rescue Pillars from demotion to the lower league.
He has teamed up with IFK Gothenburg who have become sleeping giants in Sweden despite winning 18 league titles including 13 times as Allsvenskan champions and five times as FA Cup champions. The last of those titles came in 2007 and 2019-20 respectively.
The ex-U20 star was elated about the move and has vowed to help rekindle old time memories again at the club. Read more
Neymar to go on trial just weeks before World Cup over alleged corruption (DailyStar)
Neymar is set to go on trial for alleged corruption around his contract at Barcelona just weeks before the World Cup.
The Brazil superstar moved to the Catalan giants nine years ago from Santos for some £71.5 million and it led to one of the biggest legal transfer sagas in football. The move involved dealings on the part of then-club president Sandro Rossell as well as the star’s father and the former director of Santos.
A complaint was filed seven years ago by DIS, a football marketing company that at the time owned some 40% rights to Neymar. They claimed that they had been defrauded by the player and his representatives and family. In 2016, DIS said: “Barcelona and the player broke the FIFA rules and altered free competition in the transfer market.”
And now the case will be heard at a trial in October. Indeed, Spanish outlet El Pais reports that it will be held at a court in Barcelona taking place just a month before the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar and the prosecution is pursuing a two-year prison sentence and a fine of £8.4m. This is despite the DIS wanting a five-year sentence for Neymar and an indefinite ban from football. Read more
AFN explains spelling ‘error’ on kit as Amusan departs for England (Guardian)
Less than 24 hours to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, some important members of Team Nigeria’s contingent to the Games are still in Oregon, United States, battling to secure entry visas to the United Kingdom.
Some of the athletes billed to represent Nigeria at the Games travelled to the United States for the just-concluded World Championships, where Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume won gold and silver medals respectively.
However, while their opponents have already relocated to England, Ese Brume and her coach, Kayode Yahaya, are still in Oregon because the coach has not been granted a British visa.
Yet to secure the documents also are five athletes, including Favour Ashe, Godson Brume and Samson Nathaniel. Read more
France told to ‘build history’ in Euro 2022 semi-final clash with Germany (Standard)
France boss Corinne Diacre has urged her side to “build history” as they look to reach the country’s first major women’s tournament final.
Diacre’s side face eight-time European champions Germany in Milton Keynes in the second semi-final of Euro 2022, with the winners heading to Wembley to face hosts England on Sunday.
France have never even played in a semi-final at the European Championship, having been knocked out in the last-eight at each of the past three tournaments.
“We have reached a milestone but it’s not at the end,” Diacre said. “We really want to play this final and our ambition was to play on 31 July. Now we still have an important game to tackle. Read more
Anthony Joshua told to inflict same violence from 2015 fight on Oleksandr Usyk (Mirror)
Johnny Nelson has told Anthony Joshua that he must go back to being ‘the old AJ’ if he hopes to beat Oleksandr Usyk on August 20. Nelson has challenged Joshua to fight with the same ruthless aggression that guided him to victory over Dillian Whyte in 2015 and believes that a loss against the Ukrainian will be catastrophic for the way he is remembered in years to come.
Joshua knocked out Whyte in the seventh round of their domestic showdown to capture the vacant British heavyweight title and retain his Commonwealth strap. During the contest, Joshua walked down his rival with a barrage of power punches from the off – nearly stopping ‘The Body Snatcher’ in the opening round.
Despite being out on his feet momentarily in the second, ‘AJ’ dug deep and battled back as he scrambled Whyte’s senses with a vicious right hook in the seventh round which led to the eventual stoppage after a few more clean blows were landed. This is the type of fight Nelson believes will favour Joshua; one in which he is forced to dig deep and make use of size, strength and athleticism.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Nelson urged Joshua to revert back to ‘throwing the kitchen sink’ at Usyk the same way he did against Whyte seven years ago. Read more
Legendary F1 circuit set to stay on the calendar in 2023 despite axe rumours (F1News)
The Belgian Grand Prix is set to retain its place on the Formula 1 in the 2023 season that is expected to run until the middle of December.
For the last three seasons, the racing calendar in F1 has run until the final month of the year, a trend that has now been broken this season, with the 2022 season finale in Abu Dhabi set to take place on 20 November.
Due to the influx of new and returning venues in the pinnacle of motorsport, the calendar is changing significantly.
F1 is set to make its return to South Africa next year, while Vegas will be added to the growing list of races in the United States – Austin and Miami also have a race on the schedule. Read more
Leylah Fernandez withdraws from Washington, pushes back her comeback date (TennisWorld)
Leylah Fernandez won’t be making her return in Washington as she has withdrawn from the Citi Open. Fernandez, 19, sustained a Grade 3 stress fracture during a French Open quarterfinal loss versus Martina Trevisan and she has been out since.
This past weekend, Fernandez was scheduled to play Cori Gauff in an exhibition match in Atlanta.
Unfortunately, that match also didn’t happen. “Hey, guys. So I just wanted to give you a quick update. While my foot is recovering, I am following my doctor’s orders, which are that I will not be able to compete for the next coming week.
So, I’m very, very sad to say that I will not be in Atlanta. And even though it’s heartbreaking for me, I hope that everyone — the fans and the players — will enjoy their time at the tournament and I want to wish Coco good luck. Read more