Sexual abuse: Lagos officials grill Chrisland management, parents (Punch)
All parties involved in the alleged sexual abuse of a 10-year-old primary six pupil of Chrisland Schools met on Wednesday at the Ministry of Education in the Alausa area of Lagos State, The PUNCH has learnt.
An impeccable source at the meeting which started at 2:30pm and is still ongoing as of the time of filing this report told our correspondent that officials of the Education Quality Assurance and those of the Directorate of Public Prosecution are presently interrogating representatives of the school management as well as the parents of the affected pupils.
The source told The PUNCH that while none of the pupils involved was in attendance at the meeting, the school management, the parents and other parties will subsequently report to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.
A mother had alleged that her daughter was sexually abused during the school’s participation in the World School Games at Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Read more
Lagos trains council officers in registry management (Nation)
Lagos State government has begun training local government officers in registry management among others.
The training is being held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre in Magodo, Lagos.
Permanent Secretary in the Establishment, Training and Pensions Office, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, at the opening yesterday, said: “Registry is a big part of the success of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and those who operate these registries have some constraints with the procedures involved because if, for example, files are not readily available, it will impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the various local governments.
“That is why we are starting this year’s training with registry management because information management is something that ensures continuity of the system. We have chosen officers from across the state for this so they will have the requisite skills that will ensure our records are up to date and revamp our record system. Read more
APC pegs presidential nomination form at N100m (Punch)
The All Progressives Congress has pegged its presidential nomination and expression of interest forms at N100 million.
The party’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, disclosed this shortly after the 11th National Executive Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
The nomination form would go for N70 million while expression of interest forms would go for N30 million.
Opposing an earlier announcement by the party’s national women leader, Betta Edu, that the women will get free forms, Morka said women are entitled to free nomination forms but will pay for their expression of interest forms. Read more
Port Decongestion: WACT berths second largest container vessel (Leadership)
In a bid to decongest Lagos ports as well as the vision of becoming the gateway to Eastern Nigeria, West Africa Container Terminal Nigeria (WACT), Onne, has received the second largest container ship to berth at a Nigerian port.
The 5,042 TEUs container ship named Lady Jane operated by OOCL shipping line with a length overall of 294.5 meters which arrived at WACT terminal Onne Port Complex, Rivers state last Wednesday, is the second largest container vessel to berth in any Nigerian port.
LEADERSHIP reports that WACT previously made history in August 2020 when it received the largest containership to berth in Nigeria. The ship named Maersk Stadelhorn has length overall of 300 meters and capacity to carry about 10,000 TEUs.
The managing director of WACT, Naved Zafar, said, effective coordination by the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) and the USD112 million (about N47 billion) investment in the terminal by APM Terminals, made it possible to handle very large container vessels. Read more
Constituting Interim govt equates extension of Buhari’s tenure, Lagos lawmaker warns (ThisDay)
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, has warned that any attempt to constitute an interim government in the country would equate to an extension of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, and it is not acceptable.
Tobun’s position followed the call by elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola, for an interim government to be put in place in 2023 as part of efforts to correct the wrongs in the constitution and the polity.
Tobun, who represents Epe constituency I in the Assembly, insisted that the interim government is not democratic, and it is unacceptable.
The Lagos lawmaker, however, disagreed with the position of Babalola, stating that constituting an interim government would amount to bringing people that would not have the consent of the people. Read more
Air Force pilot buried in Kaduna (Guardian)
Family members of Flt-Lt. Abubakar Alkali, one of the Air Force pilots who died in a plane crash in Kaduna on Tuesday, said the incident had left them devastated.
Some of them who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Wednesday, however said in spite of losing a great son, they had taken solace in the fact that ‘God giveth, God taketh’.
Alhaji Sulaiman Dauda, an uncle to the deceased, said Alkali was a fine officer, always involved in serving his fatherland.
“Akali is a fine officer, always in the service of his fatherland; a great son to us; we were devastated. Read more
NECO reschedules Common Entrance Examination (Independent)
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has rescheduled the 2022 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE).
The examination which is expected to admit students into Federal Unity Colleges will be held from 23rd April 2022 to 7th May, 2022.
Azeez Sani, Head of Information and Public Relations Division, confirmed the changes in a statement on Wednesday, where it noted that the examination was rescheduled to give states with low registration of candidates the opportunity to register their candidates for the examination.
It urged all candidates, parents, guardians and relevant stakeholders are therefore enjoined to take note of the new date for the examination. Read more
I didn’t say Igbo can’t produce president – Oluwo (DailyTrust)
Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, has debunked the claim of Ohanaeze Ndigbo that he made a controversial remark concerning the 2023 presidential election.
While denying the statement attributed to him that Igbo cannot produce Nigeria president, Oba Akanbi said, “the Igbo people are my own. I’ve Igbo in my blood. I’ve invested heavily on sustaining Nigeria’s unity and will continue doing so.”
Speaking through Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem on Wednesday, Oluwo said it was evident Ohanaeze Ndigbo did not get his message right.
He said Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a respected body representing a sophisticated, intelligent, hardworking, cosmopolitan, industrious and enlightened race. Read more
Nigerian begins 25-day bike ride from London to Lagos for charity (Nation)
A London-based Nigerian Kunle Adeyanju has commenced a cross-country charity ride from London to Lagos on a motorbike.
He made the announcement in a post on Twitter, noting that the trip is expected to last for 25 days and cover 12,000km.
Kunle gave a rundown of how he would criss-cross 14 countries with the ride starting from London, through France, Spain, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria.
According to him, the funds raised during the course of the charity ride will be dedicated to primary healthcare, polio plus project, water and sanitation. Read more
Gunmen kill 2 in attack on federal lawmaker’s convoy (Guardian)
Two persons were killed when gunmen ambushed the convoy of the newly elected member representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, Musa Agah on Tuesday night.
It was gathered that the member was returning from Jebbu Bassa after a tour of the four Wards of Rukuba Chiefdom of Bassa local government council.
The personal assistant to the lawmaker, Moses Maly, who was in the same car with him when the incident occurred said that the legislator’s wife and two kids were also together with him but all escaped while his car was shattered with bullets.
Two persons who were on motorcycle including the People Democratic Party (PDP) Ward Chairman and Woman Leader who were ahead of the convoy were killed in the ambush, Maly added. Read more
Shaq blames himself for failed marriage to Shaunie O’Neal: ‘It was all me’ (PageSix)
Shaquille O’Neal admitted he was at fault for his divorce from ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal.
“I was bad,” the NBA legend said on Tuesday’s episode of “The Pivot Podcast,” adding, “She was awesome. She really was. It was all me.”
Shaq, 50, declined to elaborate on “what [he] was doing” wrong but confessed he “wasn’t protecting her and protecting those vows.”
“Sometimes when you live that double life, you get caught up. I’m not going to say it was her. It was all me,” he continued.
The former Los Angeles Lakers star gushed about his family and how their support meant everything when he was playing basketball. But after he and Shaunie separated in 2009, he felt “lost.” Read more
Whoopi Goldberg, Ian McShane, Gaten Matarazzo join ‘My Father’s Dragon’ voice cast (UPI)
Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg, Deadwood alum Ian McShane and Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo have signed up for voice roles in the Netflix animated movie, My Father’s Dragon.
The ensemble will also include Jacob Tremblay, Golshifteh Farahani, Dianne Wiest, Rita Moreno, Chris O’Dowd, Judy Greer, Alan Cumming, Yara Shahidi, Jackie Earle Haley, Mary Kay Place, Leighton Meester, Spence Moore II, Adam Brody, Charlyne Yi, Maggie Lincoln and Jack Smith.
Nora Twomey is directing the adaptation of Ruth Stiles Gannett’s classic children’s book.
“Our actors, animators and artists at Cartoon Saloon have worked together to craft this film, inspired by Ruth Stiles Gannett’s amazing book,” Twomey said in a statement Wednesday. Read more
Family Sex Show for children cancelled in Bristol and Norwich after petition backlash (ITV)
A sex education theatre show aimed at children as young as five has cancelled its performances nationwide after a backlash which led to “violent and illegal threats and abuse” against staff.
The Family Sex Show billed itself as “a fun and silly performance about the painfully awkward subject of sex” and was aimed at family audiences, with a warning that it contained nudity.
But its national tour sparked opposition, leading to a petition signed by more than 38,000 people who called for the show to be cancelled.
Organisers have now said they will not go ahead with the spring 2022 run of the show, which had been due to be performed at venues including Bristol’s Tobacco Factory and the Norfolk and Norwich Festival in May, and apologised to people who had booked tickets. Read more
Christian Borle will return to Broadway in new stage adaptation of Some Like It Hot (People)
Christian Borle is coming back to Broadway.
The two-time Tony Award-winning actor, 48 — known to TV audiences for his work on the musical series Smash — is among the cast of Some Like It Hot, the new stage adaptation of the 1959 MGM film that starred Marilyn Monroe.
The Shubert Organization and producer Neil Meron announced Wednesday that the musical, which features a score by Smash and Hairspray songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, will begin performances at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre on Nov. 1 and officially open Dec. 11.
Joining Borle, who will play Joe/Josephine, in the cast are J. Harrison Ghee as Jerry/Daphne, Adrianna Hicks as Sugar, Kevin Del Aguila as Osgood, NaTasha Yvette Williams as Sweet Sue, Adam Heller as Mulligan and Mark Lotito as Spats. Read more
Egyptian film ‘Hamel al-Lakab’ chosen as closing film at Sweden’s Malmö Arab Film Festival
(EgyptIndependent)
The Egyptian comedy film “Hamel al-Lakab” (The Title Holder) has been chosen as the closing film of Sweden’s Malmö Arab Film Festival’s 12th edition on May 9.
The film, currently showing in Egyptian theaters, premiered at Egypt’s Zamalek Cinema in February and saw a wide release of 60 theaters – it was even screened at the 11th edition of the Luxor African Film Festival.
It then saw a wider release across the Arab world, premiering in the UAE on February 9 – attended by its cast and crew including stars Hesham Maged and Mohamed Sallam, director producers Mohamed Hefzy, Tarek El Ganainy and Roaa Al-Madani and director Hesham Fathy.
Hamel al-Lakab later premiered in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. Read more
Editors share new single ‘Heart Attack’ and add Blanck Mass as full member (NME)
Editors have shared their new single ‘Heart Attack’ and confirmed the addition of composer and producer Blanck Mass to their line-up as a full member.
Blanck Mass, real name Benjamin John Power (also of Fuck Buttons), previously worked with the band on their sixth album ‘Violence’, which arrived in March 2018.
“Having worked with the band for up to five years now, joining Editors seemed more like a natural progression than a decision that had to be made,” Power said in a statement. “We know that we work well together, are on a similar page creatively, and are all very close friends.
“Being part of a ‘creative conglomerate’ is something that I haven’t experienced for a while now so to be part of something that works in that way again is both liberating and exciting in equal measures.” Read more
George Michael: New documentary to shed light on late singer’s personal life (Independent)
A new documentary shedding light on the life of late singer George Michael will be released this summer, it has been announced.
George Michael Freedom Uncut – a follow-up to the 2017 version, George Michael Freedom – was directed by Michael before his untimely death in 2016, along with his close friend David Austin.
Austin said in a statement: “The film is George’s final work. Narrated by George himself, it is the complete story.”
Featuring the likes of Stevie Wonder, Sir Elton John, Nile Rogers, Mark Ronson, Mary J Blige and Cindy Crawford, the film explores Michael’s impact on the cultural landscape as he grew to become one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. Read more
NPFL Matchday24: Enyimba, Pillars battle for redemption, Rivers, Plateau push for title (Leadership)
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday24 presents another fascinating tie across the country on Wednesday for the gladiators, bettors, bookmakers and football aficionados alike. The games are coming in thick and fast as the 2021/2022 league approaches the final lapse.
League leader Rivers United after extending their lead at the top of the table to four points with a 2-0 win over Enyimba on Monday will travel to Akure to face Sunshine Stars, while second placed Plateau United will be the guests of relegation threatening Heartland in Owerri.
Monday’s victory against Enyimba at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt takes Rivers United’s points tally for the season to a staggering 52 from 23 matches, four points clear of second-place Plateau United, who have 48 points from the same number of games.
Coach Stanley Eguma-led side, knowing fully well that they are being chased from behind by second placed Plateau United and third placed Enugu Rangers, will want to sustain the winning momentum and consolidate on their lead when they battle Sunshine Stars in Akure later today. Read more
Bielefeld fires coach in bid to avoid Bundesliga relegation (USAToday)
German club Arminia Bielefeld fired Frank Kramer as coach on Wednesday in a last-ditch attempt to stave off Bundesliga relegation.
The club said it had also released assistant coach Ilia Gruev “with immediate effect” and that Marco Kostmann would take over as head coach for the rest of the season.
Kramer’s last game was a 3-0 loss at home to Bayern Munich on Sunday, not an unexpected result but the club’s seventh consecutive game without a win. Six of those were defeats. With Hertha Berlin winning the day before, it left Bielefeld second from the bottom in a direct relegation place. Four rounds remain.
“We want to give the team an impetus to stay in the Bundesliga,” Bielefeld sporting director Samir Arabi said. “This is the target for us all. Everyone involved is being called upon. The time for excuses on and off the field is over.” Read more
Gleison Bremer linked with Arsenal and Tottenham as Torino defender stars in Serie A (FootballLondon)
Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Torino defender Gleison Bremer, but could face competition for his signature from north London rivals Arsenal. Bremer signed a one-year contract extension in February tying him to the Serie A club until the summer of 2024.
Spurs are set for a busy summer transfer window at the behest of Antonio Conte, and one area the Lilywhites boss is believed to want to strengthen is his defence. Bremer is a commanding centre-back, who possesses strong aerial qualities and good positional sense. He is currently valued at up to €20m (£16.5m) by CIES Football Observatory.
The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the best defenders in Italy since he arrived at Torino from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in 2018. His impressive form has attracted admiring glances from around Europe and according to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Spurs and Arsenal are just the two of the club’s interested in acquiring his services.
It’s believed that Torino would want around £43million for the Brazilian, with Newcastle United are also rumoured to be weighing up a summer move. Bremer has made 107 appearances for the Turin club, scoring an impressive 13 goals and registering five assists in the process. Read more
Daniil Medvedev out of Wimbledon as Russians and Belarusians banned from competition (Mirror)
World No.2 Daniil Medvedev is set to miss out on competing at Wimbledon this year after the All England Club decided to bar Russian and Belarusian entrants from this year’s tournament.
The involvement of Medvedev and that of his compatriots has been a hot topic of conversation since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with many sporting bodies taking sanctions against Russian athletes.
In tennis, the ATP, WTA and ITF have so far allowed Russian and Belarusian players to continue competing under a neutral flag and without a national anthem.
But Wimbledon operates under a different jurisdiction, and Russians and Belarusians have been told that they will not be permitted to play. Read more
Tyson Fury’s management MTK Global ceases operations following Daniel Kinahan’s sanctioning (DailyStar)
MTK Global have announced that they will cease operations at the end of the month after the sanctioning by the US Government of Daniel Kinahan caused leading promoters to severe ties with the company.
MTK Global say that “unprecedented levels of unfair scrutiny” have forced them to put an end to their everyday running despite insisting that Kinahan has not been involved in the business since 2017.
Tyson Fury, who has been pictured with Kinahan in the past, has told the media in the run up to his bout against Dillian Whyte that he has had no involvement with Kinahan since the breakdown of his plans to fight Anthony Joshua.
MTK Global said: “As a business we have faced unprecedented levels of unfair scrutiny and criticism since the sanctioning by the US Government of Daniel Joseph Kinahan. Read more
Tsunoda feeling ‘much more confident’ for Sprint race weekend (F1i)
AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda heads into F1’s first Sprint race weekend of the season feeling “much more confident” thanks to his experience of the format and to the event taking place on his team’s home track.
Last year, Formula 1 successfully tried the Sprint race concept at three venues. And this season, Imola, the Red Bull Ring and interlagos will host a Saturday afternoon 30-minute race.
“This is going to be an interesting weekend at what is a home track for us, and we will also have the Sprint format for the first time this season,” commented Tsunoda ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
“Last year, I was worried about the Sprint Qualifying with only having one practice session before Q-qualifying, but this season I feel much more confident, also because Imola is a track I know well and I have driven a lot of laps there. Read more