Submit your names, contact details to Police, IGP tells protesters (Channels)
Ahead of the planned nationwide protest slated to start August 1, police authorities are requesting the details of the demonstrators.
While briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, specifically asked all groups planning to participate in the demonstrations to submit their details to the commissioners of police in their respective states.
The reason he gave was that the protest was peaceful. Read more
Lagos bans overnight sleeping at construction sites after building collapse kills 5 (Punch)
Following the collapse of a two-storey building that claimed the lives of five construction workers at Arowojobe Estate, in the Maryland area of Lagos State, the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki, has banned people, particularly labourers from sleeping at construction sites in the state.
Oki gave the directive in a statement signed by the agency’s Director of the Public Affairs Unit, Olaoye Olusegun.
The statement read in part, “Henceforth, nobody should be found sleeping in any building under construction after the close of work, especially at night. LASBCA officials will be inspecting construction sites across the state, especially at night, to ensure that nobody is sleeping inside any building under construction. Read more
Local govt autonomy misnomer, not going to work — Fayemi (Tribune)
Former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Kayode Fayemi, has described local government autonomy as a misnomer and aberration in a federal system of government.
Fayemi, an academic and a former Nigeria’s Minister of Mines and Steel Development, spoke at the launch of St. Racheal’s People Consulting 2024 Leadership and Economic Summit-1.0 on Thursday night in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme had the theme: “Economic Prosperity- Secrets of Audacious Leaders”. Read more
FG writes UK, demands tier one airport for Nigerian airlines …threatens to move BA to Ilorin, Kano (NewTelegraph)
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday said that the Federal Government had written to the United Kingdom to allow Nigerian carriers, particularly Air Peace, to operate to Heathrow Airport. The Minister, who spoke at the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) seminar in Lagos on Friday, said Nigeria would no longer allow a situation where the country’s airlines are not allowed to tier one airport overseas in line with the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). He said that failure not to allow Air Peace into Heathrow may lead to Nigeria taking British Airways and others to places like Ilorin, Kano, and other obscure places. He stated that in the absence of a national carrier, the government would support local airlines and give them whatever they need to survive and suc- ceed, hinting, “we should have flag carriers who will make us very proud and that will service our reciprocal right and the BASA that we have but they must make sure they raise the global standards and make us proud.” Read more
Stop planned protest; JNI, CAN, PANDEF, MOSOP, AbdulRasaq, Tompolo, others beg Nigerians (Vanguard)
Five days to the commencement of the 10-day nationwide protest against economic hardship and pervasive hunger, passionate appeals have been made to the organizers of the protest by religious organizations, ethnic groups and other stakeholders across the country to shelve the planned protest and engage in dialogue. The Igbos in Lagos, on their part however said they would not be part of the protest as their businesses would be targets of attacks and looting by the hoodlums.
Those who appealed that the planned protest should be suspended included the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI); Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN; Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, PANDEF; Ijaw National Congress (INC); Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP and Enugu Innovative Youths.
They all argued the protest could be hijacked by miscreants, leading to chaos and violence. Read more
Politicians buy SUVs for judges because only their votes count – Odinkalu (DailyTrust)
A former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, has alleged that judges are being used by politicians to destroy Nigeria’s democratic system.
He regretted how governors in the country continue to accord priority to donating vehicles to their cronies while being less concerned to the plights of the people that elected them into office.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Inside Source on Friday, Odinkalu said politicians have resorted to donating Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to judges to establish some rapport with them in order to clinch victory at polls, having realised that the votes of the masses don’t count now. Read more
Rivers ALGON distances self from planned protest (Independent)
Members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, have dissociated themselves from the planned protest against hunger billed to commence on August 1 across the country.
Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, the ALGON members, comprising chairmen of caretaker committees in the 23 local government areas of the State, said that they are totally against the planned protest because it was capable of being hijacked by hoodlums to loot and destroy valuable properties and cause break down of law and order. Read more
Guinness Nigeria records 31% revenue growth half year. (Nation)
Guinness Nigeria Plc financial results for the twelve months ended 30th June 2024 has shown robust performance amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment.
According to data obtained from its results, the company recorded a remarkable +31% year-on-year revenue growth, a strong performance even more pronounced in the second half of the year, with revenue growth accelerating to 41%, up from 20% in the first half.
The revenue growth was driven by an optimized category mix, innovative offerings, and targeted price increases to offset rising costs. Non-Alcoholic Malt, Ready-to-Serve beverages, and International Premium categories demonstrated resilience, recording notable growth compared to the previous year. The company also intensified its trade and consumer engagement efforts through digital platforms, activations, and captivating brand visibility. Read more
Celine Dion makes spectacular comeback at Paris Olympics opening ceremony (Sky)
Celine Dion stunned viewers all over the world with a performance from the Eiffel Tower in Paris during the Olympics opening ceremony – the first since revealing she suffers from stiff person syndrome (SPS).
The Canadian superstar sparkled in a beaded gown as she sang an incredible rendition of Edith Piaf’s L’Hymne A L’Amour.
The 56-year-old appeared on the first stage of the Eiffel Tower as an estimated one billion people watched the elaborate opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Read more
Barack Obama endorses Kamala Harris for US president (AlJazeera)
Barack Obama has endorsed Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for United States president, which means the vice president has won the backing of all the Democratic Party’s leading figures.
“We called to say Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” former US President Obama told Harris during a phone call, a video of which was posted on social media.
“I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl, Kamala, I am proud of you,” former first lady Michelle Obama said. “This is going to be historic.” Read more
Justin Timberlake’s lawyer argues singer was ‘not drunk’ during DWI arrest (MusicNews)
Justin Timberlake’s lawyer has argued a case against him should be dismissed after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
The 43-year-old Mirrors singer made headlines on 18 June when he was stopped in a vehicle by police in Sag Harbor, New York.
He was subsequently charged with one count of DWI and was issued two citations, one for driving past a stop sign and one for failing to remain in his car lane. Read more
Interview With the Vampire cast reveals trial scene was filmed in haunted theater (EW)
Aptly, the cast of AMC’s Interview With the Vampire had some dead personnel on set with them while filming season 2.
Stars Sam Reid (Lestat de Lioncourt), Delainey Hayles (Claudia), and Assad Zaman (Armand) stopped by Entertainment Weekly’s 2024 Comic-Con studio on Friday, where they revealed that they filmed episode 7’s big trial scene on a haunted set.
The scene wherein Reid’s Lestat testifies against Louis (Jacob Anderson), Claudia, and her mate in a trial staged by Santiago (Ben Daniels) at the Théâtres des Vampires was filmed in an abandoned factory in the Prague countryside occupied by an “annoyed” ghost, the cast shared.
Kit Harington delivers Jon Snow’s iconic line in ad for Game of Thrones mobile game (People)
Kit Harington is tapping into his inner Jon Snow once again for a brand-new Game of Thrones mobile app!
Though the final season of the HBO fantasy drama ended in 2019, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne is back.
On Thursday, July 25, the English actor, 37, appeared in an ad for the mobile game by Zynga. Read more
Typhoon Gaemi hits China after deaths in Taiwan and Philippines (BBC)
Typhoon Gaemi has made landfall in mainland China after wreaking havoc in Taiwan and the Philippines.
More than 150,000 people living in the south-eastern Chinese province of Fujian have been relocated to safer areas in anticipation of the storm.
It comes after widespread flooding and landslides across Taiwan and the Philippines, killing at least 21 people. Read more
Ryan Reynolds says “Deadpool & Wolverine” is meant to be a “one-off” (DigitalSpy)
Ryan Reynolds has played down hopes for a sequel to “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
The sequel finally sees frenemies Deadpool and Wolverine join forces in a full feature-length movie in the MCU for the first time.
Starring Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as their iconic Marvel characters, the film sees the Time Variance Authority (TVA) disrupt Deadpool while living his quiet life as he is enlisted to once again save the universe, teaming up with an alternate version of Wolverine. Read more
Abiodun inspired by Brazil legend Marta (Punch)
Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun is basking in the euphoria of having a one-on-one with Brazil legend Marta Vieira da Silva after Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat against Brazil in the 2024 Olympics Women’s Football Tournament Group C opener in Bordeaux on Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Gabriela Nunes Da Silva’s first-half strike, moments after Marta was denied by the offside flag, was the difference for Brazil in the contest.
Despite the Super Falcons defeat, the 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh player was hailed for her standout performance, and she had more proud moments on the pitch with the 38-year-old. Read more
Tinubu sends best wishes to Team Nigeria (Nation)
As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games officially opened on Friday, President Bola Tinubu has sent his warm wishes to Team Nigeria, consisting of 88 athletes who will be representing the country in 12 sports.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, Tinubu expressed his full support for the athletes, assuring them of the backing of over 200 million Nigerians who will be praying and cheering them.
The President specifically mentioned his excitement to watch Nigeria’s flagbearer, Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100 metres hurdles, and other athletes compete with honour and dedication on the international stage. Read more
Super Falcons ‘ll make life difficult for Spain – Ikpeba (Vanguard)
After their dismal outing in the opening match against Brazil, the Super Falcons will take on world champions Spain in another tricky tie that could spell their fate in the tournament.
Buoyed by a comfortable 2-1 victory over Japan in the first match, Spain are already on a high and could have a psychological edge over the Nigerians.
Their loss to Brazil didn’t show much of a team that was well prepared for the tournament. It is however hoped that with the adjustments Coach Randy Waldrum is expected to make in the starting X1, the Falcons approach will be different. Read more
Haaland insists he’s ready for another grueling season with Man City (DailyMail)
Erling Haaland maintained that he is ready to attack a 70-game season for Manchester City but warned a general lack of quality at the European Championship will become the norm.
The striker, who has plundered 90 goals in 98 appearances over two years for City, believes the excessive schedule played a significant part at the Euros.
And a collection of European clubs, including the Premier League champions, are set for a revamped Club World Cup in America next June – just weeks after the season finishes. Read more
Liverpool 1-0 Real Betis: Dominik Szoboszlai gives Reds first win under Arne Slot as Trey Nyoni impresses (Standard)
Liverpool began life under Arne Slot in successful fashion as they beat Real Betis 1-0 in Pittsburgh.
The Reds were beaten in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston but this was their first official pre-season match, kicking off the USA tour.
Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai were among those named in the starting lineup and the pair combined for what proved to be the winner before half-time. Read more
Sean O’Malley, Alexa Grasso set to defend titles at Noche UFC (ABC)
Two title fights will headline UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas on Sept. 14 as Sean O’Malley will defend the bantamweight title against top contender Merab Dvalishvili and Alexa Grasso will put her women’s flyweight championship on the line in a trilogy fight against Valentina Shevchenko.
UFC president Dana White announced the 10-fight card, which has been rebranded as Noche UFC, on Friday evening for the promotion’s most ambitious event to date.
This event at The Sphere will be a “one and done,” according to White, and will become the most expensive production the UFC has put together. The UFC has also taken on a title sponsor for the first time with Riyadh Season being attached to the event. Read more
