Tanker fire explosion causes heavy gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan expressway (Guardian)
A large number of motorists and commuters were yesterday night held up in a gridlock caused by petroleum tanker explosion near the Kara Bridge, outward the Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. While the motorists could not abandon their vehicles, many commuters, however, resorted to trekking on the other lane inward Lagos.
The tanker fell and went up in flames on the long bridge at a crucial period when there is an influx of commuters on the road returning from work in Lagos. The incident occurred at about 7:15p.m. and saw many motorists scampering to safety to avoid being caught up in the explosion. Shortly after, another terrible accident occurred at Magboro road bend/diversion inward Lagos involving a truck carrying tomatoes and some vehicles.
It was observed that from the scene of the incident in Ogun State, the traffic stretched to Ogudu and Ikeja areas of Lagos State due to wild fire. Read more
3 jailed for stoning policemen in Lagos (Nation)
AN Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday sentenced three men– Lucky Daniel, 31, Edward Destiny, 19, and Aliu Abdullahi, 42, to one month imprisonment each for stoning policemen.
Magistrate Mrs O. O. Fagbohun pronounced the verdict after the defendants pleaded guilty to the three -count charge of conspiracy, threatening violence and breach of peace.
Fagbohun sentenced the defendants to one month imprisonment on each of the counts but ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
She also gave them an option of N2,000 fine each or five hours of community service. Read more
Prophet in court for allegedly sodomising teenage boys (Guardian)
A prophet of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Seyi Adelana, was yesterday arraigned at an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for allegedly sodomising two teenage boys. Adelana, who resides at No. 11, Itumaro St., Igbobo, Ikorodu, is facing a two-count charge bordering on sexual assault. He, however, pleaded not guilty.
According to the state prosecutor, Mrs Arinola Momoh-Ayokanbi, Adelana committed the offences from June 2018 to January 2019 at his residence. Momoh-Ayokanbi said the defendant lured the boys with cash gifts before sexually assaulting them.
“The defendant sexually assaulted the complainants (names withheld) by having anal sex with them. He sexually assaulted the first complainant, an 18-year-old makeup artist, from June to November 2018. The second complainant, a 17-year-old trader was sexually assaulted from November 2018 to January 2019,” she said. Read more
Ayobo NULGE hail council chair (Nation)
The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has praised the council chairman, Yusuf Adisa, for his infrastructural strides in the council.
Comrade Olamilekan Ajibose, who spoke for the union, thanked Adisa for his gesture to workers in the council, saying the welfare packages will encourage diligence, punctuality, excellence and instil discipline among workers. Read more
Kano bans street begging, vows to take erring parents to court (DailyTrust)
In a bold effort to integrate the Almajiri pupils into the free and compulsory primary and secondary school education programme, Kano State Government has banned street begging in the State. The State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje made this known yesterday at the launching of Basic Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) and Distribution of Offer of Appointment to 7,500 volunteer teachers. Governor Ganduje, who lamented on the ugly trend of street begging, said “This policy of free and compulsory basic and secondary education goes along with integration of pupils of Almajiri system of education into the mainstream policy implementation which provides that English and Arithmetic must be included in the Almajiri schools curriculum.” Read more
Catholics mark Ash Wednesday in black (Vanguard)
Today is Ash Wednesday. On this day, Christians all over the world begin a spiritual journey of repentance marked by prayer, penance, alms giving and other forms of charitable works. We do this in order to participate more intimately in the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ, in preparation for the celebration of the solemn feast of his Resurrection at Easter.
As we begin the holy Season, we, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, invite all Catholics in Nigeria as well as other Christians and persons of good will to unite in prayer and penance for peace and security in our country.
A statement by the president of CATHOLIC Bishops Conference of Nigeria CBCN Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze and his Secretary, Most Rev. Camillus Umoh the level of insecurity in Nigeria today is such that whether at home or on the road, most Nigerians, in all the parts of the country, live in fear. Read more
Why I was made new Kaduna Assembly speaker – Zailani (DailyTrust)
Yusuf Zailani (APC, Igabi constituency) has explained how he emerged as the new Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly following the resignation of Alhaji Aminu Shagali, yesterday. Shagali had submitted his resignation letter to the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Bello Zubairu, yesterday morning, citing personal reason for the decision. Our correspondent reports that Shagali resigned to stop his impeachment by his colleagues who were said to have accused him of “ineptitude”. Alhaji Sulaiman Dabo, representing Zaria City, nominated Zailani and was seconded by Bako Kantiok-Emmanuel, representing Zonkwa constituency. Our correspondent reports that no election was conducted during the sitting. Read more
NLC, SERAP, Afenifere, others kick, as Reps propose immunity for NASS, State Assemblies’ principal officers (Vanguard)
Strong re-actions yesterday trailed plans by the House of Representatives to confer immunity on the Senate president, Speaker of the House of Representatives, their deputies and those of State Assemblies and the deputies.
Although the issue divided the lawmakers who argued for and against the proposal, the bill has, however, scaled first reading when subjected to voice vote by the speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The move was stridently opposed by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, United Labour Congress, ULC, Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Second Republic lawmaker, Junaid Miohammed, Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP. Read more
N5.4bn cars: Contractors scramble as lawmakers weigh options (DailyTrust)
Condemnation has been trailing the decision of the parliamentarians to spend N5.4bn on the purchase of their official/utility vehicles. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 192 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to “restrain and stop Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives and all members of the House from spending an estimated N5.04 billion to buy 400 exotic cars for principal officers and members.” Our correspondents report that not minding the legal action, contractors are struggling to be part of the supply of the vehicles. Read more
We deserve SUVs, not cars for oversight functions – Reps (Vanguard)
In response to the public outcry that greeted the planned expenditure of N5.04bn on “exotic” cars for members of the National Assembly, members of the House of Representatives have said they deserved to drive jeeps otherwise called Sports Utility Vehicle (SUVs) and not Toyota Camrys.
It will be recalled that a civil society group, SERAP is threatening legal action against the House and the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila over the matter.
According to SERAP, it is outrageous that 469 members of both the Senate and the House will opt for “exotic” vehicle, gulping humongous sum for official use at a time the economy of the country is in dire straits. Read more
Lab technicians dissolve states bodies (Nation)
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Association of Medical Laboratory Technicians and Assistant of Nigeria (AMELTAN) has ordered the dissolution of its structures across the 36 states.
In the interim, the NWC has approved a three-member caretaker panel to administer governance at all the state levels for continuity. It mandated the National Vice Presidents (NVPs) in the six zones to coordinate, organise and conduct elections in states in three months. Read more
Nigeria’s Eyimofe on world stage at Berlin Film Festival (Guardian)
As at 9.30pm, the 800-seater CinemaxX 3 at Postdamer Platz was already packed full. If not for the reserved seats, it would have been tough for even some cast and crew of Eyimofe to get a space; the ticket was sold out days before the world premiere.
In the audience were some film practitioners from Nigeria such as OC Ukeje, Tope Tedela, Emem Emma , as well as Nigerians living in Germany, who were present to celebrate something positive about the country. Family members and friends of the production team, including the proud parents of the twin directors Arie and Chuko, Mr & Mrs Esiri were also on ground to see the film. Read more
Drug hope for people with chronic cough (BBC)
Millions suffering from a chronic cough could have their debilitating symptoms relieved by a new treatment, according to a study.
Up to 10% of adults worldwide experience symptoms with no clear underlying cause.
Some suffer for decades and there is currently no effective treatment.
Researchers at the University of Manchester said a clinical trial resulted in a significant reduction in patients’ symptoms. Read more
Arsenal, Man United battle for passage as Europa League returns (Guardian)
Football lovers are gearing up for another action-packed Europa League matchday as Manchester United host Club Brugge at Old Trafford, while Arsenal take on Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium in the return legs of their quest for round of 16 tickets.
Manchester United have kept three successive clean sheets in the Premier League and the encounter tomorrow will guarantee their place in the Europa League round of 16.
Anthony Martial’s away goal leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s team in the driving seat going into the return leg, but Brugge caused the Red Devils enough problems in Belgium last week to suggest they could defy the odds at Old Trafford. Read more
Griezmann earns Barcelona first-leg draw at Napoli (BBC)
Barcelona grabbed an away goal as they came from behind to draw against Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Italy.
Dries Mertens curled in from 18 yards in the first half to become Napoli’s joint top scorer of all-time, level with Marek Hamsik on 121 goals.
But Barcelona equalised after 57 minutes when Antoine Griezmann scored from Nelson Semedo’s low cross. Read more
Kano Pillars Team Manager dies at 57 (Nation)
Kano Pillars team manager, Kabiru Baleria has been confirmed dead. He died at the age of 57 years.
Pillars’ spokesman, Rilwanu Malikawa Garu confirmed his death .
He died in Kano at Doctors Clinic after suffering from an undisclosed ailment. Read more
Nadal returns, says no hard feelings for Kyrgios (DailyTrust)
Rafael Nadal is back in action for the first time since his Australian Open quarterfinal exit, heading the field at the Mexico Open in Acapulco. A two-time former champion of the tournament, Nadal was knocked out in the second round last year by mercurial Australian Nick Kyrgios in a match that sparked angry words between the two. Nadal accused Kyrgios of “lacking respect” after he served underarm in their 2019 clash, but the Spaniard said Monday he felt no lingering resentment. Read more
Okafor to star for D’Tigers at Tokyo 2020 (Nation)
New Orleans Pelicans center Jahlil Okafor has opted to play for the Nigeria Basketball team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, newly appointed D’Tigers coach Mike Brown told ESPN.
The 24 year-old qualifies to play for Nigeria through his paternal grandfather who immigrated to the US from Nigeria as a 20-year-old.
Okafor was named the MVP of the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Lithuania, playing for the gold medal-winning United States team and also won the FIBA World U19 Cup in Czech Republic a year later.
The former Duke University star was selected with the third overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers and played a season with Brooklyn Nets before joining his present club in 2018.
The 6ft 10in Chicago native has averaged 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in five seasons in the NBA. Read more
Remo Stars will miss Tiyamiyu’s professionalism – Ogunmodede (DailyTrust)
The Head Coach of Remo Stars Football Club, Daniel Ogunmodede has said the club is going to miss the professionalism of its assistant captain Tiyamiyu who lost his life in controversial circumstances last Saturday. Kazeem, aka Kaka, was allegedly killed by an operative of the Special Anti – Robbery Squad (SARS) along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway after he was arrested on suspicion of being an internet fraudster ( Yahoo boy). The Police Command in the state claimed that the deceased attempted to escape after arrest and was knocked down by an oncoming vehicle, but the player’s teammate, Sanni Abubakar, who was with him at the time of arrest, alleged that he was pushed out of the car and got knocked down by a passing vehicle. Read more
FC Bulmaro to hold free football clinic at St. Francis School Idimu (Guardian)
As part of their efforts to provide football opportunities for Nigerian youths, the coaches of FC Bulmaro, led by Argentine, Gontalo Dibiasi, will host a free weekend clinic for students and coaches of Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu. Interested students from other schools in the environs, who are duly registered in line with the host school’s rules and regulations, will also be allowed to attend the clinic.
Speaking during the week after a training session at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos, Dibiasi said the young club have not only come to stay, but also have the strong zeal to add quality value to football through developing young people, building the Nigerian society in agreement with the corporate social responsibility objective and strategy of Blaugrana Sports Group International, promoters of the club. Read more
Brazil and Inter legend Adriano debunks death rumour (Vanguard)
Brazil legend Adriano has been forced to deny he’s dead after returning to his old hometown – a dangerous Rio de Janeiro favela.
Pro Evolution Soccer fans, in particular, will remember Adriano for his impressive career – an absolute cheat-code of a player in PES 6.
The Brazilian, now 38, retired from football in 2014 after an impressive career at clubs including Flamengo, Inter Milan, and Roma.
But in recent weeks, the 53-cap former Brazil international appeared to have dropped off the face of the Earth. Read more
NFF agrees to shift Flamingoes World Cup qualifier with Guinea (DailyTrust)
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), yesterday said it has given approval for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup second round, first leg qualifier between Guinea and the Flamingoes of Nigeria to be shifted by one week. According to the NFF, the Federation Guinean de Football (FGC) had pleaded with it for postponement of the match which was scheduled for this weekend in Conakry. FGF’s reason is that the set date of Saturday’s 29th February coincides with the Guinean legislative election, and it would not be auspicious to host such an important game that same day. Consequently, the NFF said it had sent a letter of no objection and accepted the new date of Saturday, March 7 set by the Federation of Guinean de Football. Read more
NBBF will not beg overseas-based stars to play for Nigeria, says Ogunade (Guardian)
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has debunked the story that the body has been begging overseas-based players, especially the Nigerian born Americans, to play for the men and women national teams at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
NBBF Vice President, Babs Ogunade said the federation has given every Nigerian player, foreign or home-based, the chance to play for the national teams without discrimination.
He posited that the current NBBF board focused its attention more on discovering and grooming young talents from the grassroots through the Division One and Two leagues, adding that the men and women teams comprised mostly foreign-based stars because the coaches pick only the best players for the teams. Read more