Troops rescue 16 kidnapped pupils, woman in Sokoto (DailyTrust)
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji rescued 16 pupils (Almajiris) and a woman abducted by terrorists on March 9 in Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Saturday, in Abuja.
IBuba said the hostages were rescued on Thursday by the military in collaboration with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation. Read more
Killing Fields: 6,931 people killed under Tinubu in 10 months (Vanguard)
On March 14, 17 officers and men of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi, were killed at Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on account of the land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities.
The 17 soldiers including one lieutenant Colonel, two majors and a captain met their Waterloo during alleged botched peace talks in the community. The murder of the military men has led to a military siege to Okuama in which houses had been razed and no fewer than 50 people reportedly killed.
The 67 reported souls lost to the Okuama crisis are among the 6,931 people killed across the country in 10 months since President Bola Tinubu assumed power, last May. Read more
Navy hands over 10 suspected oil thieves to NSCDC (ThisDay)
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta (NNS Delta) yesterday handed over 10 suspected oil thieves to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Also handed over to the NSCDC were two tugboats, two badges and nine storage facilities with an unspecified quantity of crude oil used in perpetrating their illegal activities.
Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on March 8, at WATSON Jetty, Edjeba, in Warri South Local Government area of Delta State. Read more
Ashafa commends Mezovest for empowering female entrepreneurs in gas retail business (Nation)
Immediate past Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Senator Gbenga Ashafa has praised Mezovest for its contribution to women empowerment in the gas retail sector.
He spole event at the graduation of 50 women trained and empowered as entrepreneurs in the gas retail business through a partnership between Mezovest and APEX in Baba, Lagos.
Ashafa commended Mezovest for its commitment to fostering economic empowerment and gender equality. Read more
Made Kuti, OdumoduBlvck, others to perform at Alte Culture Fest 2024 (Tribune)
Make ready for the most thrilling celebration of creativity as Alté Culture Festival gears up for its exciting 3rd edition, set to take place at the MuriOkunola Park this Easter, March 30, 2024.
Alté Culture, Nigeria’s fastest-growing youth gathering, continues to inspire the nation’s dynamic youth demographic. With its blend of music, art, fashion, and lifestyle, Alté Culture has established its position as a mode for radical individualism and cultural revolution among young artists.
Founded by Nigeria’s top corporate experience design firms, Q21 Solutions, Alté Culture Festival represents the fusion of creativity and professionalism by offering attendees a curated experience and an immersive journey into the heart of contemporary Nigerian youth culture. Read more
Lagos hosts African forum on climate action in June (Punch)
The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, will host the inaugural Climate Action Africa Forum in June.
The event, scheduled to be held from June 17 to 19, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable future for Africa.
At an international press conference in Abuja on Friday, leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the world unanimously agreed on the significance of protecting the environment from the growing impact of climate change. Read more
Impeachment: Edo CJ sets up 7-man panel to probe allegations against Shaibu (Leadership)
The Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has set up a seven-man panel headed by Justice S.O. Omonua (rtd), to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the state’s deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
Shaibu, it would be recalled, has been in the eyes of the storm with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, over the governorship ticket of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Matters got to a head when the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor on two grounds of alleged perjury and violation of secrecy oath. Read more
DHQ declares IPOB’s Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted (Channels)
The Defence Headquarters in Abuja have declared one of the leaders of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa wanted.
Ekpa’s name was published on the Military’s wanted list alongside 96 others from various parts of the country.
In a banner displaying the pictures of the suspects, the Defence Headquarters said it declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the state. Read more
Cameron Diaz, Benji Madden announce birth of second child (UPI)
Actress Cameron Diaz and musician Benji Madden have announced the birth of their second child, a son they named Cardinal.
“We are blessed and excited to announce the birth of our Son, Cardinal Madden. He is awesome and We are all so happy he is here!” the couple posted on Instagram Friday.
“For the kids’ safety and privacy we won’t be posting any pictures- but he’s really cute. We are feeling so blessed and grateful. Sending much love from our fam to yours. Best wishes and Good Afternoon!!” Read more
Kendrick Lamar just dissed Drake and J. Cole. Here’s why (Complex)
Kendrick Lamar sent shots at Drake and J. Cole on “Like That.” Here’s a breakdown of the diss and a full explanation of how we got here.
On Future and Metro Boomin’s new album We Don’t Trust You, Kendrick dedicates his “Like That” verse to refuting the concept of rap’s “Big 3,” commenting on Drake’s “sneaking dissing,” and poking fun at the Drake-Cole collab “First Person Shooter.”
On “Like That,” Metro cleverly samples Eazy E’s “Eazy-Duz-It” to set the stage for Kendrick, who gets everything off his chest about the cold war that’s been brewing between him and Drake over the past decade. The track is riddled with elite wordplay and real rapping, but the road to this diss record feels sudden. Here’s a breakdown of how we got here. Read more
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’s Mckenna Grace explains “important” Phoebe change (DigitalSpy)
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire star Mckenna Grace has explained the “important connection” her character Phoebe Spengler makes during the latest addition to the supernatural franchise.
Speaking to Digital Spy about Phoebe’s unexpected friendship with a ghost called Melody (Emily Alyn Lind) the actress said it was important for her character to explore her identity after being kicked out of the ghost-battling squad for being too young.
“I really enjoyed working with Emily. I thought that was an important connection for Phoebe to have outside of the family because she feels very isolated in this film, so that’s her first connection outside of these guys and Podcast,” she said. Read more
Gangs gain ground in Haiti’s capital as transitional government falters (VOA)
As Haiti’s transitional government struggles to take shape, the island nation’s powerful gangs have continued to make advances in the capital, Port-au-Prince, a United Nations official said Thursday.
“There is a very, very great fatigue. There is human suffering on an alarming scale. A lot of fear. Trauma. People are just simply tired,” Ulrika Richardson, the U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator for Haiti, told reporters Thursday in a video call from the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.
In the first two months of this year, 2,500 people were killed, kidnapped or injured in the violence, Richardson said. Read more
Jimmy Kimmel gets choked up with Regina King after her son’s death by suicide (NYPost)
They’re both celebrities, but they shared a moment as parents.
During Thursday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Kimmel, 56, had Regina King, 53, as his guest.
She was promoting her film “Shirley,” about Shirley Chisholm (now streaming on Netflix), and it was her first appearance on the ABC late-night show since her son’s death.
Kimmel did not directly mention King’s late son, Ian Jr., who died by suicide at age 26 in January 2022. Read more
Selena Gomez’s Wizards of Waverly Place reboot gets the green light (Billboard)
Magic is officially in the making at Disney’s studios, as the entertainment company has announced its decision to move forward with Selena Gomez and David Henrie’s Wizards of Waverly Place reboot proposal two months after placing the initial pilot order.
The Rare Beauty founder confirmed the news on Instagram Stories on Friday (March 22), sharing a sneak-peek photo of her and Henrie on the new set. “Guess what?!” she wrote. “WE GOT PICKED UP FOR SEASON 1!”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, production will begin next month in Los Angeles, and the show will premiere at some point this year on both Disney+ and Disney Channel. Gomez and Henrie, who played magical siblings Alex and Justin Russo on the original Wizards, will reprise their roles and serve as executive producers on the reboot. Read more
Toll in Moscow terror attack up to 133; US intel official: We warned Russia of a plot (TimesOfIsrael)
Eleven people have been detained after gunmen stormed a concert hall in Moscow and opened fire on the crowd, the head of Russia’s Federal Security Service told President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, according to Russian state news agency Tass.
Four suspected perpetrators of the deadly attack near Moscow on Friday were heading towards Russia’s border with Ukraine when they were apprehended early on Saturday, and had contacts on the Ukrainian side, the Interfax news agency quoted the FSB security service as saying.
Four of those detained were directly involved in the attack, Tass said. Read more
13th African Games: Nigeria secures top spot in Athletics (Leadership)
Nigeria came top following the conclusion of the athletics event at the African Games 2023 on Friday.
The West African giants won a total of 21 medals – 11 gold, six silver and four bronze.
It was the country’s fourth best-ever performance in the history of the African Games.
The likes of Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi retained their titles in the women’s 100m hurdles, women’s long jump and men’s shot-put events, respectively. Read more
YSFON finalises preparations for CNS/NOWA Football Tournaments (Nation)
The Nigerian Navy in conjunction with the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria YSFON have finalized plans to organize the 20th edition of the Chief of Naval Staff Under 14 boys and the 12th edition of the Naval Officers Wives Association NOWA Under 17 girls national football tournaments
The flagship competitions designed to hold in Enugu South East Nigeria, from April 6-13, 2024, are already attracting nationwide attention with over 28 teams ready to participate
Speaking with the media recently, the National President Dr Nasiru Gawuna, expressed YSFON’s appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for their sponsorship and commitment to supporting Youths Sports development. Read more
What Sven-Goran Eriksson told Jurgen Klopp before getting chance to manage Liverpool (Mirror)
Sven Goran Eriksson had a simple message for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp when they met earlier today ahead of an exhibition match at Anfield.
The former England boss is taking charge of a Liverpool Legends XI against a team of Ajax greats as he “realises a dream”.
Eriksson revealed a terminal cancer diagnosis in January and when meeting with Klopp before today’s charity game, Eriksson was unequivocal in his praise. “Legend. What a legend,” the Swede told Klopp, who is leaving the club this summer after nine years in charge.. “Congratulations. You’re doing great.” Read more
England’s World Cup kit faces urgent FA checks after St George’s Cross backlash (Telegraph)
England’s 2026 World Cup kit will be subject to a new Football Association vetting process amid the backlash to the multicoloured St George Cross on their jersey for this summer’s European Championship.
The move comes with Nike refusing to rule out “messing with” the national flag again for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Telegraph Sport can reveal the FA plans an urgent overhaul of how England strips are approved in future amid extraordinary claims the man who signed off on the current shirt had failed to spot the “woke” change to the back of its collar. Read more
Novak Djokovic’s loss to Jannik Sinner labelled ‘‘predictable’’ as his form is assessed by former star (Tennis365)
Feliciano Lopez has described the start Novak Djokovic has had to the 2024 season as “normal” and feels people are “alarmed” by the great Serb’s form since “he never loses.”
The former world No 12 believes Djokovic’s Australian Open defeat to Jannik Sinner was “predictable” and he does not think the 36-year-old’s dip will “cause him any major problems.”
Djokovic holds an 8-3 record so far this year and is yet to claim a title, having lost matches at the United Cup, the Australian Open and the Indian Wells Open. Read more
Max Verstappen takes Australian Grand Prix pole position; Lewis Hamilton 11th (BBC)
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fought off a challenge from Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz to take pole position for the Australian Grand Prix.
Sainz was quickest in the first two parts of qualifying but the world champion bounced back in the top 10 shootout to take pole by 0.27 seconds.
Lando Norris will start third ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc after a grid penalty for Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. Mercedes’ George Russell was seventh while Lewis Hamilton only 11th. Read more
