Troops rescue 6 kidnapped Gusau Varsity female students (Tribune)
Operatives of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin-Daji, have rescued six female students of Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara, abducted in the early hours of Friday.
Force Information Officer, Operation Hadarin-Daji, Cpt. Ibrahim Yahaya confirmed this to the newsmen via telephone on Friday in Gusau.
Nigerian Tribune online reported that 24 female students had been abducted from their rented hostels at Sabon-Gida, a few metres away from the university. Read more
FG raises salaries for junior lecturers to 25%, retains 35% for professors, others (Punch)
The Federal Government, through the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission, has approved payment of a newly approved percentage increment in salaries for academic and non-academic staff of all its tertiary institutions across the country, The PUNCH has learnt.
This is as the percentage increment for junior staff of tertiary institutions was raised from 23.5% which was reviewed last year to 25%. Our correspondent gathered that the arrears of the increment from January 2023 will also be paid.
Though nothing was said about the withheld salaries of the academics and non-academics who embarked on strike in 2022, our correspondent learnt that the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, earlier wrote the Chairman of the NSIWC, Ekpo Nta, to demand the status of the collective. Read more
Presidency withdraws statement on Tinubu as first African leader to ring NASDAQ bell (DailyTrust)
The presidency has apologised for a claim that President Bola Tinubu is the first African leader to ring the bell at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ).
On Tuesday, shortly after performing the act, a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, claimed Tinubu as the “first African president ever to receive the honour”.
However, contrary to Ngelale’s claim, Jakaya Kiwete, former president of Tanzania, rang the NASDAQ closing bell in 2011.
In a statement on Friday, the presidency said the error was “deeply regretted”. Read more
Lagos First Lady lauds orphanages’ protection of vulnerable children (Vanguard)
Her Excellency, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has commended the Association of Orphanages and Home Operators of Nigeria, ASOHON, for its effort, passion, zeal and commitment in contributing to a saner society which she said is the bedrock on which all the sectors of the economy stands.
Her Excellency, represented by Mrs Azeezat Tijani at the Lagos Collaborate+ 2023 edition, held recently at the youth church hall of Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju Lagos, added that the association’s commitment to raising the standard of care and protection of all vulnerable children in Nigeria is very commendable and crucial in curbing the rate of moral decadence and child neglect in our society. Read more
Alibaba bemoans pressure on aspiring artistes to indulge in ‘‘rituals’’ for fame (Channels)
Comedian and actor Akunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba, on Friday, claimed that aspiring artistes partake in occultic practices prior to getting signed by a record label.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Alibaba claimed that these traditions are just one of many things that cause young artists to have blind spots.
His comments come amid growing public outrage over the allegations of abuse suffered by the late 27-year-old singer Ilerioluwa Olademeji, also known as Mohbad, until his demise on September 12. Read more
Cardoso assumes duty as CBN Governor (Leadership)
Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso, who was recently nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the new Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has formally assumed duty at the apex Bank in an acting capacity pending the confirmation of his appointment by the Senate.
The development follows the formal resignation of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as governor CBN, the director of Corporate Communication of the CBN, Isa AbdulMumin, said in a statement on Friday.
Also, the deputy governors-designate of the Bank have assumed duty alongside Cardoso in acting capacity, sequel to the formal resignations of Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, Mr. Edward Lametek Adamu, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora, as deputy governors of the CBN. Read more
Tribunal affirms Mutfwang’s election as Plateau Gov (ThisDay)
The Plateau State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos has affirmed the election of Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor of the state, dismissing the petition filed by Dr. Nentawe Yilwada Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Delivering the judgment, the three-man tribunal, led by Justice Sunday Olorundahunsi, unanimously affirmed Mutfwang’s election, noting that despite the wild allegations by the petitioners, there is no evidence to show that the election was not lawfully held as the petitioners failed to tender another result to be considered authentic.
The tribunal also said: “What is admitted needs no further proof”, noting that the APC has admitted in its petition that the PDP repeated its congress. The tribunal is of the view that the PDP conducted a repeat Congress in 2021 and therefore has a structure. Read more
NASS will reform Nigeria’s tax system, says Deputy Speaker Kalu (Nation)
The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the parliament would work with the executive arm of government to ensure a comprehensive reform of the nation’s tax law and effectively eliminate multiple taxation in Nigeria.
Speaking at the World Bank Fiscal Governance and Institutions Project (FGIP) Focus Group Discussion at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja, Kalu said that the government was prepared to carry out fiscal reforms that directly address some of the most pressing issues in the tax system and overall fiscal policy.
Kalu said that the commitment to reform is a testament to the dedication of the federal government towards achieving a more robust and equitable economic landscape. Read more
Kerry Washington says eating disorder was ‘‘beyond my control’’ (Standard)
Kerry Washington has spoken out about her eating disorder, saying the mental health condition was “beyond my control”.
The 46-year-old actress has recounted her past traumas and “body hatred” in her upcoming memoir Thicker Than Water.
Speaking to Good Morning America she said: “I was good at control. I could party all night and drink and smoke and have sex and still show up and have good grades.
“I knew how to manage. I was so high functioning… And the food took me out.” Read more
Sudan’s war has forced over 81,000 people to enter Ethiopia – UN (Vanguard)
The number of people arriving in Ethiopia due to the conflict in Sudan has reached 81,095, according to the United Nations migration agency, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
As of September 16, a total of 81,095 crossings had been made by returnees, refugees and asylum seekers from conflict-affected Sudan to its neighbour, Ethiopia, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said. Read more
Euphoria star Angus Cloud “accidentally overdosed on meth, cocaine and fentanyl” (ITV)
Actor Angus Cloud died in July of an accidental overdose of cocaine, fentanyl and other substances, a coroner has confirmed.
The 25-year-old’s cause of death was “acute intoxication” due to the “combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines,” a Northern California coroner’s office said on Thursday.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau also confirmed the overdose was an accident. Read more
Amazon Prime Video to introduce adverts to UK streaming platform in 2024 (BelfastTelegraph)
Amazon’s Prime Video is set to introduce adverts on its TV programmes and films as it follows in the footsteps of rival streaming giants.
UK Prime subscribers are expected to see “limited” advertisements from 2024 unless they pay more for an ad-free option.
The platform said it was making the change to “continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time”. Read more
“Destruction” of ethnic Armenians is imminent, experts warn (CNA)
The “destruction” of an enclave of 120,000 Armenian Christians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is imminent, warns Siobhan Nash-Marshall, a U.S.-based human rights advocate.
“The impact of the recent attacks and subsequent disarmament will almost certainly result in the destruction of the people of Artsakh,” Nash-Marshall told CNA.
In 2011, Nash-Marshall founded the Christians in Need Foundation (CINF) to help Armenian Christians in the region and in 2020 she started a school for children and adults in Nagorno-Karabakh. Read more
Guillermo del Toro and David S. Goyer almost made a Star Wars movie together (THR)
David S. Goyer revealed that Guillermo del Toro nearly directed a Star Wars film several years ago.
During a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, host Josh Horowitz asked the screenwriter which major franchise he would love to have the opportunity to be involved with.
In response, Goyer shared that he actually “wrote an unproduced Star Wars movie that Guillermo del Toro was going to direct” about four years ago. del Toro later clarified on X (formerly known as Twitter) that it was “MANY, MANY moons ago… about 6 years or so.” Read more
Poland no longer supplying weapons to Ukraine amid grain row (BBC)
One of Ukraine’s staunchest allies, Poland, has said it is no longer supplying weapons to its neighbour, amid a diplomatic dispute over Kyiv’s grain exports.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said Poland’s focus was instead on defending itself with more modern weapons.
But the country’s president later said the comments had been misinterpreted in the “worst possible way”.
Andrzej Duda said it was only new Polish weapons that would not be sent. Read more
NFF drums support for Osimhen for Ballon D’or (DailyTrust)
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken to social media to drum up support for Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen to win the 2023 FIFA Best Player award.
The NFF posted on their Facebook page a clarion call to Nigerians to vote one of their own while sharing a link. “Vote for your own, Victor Osimhen,” the NFF post read.
It will be recalled that Osimhen was nominated alongside 11 other players for the prestigious FIFA Best Award after leading Napoli to clinch the Serie A title, marking a historic moment as the club’s first triumph in 33 years. Read more
Boniface makes Europa League Team of the Week (Leadership)
Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, has been named in the Europa League Team of the Week
Football facts and statistics website, whoscored.com, posted the Best 11 on match day one of the 2023/24 Europa League season on their X handle on Friday.
Other players who made the list are former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka and West Ham midfielder James ward-Prowse. Read more
Julian Nagelsmann appointed Germany manager after Hansi Flick’s sacking ahead of Euro 2024 (Sky)
Julian Nagelsmann has been appointed as Germany’s new manager following Hansi Flick’s sacking earlier this month.
The 36-year-old left his role as Bayern Munich boss earlier this year, with Thomas Tuchel replacing him at the Allianz Arena.
Nagelsmann was still under contract with the Bundesliga champions until 2026 but the Bavarians and the German FA (DFB) have come to an agreement for him to now coach the national team until next summer’s European Championships, which are being held in Germany. Read more
Maddy Cusack: Sheffield United “devastated” by death of midfielder aged 27 (BBC)
Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack has died at the age of 27.
Cusack had been at the club since 2019 and became the first player to reach 100 appearances for the women’s team last season.
She also worked as a marketing executive at the Women’s Championship club, who said they were “devastated”.
“This is heartbreaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane,” said Sheffield United chief executive officer Stephen Bettis. Read more
McLaren signs Le Mans winner Hirakawa as F1 reserve for 2024 (F1i)
McLaren has announced that 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Ryo Hirakawa has joined team papaya’s Driver Development programme and will fulfill an F1 reserve role in 2024.
It’s a surprise announcement by McLaren as the 29-year-old Japanese driver was never mentioned as a potential recruit for the team.
However, with Alex Palou suddenly severing ties with McLaren, the Woking-based outfit has been forced to refresh its reserve line-up. Hirakawa, who holds an F1 Super Licence, joins Pato O’Ward as the team’s official substitutes in F1. Read more
Frank Warren hopes Joe Joyce will weigh heavier for Zhang rematch (BoxingScene)
Frank Warren remains flabbergasted by Joe Joyce’s decision to slim down for his first fight with Zhilei Zhang.
Joyce, the heavyweight bruiser from London, weighed 256 pounds ahead of his showdown with China’s Zhang in April, about 15 pounds lighter than his previous fight against Joseph Parker last September, in which he weighed 241 ½ pounds. Joyce knocked out Parker in the 11th round.
But after what many regarded as a career-best performance, Joyce ended up getting stopped in his next fight by the southpaw Zhang, who weighed 278 pounds for that contest, in the sixth round at Copper Box Arena in London. Read more