Vigilante group member allegedly kills US-based businessman (Guardian)
The Rivers State Police Command has paraded a member of Abia State vigilante group, Okorie Chukwuma, for allegedly killing his boss, Mr Eyinaya Ogbonna.
The Guardian gathered that the deceased, a businessman based in the United States of America, had returned home to invest in Nigeria and was building a gas station.
He was said to have employed the suspect through the Abia State Vigilante Service to work for him and possibly safeguard the facility.
As the work progressed, the suspect who was unwilling to adhere to his boss’s instructions and directives, developed animosity against him. Read more
Customs intercepts fake drugs, rakes in N426m at Lagos port (Leadership)
The Comptroller-General, Strike Force Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Wednesday, said it intercepted unregistered and fake drugs imported into the country through the nation’s seaport.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, the coordinator of the unit, Deputy Comptroller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, said the unit also recovered N426.4million as debut note collected on cargoes that were under-declared at the seaport.
According to him, also impounded were supermarket goods, smuggled foreign parboiled rice among other smuggled items intercepted by the unit.
He said, “sequel to conscientious documentary checks, the ICT component of the team recovered the sum of N426.4 million from demand notices (DN) raised with within April till yesterday. The money recovered from demand notices could have been lost to unscrupulous importers.” Read more
Children’s Day: NYC urge FG to intensify security in schools (Vanguard)
Against the backdrop of the spate of kidnappings in schools across the country, the Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, has urged the federal government to intensify security around school premises.
The President, Nigerian Youth Congress, Blessing Akinlosotu made the call in a statement made available to Vanguard. He noted that the average Nigerian child needs to feel safe while in school adding that the future of every nation solely depends on the children who are potential future leaders.
Akinlosotu urged the federal government to look into the educational threat of children in Nigeria, maintaining that the kidnapping of children in schools is aimed at discouraging western education, which he said is at all means bad for nation-building. Read more
Despite cases of missing persons, police say Lagos-Ibadan Expressway not kidnappers’ den (Punch)
Mowe, Ofada, Owode-Egba and other adjoining areas along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are not kidnappers’ hideouts, the Ogun State Police Command has said.
This is at variance with the reality as some families are inconsolable over the disappearance of their loved ones on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
But a statement on Wednesday signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, partly read, “The attention of Ogun State Police Command has been drawn to a publication circulating on social media warning people to avoid Mowe/Ofada/Owode-Egba road, as the road according to the false alarm has turned to kidnappers’ den. Read more
Children’s Day: CSO calls on FG to address crisis of 10.5m out of school children (Vanguard)
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark 2021 Children’s Day, a Civil Society Organisation, Policy House International, Wednesday, called on Federal Government to address the crisis of 10.5 million out-of-school children across the country.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Country Representative, Policy House International, Taiwo Akerele, where Akerele expressed worry over the fate of children’s education, security of schools, and nutrition.
He said: “Today again creates another window for the world and its leaders to reflect on the condition of children across the globe, the fate of their education, the security of the learning environment, the key issue of nutrition and global child rights and freedom of learning and knowledge acquisition.
“How has the law been implemented and far-reaching impact on the targeted populace? Today, Nigeria is faced with the crisis of out of school children estimated at 10.5 million by the UNICEF (2019/2020) which Policy House International has projected to get to 15 million by the end of 2021 if the security challenges in parts of the north are not addressed and if the culture of school closures continues unabated. Read more
Open grazing is ‘unIslamic’ – Masari (DailyTrust)
Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has added his voice to the current debate over the ban on open grazing in the southern part of the country.
Masari, who spoke during a media chat in his office on Tuesday as part of the events marking the second year of the second term in office said open grazing is “unIslamic”.
The governor underscored the need to provide necessary infrastructure that would prevent herders from moving from one location to the other in search of water and fodder.
“Why should herders from Katsina move? It is essential for two things: water and fodder. If we provide it, then why should they move? This roaming about for us is unislamic and is not the best. And it is part of the problem we are having today. I don’t support that we should continue with the way open grazing is,” he said. Read more
UTME: Candidates lament hassles despite registration extension (Nation)
Candidates have adjudged the registration process for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) the most difficult compared to previous years. The mandatory requirement to submit their National Identification Number (NIN) before beginning the registration process for the examination was a difficult hurdle that cost many time and money. The process of submitting the NIN to JAMB to generate a profile code – the first step even before payment of the N4,700 examination fee and subsequent online registration – stood like the rock of Gibraltar on the path of many.
Despite the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede repeatedly saying the process was seamless, and the introduction of measures to speed up registration, many candidates may still be unable to register by the time the extended deadline ends on Saturday.
JAMB had to extend the registration deadline from May 15 to 29, when only about 1,134,424 candidates had registered for an examination the Board had estimated about two million would register (over 1.9 million candidates took the examination last year). Read more
Children’s Day: FG launches `safe to school’ initiative (Guardian)
The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated a “Safe to School, Be Seen, Be Safe” initiative to ensure the children safety in and out of school.
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, at the unveiling of customised reflective children safety jackets and uniforms for cadet and school crossing guards in Abuja
Adamu, represented at the occasion by the Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukuemeka Nwajiuba, said that the initiative would increase access and quality of education of over 40 million school children.
The Safe School Programme by the Federal Ministry of Education is in collaboration with the Children Accident Prevention Initiative (CAPI). Read more
Children’s Day: It’s embarrassing pupils still sit on floor, learning under trees in 2021- REPs (Vanguard)
House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services has said that it was an embarrassment to have school children still sitting on bare floor and learning under trees in Nigeria in 21st century.
The Committee also raised an alarm over the increasing number of out-of-school and not-in-school children, placing the number between 11 to 13 million in Nigeria.
The Committee’s regrets were conveyed in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere and Usman Zanna respectively and made available to Vanguard in Abuja Wednesday night.
The statement however came on the heels of the 2021 children’s Day marked on May 27 of every year. Read more
DR Congo: Thousands flee Goma after second volcano warning (BBC)
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo over fears of another volcanic eruption.
Local authorities have said Mount Nyiragongo could erupt once again with little warning.
The volcano, 10km (six miles) from Goma, spewed lava over the weekend, killing 32 people and leaving thousands homeless, the UN says.
Thousands fled then but some residents had started returning. Read more
Jennifer Aniston reveals shocking ‘Friends’ romance: ‘We channeled our love’ (NYPost)
Turns out the small screen’s biggest love affair wasn’t just a must-see-TV fantasy.
David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston dropped a major bombshell in the “Friends: The Reunion” special on HBO Max: Ross and Rachel’s tortured sexual chemistry on NBC’s legendary Thursday night sitcom actually spilled over into real life.
Yes, break or no break — these turned on co-stars were totally hot for each other.
“The first season, I had a major crush on Jen,” Schwimmer, 54, admits during the much-hyped unscripted celebration. “At some point we were both crushing hard on each other — but it was like two ships passing [in the night], because one of us was always in a relationship. Read more
Hong Kong electoral reform: LegCo passes ‘patriots’ law (BBC)
Hong Kong has passed a controversial electoral reform law, aimed at keeping people China deems “unpatriotic” from positions of political power.
The reform will allow a pro-China panel to vet and elect candidates, reducing democratic representation.
Critics warn it is designed to remove all opposition from the city’s parliament, allowing Beijing to tighten its control over Hong Kong.
It is the latest measure designed to crack down on dissent in Hong Kong. Read more
Real voice of Milli Vanilli, John Davis, dead at 66 after COVID battle (NYPost)
John Davis, one of the real singers behind stage act Milli Vanilli, has died at 66 from coronavirus-related causes.
Davis’ daughter Jasmin shared the announcement on Monday.
“My dad passed away this evening through the coronavirus,” she wrote on Facebook. “He made a lot of people happy with his laughter and smile, his happy spirit, love and especially through his music. He gave so much to the world! Please give him the last round of applause. We will miss him dearly.”
The French-German duo Milli Vanilli — musical-actors Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan — debuted in 1988 in Europe before making a splash in the US a year later with their album “Girl You Know It’s True,” selling 11 million copies and earning the group, along with founding producer Frank Farian, a Grammy in 1990. Read more
India YouTuber arrested for ‘flying’ dog with helium balloons (BBC)
Indian police have arrested a YouTuber for tying helium balloons to his pet dog “in an attempt to make it fly”.
Gaurav Sharma, 32, shot a video showing his dog attached to balloons, which he then lets go off as the pet starts to fly in the air.
A few seconds later, someone in the balcony of the second floor of a building catches the dog.
Mr Sharma said he followed all safety measures, but deleted the video after social media backlash. Read more
Unemployment in Brazil hits record 14.7 pct in Q1 (France24)
Unemployment in Brazil hit a record 14.7 per cent in the first quarter of this year, the government in Latin America’s largest economy reported Thursday.
The rate in the same stretch of last year was 12.2 per cent as the economy began to be hit by the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 450,000 lives in Brazil.
The total number of job-seekers also set a record, at 14.8 million, said the national statistics institute, or IBGE.
The figures were in line with analysts’ forecasts. Read more
China hits back as US revisits Covid lab theory (BBC)
China has denounced US efforts to further investigate whether Covid-19 came from a Chinese lab.
US President Joe Biden has called on intelligence officials to “redouble” their work to find out how the virus was first transmitted to humans.
China’s foreign ministry accused the US of “political manipulation and blame shifting”.
It has rejected any link between Covid-19 and a virus research lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Read more
NFF felicitates with Okala, Oshoala, Balogun, Aribo (Vanguard)
The Nigeria Football Federation has sent a message of congratulations to much-respected former Nigeria goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala, who attained the platinum age of 70 on Monday, 17th May 2021.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi praised the towering goaltender for his glorious service to the fatherland in the round leather game, delivering his best anytime he turned out for both the Senior Men Team (then known as Green Eagles) and Rangers International FC of Enugu.
“We all remember the heroic feats and unforgettable deeds of the great Emmanuel Okala. He served Nigeria to the best of his ability and we commend him for his patriotism, discipline, dedication, and sense of duty. We wish him a happy Platinum anniversary celebration and many pray that he lives many, many more years in good health and in joy,” Sanusi said in Abuja. Read more
AC Milan snap up Lille goalkeeper Maignan in five-year deal (France24)
French international goalkeeper Mike Maignan has signed a five-year contract with AC Milan, the Serie A club announced on Thursday.
The 25-year-old, who is the third-choice goalkeeper for the French national team, will have the tough task of succeeding Italian first choice Gianluigi Donnarumma whose departure was made official on Wednesday.
Maignan helped Lille win the French league title on Sunday while AC Milan finished second in Serie A, 12 points behind their neighbours Inter.
Maignan will officially join AC Milan when the Italian transfer window opens in July. Read more
César Prieto: Cuban baseball player defects on Florida trip (BBC)
César Prieto, one of Cuba’s top baseball stars, has abandoned his national team while in Florida for a qualifying event for the Olympics.
Prieto left the hotel shortly after he and his team mates had arrived.
In a statement, the Cuban Baseball Federation confirmed the 22-year-old had “abandoned” the delegation.
Cuban athletes have a long history of defecting, with baseball players, ballet dancers and footballers among those who have left their country. Read more
Tokyo Games could create ‘Olympic’ Covid strain, Japanese Doctors Union warns (RT)
The head of the Japan Doctors Union, Dr. Naoto Ueyama, has warned that holding the Summer Games in Tokyo as planned could create an ‘Olympic’ strain of Covid-19, as the Asian nation battles a fourth wave of the virus.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Dr. Ueyama highlighted how proceeding with the Olympic games would unite in Tokyo “all of the different mutant strains of the virus which exist in different places.” With the Japanese nation already struggling to battle the virus, officials “cannot deny the possibility of even a new strain of the virus potentially emerging.”
If such a situation were to arise, it could even mean a Tokyo Olympic strain of the virus being named in this way, which would be a huge tragedy.
The medical professional’s warning comes after the Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee claimed that a “safe and secure” games would be held in the summer under strict Covid-19 restrictions. Read more
NBA play-offs: Russell Westbrook wants players protected after popcorn incident (BBC)
Washington Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook had to be restrained by security after a fan poured popcorn over him during his side’s 120-95 defeat at the Philadelphia 76ers.
The incident happened as Westbrook left the court with an injured ankle.
“I wouldn’t come up to me on the street and throw popcorn on my head, because you know what happens,” said Westbrook.
“In these arenas, you have got to start protecting the players. We’ll see what the NBA does.”
The defeat means the 76ers take a 2-0 lead against the Wizards in their Eastern Conference play-off. Read more
Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium catches fire as fans fear for iconic stadium undergoing $1b revamp (RT)
La Liga giant Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium – currently under reconstruction – caught fire on Wednesday with footage of the blaze already being circulated by the Spanish media and online across social media.
MARCA reported it as a “scare” in the renovation of the iconic ground.
And clips show that a small blaze engulfed what appears to be a roofing column near the top of one of the main terraces.
Within minutes of the alarm being raised, local fire services in the Spanish capital were called to the scene to put out the blaze.As it was not severe, the fire was put out quickly. Read more