Viral video: Lagos hawker receives over N300,000 for gesture to inmates (Nation)
A hawker, Ekuma Jeremiah, who sells bottled water in Ajah area of Lagos state, has explained why he gave out money to some inmates stuck in traffic.
During the week, the now-viral video wherein Jeremiah could be seen giving money to some inmates inside a van of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) surfaced online.
In the seven-second video, the hawker is seen carrying a crate of bottled water on his head while giving out some of the money he had made.
His gesture earned a widespread commendation from many Nigerians who applauded him for his love and generosity. Read more
Apapa Customs Command generates N870.39b in 2021 (Vanguard)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, says the command generated N870.39 billion revenue from January to December 2021.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Malanta Yusuf, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.
Yusuf added that the command during the period intercepted contraband goods worth N31.23 billion.
He noted that the revenue generated had been remitted to the federation and non-federation accounts of the Federal Government respectively.
Yusuf said that the revenue profile of the command had significantly increased by about 68 per cent when compared with N518.4 billion generated in 2020. Read more
Buhari presides over Armed Forces Remembrance Day (Vanguard)
President Muhammdu Buhari on Saturday presided over the ceremony marking the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja.
The activities started October 28, 2021, when the president launched the remembrance emblem at the presidential villa, Abuja.
During Saturday’s ceremony which took place at the National Arcade opposite the Eagle Square in the Three Arms Zone, the president inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by detachments of the Nigerian Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Nigerian Legion.
Prayers were said by Christian and Muslim clerics for the peaceful repose of the souls of the dead and the health of the nation.
Buhari laid a wreath on the Tomb of an Unknown Soldier as a mark of last respect to the fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to keep global peace and the nation’s territorial integrity. Read more
Insecurity: Makinde’s aide slams UI students over ‘harsh’ complaints (Punch)
The Special Assistant to Oyo Governor on Student Affairs, Victor Olojede, has faulted the University of Ibadan Students’ Union over the open letter written to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
The students’ union had written a letter to Makinde, calling his attention to the insecurity of lives and properties in the Agbowo community, where a larger percentage of students reside.
The Students’ Union body had in the letter signed by its President, Adewole Yinka, and General Secretary, Bamidele Paul, asked the governor to apologise to all victims of various attacks and convey emergency meeting with security agencies in Oyo State.
The letter was written following a recent spate of robberies and criminalities in off-campus communities largely inhabited by students of the University of Ibadan. Read more
Yiaga to hold town hall meeting on electoral bill (DailyTrust)
The Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (Yiaga Africa), a leading Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has scheduled a town hall meeting to discuss the electoral bill.
The event, which is scheduled to hold physically and virtually on January 16, will serve as a platform for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, political party representatives, CSOs and other stakeholders to deliberate on the bill.
The meeting, which will also be aired on local television stations, will hold 7pm at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The National Assembly on November 19, last year had transmitted the electoral act amendment bill to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent. Read more
King Sunny Ade, NCC DG reward blind singer, Chude Mountain (Nation)
The King of New world beats, King Sunny Ade and John Asien, Director General of the Nigerian Copyrights Commission have rewarded blind singer, Chude Mountain for his steadfastness.
Chude Mountain began counting his blessings after he attended the AGM of the Music Copyright Society of Nigeria, MCSN and performed a song.
His rendition had attracted KSA, who promised to pay for the production and release of the song rendered by the blind Chude Mountain.
KSA informed the Mayo Ayilaran led MCSN that he would be contributing to the growth of the visually impaired musician and member of the MCSN. Read more
Lekan Balogun is next Olubadan —Ladoja, other kingmakers agree (Punch)
The Olubadan-in-Council, a conclave of Ibadan High Chiefs, also known as kingmaker, on Saturday, cleared the air on the successor to the late Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1, who passed away on January 2.
The kingmakers said they have collectively agreed that Senator Lekan Balogun should be appointed as the next Olubadan.
The Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, addressed newsmen on behalf of the Council after a closed-door meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde, at the Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
Ladoja said that the perceived controversy surrounding ascension to the Olubadan Stool has been amicably resolved. Read more
Group condemns appointment of retired director as FCTA department head (Independent)
The alleged appointment of Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar, who retired from active service from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Department of Economics, Planning, Revenue and Public Private Partnership has been condemned by a Civil Society Organisation.
This was contained in a statement by the President of the Civil Service Watch for Good Governance (CSWGG), Ambassador Abila Garba which a copy was made available to newsmen in Abuja.
The statement reads: “For God sake he has been retired and tired by the Federal Government why bringing him in to head a newly created and sensitive department of the FCTA that has more to do with the economic drive of the administration.
“We have been keen followers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and its agencies. We have come to a conclusion that if the appointment of someone who for years was not in touch with new trend and ideas of governance will be allowed to assume office, it will demands for serious attention since the All Progressives Congress (APC) is believed to have come with a complete fight against corruption, favoritism and compromise that has eaten deep into the fabric of Nigeria in the past years.”
Tension in Delta as suspected herders attack community (Guardian)
Some residents of Port-Avwon, a village in Uwheru Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Council of Delta State, yesterday, fled the community as suspected herders attacked them over farmland, allegedly raping their women and destroying their crops.
Following the invasion of the community by the suspected herders, tension and confusion enveloped the area, forcing them to flee to neighbouring communities to take refuge.
The Guardian, however, learnt that a suspected herder was apprehended by the indigenes in a bush in the area and handed over to the police in the Ughelli A Division.
President General of the kingdom, Chief Macpherson Egbedi, told journalists that the suspect and other fleeing herders were found destroying their farmlands last Thursday. Read more
Parallex Bank launches, promises stakeholders quality digitalised services (Independent)
Stakeholders have been assured of a good and unique digitalised service as the Parallex Bank brand was officially launched on Friday in Lagos.
The new bank, which has SEEDD as its mantra, said its core vision is to redefine customer experiences in the banking industry through innovations.
In an elaborate ceremony at its headquarters on Adeola Hopewell, Victoria Island, Lagos, Parallex Bank unveiled its logo and officially launched its brand in the presence of stakeholders and dignitaries from different walks of life.
The new bank promises its customers of several packages that will give room for convenience as well as reliability. Read more
Marvel and Skins stars join Benedict Cumberbatch’s Netflix movie (DigitalSpy)
Stars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Skins, James Bond, The IT Crowd and the Obi-Wan Kenobi series have all joined Benedict Cumberbatch for a big Netflix project: one of its Roald Dahl adaptations.
The streaming giant gained the rights to the author’s catalog in September, and has signed up Dahl fan and eccentric director extraordinaire Wes Anderson to helm The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, both in terms of writing and getting behind the camera.
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Ralph Fiennes, Sir Ben Kingsley and Dev Patel have signed up for the project. Meanwhile, Deadline has reported that Richard Ayoade and Rupert Friend are also part of the cast.
It’s unknown which of the short Henry Sugar stories will be adapted, but word on the street is that three of them will comprise the film. Production is set to start in London next week. Read more
Modders unite to convince Nintendo to stop removing modded videos (NME)
A number of individuals that mod Nintendo games have come together to challenge the company’s approach to taking down videos that show modded or emulated content, after Nintendo took down “dozens” of these videos.
Although Nintendo has always maintained a hardline stance against modding and emulation involving its games, the issue has again bubbled to the surface due to some recent copyright takedowns.
As reported by NintendoLife, the company has been taking down dozens of videos that show a “Second Wind” expansion for for The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild.
Now, modders and content creators who make these videos are uniting to convince Nintendo to let them continue. Waikuteru – a YouTuber who was forced to remove 40 of his videos this week – said that “there is only one way to change the termination of Nintendo mods and that is to convince Nintendo with a large number of people to change their mind”. Read more
Leslie Grace unveils first picture of her Batgirl in full batsuit from upcoming DC movie (Metro)
Star Leslie Grace has revealed the fist image of Batgirl in her suit from the upcoming DC movie for HBO Max.
The 27-year-old In The Heights actress took to social media to unveil the look, showing herself in character in the distinctive blue suit with yellow cape, utility belt and bat emblem emblazoned on her chest.
She was also wearing the famous mask with bat ears as the Barbara Gordon version of Batgirl, with the character’s famous red hair peeping out from underneath.
Quoting from 2003 comic book mini-series Batgirl, Year One Grace wrote alongside the still: ‘I use their expectations against them. That will be their weakness. Not mine. Read more
Rally round Shatta Wale—Rex Omar (Graphic)
Veteran Highlife musician Rex Omar may not be a fan of Dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale due to his controversial ways, but he has thrown his full weight behind the controversial star’s campaign to get Nigerians to reciprocate the support they enjoy from Ghanaian artistes.
According to straight-talking Rex Omar, it was about time Ghana took drastic measures to curb the dominance of foreign music, particularly Nigerian music, which was undermining the growth of Ghanaian artistes.
In a conversation with the Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, January 11, the Abiba hitmaker was unequivocal in his conviction that Shatta Wale was not wrong in questioning the poor reception Ghanaian music received in Nigeria and that such demands by the self-acclaimed Danchall King should not be overlooked.
“There’s truth in what Shatta Wale is saying but we know him and his controversial ways which I don’t condone. However, what he said should not be dismissed just because it is coming from him even though I believe he could have handled it in a more diplomatic way. Read more
‘British Vogue’ features African models for its February cover (VON)
The February 2022 issue of ‘British Vogue’ features nine African models with glorious African heritage that stretches from Senegal to Rwanda to Sudan to Nigeria to Ethiopia and beyond.
The jaw-dropping cover featured models like Adut Akech, Amar Akway, Majesty Amare, Dibaa Maty, Janet Jumbo, Akon Changkou, Abeny Nhial, Nyagua Ruea, and Anok Yaifull.
The British Vogue Editor-In-Chief Edward Enninful explained his inspiration for creating such a landmark moment for Black and African beauty.
“I saw all these incredible models from across Africa who were just so vivacious and smart. These girls are redefining what it is to be a fashion model. You know, fashion tends to follow waves. We’ve had the Brazilian wave. We had the Dutch wave, the Russian wave, the Eastern European wave… And while, in the last decade, the Black model has come to prominence, I love that we are finally giving more space to African beauty,” Enninful said. Read more
Aamir Khan to host a special screening of ‘Laal Singh Chadha’ for Tom Hanks (Outlook)
Actor Aamir Khan is getting ready for the release of his much anticpated film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’. In the Hindi adaptation of 1994 film, ‘Forrest Gump’, Khan will be essaying the role of Hollywood actor Tom Hanks.
As reported by News 18, actor Khan will be hosting a special screening of the film for Hanks in the United States. He is keen on showing the 65-year-old Hollywood actor his upcoming film’s ‘personally’. A source close to the team told the publication that Khan will reportedly be holding a screening of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ for actor Tom Hanks before its released worldwide as he is keen to know the senior actor’s ‘thoughts’ on the adaptation.
The source was quoted saying: “Aamir Khan is planning to keep a special screening for Tom Hanks closer to ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’s release. There is a buzz that closer to the release of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, Aamir would hold the screening for Tom Hanks in the US (United States) or travel there to personally show him the film. It is because he wants Tom Hanks to watch ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ and share his thoughts.’
Hanks played the titular role in ‘Forrest Gump’, which was an American comedy-drama based on Winston Groom’s 1986 novel ‘Forest Gump’. The story is about the life of Forrest Gump, a man who lives thorugh many historical events in the 20th century that take place in the US. Read more
Sinead O’Connor describes ‘lovely Hindu’ send-off for son Shane (Independent)
Sinead O’Connor has said goodbye to her son Shane with a “lovely Hindu ceremony” following his death aged 17.
O’Connor announced Shane’s death on Twitter last Saturday (8 January), writing that he “decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God”.
The “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer went on to fiercely criticise the Irish health service HSE, the child and family agency Tusla, and the Irish state overall. She later apologised for “lashing out” on social media.
On Saturday (15 January), O’Connor – who is Muslim – tweeted that she and her loved ones had just held a Hindu ceremony to remember Shane. Read more
AFCON 2021: Chukwueze keeps his place as Nigeria XI against Sudan is revealed (Soccernet)
Samuel Chukwueze has kept his place in Nigeria’s starting lineup for their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Sudan.
Chukwueze’s performance in the win against Egypt drew mixed reactions, but coach Austin Eguavoen has decided to stick with the same team that beat the Pharaohs last Tuesday.
Maduka Okoye stays in goal, with Kenneth Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong retaining their centre-back partnership.
Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi are the full-backs, while Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo form a two midfield pivot. Kelechi Iheanacho, the scorer against Egypt, plays behind Taiwo Awoniyi, who leads the line, while Moses Simon and Chukwueze are the two wingers. Read more
Man City overcome Chelsea to go 13 points clear at top (The42)
Manchester City took another huge step towards retaining the Premier League title as one moment of inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne saw off Chelsea 1-0 to open up a 13-point lead at the top of the table.
A game of few chances was brought to life by the Belgian 20 minutes from time as he curled home the only goal from outside the box to seal a 12th consecutive league win for the champions.
Chelsea got the better of Pep Guardiola’s men in last season’s Champions League final, but securing their place in Europe’s top club competition next season now looks like the height of their ambitions for the rest of the Premier League season.
The Blues remain second but have won just one of their last six league games. Read more
Manchester United’s fast start blows away Birmingham (Guardian)
Manchester United leapfrogged Tottenham to move into third with a blistering defeat of Birmingham to kickstart their year. Marc Skinner’s side, in search of Champions League qualification for the first time, sit a point above Spurs and four away from the leaders, Arsenal, albeit having played a game more after Covid cancellations hit scheduling.
United had clearly heeded the warning of the increased threat of Birmingham after their impressive 2-0 win over Arsenal last week. The Blues stunned the undefeated Gunners, to secure a first win of the season.
Within minutes of kick-off, United’s intent was clear, as the Norway midfielder Vilde Bøe Risa forced a fine save from Emily Ramsey with the follow-up cleared off the line.
Ramsey, on loan from United for the season, had performed well in the victory over Arsenal but there was little she could do with her team failing to stem wave after wave of her parent club’s attacks. Read more
Thanasi Kokkinakis wins his first career title in Adelaide (UbiTennis)
Australian star Thanasi Kokkinakis came back from one set down to edge Arthur Rinderknech 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in his home city after 2 hours and 38 minutes in the final of the Adelaide International 2.
The match was dominated by serve. Kokkinakis hit 18 aces and won 90% of his first serve points. Neither player was able to earn a single break point or a mini-break until the final point of the first set tie-break, when Rinderknech sealed it as Kokkinakis hit a crosscourt forehand into the net.
The second set went on serve en route to the tie-break. Rinderknech earned an early mini-break at the start of the second tie-break.
The second set went on serve en route to the tie-break. Rinderknech earned an early mini-break at the start of the second tie-break. Kokkinakis rallied from 0-2 down to take a 5-2 lead with three mini-breaks. Rinderknech pulled one mini-break for 3-5, but Kokkinakis closed out the tie-break 7-5 on his third set point. Read more
‘He’ll be back’: Ex-F1 driver rubbishes Hamilton retirement rumour (Formula1News)
Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle is not at all convinced by the rumours linking Sir Lewis Hamilton with an immediate future away from the sport, affirming his belief that he will be on the grid in 2022.
Hamilton missed out on his record-breaking eighth world championship when a controversial Safety Car restart by race director Michael Masi led rival Max Verstappen to pass the Briton on the final lap of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to claim his first title.
After Masi had allowed only the five drivers between Hamilton and Verstappen to un-lap themselves to facilitate a green flag finish, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was on the radio to the Australian to tell him that this move was “so not right.”
Mercedes eventually dropped an appeal into the championship classification, but promised to work closely with the FIA in an investigation into the final lap drama that they will conclude on 18 March – the weekend of the opening race of the year in Bahrain. Read more
Wizards, Mystics host MLK social justice forum (NBC)
As the nation celebrates Black History Month beginning Feb. 1 and honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Monumental Sports & Entertainment and executive John Thompson III put together a Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Social Justice Virtual Roundtable on Friday.
Hosted by ESPN senior writer Jesse Washington and featuring the Wizards’ Daniel Gafford, the Mystics’ Natasha Cloud and Alysha Clark, and ex-Wizards player Etan Thomas, the goal was to talk about the current generation’s view of their social and racial justice responsibilities in light of MLK weekend.
Thompson III, the Wizards’ VP of Player Engagement, is the son of legendary Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson. He took a moment to reflect on his own father’s legacy in Washington and how the current generation of athletes is taking up his mantle in the fight for social and racial justice.
“That was dad, that wasn’t John Thompson. That was just Pop,” Thompson III said in an interview with NBC Sport’s Washington’s Chris Miller. “So I knew nothing else. I knew how we were treated, how he was treated. I had no other point of reference. That was the norm. And so it did not seem abnormal. Read more
Police search for 2 men in connection to Mark Cavendish aggravated burglary case (CW)
Police have released the photos of two men they wish to speak to in relation to the aggravated burglary at the home of Mark Cavendish.
Essex Police have launched an appeal for 25-year-old Jo Jobson (right) and 26-year-old George Goddard (left) to come forward, or failing that for anyone with information as to their whereabouts to contact Essex Police, who said “we would now like to locate two men who we would like to speak to in connection with the incident.”
Cavendish and his wife Peta Todd were threatened during the burglary at their home in the Ongar area of Essex on November 27, with a Louis Vuitton suitcase and two expensive watches stolen.
Romario Henry, from Lewisham in south-east London, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court via video link on Friday, charged with two counts of robbery. He has not yet entered a plea to two counts of robbery. Two other men are due to answer bail this week. Read more