April 2025 | Page 18 of 45

Tragic Collapse of Equal Right Restaurant in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos: One Dead, 13 Rescued

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

A poorly built three-storey building housing the popular Equal Right Restaurant and Bar on Oremeta Street, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos, collapsed around 8 a.m., leaving one person dead and 13 others rescued. The incident, which occurred in a bustling area, sparked panic as restaurant workers, customers, and a family were trapped under the rubble. Details of the Incident The building, described as old and partially occupied, had its ground floor in use as a restaurant, bar, and parking lot, while the upper floors remained unoccupied. Reports indicate the structure was undergoing unapproved construction work, which may have contributed to its collapse. Eyewitnesses described the building as a “ticking time bomb,” with concerns about its structural integrity raised long before the tragedy. The collapse occurred shortly after some restaurant workers arrived, catching occupants and passersby by surprise. Emergency response teams, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Police, and others, were swiftly mobilized following a distress call at 8:32 a.m. By Saturday evening, 13 victims, including restaurant staff, customers, and a family, were rescued, with one adult confirmed dead. Rescue Efforts and Response Rescue operations continued into the night, with responders using both light and heavy-duty equipment to carefully clear debris and reach “ground zero” to ensure no one remained trapped. The rescued victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were attended to by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) before being transported to hospitals for further treatment. LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, emphasized the need for property owners to seek proper approvals before altering ageing structures, noting that unapproved modifications likely contributed to the collapse. The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and hold the building’s owner accountable. Community Impact and Reactions Residents expressed grief and frustration, with some recounting narrow escapes. One local, Chike, shared that he avoided eating at the restaurant the previous night, a decision that likely saved his life. Posts on X reflected community concern, with users urging people to check on loved ones in the Ojodu-Berger area. This incident marks the second building collapse in Lagos within weeks, highlighting ongoing concerns about structural safety in the state. Authorities have cordoned off the site, and rescue efforts are ongoing to ensure no further victims remain trapped. Moving Forward As the investigation continues, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter building regulations and regular inspections to prevent such disasters. The Ojodu-Berger community mourns the loss of life and prays for the recovery of the injured, while emergency responders work tirelessly to provide closure to affected families.

Breaking: Pope Francis Dies at 88 – Vatican Mourns a Global Leader

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

On April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, at the age of 88. The news has sent ripples of sorrow across the globe, as millions mourn the loss of a pontiff known for his humility, compassion, and progressive vision for the Church. A Life of Service Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the modern era. Elected pope in 2013, he was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His papacy was marked by a deep commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. Francis was celebrated for his approachable demeanor, often shunning the grandeur of the papacy for simpler gestures—like living in a modest Vatican guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace and embracing the marginalized, from refugees to the poor. His encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’ (2015), which called for urgent action on climate change, and Fratelli Tutti (2020), which emphasized global solidarity, reshaped the Church’s role in addressing contemporary challenges. A Papacy of Reform Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis sought to bridge divides within the Church and beyond. He championed inclusivity, advocating for greater roles for women in the Church, though stopping short of ordaining them as priests. His outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, including his 2013 remark, “Who am I to judge?” signaled a shift toward a more pastoral tone, even as it sparked debate among traditionalists. His efforts to reform the Vatican’s finances and address the clergy abuse crisis, while not without criticism, reflected his determination to modernize an ancient institution. Global Reactions Tributes have poured in from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary faithful. U.S. President [Name] called Francis “a moral beacon in a divided world,” while UN Secretary-General [Name] praised his “tireless advocacy for peace and the planet.” On X, posts from users worldwide reflect the profound impact of his leadership, with hashtags like #PopeFrancis and #Vatican trending as people share memories of his warmth and wisdom. The Path Forward The Vatican has not yet released details on the cause of Pope Francis’ death, though his health had been a concern in recent years, with visible frailty and multiple hospitalizations. The College of Cardinals will now convene to elect a new pope in a conclave, a process expected to begin within weeks. Speculation is already swirling about whether the next pontiff will continue Francis’ progressive legacy or steer the Church in a more conservative direction. A Lasting Legacy Pope Francis leaves behind a Church transformed by his emphasis on mercy over judgment, dialogue over division, and action over complacency. His death marks the end of an era, but his teachings will continue to inspire billions. As the Vatican prepares for a period of mourning and transition, the world pauses to honor a man who reminded us all to “build bridges, not walls.” Rest in peace, Holy Father.

Lagos Hotelier Slumps, Dies During Wife’s 60th Birthday Celebration

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Tragedy struck in the Egbeda area of Lagos yesterday, Saturday, April 19, 2025, as a popular hotelier, Mr A O Akinyele, slumped and died during his wife’s 60th birthday celebration at an event centre. Mr Akinyele who was speaking on stage during the event when he suddenly slumped. Attempts made to revive him were unsuccessful, “leading to his being rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.” “Mrs Catherine Akinyele and other guests were in high mood on stage during the event when he beckoned on the wife to whisper something into her ears “Immediately she left, he slumped,” the report said. It added that “the family has been thrown into mourning,” adding that, “As part of the celebration Mr Akinyele unveiled a brand new Toyota Highlander he bought for his wife at the event.” “Many have expressed shock over his death. He was described many as an amiable man,” the report further said.

Chess: Tunde Onakoya Reclaims Guinness World Record

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Nigerian chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, on Sunday set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon, exceeding the previous record of 61 hours. Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, alongside United States chess master Shawn Martinez, surpassed the 62-hour mark on Sunday. Announcing this via his X handle, Onakoya said, “For all the dreamers! We’ve officially broken the record. “If you had 70 hours to change the world, what would you do? Sometimes the world won’t hand you 70 hours on a golden platter. Sometimes, you have to carve it out of your own breath, your own becoming. Not for applause. Not for records. But for the quiet dreamers who need to see someone leap so they know it’s possible to fly. “It’s been over 50 hours of chess beneath the lights of Times Square.Every move, every hour, a love letter to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance. If your heart has ever burned for something bigger than yourself, come find us. Stand with us. “Proceeds from my limited edition chess sets will go directly towards our fundraising goal: to build a tuition-free school for homeless children. This is a dream I’ve carried for years. Because no child should ever have their childhood sacrificed for survival. No dream should be buried beneath the weight of poverty.” The chess marathon, taking place at the iconic Times Square in New York City, kicked off on Wednesday, 17 April, and is set to conclude later on Sunday, 20 April. This marks Onakoya’s second bid to achieve the prestigious record. He emphasised that the marathon’s purpose extends beyond breaking a record, as it is also about raising awareness and garnering support for the construction of the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria. With the same Martinez, Onakoya completed a 60-hour chess marathon in April 2024, surpassing the 56-hour record previously set in 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

SERAP Sues Tinubu’s Govt Over Ban on Eedris’ Song ‘Tell Your Papa’

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago010 mins

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over “the failure to reverse the arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song ‘Tell Your Papa’. The song, which allegedly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, was prohibited from radio and TV broadcast over its “objectionable nature”. The NBC cited the song’s violation of “public decency standards” on radio and TV stations. In the suit number FHC/L/CS/797/2025 filed last Thursday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order setting aside the arbitrary and illegal ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song ‘Tell Your Papa’, for being inconsistent and incompatible with the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.” SERAP is seeking: “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the NBC whether jointly or severally or any other authority, person or group of persons from preventing the airing of Eedris Abdulkareem’s song on all broadcast stations and other similar media platforms in Nigeria.” SERAP is also seeking “a declaration that the NBC’s directive, issued via a letter dated 9 April 2025 to all broadcast stations in Nigeria, banning the airing of Eedris Abdulkareem’s song is unlawful and inconsistent and incompatible with the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.” In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The NBC is censoring music under the guise of ‘protecting public decency’. Public decency is not a carte blanche for banning Eedris’ song and placing a chokehold on information and suppressing peaceful dissent.” SERAP is arguing that, “Freedom of expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and extends not only to information or ideas that are favourably received, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb in such domains as political discourse and commentary on public affairs.” SERAP is also arguing that, “The ban on Eedris’ song has a chilling effect on freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom. The NBC has not shown that the song would impose a specific risk of harm to a legitimate State interest that outweighs the public interest in the information provided by the song.” According to SERAP, “Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code is overbroad and excessively intrusive, as it breaches the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.” The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Ms Oluwakemi Agunbiade and Ms Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “All persons enjoy the rights to freedom of expression and creativity and to enjoy the arts. “The ban on Eedris’ song fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality. “The requirement of necessity also implies an assessment of the proportionality of the grounds, with the aim of ensuring that the excuse of ‘objectionable nature’ and ‘public decency’ are not used as a pretext to ban Eedris’ song and unduly intrude upon Nigerians’ human rights. “Expressions, whether artistic or not, always remain protected under the right to freedom of expression. The NBC directive is also inconsistent and incompatible with the right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity. “Art constitutes an important vehicle for each person, individually and in community with others, as well as groups of people, to develop and express their humanity. Artists may entertain people, but they also contribute to social debates, sometimes bringing counter-discourses and potential counterweights to existing power centres. “The vitality of artistic creativity is necessary for the functioning of democratic societies. Banning or removing creative expressions from public access is a way to restrict artistic freedom. “It is inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations to use vague and overly broad grounds of ‘objectionable nature’ and ‘public decency’ as justifications to ban Eedris’ song. “The action by the NBC is arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional, as it is contrary to the provisions of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party. “Media freedom and media plurality are a central part of the effective exercise of freedom of expression. The media has a vital role to play as ‘public watchdog’ in imparting information of serious public concern and should not be inhibited or intimidated from playing that role. “While the media may be subject to some restrictions necessary for the protection of certain vital interests of the state, such as national security or public health, the media has a role and responsibility to convey information and ideas on political issues, even divisive ones and the public has a right to receive them. “Article 19(2) of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, states that the right to freedom of expression includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds ‘in the form of art’. “The effects of art censorship or unjustified restrictions of the right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity are devastating. They generate important social and economic losses, deprive artists of their means of expression and livelihood, create an unsafe environment for all those engaged in the arts and their audiences. “Restrictions of the right to freedom of artistic expression also sterilize debates on human, social and political issues and hamper the functioning of democracy. “Article 19 (1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes Nigeria’s obligations to respect ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, regardless of frontiers. “Under article 19(3), restrictions on the right to freedom of expression must be ‘provided by law’, and necessary ‘for respect of the rights or reputations of others’ or ‘for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health and morals.’” No date has been fixed for the…

Burna Boy Splashes N20m On Portable

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Grammy winner, Burna Boy has gifted Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable N20 million for winning the celebrity fight match against Speed Darlington. Burna Boy had earlier promised Portable of the gift if he won the match against his opponent. Portable recently confirmed this in a video he posted on his social media page. The controversial singer who was recently arrested for defamation and slander appeared at the venue of the fight wearing a prisoner’s jumpsuit. The celebrity match which was tagged ‘Chaos in the Ring: Battle for Glory’ left the opponent Speed Darlington with a dislocated shoulder after the first round. Portable won the match as well as the grand prize of 500 thousand Naira. He later revealed that Burna Boy sent him a sum of N20 million. “20 million from @burnaboygram. If you wanna be like Odogwu, can you do like Odogwu? God bless your family.” Portable shared in excitement. Fans have reacted that Burna Boy’s decision was born out of the recent rift between him and Speed Darlington.

President Federation Cup: NFF Clears Air on Bayelsa United Protest Against Nasarawa United

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has debunked insinuations that it is unjustly protecting Nasarawa United FC in a petition filed by Bayelsa United FC over the two teams’ Round of 16 clash in the 2025 President Federation Cup competition. The encounter, which was played in Anyigba, Kogi State on Wednesday, 16th April, saw the Prosperity Boys lose 4-5 on penalties to the Solid Miners after regulation time ended 1-1. Bayelsa United promptly sent a protest letter to the NFF, dated the same day, contesting the eligibility of five players of Nasarawa United FC. In its response, the NFF said the five players listed by Bayelsa United FC, viz Detan Ogundare, Emeka Onyema, Ogochukwu Leonard, Solomon Chigozie and Benjamin Jack, were duly registered by Nasarawa United FC for the 2025 President Federation Cup competition. “After thorough examination of your claims, it is our findings that: 1) The listed five (5) players above are in the submitted list of Nasarawa United Football Club for registration for the 2025 President Federation Cup (find as contained and highlighted in the attached list. 2) The said five (5) players were duly registered and issued players licenses by the Nigeria Football Federation to participate in the 2025 President Federation Cup for Nasarawa United Football Club. “Thus, your protest lacks substance and merit, and therefore did not succeed.”

Easter: SWAN Felicitates With Christians, Seeks Sacrifice, United Front In Nigeria’s Sports Devt

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, signifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death after he was crucified. In a message, the SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, noted that the significance of the day represents love, dedication and passion for God’s reconciliation of mankind to his original place. President Benjamin then spoke of the need for stakeholders in the sports sector to always re-dedicate themselves, and in sacrificial leaning, make indelible impact using instruments of kindness to uplift the people. While further reflecting on the essence of Easter, the President of SWAN said, “As we commemorate the crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend his warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. “Today, we reflect on the sacrifice and selflessness of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for our redemption. May His example inspire us to emulate the values of love, compassion, and kindness in our daily lives. “As we observe this sacred day, I pray that the blessings of God Almighty abound among the sporting media and the entire sports fraternity, bringing peace, prosperity, and joy to every home. “May this season also remind us that from every shadow, light can rise, every sorrow, joy can bloom, and every ending, a new beginning can be triggered in Nigeria’s sports human and capital infrastructure. “May Jesus love and sacrifice of Christ inspire us to live in harmony, unity, and devotion to one another.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria enjoined all, especially Christians to remain focused in the eternal course for which Jesus Christ represents.