Annie Macaulay-Idibia, the estranged wife of singer 2Face, has made her first public appearance weeks after their official separation. She made the public appearance exactly two months after their failed marriage. Annie, in a now-trending video on the internet, was seen in a public place with actress Regina Daniels and other close associates. This comes two days after she made a comeback on social media.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reiterated its commitment to achieving zero waste in Lagos State, aligning with global efforts to minimise waste generation and maximise resource recovery. Commenting on the International Zero Waste Day, themed, “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles”, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated that the event underscored the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices, noting that LAWMA had continued to implement innovative strategies, aimed at reducing landfill dependence, increasing recycling rates, and promoting responsible waste disposal among residents. He said: “The International Zero Waste Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the environment by adopting sustainable waste management practices. At LAWMA, we are fully committed to implementing policies and programs that support zero-waste principles, including waste sorting, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives. However, for these efforts to be successful, every Lagosian must take ownership of their role in ensuring proper waste disposal and environmental responsibility.” Gbadegesin highlighted some of LAWMA’s key initiatives in its zero-waste efforts, including the expansion of the Lagos Recycle initiative, the promotion of circular economy practices, and the enhanced enforcement of environmental laws. “Over the years, we have intensified our recycling programs to ensure that a significant portion of waste generated in Lagos is diverted from landfills. Through our partnerships with recycling firms and implementing the ‘Adopt-a-Bin’ program, we are actively encouraging waste sorting and promoting a recycling culture among households and businesses,” he said. In line with this year’s theme, Gbadegesin announced that LAWMA would be taking decisive steps to address the environmental impact of textile waste, revealing that textile waste constituted approximately 8% of the 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in Lagos. “LAWMA plans to ban textile waste from all landfills in the state. We will be collaborating with Tejuosho Market in Yaba to collect textile waste for transfer to recycling companies. In addition to that, students at the LAWMA Academy are being trained to upcycle textile waste into practical products, promoting sustainable practices and creating economic opportunities for residents”, he stressed. The LAWMA boss also disclosed that the Authority had continued to expand its Waste-to-Wealth programs, where organic waste was converted into compost and other useful by-products, stressing that LAWMA would continue to promote waste recycling to ensure that more waste materials are repurposed, thereby creating economic opportunities for residents. “We have seen remarkable progress in our waste conversion efforts. Organic waste, which forms a significant percentage of our total waste, is being processed into compost for agricultural use. Similarly, our collaborations with the private sector have facilitated the recycling of plastic waste, aluminum cans, and glass materials, further strengthening the circular economy in Lagos,” he added. Speaking further he said the Authority’s marine waste team had intensified efforts to clear waste from Lagos’ waterways, with ongoing cleanup operations along the coastline and drainage channels, particularly at Five Cowries Creek and other flood-prone areas. Reaffirming LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy on environmental infractions, he urged Lagosians to support the state’s zero-waste vision by complying with waste management laws, embracing recycling, and ensuring proper waste disposal through assigned PSP operators, adding that community participation remained a key factor in sustaining a cleaner and healthier Lagos.
Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, has alleged that he was offered ₦5 billion in October 2023 to facilitate the governor’s impeachment. Ehie claimed to have concrete evidence of the offer. “It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it recorded, and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me or kill me,” he said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to make his return from a lengthy injury layoff when the Gunners host Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Monday that “Bukayo is ready to go” and could even start the game. Saka has not played since December after needing surgery on a hamstring tear. In his absence, second-place Arsenal has fallen 12 points behind leader Liverpool in the league. But Saka’s return comes as Arteta’s team is preparing to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals, with the first leg at home next week.
MTN Champs Season 3 continues with Continental Relays in Lagos. These events will kick off with a Flag Run on April 8, ahead of the main competition scheduled for April 9 to 12 at the Yabatech and UNILAG sports complexes. The Flag Run will see young athletes participate in an experiential relay across Lagos, showcasing both their skills and the vibrancy of the city. The race will begin in Alausa and end at the MTN Plaza in Ikoyi, with athletes covering 5KM to 10KM distances in relay teams. The event is designed to highlight the fusion of sports, culture, and tourism, allowing athletes to engage with the city and its people while putting their talents on display. The runners will pass through key locations that reflect Lagos’ rich heritage and urban energy, reinforcing MTN’s sub-campaign, ‘See Naija’. A security team, traffic management officers, medics, and a team bus will accompany the athletes to ensure a smooth and safe race. Organised in partnership with Making of Champions, the MTN Champs Continental Relays will bring together top young athletes from across Africa to compete in various track and field events. The competition is aimed at developing emerging talent and positioning Nigeria as a hub for athletics on the continent. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria emphasised the importance of the Flag Run. “This is more than just a relay. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Lagos, its people, and its culture while showcasing the next generation of champions. The athletes won’t just be running; they’ll be bringing the city to life through sports.” The MTN Champs Continental Relays, taking place from April 9 to 12, will be open to the public and will feature track and field events, special guest appearances, music, and prizes for early attendees. Lagos residents are encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes as they compete for top honours. The flag run will provide a unique opportunity for athletes to immerse themselves in the city’s culture while demonstrating their abilities on the road. This symbolic start to the MTN Champs Continental Relays will set the tone for a competitive athletics showcase.
Czech teenager Jakub Mensik beat childhood idol Novak Djokovic to win the Miami Open, having come close to withdrawing with a knee injury hours before his first-round match. Mensik, 19, went to the referee’s room to announce his withdrawal before his opener against Roberto Bautista Agut on 20 March, but the official was out for lunch. He then went to the physiotherapist to ask them to fill in paperwork confirming his withdrawal, but was persuaded to stay on. “I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t run,” he said. “I started to treat it, started to take painkillers. Nothing was helping. “I was visiting the referee’s office to say ‘guys, I’m pulling out’, but he was having lunch.” Mensik went to a physiotherapist, who deemed the injury not to be serious and began treatment to enable him to compete. “After a few minutes I started to feel a little relief,” said Mensik, who has risen to a career-high 24th in the world rankings. “I took different painkillers, which helped a little bit. I was like, ‘OK, let’s try it. It’s like 30 minutes before the match. I can walk. I can run. Let’s see’. “Somehow I won the first round and then I had one day off, which of course, for my knee was much better. Day by day the knee was getting better and with that also my game.” Mensik dropped just two sets on his run to the final, which included victories over British number one Jack Draper and fourth seed Taylor Fritz. He clinched a first ATP Tour title with a 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4) win over Serbia’s Djokovic on a sticky, humid night in Florida. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, had been bidding to become just the third man in the Open era to win 100 singles titles. However, the 37-year-old’s wait will go on after his loss to Mensik, who was just 10 months old when Djokovic won his first title in 2006. Mensik is the ninth-youngest Masters 1000 champion and the third-youngest in Miami after Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. He is another rising star in the men’s game, possessing a huge serve and a thumping backhand that has taken him inside the world’s top 50. Djokovic invited Mensik to practice with him after the 2022 Australian Open when he was still a junior, and Mensik said in his winner’s speech that Djokovic was “the reason I am here”. He said: “It’s just crazy and unbelievable what he’s achieving in this sport during long period of the time. “Imagine me in 20 years from now, when I will be 39, playing the finals? I hope so, but it’s crazy to think about it like this.” Fourth seed Djokovic warmly congratulated Mensik at the end of the match and said afterwards: “It hurts me to admit it but you were better. “I wish you the best of luck. Maybe you’ll let me win one of the next times we play.”
Actress Biola Adebayo has surprised her senior colleague, Dupe Jaiyesimi, with a car gift to celebrate Mother’s Day. The gesture comes weeks after Dupe opened up about her struggles with motherhood during an interview with Biola. The actress had expressed deep sorrow over not having children to celebrate her 60th birthday with her. She recounted a past pregnancy that ended due to an ectopic condition, which led to complications. Following the loss, her marriage hit the rocks after her husband brought another woman into their home—one who was expecting his child. This situation forced Dupe to walk away from the marriage, and she has remained single ever since. In her pursuit of motherhood, Dupe attempted in vitro fertilization (IVF) twice, both of which failed. She also considered adoption but was discouraged by her late mother. In a video shared on Instagram on Sunday, Biola Adebayo surprised Dupe with the car gift, bringing the actress to tears. Singers were also seen performing motherly songs before Biola offered prayers for her. Sharing the video, Biola wrote: “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY MUMMY @dupe_jayesimi. “To everyone that made this dream a reality in just a few days, I say a very THANK YOU TO YOU ALL. To all the Talk-To-B supporters, I’m very grateful for the support, I couldn’t have done this without you all. “I’m so happy we could put a big smile on her face.”
Rivers Hoopers are in Lagos to continue their preparation for the fifth season of the Basketball Africa League. Hoopers will utilize the upcoming days by playing some friendly games. The team will depart Lagos for Rabat on Wednesday, 2 April. Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, Kelvin Nweke, hosted the team for lunch just before their departure to Lagos on Sunday. Nweke reassured the team that they would receive continuous support from the Rivers State Government. He encouraged the team to surpass their third place finish in last season’s BAL. “On behalf of the ministry and the state government. We are promising you the best of support. “We are expecting you to go a step forward from last year’s result. Success is not easy. It is easy to get to the top but staying at the top is more difficult.” Rivers Hoopers will open their campaign this season against Stade Malien on Saturday, 5 April at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex Rabat, Morocco.
