KICNEWS

Category: Lifestyle

  • Thank you for chance to design YBNL logo – Adekunle Gold to Olamide

    Thank you for chance to design YBNL logo – Adekunle Gold to Olamide

    Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold has expressed his gratitude to rapper Olamide for giving him a chance at the YBNL music label.

     

    Olamide established YBNL in 2012 after releasing his second studio album, ‘YBNL’.

    Adekunle Gold achieved his first music hit with ‘Sade’ in 2015, a high-life cover of One Direction’s ‘Story of My Life’.

     

    He was signed to YBNL the same year, releasing his debut album ‘Gold’ before eventually leaving the label after his contract expired.

     

    In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Adekunle thanked Olamide for his significant role in his career, revealing that he designed the YBNL logo and expressing appreciation for Olamide’s belief in his potential beyond graphic design.

     

    “Thank you @olamide for giving that young graphic designer the chance to not only design the YBNL logo but to be a part of your family,” Adekunle wrote.

    Since then, Adekunle Gold has released five albums: ‘Gold’ (2016), ‘About 30’ (2018), ‘Afropop’ (2020), ‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2022), and ‘Tequila Ever After’ (2023). Notably, ‘Falling Up’, a track from his latest album, was the closing ceremony anthem at the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week

  • France’s high-speed railway hit by ‘sabotage’ hours before Olympics

    France’s high-speed railway hit by ‘sabotage’ hours before Olympics

    France’s high-speed railway hit by ‘sabotage’ hours before Olympics

    France’s high-speed railway hit by ‘sabotage’ hours before Olympics

    (FILES) An InOui high-speed TGV train is parked on the Charenton-le-pont railway yard in Paris on February 16, 2024. – French railway company SNCF suffered a massive attack of sufficient magnitude to paralyze its TGV network on the night of July 25, 2024 to July 26, the group told AFP and TGV traffic on the Atlantic, North and East routes will be very disrupted, a few hours before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. (Photo by Ian LANGSDON / AFP)

     

    France’s high-speed rail network was hit by arson attacks that disrupted travel for hundreds of thousands of passengers on Friday, just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

     

    A source close to the investigation told AFP the attacks were coordinated acts of “sabotage”.

     

    “This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyse the TGV network,” SNCF told AFP, adding that many routes would be cancelled.

     

    0.00 / 0.00

    “SNCF was the victim of several simultaneous malicious acts overnight,” the national train operator said, adding that the attacks affected its Atlantic, northern and eastern lines.

     

    “Arson attacks were started to damage our facilities,” it said, adding that traffic on the affected lines was “heavily disrupted” and the situation would last through the weekend as repairs are conducted.

     

    SNCF chief executive Jean-Pierre Farandou said 800,000 passengers were affected.

     

    Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete called the attacks an “outrageous criminal act” that would have “very serious consequences” for rail traffic throughout the weekend.

     

    He said connections towards northern, eastern and northwestern France would be halved.

     

    SNCF said trains were being diverted to different tracks “but we will have to cancel a large number of them”.

     

    The southeastern line was not affected as “a malicious act was foiled”.

     

    SNCF urged passengers to postpone their trips and stay away from train stations.

     

    – Olympics under heavy security –

    The attacks were launched as Paris was under heavy security ahead of the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, with 300,000 spectators and an audience of VIPs expected at the event.

     

    The parade on Friday evening will see up to 7,500 competitors travel down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of the river Seine on a flotilla of 85 boats.

     

    It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, a decision fraught with danger at a time when France is on its highest alert for terror attacks.

     

    At Paris’s Montparnasse train station, passengers were waiting for more information about their trips, with display boards showing delays of more than two hours.

     

    “Normal traffic is expected to resume on Monday, July 29,” read one of the signs in the departure hall.

     

    The station’s loudspeakers told passengers that conditions to exchange and refund tickets would be more flexible.

     

    Graphic designer Katherine Abby, 30, clung to hope that her trip would only be delay and not cancelled. She booked her tickets for Biarritz, a popular southwest beach resort, weeks ago.

     

    “It’s my only vacation of the year, said Abby, who was travelling with her husband.

     

    “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a year, I would be pretty demoralised to have to cancel this trip, especially when you see what Paris looks like with the Olympic Games,” she said.

     

     

  • Military Exploit: Military eliminates 106 terrorists, rescues 103 hostages in one week

    Military Exploit: Military eliminates 106 terrorists, rescues 103 hostages in one week

    Military eliminates 106 terrorists, rescues 103 hostages in one week

     

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops eliminated 106 terrorists, apprehended 164 others, and rescued 103 hostages in different operations across the country in the last week.

     

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while giving an update on the operations of the military across the country.

     

    Buba said the troops recovered 125 assorted weapons and 1,522 ammunition, comprising 41 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 24 locally fabricated guns, 28 Dane guns, and one pump action gun.

     

    He said the troops also recovered 755 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 623 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 102 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 63 live cartridges, and 247 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.

     

    “Others are 22 AK47 magazines, one Baofeng radio, 22 vehicles, 31 motorcycles, two bicycles, 10 mobile phones, and the sum of N2.9 million, amongst other items,’’ he said.

     

    In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded successes leading to the surrendering of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families within the week.

     

    He said a total of 1,760 BH/ISWAP terrorist fighters and family members, comprising 117 male adults, 345 adult females, and 628 children, surrendered within the week.

     

    According to him, troops neutralised 41 terrorists, arrested 27 suspects, rescued 16 kidnapped hostages, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.

     

    In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 12 insurgents, arrested 39 violent extremists, and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages within the week.

     

    He said the troops also recovered several arms and ammunition, comprising 21 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated pistols, 15 Dane guns, 285 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.

     

    In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 22 terrorists, arrested 23 terrorists, rescued 32 kidnapped hostages, and recovered a cache of arms.

     

    Under Operation Whirl Punch, he said the troops neutralised eight terrorists, arrested 20 suspects, and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages, as well as recovered arms and the sum of N2.9 million, amongst others.

     

    In the Niger Delta, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe had maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil thieves, destroying several illegal refining sites and recovering stolen products.

     

    He said the troops recovered 802,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 121,900 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 450 litres of DPK within the week.

     

    According to him, troops discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 24 boats, and 34 storage tanks, as well as 56 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 14 pumping machines, 18 drums, and 22 vehicles and motorcycles.

     

    He added that a total of 36 illegal refining sites were destroyed, while a total of 32 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists were apprehended in the region.

     

    In the South East, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised three terrorists, arrested 22 violent extremists, and rescued four kidnapped hostages.

     

    “Troops recovered one pump action gun, 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 23 cartridges, one Baofeng radio, and six mobile phones, among others.

     

    “All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action,’’ he said. (NAN)

     

     

  • Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events
    fubara
    …Police claim two-fighting

    By Davies Iheamnachor

    No fewer than three people were reportedly shot in Rivers State on Wednesday during an alleged attack on two state events in the state.

    0.00 / 0.00
    A yet to be identified baby had reportedly gone slide into unconsciousness after inhaling teargas shot by police operatives deployed to restore normalcy during the incident.

    It was alleged that supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, had attacked the two separate events organised by loyalists of Governor of the State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara.

    The states events were attacked at Omerelu Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area and Eliozu Community in Obio/Akpor LGA.

    It was gathered that some youths believed to be opposed to the current administration in the state alleged to be supporters of Hon. Martin Amaewhule, factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who loyal to Wike, had carried out the act.

    At Omerelu, it was learned that the Caretaker Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Darlington Orji and his team had visited Omerelu for an empowerment programme, but that the event was disrupted by the attackers.

    A source who preferred anonymity claimed that about three people were shot while many cars were destroyed.

    He sources said: “The shooting at Omerelu was as a result of the CTC Chairman’s visit to Omerelu for empowerment.

    “Some boys who are loyal to former LGA Chairman of Ikwerre, Samuel Nwanosike, stormed the venue and started shooting sporadically. About 3 persons had bullet wounds. They destroyed many cars.”

    At Eliozu, it was gathered that some youths alleged to be loyal to the factional speaker of the state assembly, Amaewhule, attacked the event organised by the state for aged woman, women and children in the area.

    The venue for the health outreach is said to be close to the home of Amaewhule, who the the leader of the 27 lawmakers in the state.

    It was learned that the state government had through the local government organised a medical outreach for women and children in the LGA, carried out by officials of State Ministry of Health.

    However, the project venue was attacked by some youths who are believed to be working for the anti-Fubara elements in the state.

    A source said the supporters of Amaewhule had gone to the event venue at Eliozu to confirm what was going on but that supporters of Fubara who were there had stopped them resulting to a free for all.

    It was gathered that while the attack was going on that men of Anti Riot Squad drafted from the State Command had arrived the scene with heavy gun fire and canisters to quell the situation.

    It was gathered that the police had blocked aged men and women from gaining access into the Health facility.

    However, the Public Relations Officer of the state police, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, noted it as two fighting.

    Iringe-Koko said: “A distress call was received from the health center in the Eliozu community today, 24th July 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were engaged in a fight.

    “The police responded by sending operatives to the scene to restore law and order. The police deployed anti-riot tactics, including the use of canisters, to disperse the crowds. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”

     

  • Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions have continued to trail the planned nationwide protest, as called by some unnamed groups, over the current hardship in the country.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some undisclosed bodies planned the protest for Aug. 1, with posters and hashtags already going viral on social media platforms.

     

    Speaking with NAN in Ibadan on Thursday, some respondents opposed the protest, while others saw it as the people’s legitimate and fundamental right to air their grievances.

     

    A civil servant at the state secretariat, Mrs Toyin Olutimilehin, said the protest might not be positive for the polity because it could disrupt their work schedule.

     

    “It can affect our daily routine because, sometimes, these protests get out of control.

     

    “They will sometimes block the main road to cause extreme traffic, leading to obstruction of duty and interference at work,” she said.

     

    Another civil servant, Mr Folarin Babatunde, also opposed the idea of protesting to be heard.

     

    According to him, the protest is only an excuse for the youths to show their presence and an opportunity for criminals to exhibit their criminal tendencies.

     

    “It will lead to criminal activities such as vandalism and the destruction of properties, putting lives at stake.

     

    “People put their lives at risk all in the name of a better country, and what is the assurance that this protest will solve the country’s many problems?

     

    “Rome was not built in a day; give the president time to renovate the country at his pace,” Babatunde said.

     

    Meanwhile, Mrs Olanrewaju Temitope, a trader at the Ring Road axis of Ibadan, was more interested in protecting her business should the protest end in looting and destruction of properties.

     

    “Besides, sales for that period will be low, affecting my day-to-day life.

     

    “My rent is due, and the protest will negatively affect my income, thus restricting me from paying my rent.

     

    “Please, Nigerians shouldn’t go through with the protest as it can lead to many things; it won’t still solve their problems,” she said.

     

    On the other hand, a youth corps member, Mr Ifeanyi Eze, says he wholeheartedly supports the protest.

     

    According to him, the country is in a state of distress, and everybody is just used to suffering and smiling; this protest is the only way for us to be heard and seen.

     

    Eze said, “Although the protest might not lead to a complete change, it will at least make them see that we want a change, and we’ll be heard.

     

    “This hardship is too much to bear. Dangote is also feeling it, as he’s always granting one interview or the other these days.

     

    “I want a better country, and if a protest is how to get it, then that is what we’ll do.”

     

    A passerby, Steven Ayobami, said he would support the protest because of the hardship brought about by the bad economy.

     

    “For a middle-class family to be frustrated to this extent, what of the poor? The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer.

     

    “What we need in Nigeria is to act, and as for me, I want a better life,” Ayobami said. (NAN)

  • Lagos billionaire kidnappers: Last-minute conversation before they struck at Ladipo

    Lagos billionaire kidnappers: Last-minute conversation before they struck at Ladipo

    Lagos billionaire kidnappers: Last-minute conversation before they struck at Ladipo

     

    Lagos billionaire kidnappers: Last-minute conversation before they struck at Ladipo

     

    LAGOS — As if in a movie, the conversation between the leader of recently killed billionaire kidnappers in Lagos, said to be a Nollywood actor/producer, Prince Henry Ode and another member of the notorious gang planted at the market on the day of their operation, has been exposed.

     

    Police sources said they had stationed one of their members inside the popular auto spare parts market on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, Lagos, to monitor the movement of their target, hours before they struck at the market.

     

    0.00 / 0.00

    It was learned that he was giving them minute by minute information on the movement of their victim, and when it was ripe to strike, he gave the go-ahead information.

     

    It was gathered that details of their conversation emerged after detectives at the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Special Squad led by Kehinde Oni unearthed vital digital and electronic information about their preparation for the operation, during which the squad swooped on them and in an exchange of fire, they were neutralised.

     

    It learned that the hoodlums had arrived the market not knowing that they were being watched by detectives, who were personally selected by state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, strategically stationed.

     

    Intelligence revealed that a voice recorded message was going on between the popular Nollywood actor and a yet-to-be-identified member of the gang posted to the market to monitor their victim.

    The voice-recorded conversation in Igbo language ran thus:

     

    Actor: How far, is he out now? Which road leads to that place, is it through airport or 7/8?

    Member: I don’t know the road he uses. I am still watching him. Where are you people now? Have you taken off? He has entered his car, no time.

     

    Actor: Do you know your problem? You are never calculative. You are a drunk. Drink will make you not to achieve anything in life. So you have the compass about the man’s movement and you did not tell us earlier? Continue drinking.

     

    All I want is for you to give me the information I need. After we must have succeeded and given you your share, you can finish it on drinks, no wahalla. How many times did I call you? We don dey come.

     

    Member: Please don’t be angry with me, no vex. You know how Ladipo is now.

  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu congratulate Nigerian doctor on world largest painting record

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu congratulate Nigerian doctor on world largest painting record

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu congratulate Nigerian doctor on world largest painting record

     

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian doctor and artist, Fola David, on his recent accomplishment of setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest painting by an individual.

     

    There is reports that in the course of his six-day attempt at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos, David broke the previous record of 629.98 square metres, held by Ravi Soni from India, and set a new record of 1000 square metres of art.

     

    In a post on his Instagram story on Sunday, Tinubu wrote, “Congratulations to Dr. Fola David for completing his attempt at making the world’s largest hand-drawing by an individual, ‘Unity in Diversity.’

     

    “It is a remarkable achievement, and we are filled with great pride and admiration for this accomplishment.”

    Similarly, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also congratulated him on his new feat, highlighting how David worked with the state government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Sanwo-Olu wrote on X.com on Monday, “From the challenging days of the pandemic where he was a #COVID19Hero at our Onikan Isolation Centre to breaking world records at our Onikan Stadium (Mobolaji Johnson Arena), Dr. Fola David has been a beacon of excellence and service.

    Congratulations on creating the world’s largest handdrawing by an individual, ‘Unity in Diversity.’ Lagos is proud!

     

    “We are happy to have supported this record-breaking feat to showcase the extraordinary talents within our state.

     

    “Your dedication and creativity inspire us all. Continue to dream big and do audacious things, Dr. #foladavidart.”

     

    David’s artwork, titled “Unity in Diversity,” features a map of Nigeria highlighting the country’s diverse tribes through their unique attire, languages, art, and essence.

     

  • Global outage hits Paris Olympics IT systems, disrupts accreditation, athlete arrivals

    Global outage hits Paris Olympics IT systems, disrupts accreditation, athlete arrivals

    Global outage hits Paris Olympics IT systems, disrupts accreditation, athlete arrivals

     

    Paris Olympics organisers said on Friday they were experiencing problems linked to a major worldwide computer systems outage, a week before the Games opening ceremony takes place.

     

    The issues came as a major outage wrought havoc on computer systems worldwide, grounding flights in the United States, derailing television broadcasts in the UK and impacting telecommunications in Australia.

     

    “Paris 2024 is aware of global technical issues affecting Microsoft software. These issues are impacting Paris 2024’s IT operations,” organisers said.

     

    “Paris 2024’s technical teams have been fully mobilised to mitigate the impacts of these issues and we have activated contingency plans in order to continue operations,” they added.

     

    A source at the Paris Olympic Games organising committee said the problem is affecting the accreditation system with some people unable to pick up badges before next Friday’s ceremony on the River Seine.

     

    The source added it could also affect the arrival of athletes who have had flights cancelled after the athletes’ Olympic Village welcomed its first guests on Thursday.

     

    The London Stock Exchange, airports in Spain, the Netherlands and Hong Kong as well as production at US carmaker Tesla’s plant outside Berlin have also been disrupted.

     

    Microsoft said in a statement it was taking “mitigation actions” in response to service issues.

     

    It was not clear if those were linked to the global outages.

     

    AFP

  • Police Rape Case: Lagos police receive test results of teenager allegedly raped by officer

    Police Rape Case: Lagos police receive test results of teenager allegedly raped by officer

    Police Rape Case: Lagos police receive test results of teen

     

    The medical examination conducted on the 17-year-old girl allegedly raped by a police officer at the Area H Command in the Ogudu area of the state has been concluded.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to PUNCH Online on Friday.

    Hundeyin said the result had been handed over to the police for onward investigation into the incident.

    He said, “The test result. It has been handed over to the police and the investigation has continued.”

    Hundeyin who did not disclose the outcome of the test added, “There will be another update in no distant time.”

    Checks by our correspondent revealed that the test was processed at the Mirabel Centre.

    The police image maker, in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that the officer whose identity was yet to be disclosed had been taken into custody.

    PUNCH City Round had reported on Saturday that the victim alleged that she was raped inside the Ogudu Police Station in the Ojota area of the state.

    Our correspondent gathered that the officer had promised to help the teenager retrieve her phone, which had been taken by ‘one chance’ robbers on June 16 while she, her grandmother, and her siblings were returning from Ikeja.

    The suspect reportedly overheard the teenager recounting her ordeal to her mother at her shop and offered to help track her missing phone and take her statement.

    The victim also noted that she was invited into the suspect’s office in the guise of getting her phone but the suspect carried out the alleged act.

    The mother of the victim, Aramide Olupona, had disclosed that her daughter began bleeding a day after the assault and was taken to the Mirabel Centre, adding that the incident was also reported to the authorities.

    Olupona, however, accused the police of trying to bury the case, saying, “The suspect’s wife and the rest of his family have come to my shop to plead with me saying he would soon retire, but what about my daughter who was raped? Is it because I am a poor woman?”

    Reacting, Hundeyin added that the alleged act contravened the code of conduct of the police and therefore assured the victim’s family and the general public that there was no attempt to cover up the incident.

    He said, “The Lagos State Police Command has placed under arrest one of its personnel accused of defiling a 17-year-old girl. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has directed a full-scale and thorough investigation into the allegation.

    The command assures the public that there is no attempt at a cover-up as such hideous acts are at variance with the code of conduct and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force.

    “To this end, CP Fayoade once again assures Nigerians that the officer will be dealt with under police regulations and the law if found culpable.”

  • NAFDAC shuts down Sokoto bakery for using unfortified sugar, others

    NAFDAC shuts down Sokoto bakery for using unfortified sugar, others

    NAFDAC shuts down Sokoto bakery for using unfortified sugar, others

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has closed down a bakery for using unfortified sugar and banned bromate in Sokoto State.

    The NAFDAC State Coordinator, Mr. Garba Adamu told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, July 13, 2024, that the bakery was detected during a special raid by the agency’s officials.

    “We discovered that the bakery was using saccharine, an unregistered foreign sugar as a sweetener along with banned bromate in their productions.

    “The items were seized for destruction and the bakery is shut down until it complies with regulations and directives,” he said.

    Adamu emphasised that only fortified registered sugar containing Vitamin A with micronutrients and other vitamins are allowed to be sold and consumed in Nigeria.

    ”This is a Federal Government policy enforced by NAFDAC and other government agencies to ensure that consumers get the maximum nutritional and other health benefits from the products.

    Six other bakeries were also sanctioned for poor hygiene as enforcement officers led by Mr Buhari Manzo scaled up the routine inspection visits to bakeries across the state.

    Bakeries are monitored to ensure that they don’t use saccharine or other banned items as a substitute for fortified regulated ingredients,” Adamu said.

    The state coordinator also cautioned producers against using adulterated, counterfeit, unregistered and expired items in their places, reiterating that NAFDAC would continue the enforcement regularly.

    Adamu said the operation would be extended to Local Government Areas as part of the agency’s efforts to ensure that hygienic foods are sold.

    He called on the public to be wary of patronising unregistered products and always report any suspicious practices and contaminations to NAFDAC.