Popular American singer, Demi Lovato has revealed that she suffered three strokes and a heart attack after a near-fatal drug overdose in 2018.
The entertainer made this known on Wednesday in the trailer of a forthcoming documentary titled ‘Dancing With The Devil.’
TheNewsGuru recalls that back In 2018, the 28-year-old music star was taken to the hospital after she was found unconscious at her home in Los Angeles, having overdosed on a reported mix of opioids and fentanyl.
However in the trailer of the documentary series wherein she recounted her near-death experience, Lovato narrated how doctors battled to save her life.
“For the past couple of years, I’ve heard a lot of stories about my life and what people think has happened. I wanted to set the record straight and reveal it all for my fans,” the singer said.
“I had three strokes. I had a heart attack. My doctors said that I had five to 10 more minutes.”
The much-awaited documentary will premiere on YouTube on March 23.
Lovato began her acting career by appearing on the children’s television series ‘Barney and Friends’ from 2002–2004.
She rose to limelight for her role as Mitchie Torres in ‘Camp Rock’ (2008), the Disney Channel musical television film, and ‘Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam’ (2010), its sequel.
As the anticipation increases for the 2019 edition of BBNaija, the organizers put together a re-union show for the 2018 housemates.
This year’s edition of the BBNaija reality TV show is sponsored by BET9Ja and the participants will be housed here in Nigeria. This will be a break from previous editions which had the house in South Africa.
The show will be hosted once again by the fashionable Ebuka Uchendu. The kick off date is yet to be announced .
TheNewsGuru recalls that countless hopefuls in February gathered at D’Podium event centre venue of the Lagos BBNaija audition to fight for a chance to partake in the reality TV show.
The mammoth crowd that attended the Lagos audition had gathered there as early as 6am . It was a day filled with accounts of fights, injuries and people at the verge of losing their lives.
Several videos trended online of people who fainted at the audition venue due to fatigue.
As the New Year, 2019 approaches, we can’t but reminisce on some of the dramatic news occurrences that marked 2018 a year like no other.
In the last 12 months, Nigerians have been faced with faced with topical news events ranging from historic power play and political handovers, to certificate scandals, to the killings of soldiers and robbery, Let’s take a look back at the key moments of 2018, as they were reported by TheNewsGuru, TNG.
Here’s a look at the biggest events which happened in our country in 2018.
Public outrage over alleged atrocities by the men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has been ongoing since 2017 but it reached a cross road after an order by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to overhaul the outfit.
He ordered the IGP to overhaul the management and activities of SARS and ensure that any unit that will emerge from the process will be intelligence-driven and restricted to the prevention and detection of armed robbery and kidnapping.
The Ekiti 2018 governorship election is one that Nigerians will never forget anytime soon, apart from the series of drama that ensued in the state the electorate were highly polarized in the contest which saw Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, defeated Fayose’s deputy-governor, Professor Kolapo Olusola Eleka of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The division showed in the result and the violence that trailed the exercise. Fayemi scored 197,459 votes to Olusola’s 178,121. President Muhammadu Buhari, in congratulating Fayemi for his victory, said it showed an acceptance of the APC.
The lessons of the governorship election in Osun State are very instructive. The succession battle was full of surprises. The candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Gboyega Oyetola, was pushing for continuity. His Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rival, Senator Ademola Adeleke, disagreed, saying that change was the answer. The people went to the poll and it was ‘Continuity’ that won the day, Gboyega Oyetola emerged as the governor of the state.
4. Certificate Scandals:
The gale of certificate scandals that rocked the polity in 2018 was rather embarrassing and will remain unforgetable.
Ms. Kemi Adeosun would probably be remembered more in Nigerian history – she reportedly forged a compulsory one-year national service for higher institution graduates.
Her example generated a conversation around the rights and citizenship of Nigerians in diaspora, their relationship with their ancestral country.
Others include in the certificate scandal list include, Okoi Obono-Obla, who is a senior special assistant to President Buhari and the chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property. Obono-Obla allegedly forged the certificate he used to gain admission into University of Jos.
Flag bearer of the PDP in the Osun governorship election, Ademola Adeleke was also paraded in connection with a forged O’level result, shortly after emerging the candidate of the party.
5. Offa Robbery
In April 2018, an armed robbery attacked about five banks in Offa communities, Kwara state and carted away an unspecified amount of money in different currencies. The Offa bank robbery is also another prominent issue in the fraud and forgery cases recorded in Nigeria in 2018.
What made this news striking is the fact that the Nigeria Police connected evidences and tried to pin the the robbery on the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
6. Lagos APC primaries:Ambode loses
The Lagos APC primaries set another landmark in the political arena of the country as an incumbent governor lost a re-election bid. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu emerged as APC flagbearer for the 2019 gubernatorial election in Lagos backed power brokers led by Bola Tinubu.
Ambode became the first governor of the Fourth Republic in the state to be denied a second term by his party.
7. Slain soldiers: Metele attack:
On Monday, November 19, 2018, members of terrorist sect Boko Haram, stormed a military base in Metele village, Guzamala local government area of Borno State and killed dozens of soldiers.
The Metele attack sparked outrage on the internet and because the Nigerian military and federal government were not quick to issue a statement on the development, lots of speculation were made around the news and this furthere worsened the case.
At the time, the nation was so devastated that the Senate had to suspend plenary on November 22, 2018, in honour of the fallen Metele soldiers.
8. Minimum wage
In September, Nigerian workers declared an indefinite nationwide warning strike to press home demands over a meagre $50 (N18,000) monthly minimum wage. The Nigerian workers under the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) are demanding an increase in the minimum wage to about $140 (N50,000).
9. Buhari’s cloning saga
Part of the news that has ushered in the campaign for 2019 election in Nigeria is the news that President, Muhammadu Buhari is dead and the person currently occupying Aso Rock is a cloned version known as Jibril Aminu from Sudan.
The news got an international mention when Buhari himself spoke on the insinuations while he was in Poland on a visit.
“It’s real me, I assure you. I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong,” Buhari declared in Krakow, Poland, at an interactive session with the Nigerian Community in that country.
10. Emergence of Atiku/Obi’s candidacy
In October 2018, the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Pary (PDP) conducted presidential primary elections and the whole politicking that saw Former vice President, Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s flag is one big moment in the year 2018.
Atiku later picked the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, as his running mate for the 2019 election and to a large extent their candidacy has attracted lots of headlines as well as trouble the camp of the ruling government. 11. SEX-FOR-MARKS SCANDALS
A professor at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Richard Akindele, in a leaked conversation with a postgraduate student, Monica Osagie, was caught demanding five rounds of sex from the lady. The audio recording, which went viral and generated controversies from people within and outside the university community, led to the dismissal of the lecturer.
Although Mr Akindele denied and said it was a ‘set-up’, he was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, ICPC, and was eventually sentenced to two years imprisonment by Justice Maureen Onyekenu of Osogbo high court in December.
12. Death of former President, Shehu Shagari
Mr Shagari, 93, died Friday evening at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness.
The death of the elder statesman was announced by his grandson, Bello Shagari, via his Twitter handle.
Mr Shagari was elected president in 1979 and led Nigeria between 1979 and 1983 on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
He was removed from office via a military coup in December 1983.
The coup plotters eventually named then Major General Muhammadu Buhari as the Head of State.
The FIFA World Cup was not only one of the most exciting event of 2018 in soccer world but also was a year which drew the curtain on a number of players international careers.
Since the football Mundial in Russia, a number of players have said farewell to their country.
We look at most shocking retirement announcement in 2018:
Victor Moses (Nigeria)
Chelsea defender Victor Moses announced his retirement from international football after making 37 appearances for Nigeria.
The 27-year-old featured in all Super Eagles’ games at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and got a goal against Argentina at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg.
Moses, who made his debut for the national team in 2012, won one Africa Cup of Nations as Stephen Keshi’s men beat Burkina Faso in the final in 2013, after missing out of the 2012 edition.
Mesut Ozil ( Germany)
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil announced his immediate retirement from international football after the World Cup.
The German gave reasons for his retirement, claiming to have been the subject of “racism and disrespect” following his high-profile and controversial meeting with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan prior to the World Cup.
The picture with Erdogan saw the Arsenal man pose with the Turkish president and German teammate Ilkay Gundogan.
Gerard Pique (Spain)
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique confirmed his retirement from international football in August shortly after the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The 31-year-old centre-back made 102 appearances for his country between 2009 and 2018, scoring five times.
He was part of the Spain team that won their first World Cup in 2010, before adding the 2012 European Championship.
David Silva (Spain)
Manchester City midfielder David Silva announced his retirement from international football in August after his participation with Spain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Silva, 32, won the 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 European Championship titles and played 125 times for Spain after making his debut in 2006.
He said he was “very proud” of his achievements with La Roja, and that the decision to retire was “one the most difficult of my career”.
Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill ( England)
England pair Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill stepped aside from international football to allow manager Gareth Southgate to bring younger players in, according to the players.
Vardy, who made his England debut against the Republic of Ireland in June 2015, made four appearances for England at this summer’s World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals.
While Chelsea defender Cahill, 32, scored five goals in 61 appearances for England, having made his debut in 2010, and captained the side on several occasions.
He made just one appearance at the World Cup, during England’s 1-0 group stage defeat by Belgium.
Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)
Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic also announced his retirement from international football in 2018 after Croatia reached the World Cup final for the first time.
The 32-year-old hit the winning goal in the semi-finals against England, before scoring an own goal and one for his team in the 4-2 final defeat by France on 15 July.
Mandzukic, who joined Italian champions Juve in 2015, scored 33 goals in 89 appearances for Croatia.
With the year going to an end, 2018 has been a year for sport lovers to remember in Nigeria, ranging from football, Basketball, Tennis and other sports.
TNG sports take a look at the five most memorable sport events so far in 2018:
Super Eagles’ victory over Iceland at the FIFA World Cup:
Super Eagles of Nigeria defeat Iceland 2-0 in Group D encounter to get their first three points at the tournament.
Ahmed Musa scored both goals to give Nigeria the well celebrated victory at the World Cup.
Sadly, it was just too brief as a 1-2 loss to Argentina in the next game sent Nigeria crashing from the World Cup
D’Tigress reach quarter-final of FIBA Women’s World Cup
D’Tigress of Nigeria defeated Greece 57-56 at the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Spain, making them the first African team to reach the quarter finals of the tournament.
D’Tigress also makes history as the first African team to win three straight games.
But D’Tigress succumbed to a resurgent USA in the quarter-final of the tournament
Super Falcons wins 2018 AWCON Title
With their dominance in African football waning, the Super Falcons still fought hard to win their third straight Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Cameroon.
The country watched in bated breath as the Super Falcons recovered from their opening game loss to win the title in South Africa.
They had to deal with a strong Cameroonian team and a very much improved Bayana Bayana of South Africa to win Nigeria’s ninth AWCON title.
Super Eagles qualified for AFCON 2019
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have not been to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since they last won it in 2013 Since then, they have missed two, little wonder Nigerians watched with bated breaths as the Super Eagles beat Seychelles and Libya (twice) before sealing qualification with a draw away at South Africa.
Flying Eagles qualified for 2019 U-20 AFCON
Nigeria’s male U20 team, Flying Eagles booked a spot in next year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 tournament in Niger Republic following the thrashing of Mauritania in their second leg clash, with the aggregate win of 6-1.
The Flying Eagles will be among the eight teams to contest for honours at the 2019 AFCON U20 tournament.
Manchester City lead the way with just over 5 million dollars as FIFA on Tuesday announced it has dished out 209 million Euros to clubs.
The money paid to the clubs was for releasing their players for the 2018 FIFA World Cup held from June 14 to July 15 in Russia.
The world football ruling body said 416 clubs from 63 federations received payments from the tournament revenue, with the day rate for the 736 players given at 8,530 dollars.
Europe’s UEFA got by far the largest chunk of almost 158 million dollars, with English Premier League champions Manchester City top on 5.003 million dollars.
UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid were second on 4.803 million dollars and England’s Tottenham third on 4.385 million dollars.
Other clubs like Egypt’s Al Ahli, Mexico’s Pachuca, Celtic of Scotland and Argentina’s Boca Juniors topped 1 million dollars.
The so-called Club Benefits Programme was started at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, with some 40 million dollars.
It is also planned for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
“It is FIFA’s responsibility to redistribute the revenues of this unique competition among the entire football community and clubs.
“Obviously, the clubs deserve to share in this success as they were key contributors,’’ FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.
It was a mixed bag of kudos and knocks as fans of late Afrobeat music maestro, Fela Kuti gathered at New Afrika Shrine to mark the 80th posthumous birthday of the Afro-beat maestro.
The week-long music fiesta finally ended on Sunday, 21st of October 2018 with the fans soaked in the intensity of not just good music, but also the atmosphere no thanks to marijuana and cigarette smoke that saturated the air and skoochies that flowed freely at the concert .
The sweet and sour memories will remain indelible in the minds of the ‘worshippers’ gathered at the music ‘sanctuary’.
The Afrika Shrine which is usually at the peak of its life during Felabration became electrified on Sunday as the ‘congregrants’ wanted to partake in the grand finale.
In the dead of that Sunday night, the well-lit premises of the shrine was crowded by fun seekers who wanted to catch a glimpse of what was happening inside the hallowed entertainment arena.
Svelte humour merchant, Omo Baba was the sole host of the week -long concert. It was a show of fun and razzmatazz spiced with exciting music performances from Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, Pasuma, Omawumi, Adekunle Gold, Daddy Showkey, Oritsefemi, Davido, Simi, Wande Coal, Doyinsola, Timaya, Niniola and others.
High points
Felabration 2018 had so many unforgettable exciting moments that will remain etched in the minds of those who attended. Below are some of those moments.
Unlimited entertainment
Felabration has officially become the only Nigerian concert where you would undoubtedly get entertained without breaking the bank. The kind of stage dexterity and vocal deftness exhibited was laudable. The likes of Pasuma, 2face Idibia, Sound Sultan, and Davido who are usually heavily paid for such events gave incredible performances and also performed alongside their live bands.
Osinbajo’s cameo appearance
Who would expect to see the revered Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo at the shrine? However with wild excitement from the audience and cheers, the Vice president made a cameo appearance on the stage. He was dressed in shiny black native attire, beaming with smiles.
After a warm reception led by Femi Kuti, the Vice president started his speech with ‘Arararara’ being the slang expression with which Fela used to tickle his fans. He said: “We are here to celebrate one of Africa’s public intellectuals, we are happy that his legacy has continued”.
Made Kuti’s moment of glory
Making a surprise appearance at about past 2a.m, when most people were still having a great time sipping their alcohol and smoking Marijuana, the crowd went wild with jubilation as Femi Kuti mounted the stage.
The high-point of his performance was when his son, Made played the saxophone and surprisingly sustained a note on the saxophone for over 5 minutes, just like his father does. The crowd cheered him on and his held that note with dexterity.
The Sour Moments
Life itself is a blend of sweet and sour moments. The sour moments couldn’t just be ignored at Felabration 2018.
Disregard for journalists
Though the organisers did their best to treat journalists who covered the week-long concert well, the overzealous bouncers and members of the Felabration planning committee still assaulted some journalists despite wearing their press tags. A particular journalist was manhandled by the security men despite wearing his press tag. Anyone who tried to caution or call them to order got a taste of their brutality.
The Davido stampede
Just like Wizkid’s arrival at Felabration of 2017 last year, Davido’s arrival at the Shrine can be compared to a melodrama. The Afro-pop star arrived in the company of his crew which included his security detail, personal bouncers and artistes. It took the joint effort of mobile policemen and security agents attached to the Shrine to put the crowd at bay.
Discomfort
Everyone who attended the grand finale of Felabration on that Sunday had something to say about the tale of discomfort as the main hall, gallery and VIP sections were filled to capacity, despite charging a gate fee of N1,000.
The temperature was too hot as sweat flowed freely on the faces of the attendees.The ceiling fans were not enough to make everyone be at ease.
The Africa Movie Academy Awards has released the nomination list for 2018.
The nominees were unveiled on Friday night at a nomination announcement event in Lagos, hosted by former beauty queen, Munachi Abii, and actor, Enyinnaya Nwigwe.
Actresses like Kate Henshaw, Rahama Sadau, Dakore Egbuson-Dakore and others were nominated in different categories of the award.
See the full list as shared on the Twitter:
FERE OZAKO AMAA 2018 award for Best Short Film
Dem Dem – Senegal/Belgium
Zenith – Cameroun/USA
It Rains on Ouga – Burkina Faso
In Shadows – Kenya
Coat of Harm – Nigeria
Tikitat Soulima – Morocco
Nice, Very Nice – Algeria
Visions (Shaitan, Buruja, Brood) – Nigeria
Fallou – Senegal
Still Water Runs Deep – Nigeria/USA
AMAA 2018 Award for Best Animation
Group Photo – Nigeria
Belly Flop – South Africa
Untitled – Ghana
Crush – Nigeria
AMAA 2018 Award for Best Documentary
Bigger Than Africa – Nigeria/USA
Winnie – South Africa
Boxing Libreville – Gabon
Silas – South Africa/Kenya
When Babies Don’t Come – South Africa
Uncertain Future – Burundi
We Came In Sprint Carts – South Africa
OUSMANE SEMBENE AMAA 2018 Award for Best Film in an African Language
Mansoor – Nigeria
Five Fingers For Marseilles – South Africa
Icheke Oku – Nigeria
Agwaetiti Obiuto – Nigeria
Nyasaland – Malawi
Tunu – Tanzania
MICHAEL ANYIAM OSIGWE AMAA 2018 Award for Best Film by an African living abroad
Minister – Nigeria/Italy
Alexandra – Nigeria/USA
Low Lifes And High Hopes – Nigeria/Austria
AMAA 2018 Award for Best Diaspora Short
Torments of Love (Guadeloupe)
Baby Steps (USA)
Intercept (USA)
AMAA 2018 Award for Best Diaspora Documentary
Evolutionary Blues (USA)
Barrows: Freedom Fighter (Barbados)
Sammy Davis Jr. – I’ve Got To Be Me (USA)
AMAA 2018 Award for Best Diaspora Narrative Feature
Angelica (Puerto Rico)
Love Jacked (Canada)
Charlie: La Vie Magnifique Charlie (USA)
AMAA 2018 Award for Achievement in Production Design
Kada River
Five Fingers For Marseille
Tatu
In My Country
Cross Roads
AMAA 2018 Achievement in Costume Design
Icheke Oku
Cross Roads
Esohe
Five Fingers For Marseille
Isoken
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP
Siembamba
Icheke Oku
Five Fingers For Marseille
Esohe
The Road To Sunshine
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK
The Road To Sunshine
Tatu
Hotel Called Memory
Isoken
Siembamba
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT
Siembamba
Icheke Oku
Lucky Specials
Esohe
Kada River
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND
The Lost Café
The Road To Sunshine
Hotel Called Memory
Pop Lock ‘N’ Roll
Sidechic Gang
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Road To Sunshine
Five Fingers For Marseille
The Lost Café
The Blessed Vost (Les Bienheureux)
Siembamba
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING
Hotel Called Memory
Pop Lock ‘N’ Roll
Lucky Specials
The Blessed Vost (Les Bienheureux)
Siembamba
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREEN PLAY
The Women
Potato Potahto
Ojukokoro
Five Fingers For Marseille
Hakkunde
The Lost Café
AMAA 2018- AYIAM OSIGWE FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BEST NIGERIAN FILM
Cross Roads
In My Country
Isoken
Hotel Called Memory
Ojukokoro
Lost Café
Icheke Oku
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG/ PROMISING ACTOR
Patrick Dibuah – Banana Island Ghost
Austin Enabulele – In My Country
Cindy Sanyu – Bella
Anine Lansari – The Blessed Vost (Les Bienheureux)
Maurice Paige – Pop Lock ‘N’ Roll
Nichole Ozioma Banna – Icheke Oku
Zainab Balogun – Sylva
TONY ELUMELU AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR BEST COMEDY
Sidechic Gang – Ghana
Banana Island Ghost – Nigeria
The Adventures Of Supermama – South Africa
Koko: The Box TV – Nigeria
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Seun Ajayi – Ojukokoro
Lionel Newton – Pop Lock ‘N’ Roll
Akah Nani – Banana Island Ghost
Richard Lukunku – Lucky Specials
Gideon Okeke – Cross Roads
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Vuyo Dabula – Five Fingers For Marseille
Richard Mofe Damijo – Cross Roads
Sam Dede – In My Country
Sani Bouajla – The Blessed Vost
OC Ukeje – Potato Potahto
Chris Attoh – Esohe
Oros Mampofu – Lucky Specials
Frank Donga – Hakkunde
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Kate Henshaw- Roti
Reine Swart – Siembamba
Okawa Shaznay –In My Country
Dakore Egbuson – Isoken
Nana Ama McBrown, Lydia Forson and Sika Osei – Sidechic Gang
Mariam Phiri – The Road To Sunrise
Tunde Aladese – Lost Café
Joselyn Dumas – Potato Potahto
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR BEST FIRST FEATURE FILM BY A DIRECTOR
My Mothers Story –Flora Suya- Malawi
Ogwuetiti Obiuto – Onyeka Nwelue – Nigeria
Five Fingers for Marseilles- Michael Mathews- South Africa
Isoken – Jadesola Osiberu- Nigeria
18 Hours – Njue Kevin – Kenya
Banana Island Ghost – BB Sasore- Nigeria
The Blessed Vost – Sefia Djama – Algeria
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR
Frank Rajah Arase – In My Country
Safia Djama- The Blessed Vost
Oluseyi Siwoku – Cross Roads
Shemu Joyah- Road to Sunshine
Darrell Roodt- Siembamba
Akin Omotosho- Hotel Called Memory
Peter Kofi Sedufia – Sidechic Gang
The Lost Café – Kenneth Gyang
AMAA 2018 AWARD FOR BEST FILM
Isoken – Nigeria
Five Fingers For Marseilles – South Africa
In My Country – Nigeria
The Blessed Vost- Algeria
Cross Roads – Nigeria
Road to Sunshine – Malawi
Siembamba – South Africa
Hotel Called Memory – Nigeria
Sidechic Gang – Ghana
Lost Café – Kenneth Gyang
A big water tank at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, venue for the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships, on Thursday collapsed and crushed two cars parked outside the fence of the stadium.
However, no one was injured in the incident.
The water tank, which was mounted on iron stands, was meant to serve the swimming pool, which is still under construction, and some other parts of the stadium.
While the athletes were competing, the tank crashed and destroyed parts of the stadium fence. The iron stands, on which the tank was mounted, tore the bonnet of a Sports Utility Vehicle while parts of the tank fell on another car.
One of the eyewitnesses, Israel Chima, who lives in the street beside the stadium, told our correspondent that the incident occurred around 4.30pm.
“I was outside the house when I heard a crashing sound. I turned to see what had happened and I saw that the tank had collapsed and water from it flooded everywhere,” he said.
“The contractor did a very bad job because that tank was too heavy for the iron serving as its stands. They needed something stronger to hold such a big tank. Nobody was injured and that is why we are thanking God.”
As of the time of filing this report, no rescue work was ongoing but some workers were seen salvaging what was left of the tank.
…CAA, LOC apologise for competition problems
President of the Confederation of African Athletics Hamad Malboum and chairman of the LOC for the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships in Asaba, Solomon Ogba, have apologised to countries participating in the competition over the problems witnessed in the transportation of athletes from Lagos to Asaba for the event.
Athletes from various countries were stranded in Lagos for some days, resulting in their late arrival in Asaba for the event which began on Wednesday. Some of the opening events were suspended due to the development.
At a press conference on Thursday, which was attended by IAAF president Sebastian Coe, Malboum said the problems could not be avoided.
“On the transfer of the athletes from Lagos to Asaba I apologise to the athletes,” the CAA boss said.
“The plan, according to the information available to me, was for the aircraft to leave Lagos for Asaba immediately the athletes arrived. But for some technical reasons – weather and others – the plan failed and the LOC had to seek alternative ways of achieving the goal.”
He added, “We must be tolerant; we must understand the situation and show our commitment and support. Lagos was supposed to host this championship. When I came for the Access Bank Marathon, I met the governor and we spoke about it. However, when they were supposed to come and collect the flag during the last African Championships in Durban, they didn’t come. We found the solution in Asaba because we wanted to keep the event in Nigeria, and now we have this beautiful stadium.”
Ogba said, “I apologise for the shortcomings that have been experienced at this championship. We are not trying to blame anybody and we accept all shortcomings. Teams were supposed to provide their travel schedules to the LOC two days before arrival but many countries failed to do that and it affected our plans. All the athletes are here now and we were able to appeal to the technical committee to adjust the programme to capture every athlete at the event.
“To ensure that there is a free movement out of Asaba, we have made plans for six planes to leave Asaba on August 6 (a day after the championship). However, that is dependent on the departure schedules sent to us by the federations, and their deadline for submission is today (Thursday).”
The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) has released the result of the 2018 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)
Announcing the result in Lagos at the WAEC Training and Testing Centre (WTTC), Ogba, Mr Olu Adenipekun, WAEC’s Head of National Office (HNO) said a total of 786,016 candidates of the 1,572,396 that wrote the examination had five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics.
He directed candidates who sat for the examination and have fulfilled their financial obligations to the council to check the details of their performance on the Council’s result website: www.waecdirect.org.
He said they recorded a 49.98 percent pass rate in the number of candidates that obtained credits and above in minimum of five subjects and above including English Language and Mathematics.
According to Adenipekun, “Statistics of the result showed that a total of 1,213,244 candidates representing 76.84 percent obtained credit and above in a minimum of any five subjects with or without English Language and or Mathematics.
“858,424 candidates representing 54.59 percent obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects including English Language but without Mathematics.”
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