Bollywood’s Bachchan back at work as India relaxes on-set rules

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is back at work filming India’s version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” following a bout of COVID-19, while authorities eased coronavirus curbs on movie and TV shoots.

A blanket ban on studio activity in March dealt a huge blow to India’s cinema and TV industries, hitting not just Bollywood — the world’s most prolific film factory — but also regional movie-making hubs and productions for television and streaming platforms.

In June shooting was allowed again but with strict rules, including a ban on actors and crew aged over 65 — including Bachchan, 77 — until a court overturned that earlier this month.

Late Sunday the government eased the regulations but still insisted that common facilities be regularly sanitised, masks worn and social distancing “followed as far as possible”.

But the relaxation depends on individual Indian states, and Maharashtra, home to Mumbai and Bollywood and responsible for more than a fifth of India’s virus cases, is sticking to the old rules for now.

“We are careful and will review these decisions based on how the pandemic is evolving in the state,” a spokesman for the state government told AFP.

Shows such as “Kaun Banega Crorepati?” for instance, which Bachchan has hosted as quizmaster since 2000, will not be shot before a studio audience.

The veteran star, who spent much of July in a Mumbai hospital, shared a photo with his 22 million Instagram followers of crew members “in a sea of blue PPE”, wearing full-body overalls and face masks.

Maharashtra authorities have sought to combat the spread of infections by banning producers from filming elaborate dance numbers and fight sequences — a staple of popular Hindi cinema.

Social-distancing norms also put a stop to kissing or embracing, meaning a return of styles from the more conservative 1980s, when Bollywood songs often cut to images of flowers brushing against each other — then a shorthand for romance.

In addition to providing crew members with medical and life insurance, producers in Mumbai are required to have a doctor, nurse and an ambulance on set.

Members of the Bachchan dynasty have been among the country’s highest-profile coronavirus patients.

The superstar, his actor son Abhishek, actress daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, and granddaughter Aaradhya were all admitted to hospital last month. All four have since been released.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/bollywoods-bachchan-back-at-work-as.html

Mali soldiers want three-year stay in power, agree to release president

The junta that seized power in Mali wants a military-led transitional body to rule for three years and has agreed to release the ousted president, a source in a visiting West African delegation and the rebel soldiers said Sunday.

Last week’s coup — Mali’s second in eight years — followed months of protests calling for Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to resign as public discontent with the government grew over the collapsing economy and a brutal Islamist insurgency.

“The junta has affirmed that it wants a three-year transition to review the foundations of the Malian state. This transition will be directed by a body led by a soldier, who will also be head of state,” a source in the ECOWAS delegation told AFP after talks with the junta.

“The government will also be predominantly composed of soldiers” under the proposal, the source said on condition of anonymity.

A junta official confirmed to AFP that “the three-year transition would have a military president and a government mostly composed of soldiers”.

The source and the official added that the soldiers have agreed to free Keita, detained along with other political leaders since the coup on Tuesday, and he would be able to return to his home in the capital Bamako.

“And if he wants to travel abroad for (medical) treatment, that is not a problem,” said the source from ECOWAS, which stands for the Economic Community of West African States.

Prime minister Boubou Cisse, who has been held with Keita at a military base outside the capital where the coup began, would be moved to a secure residence in the city.

While the coup was met with international condemnation, thousands of opposition supporters celebrated the president’s ouster in the streets of Bamako.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/mali-soldiers-want-three-year-stay-in.html

Akin Alabi ''trolls'' those that didn't got to church yesterday

LMAO! Funniest lawmaker ever liveth. See eh, if you are not following Akin Alabi on Instagram, you are missing. Aside from his business angle, wealth of knowledge, the lawmaker from Oyo state is anturally funny!

In one of his recent posts he mocked himself saying, he has mastered the game of ''sucking'' his stomach once he sees a camera, meaning he has a big stomach and he knows it, lol.

And just yesterday, shortly after returning from church, the lawmaker shared a photo and prayed that ''God bless those of us that went to church today. 😁''. A prayer most of his followers didn't agree with, as many reversed it to favour them. 

One naughty followe said;  ''Amen sir and may he bless those of us that didn’t go more 😁''

Another added ''God bless those of us who didn't go too''. [Lol, how do you even want God to answer this prayer]

View this post on Instagram

I have become an expert at sucking in my stomach when taking pictures. I don’t even need to think about it. Once I see a camera, I just breathe innnnnnnn. Let me know if you want to learn the secrets.

A post shared by Oloye Akin Alabi (@akinalabi) on Aug 19, 2020 at 4:00am PDT

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/akin-alabi-trolls-those-that-didnt-got.html

Video: LAUTECH student 'runs mad' after taking DRUGS

A LAUTECH student has gone wild wild after allegedly taking drugs.

She was on a bike when she started misbehaving and jumped off the bike in Ado-Ekiti.

In a video making the rounds, the lady is seen giving incoherent answers to questions from people who gathered to watch and help her.

But an update by her friend says she recovered now and she took drugs that made her misbehave.

Watch the video below...

View this post on Instagram

motion in Ado Ekiti

A post shared by GoldMyne (@goldmynetv) on Aug 23, 2020 at 10:26pm PDT

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/video-lautech-student-runs-mad-after.html

Funke Akindele shares throwback photo as a baby as she turns a year older today

It's been celebration galore for Funke Akindele Bello. From her recently celebrated 4th year wedding anniversary, to her weight loss, to her colleagues celebrating her and now turning 43 today!!!

The actress whose birthday is today went all the way back to her toddler days, to share a photo from that year. Happy birthday mama!!

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/funke-akindele-shares-throwback-photo.html

Enugu blood shed: IPOB killed two of our officers - DSS

The DSS has released a statement about what went down yesterday in Enugu where deaths where recorded when IPOB members fought security operatives.

The DSS through its spokesman, Peter Afunanya released a statement saying, two officers where brought down by members of IPOB.

He added that the attack happened “in what was clearly an unprovoked violent attack”.

Read the statement below....

UNPROVOKED VIOLENT ATTACK ON DSS PATROL TEAM IN ENUGU

The DSS wishes to inform the public that its patrol team was, today, 23rd August, 2020, attacked in Emene, Enugu State by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Service lost two personnel in what was clearly an unprovoked violent attack launched by IPOB on the team.

The Service hereby condoles with families of the departed officers and also prays for the repose of their souls.

However, all measures have been put in place to ensure that their killers and everyone involved in this dastardly act are promptly apprehended and brought to justice. Consequently, a full scale investigation will be carried out with regard to the incident.

Once again, the Service reaffirms its commitment to assiduously work with other security agencies to maintain public safety and order. It, therefore urges law abiding citizens and residents to go about their normal businesses without fear.

Peter Afunanya, Ph.D

Public Relations Officer

Department of State Services

National Headquarters

Abuja

23rd August, 2020

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/enugu-blood-shed-ipob-killed-two-of-our.html

Regina Daniel’s son pictured playing with his step brother

Regina Daniel’s son, Munir Neji Ned Nwoko has been spotted playing with his elder step brother, Sultan Ned Nwoko.

In the photos, he was laid on the couch as his elder stepbrother cuddled him with little Munir just looking on.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/regina-daniels-son-pictured-playing.html

Policeman dies during fight with soldiers in Rivers state

A police inspector, identified as Hosea Yakubu, has been reportedly beaten to death by soldiers at Eleme Petrochemical gate, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Yakubu was said to have incurred the wrath of the soldiers when he drove against traffic while on duty in a patrol van on August 16.

A brother to the victim was quoted as saying that Yakubu and two other officers were returning from a patrol duty and chose to drive against traffic to avoid a gridlock on Eleme road.

He said when his brother got to the company’s gate, a military man on mufti stopped them and confronted them for driving against the traffic.

A heated argument was said to have ensued between the policemen and the soldiers, prompting one of the soldiers to slap the police driver.

The late Yakubu was said to have alighted from their patrol van and scolded the soldier for slapping his colleague. Immediately, other soldiers engaged him in a fight.

The source lamented that one of the soldiers used a thick wood to hit his late brother’s head and he fell to the ground.

The victim’s brother said he was later rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for medical attention, but died at the hospital.

“After 24 hours on admission, he gave up. Till today, neither the police nor the military have said anything or taken any action to bring the culprits to book,” the source said.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/policeman-dies-during-fight-with.html

Yvonne Jegede recreates her look for Tuface's African Queen music video to mark 16 years in the industry

Yvonne Jegede has recreated the look she wore for Tuface Idibia's African Queen music video 16 years ago. Sharing a then and now photo, she spoke about turning 16 years in the industry and said she is not about to step down.  Her words below...

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/yvonne-jegede-recreates-her-look-for.html

Breaking! Lagos Health Commissioner contracts Covid-19

Lagos Commissioner for Health Professor Akin Abayomi has tested positive for coronavirus.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso announced this minutes ago on Twitter.

He said: “Subsequent to close contact with persons feeling unwell and testing positive for the Covid-19 infection, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, has tested positive for the virus. Professor Abayomi became aware of his status following the required testing protocol of contact tracing procedures.

“However, he is doing well with no symptoms.

“Adhering to the protocol of the home-based strategy in Lagos State, the Honorable Commissioner will be isolating in his home for the next 14 days but will continue to discharge his duties both as the Deputy Incident Commander of the Incident Command System for COVID-19  and most especially, as the Honorable Commissioner for Health.

“Our prayers are with him and his family during his period of isolation.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/breaking-lagos-health-commissioner.html

The NEW BODY on media girl, Moet Abebe [photos]

Moet has gone thick and yes she's flaunting her new body! And before you call it body-shaming -- NO NO WAY -- she gave her self the name thick and did troll her followers by saying she wants to add a ''thickening agent'' to their day.

Naturally, ladies put on weight when they start having children, but in Moet's case, she decided to start serving us hot hot, even before getting into the next stage of life -- child bearing. 

More amazing looks after the cut...

''Let me add a little thickening agent to your day Yh???'', she wrote while captioning the photos.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/the-new-body-on-media-girl-moet-abebe.html

God is my godfather not Oshiomhole – Osagie Ize-Iyamu

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, has quashed rumours making the rounds that the former APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole is his godfather. 

Speaking with Arise Television on Sunday, Ize-Iyamu said he is an adult that has trained many people in the state, unlike the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Godwin Obaseki.

He said that God almighty is his godfather. His words: “In 2007, so that he can become governor… my people were urging me to become governor but I stepped down for him because his area has never had a governor, he comes from Edo north. 

“Where I come from, Edo southwest has had a governor. I just thought that well, for equity to prevail, it will be nice to make history. Of course, he has done so well as chairman of APC and I just said well, you know it’s good.

“So for somebody like me to now describe him as a godfather or say Oshiomhole is my god father… on what basis?. We have had history of robust engagement, we have disagreed and come back together, so what you see is mutual respect.

“Yes, you can say he brought Obaseki but Obaseki was new, you can’t compare him to me. I was national vice chairman of ACN; I was one of those who crafted the constitution of the APC. He did not live here even though he was born here, he came from Lagos, so he needed a godfather, he needed someone to nurture him and bring him up. “But for me, you are talking of an adult, there are so many people I have nurtured. All over the state, they see me as a leader. 

“But I have tremendous respect for my elders. I respect those who have excelled in various professions, even my juniors and the reality is that I was born to respect people and I will not disrespect anybody because I am governor.

 So when you say godfather, just take it out. “Oshiomhole is working for me , he is campaigning with me because he is also passionate about his party winning Edo and you can’t take that away from him.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/god-is-my-godfather-not-oshiomhole.html

UCL final: 148 arrested as PSG fans riot after defeat

Police on Monday said they arrested 148 people as Paris Saint-Germain fans set cars ablaze, smashed shop windows and clashed with police in the French capital after the team’s Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich.

The violence occurred around the Parc des Princes stadium and on the Champs-Elysees avenue during and after the match on Sunday night, police said on Twitter.

Thousands of supporters had gathered at the Parc des Princes to cheer on PSG, lighting flares and chanting as they watched the 1-0 defeat in Lisbon on a big screen.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/ucl-final-148-arrested-as-psg-fans-riot.html

20 inmates killed in Madagascar prison breakout

Twenty inmates were killed in a shootout with police during a prison breakout in Madagascar on Sunday, the justice ministry said.

Scores of prisoners attacked guards with rocks and grabbed a gun as they tried to flee the Farafangana prison in the southeast of the Indian Ocean island, it said.

The police and army moved in, capturing 37 of the 88 escapees, while another 20 were killed and eight wounded in a shootout.

Thirty-one inmates are still on the run, the ministry said, vowing to boost security at all penitentiaries across the country.

Mass prison escapes are not uncommon in Madagascar. In 2016, around 40 detainees broke out from a high-security prison in Toliary in southern Madagascar.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/20-inmates-killed-in-madagascar-prison.html

Dogara’s reported presidential bid, a distraction – Aide

An aide to a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has dismissed speculations that his principal is nursing an ambition to serve as the running mate to a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the 2023.

Dogara’s media aide, Turaki Hassan, said this in a statement titled: ‘Rt. Hon. Dogara is concerned about tackling the challenges of our nationhood than 2023’ made available in Abuja on Sunday.

The statement read in part, “It has come to our notice that stories and images are being circulated on social media to the effect that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara is running for the office of the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for President in 2023.

“Our initial decision was to ignore them since they are utterly baseless, but it appears that the promoters of this fallacy are unrelenting in spreading the falsehood and have now succeeded in making it sound believable to the extent that even some conventional and ‘credible’ media platforms are beginning to take it up.

“In order to stop the further spread of this deliberate mischief, whose objective is yet to be ascertained, the public is hereby advised to disregard and totally discountenance the purported story and pictures for what they are – the handiwork of mischief makers.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/dogaras-reported-presidential-bid.html

Fani-Kayode reacts as withdrawal of El-Rufai degenerates into Christian, Muslim battle

Femi Fani-Kayode has reacted to the controversies generated over the disinvitation of the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

FFani-Kayode reacts as withdrawal of El-Rufai degenerates into Christian, Muslim battleani-Kayode, who is also a lawyer, noted that the Governor’s withdrawal as one of the guest speakers at the NBA annual general conference, is now being given religious colouration.

He said the decision by the NBA National Executive Committee, NEC, is resulting in a clash between Christians and Muslims in the country.

Recall that El-Rufai’s invitation to speak on the topic: ‘Who is a Nigerian?’ met a heavy resistance from members of the association, leading to his disinvitation. 

His inclusion led to outrage and backlash, even on social media.

And the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), had described the NBA’s decision as parochial, myopic and jejune, instructing muslim lawyers not to participate in the event.

Also the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) in Kaduna State had shunned participation in the NBA, Annual General Conference, AGC, in protest against El-Rufai’s withdrawal.

In reaction to this, Fani-Kayode tweeted, “Can someone please explain to me how the withdrawal of an invitation to speak at an event held by an association of learned men and seasoned professionals ends up degenerating into a Christian versus Muslim matter?

“This is not only shameful but is also a grave indictment on us all.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/fani-kayode-reacts-as-withdrawal-of-el.html

Climate change will be worse than Covid-19, FG warns

The Federal Government has raised the alarm over the bad effects of coronavirus pandemic on Climate Change Response but warned that if prompt measures were not taken, the consequences could be worse.

The government specifically said that although Covid-19 was bad, CCR could cause serious damages and spread over a much longer period with speed.

The Director/Permanent Secretary Designate in the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr Yerima Tarfa, stated these in an interview with journalists during the opening ceremony of a workshop on the Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme.

He however expressed optimism that Nigeria as a responsible global citizen was committed to tackling climate change.

At the event organised by the European Union under its Global Climate Change Alliance Plus Programme, the EU Head of Section (Economic Development and Energy), Kathryn Thomsen, said that the EU was committed to assisting Nigeria in meeting its pledges through the Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme.

She said the EU attached importance to addressing the climate change in line with the EU Comprehensive Strategy for Africa and the Post COVID-19 Green recovery support.

Tarfa said, “This workshop was earlier planned to hold in March 2020 but for COVID-19. It is correctly stated in prevailing situation that COVID-19 is awful, but climate change could be worse.

“Climate change could cause as bad damages and losses as COVID-19 and could spread over a much longer period in an irresistible manner.

 “Hence, it has become even more imperative to recover from the global pandemic without compromising our efforts to combat climate change and its major causes.

“Certainly, you would have seen in the opening remarks of the ministry that COVID-19 has impacted negatively on the socio-economic development of Nigeria. But as we are recovering from COVID – 19, we have to factor in sustainability issues.

“The sustainability plan that the government has put in place also have to factor in issues of carbon emissions so that these projects will be resilient in the agricultural sector.

“We can’t continue business as usual, that is planting and clearing huge samples of land for agricultural purposes.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/climate-change-will-be-worse-than-covid.html

Thousands evacuated as two storms head for southern US

Thousands of people have been evacuated from parts of the Caribbean and southern US as two storms tore through the region on Sunday.

Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura have brought high winds and rough seas, causing damage to areas of Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Heavy rains have also battered the US territory of Puerto Rico.

Marco is expected to make landfall in the US state of Louisiana on Monday, with Laura hitting Texas by Thursday.

But forecasters say that Laura may swing east towards Louisiana, and it could be the first time in recorded history that the state has been hit by two back-to-back hurricanes.

In response to the storms, US President Donald Trump has issued a disaster declaration for Louisiana, ordering federal assistance to coordinate relief efforts. 

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/thousands-evacuated-as-two-storms-head.html

“Don’t assume you are in a relationship with a guy that never asked you out” – Actress Nkechi Blessing

Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, has dished out a piece of advice to her fellow ladies regarding relationships with men.

Taking to her Instagram page, Nkechi Blessing Sunday has urged ladies to stop having that mentality that they are in a relationship with men who have not properly and officially expressed intentions to be her boyfriend.

“Don’t assume you are in a relationship with a guy that never asked you to be his girl!”, She wrote.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/dont-assume-you-are-in-relationship.html

Trump’s media adviser Kellyanne Conway resigns

Kellyanne Conway has announced that she is resigning from her post as Senior Counsel to US President Donald Trump.

In a statement, Mrs Conway said she was stepping down at the end of August to focus on her children, giving them "less drama, more mama".

Her husband George, an outspoken critic of the president, will also be stepping back from political activism.

She added that her decision was "completely my choice," and that she would announce future plans "in time".

Mrs Conway is scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention later this week, but it is unclear if she will still do so in light of her decision to step down.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/08/trumps-media-adviser-kellyanne-conway.html