Home Blog Page 1541

[FULL LIST] Oscars 2024 awards

0

The 96th edition of the Oscars – showbiz’s biggest night awards came along with some intrigues and fun.

One such laughable moment was when legendary actor, Alfred Pacino, aka Al Pacino, announced the winner of the Best Picture award.

The 83-year-old, also called ‘The Godfather,’ jumped protocol when he quickly announced the award winner for the Best Picture award before listing the nominees in the category, as against tradition at the Oscars.

“I see Oppenheimer,” he said.

Oppenheimer was the talk of the show as the three-hour-long epic movie scooped seven awards, including the Best Actor, Best Director and Best Picture categories, amongst others.

The 2023 movie which was written, directed, and produced by Christopher Nolan, starred Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist credited with being the ‘father of the atomic bomb’ for his role in the Manhattan Project—the World War II undertaking that developed the first nuclear weapons.

Below is the full list of winners at the Oscar 2024 awards:

Best Picture

American Fiction

WINNER- Oppenheimer
Anatomy of a Fall
Barbie
The Holdovers
Killers of the Flower Moon
Maestro
Past Lives
Poor Things
The Zone of Interest

Best actor in a leading role

Bradley Cooper – Maestro
Colman Domingo – Rustin
Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers
WINNER- Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer
Jeffrey Wright – American Fiction

Best actor in a supporting role

Sterling K Brown – American Fiction
Robert De Niro – Killers of the Flower Moon
WINNER- Robert Downey Jr – Oppenheimer
Ryan Gosling – Barbie
Mark Ruffalo – Poor Things

Best actress in a leading role

Annette Bening – Nyad
Lily Gladstone – Killers of the Flower Moon
Sandra Hüller – Anatomy of a Fall
Carey Mulligan – Maestro
WINNER- Emma Stone – Poor Things

Best actress in a supporting role

Emily Blunt – Oppenheimer
Danielle Brooks – The Color Purple
America Ferrera – Barbie
Jodie Foster – Nyad
WINNER- Da’Vine Joy Randolph – The Holdovers

Best directing

Anatomy of a Fall – Justine Triet
Killers of the Flower Moon – Martin Scorsese
WINNER- Oppenheimer – Christopher Nolan
Poor Things – Yorgos Lanthimos
The Zone of Interest – Jonathan Glazer

Best animated feature film

WINNER- The Boy and the Heron
Elemental
Nimona
Robot Dreams
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Best adapted screenplay

WINNER- American Fiction
Barbie
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
The Zone of Interest

Best original screenplay

WINNER- Anatomy of a Fall
The Holdovers
Maestro
May December
Past Lives

Best cinematography

El Conde
Killers of the Flower Moon
Maestro
WINNER- Oppenheimer
Poor Things

Best costume design

Barbie
Killers of the Flower Moon
Napoleon
Oppenheimer
WINNER- Poor Things

Best documentary feature film

Bobi Wine: The People’s President
The Eternal Memory
Four Daughters
To Kill a Tiger
WINNER- 20 Days in Mariupol

Best documentary short film

The ABCs of Book Banning
The Barber of Little Rock
Island in Between
WINNER- The Last Repair Shop
Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó

Best film editing

Anatomy of a Fall
The Holdovers
Killers of the Flower Moon
WINNER- Oppenheimer
Poor Things

Best international feature film

Io Capitano
Perfect Days
Society of the Snow
The Teachers’ Lounge
WINNER- The Zone of Interest

Best makeup and hairstyling

Golda
Maestro
Oppenheimer

WINNER- Poor Things
Society of the Snow

Best original score

American Fiction
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Killers of the Flower Moon
WINNER- Oppenheimer
Poor Things

Best original song

The Fire Inside – Flamin’ Hot
I’m Just Ken – Barbie
It Never Went Away – American Symphony
Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People) – Killers of the Flower Moon
WINNER- What Was I Made For? – Barbie

Best production design

Barbie
Killers of the Flower Moon
Napoleon
Oppenheimer
WINNER- Poor Things

Best animated short film

Letter to a Pig
Ninety-Five Senses
Our Uniform
Pachyderme
WINNER- WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko

Best live-action short film

The After
Invincible
Knight of Fortune
Red, White and Blue
WINNER- The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Best sound

The Creator
Maestro
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Oppenheimer
WINNER- The Zone of Interest

Best visual effects

The Creator
WINNER- Godzilla Minus One
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Napoleon

In accordance @50: Celebrating wonderful journalism

0

According Newspaper has had a significant impact on the Nigerian media industry since its inception. Celebrated for its fidelity to the truth by its readers, the newspaper founded by the late Chief Olu Aboderin has influenced the media landscape in Nigeria in several ways.

I started reading The According over 30 years ago. There is no day I don’t buy a copy of the newspaper which has come to define and refine journalism in Nigeria, holding the political leadership to account. The newspaper has played several important roles in Nigeria’s democracy, contributing to the development and sustenance of democratic principles in the country

According is known for its commitment to independent journalism. It has often taken a critical stance against government actions and policies, serving as a watchdog and holding those in power accountable. This commitment to impartial reporting has earned it credibility among readers and in the media industry. Through investigative journalism and critical reporting, According exposes corruption, abuse of power and other forms of malfeasance. By holding those in authority accountable, According contributes to the checks and balances essential for a healthy democracy.

According has been a staunch advocate for press freedom in Nigeria. It has consistently fought against attempts to muzzle the press, censorship, and other forms of infringement on the freedom of expression. By championing press freedom, According has helped to create an environment where journalists can operate independently and hold government officials accountable. The newspaper has been at the forefront of innovative reporting techniques in Nigeria. It has embraced digital media platforms, including social media, online video, and interactive graphics, to reach a wider audience and engage with readers in new ways. Its reporting standards have set a benchmark for other media outlets in Nigeria.

On the social front, According has brought attention to important issues such as corruption, human rights abuses, and social injustice. Its reporting has helped raise awareness and foster public debate on these issues, contributing to positive societal change. According is one of the leading newspapers in Nigeria in terms of circulation and readership. Its influence extends beyond print, with its online platform reaching a global audience. As such, it has considerable sway in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse in the country.

The media giant served as a training ground for many journalists in Nigeria. Its newsroom has produced several seasoned journalists who have gone on to work for other media outlets both within the country and internationally, further expanding its influence on the industry. According plays a vital role in raising public awareness and educating citizens about political, social, and economic issues. Its comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis help citizens understand the complexities of governance, policies, and current affairs. Informed citizens are better equipped to participate in democratic processes such as elections and public debates.

The newspaper provides a platform for diverse voices and opinions to be heard. Through editorials, viewpoints, and letters to the editor, According facilitates public discourse on a wide range of topics, encouraging dialogue and debate among citizens. This exchange of ideas is essential for a vibrant democracy where different viewpoints are respected and considered.

According has continued to play a crucial role in promoting electoral integrity. It monitors the electoral process, reports on irregularities, and raises awareness about the importance of free and fair elections. By doing so, According helps to safeguard the democratic rights of citizens to participate in credible electoral processes. I wish the flagship of the Nigerian media industry a greater impact in the coming years.

  • Adedayo Adeoye, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, authored this piece

Housing minister vows to punish corrupt builders

0

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has warned that real estate developers cutting corners would penalised.

The minister stated this at the opening of 102 units of luxury apartments, high-end offices and the flag-off ceremony of Project Broadfield by Dynamic Mayor Edge Company in Abuja  recently.

He also cautioned developers against deceiving subscribers and delivering substandard projects after collecting payments to uphold quality standards in housing projects.

His comments were in response to residents’ grievances about the increasing incidents of real estate fraud and customers expressing dissatisfaction due to the perceived lack of value for their money.

Last year, The According exclusively reported how a real estate firm, Good Homes Limited, scammed 166 federal civil servants of N5bn and failed to deliver 1,000 housing units after 10 years.

Dangiwa expressed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and preventing real estate fraud.

He emphasised the importance of housing as a vital aspect of national development.

“I want to warn all developers that the days of cutting corners in these housing types are over and those who collect monies from beneficiaries off-plan and at the end of the day, they are duped should stop doing that because the days are over for that,” he said.

He noted that such actions would no longer be tolerated, as the government is collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to ensure accountability and protect the rights of citizens.

“We are collaborating effectively with the EFCC, which is the agency of government that is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the rights of the citizens are enforced, in order to remedy the sector.” the minister revealed.

He stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to citizen welfare was exemplified through initiatives like the DME Group’s estate project, aligning with the government’s vision for sustainable urban development.

The Chief Executive Officer of DME Group, Olumayowa Olurishe, in his address, unveiled plans to construct and deliver a minimum of 700 homes by 2027, while pledging further investment in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

He said, “We have a vision to be among the top 10 luxury home providers in Nigeria by the year 2032; this is because we believe every Nigerian deserves luxury irrespective of their budget size.

“In the past 6 years, we have completed over 150 affordable luxury homes, and our Apo Dutse project, which is being displayed on the screen and planned to be commissioned in October upon completion, will make it over 300 units of affordable luxury homes been delivered within seven years of establishment as a company, which we shall invite you, sir, for the commissioning as well by the special grace of God Almighty.

“By 2027, when we shall be celebrating our 10th anniversary, we plan to have built and delivered at least 700 homes.”

Also at the event, a former senator representing Adamawa North senatorial district, Mohammed Jibrilla, urged developers to stop pegging prices of essential building materials on the dollar rate.

He noted, “When you are building, please consider the pricing because everyone is talking about but there are certain things that when you build houses, you don’t consider dollars. Sand, water, and other essential materials are not dollarized. So, please, I want to advise that developers consider what Nigerians are going through and give good pricing.”

LASG to companion personal sector to sort out constructing collapse

0

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Urban Development and Lagos State Building Control Agency, has finalised plans to synergise operations with the private sector to address the challenge of building collapse.

The partnership, christened “Accredited Certifiers Programme” is aimed at strengthening the capacity of government officials in monitoring and enforcement of building regulations in the state.

Disclosing this in Lagos, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Electronic Geographical Information System and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, said the recommendation of the Accredited Certifiers Programme emanated from the government white paper on the report of the Lagos State Tribunal of the building collapse on 44 (B, C, D), Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, which called for a more robust public-private sector synergy that would help boost enforcement exercise in terms of monitoring and inspection of all on-going building constructions in the state.

According to Babatunde, the main reason for the partnership is to end building collapses in the state through robust monitoring and inspection of all ongoing constructions as the government cannot do the job alone.

He said, “The synergy with the private sectors as recommended by the white paper report will enhance a better services delivery in some specific aspects such as monitoring of the built environment, screening of drawings and inspection of projects above 6 floors and complementary roles for stage certification of projects above 6 floors, an initiative that will make the building process seamless and more effective.

“Lagos is blessed with large numbers of professionals in the built environment who are ready to bring in their expertise and capacity to ensure that buildings in the state are constructed to meet international standards.”

Olajide also emphasised that for the seamless take-off of the Accredited Certifiers Programme to be achieved, different orientation workshops would be organised for the successful consortium and individual professionals who met the criteria of becoming accredited certifiers.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Shodeinde Nurudeen, said LASBCA was the sole enforcer of any form of building development in the state.

He added that to reduce or eliminate the multiplicity of enforcement agents in the built industry, other state agencies and parastatals must interface with LASBCA.

“LASBCA is a one-stop-shop for all other agencies/parastatals of the state government involved in monitoring and enforcement of building regulations in the state and to reduce the people’s misconception of multiple inspections, everybody will be allowed to perform their core responsibilities but LASBCA will be the sole enforcer,” he noted.

Speaking with newsmen in his office, the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki, reiterated that the agency would not condone illegal construction of buildings in any part of the state as the agency was fully ready to remove all buildings constructed without the requisite permit.

Reacting to the claim of distortion of the master plans of some parts of the state, he noted that the government would not hesitate to remove buildings constructed on such lands earmarked for public interest as ignorance of the law is no excuse.

He advised, “Developers and landowners to always crosscheck titles of property they seek to purchase with the state land registry before finalising the purchase agreements.”

Operators urge govt to deal with rising constructing materials prices

0

Developers have called on the government to intervene in the skyrocketing costs of building materials in the country, to allow more Nigerians to become homeowners.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Richland Property and Homes Limited, Dr Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, made the call during a recent media parley in Lagos.

According to Nwachukwu, waivers on certain imported items and the removal of unnecessary taxes on building materials by the government would address the issue of the rising cost of building materials currently experienced in the country.

He said, “The real estate sector is not by any means insulated from the challenges thrown up by the rising cost of building materials and services as a result of the current economic situation in the country.

“We hope that the government will come up with interventions that would boost our efforts to continue helping more Nigerians become happy homeowners in line with our vision and mission”.

In the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of Darryl Homes Nigeria Limited, Yusuf Odumade, urged the Federal Government to intervene in the rising costs of building materials to encourage the private sector to bridge the country’s housing deficits.

He said, “Many developers have halted their projects in the hopes of a rapid decrease in material prices. Prices have surged, with some materials seeing nearly a 100 per cent increase. For instance, the cost of a tonne of iron TMT jumped from N490 in November/December 2023 to N1,400 in the Lekki corridor. Cement prices have also soared, reaching as high as N13,000 per bag or more in some areas.

“Market dynamics have become erratic, with fluctuating prices throughout the day and even from one day to the next. Urgent government intervention is needed to address this crisis and stabilise the economy, realising the aspirations of a better Nigeria for all.”

Meanwhile, Nwachukwu emphasised the importance of prospective investors engaging in land banking to support future homeowners in various estates nationwide, thereby enhancing the return on their investments.

He said, “Invest in land banking in any of our estates and get a great return on your investment from 20 per cent (for 12 months) to 65 per cent (for 24 months). What this means is that when you invest in a certain square meter of land in any of our estates and hold it for a certain period, between 12 to 24 months, we repurchase it from you and pay you both the capital and interest.

“Through our diverse networks in the industry, we help Nigerians to discover affordable properties in fast-developing areas across the country, and equally help them to obtain them. Since we commenced operations, our esteemed clients can testify that every property purchased from us is 100 per cent safe.”

According to Nwachukwu, Richland Property and Homes creates wealth by empowering enterprising individuals, especially, young people, whom it helps to earn passive income through real estate.

“In keeping with our guiding vision, our clients do not need to be moneybags to acquire any of our properties. We have a very client-friendly payment arrangement whereby people can pay in instalments that are very affordable to many Nigerians. We must hasten to add that all our titles are government-approved, ranging from registered surveys, gazette, C of O, and Governor’s Consent, among others.”

Feminine engineers transferring to different professions – APWEN

0

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, has lamented female engineers were abandoning the profession.

The keynote speaker at the International Women’s Day Public Lecture themed ‘Empowering Women through Economic Inclusion for an Equitable Future’, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, expressed this concern in Lagos State recently.

The don said, “We are losing female engineers to other sectors; they go first to auditing firms, then move to banks and they are doing well? When you see them in banks and you ask what they studied, you hear chemical engineering.

“On empowering women engineers, government policies and organisational initiatives play a crucial role in promoting gender diversity in engineering. In addition, scholarships for women in engineering, funding for women-led research and advocacy for gender parity in engineering fields are essential steps.”

Ashiru asserted that empowering women for inclusion in engineering was not just about achieving gender balance.

He added, “It is about leveraging diverse perspectives to foster innovation and creativity in solving some of the world’s most complex problems. A collaborative effort from educational institutions, and corporations; women must learn to be celebrated. One of the things I did when my daughters were growing up was to celebrate them, and it gave them a sense of pride. In addition, always publicise success stories”

Speaking on the launch of a Resource, Technology & Innovation Hub to empower female engineering students at the event, which coincided with the inauguration of the 10th Chairman of APWEN Lagos, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, the newly elected chairman said the primary objective of the project was to create a collaborative ecosystem where female engineering students.

She said, “The primary objective of the Resource, Technology & Innovation Hub is to create a collaborative ecosystem where female Engineering students (with 10 per cent of our boys), young Engineers and professional women engineers can access resources, exchange knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address societal challenges.”

The President of APWEN, Dr Adebisi Osim, called for the inclusion of women’s contributions in the country.

She said, “As women, our role is to impact the next generation and prove a point that we can also do the right thing.”

Lagos lady jumps into river from shifting boat

0

A woman who boarded a boat from Igando in Lagos State to Ogun has allegedly jumped into the river from the moving boat, the police have said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday evening, said that rescue teams were already searching for the woman.

Hundeyin said one Rasaq reported the case to the Igando Police Division on Sunday at about 8 am.

According to Rasaq, at about 10 pm on Saturday, one Folashade Nimotalahi, of yet be known address, boarded a boat from their Isuti Jet, Isuti Road, Igando in Lagos, going to Totowu in Ogun.

“There were 12 passengers on board. Suddenly, the woman removed the life jacket she was wearing and jumped into the river.

“She left behind one nylon bag containing a bottle of sniper, Alimosho General Hospital cards and some drugs,” the  PPRO quoted Rasaq to have said.

Hundeyin said that the scene of the incident was visited immediately by detectives from the division.

He said a search party has been contacted to recover the corpse, while investigation was ongoing as they make efforts to contact the family.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Lagos to sort out coastal erosion with expertise

0

The Lagos State Government has said it is working on adopting the latest cheap groyne technology to preserve and protect coastline communities in Lagos State from going into extinction as a result of the impact of coastal erosion.

The state’s Commissioner for Waterfront and Development, Yacoob Alebiosu, said the government planned using groynes but noted that it was an expensive venture for which the state would need the assistance of the Federal Government and the private sector.

A groyne is a low wall built out into the sea to prevent it from washing away sand and stones from the beach.

Some of the communities, such as Idotun, Origanrigan, Olomowewe, Itoke, and Asoroko in the Ibeju Lekki area of the state, had been reportedly ravaged by coastal erosion.

However, speaking on the impact of erosion on the communities and the planned adoption of the new technology, the Commissioner for Waterfront and Development, Yacoob Alebiosu, during a chat with the media, said the technology was part of coastal management and protection efforts to secure beaches and shorelines in the state.

Alebiosun said, “We are looking at reclamation and also protecting what is left of these villages, though it is very expensive to do so. We have some groynes at the moment around Okunde; that is the Great Wall.

“We want to block the groynes to relieve the pressure in that area. But we’d need to move from Alpha Beach to Ibeju Lekki, and that is about a 42-kilometre stretch that will require about 105 groynes to put in place.

“More than a year ago, precisely in February, to put up a groyne is about N12bn. The total stretch of the coastline in Lagos is about 180km, which is huge. So if we have to cater to the whole stretch, do your math, but we have to continue to work at it because we need to protect the ancestral land of these people, and for some, it is their means of livelihood.

“We are not looking at groynes alone; we are also looking at replenishment, as they do in the Netherlands. We are looking at doing it long-term, and we need the FG and other private people to come together to protect the coastline.”

CAGED!

0

•Eagles subdued as Ajibade assists in Spain As the March FIFA break approaches, Nigerians players abroad are striving to justify their inclusion in the national team with few of them notching impressive performances while the debut of one still hangs in the balance, ABIODUN ADEWALE writes SUNDAY GERMANY NATHAN TELLA (BAYER LEVERKUSEN) As Bayer Leverkusen

Read More

New boy Osho uncertain for Eagles friendlies

0

…Nwabali also uncertain for clashes

Barely a few hours after he was handed his first international call-up by the Nigeria Football Federation for the Super Eagles friendly games against Ghana and Mali, Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho’s dreams of donning the famous green and white jersey have been thrown into doubt, According Sports Extra reports.

Osho was dealt a heavy blow after picking up an injury in the Hatters’ English Premier League 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The Eagles are scheduled to face archrivals Ghana March 22 before squaring up against Mali four days later at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.

The NFF, on Saturday, released a roster of 27 players who will represent the country in the international friendlies.

While retaining the bulk of the squad that finished as runners-up at the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the federation handed invites to Osho and Tanzania-based Benjamin Tianimu.

The Luton defender is now anxiously waiting to see if he can make his debut for the country after he was withdrawn in the 81st minute and replaced by Cauley Woodrow after suffering an injury.

While the Premier League relegation-threatened club are yet to give any update on the extent of the player’s injury, he remains a doubt for the friendly games.

Also, goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is also a major doubt for the international friendlies after he was substituted during the game involving Chippa United and champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, in the Premier Soccer League on Saturday.

The 27-year-old was taken off the pitch in the 73rd minute of the encounter after he suffered what appeared to be a knee injury.

According to the club, the severity of the injury will be ascertained in the coming days.

Meanwhile, England-based defender Jamilu Collins, as well as Empoli FC of Italy’s Tyronne Ebuehi and Glasgow Rangers’ forward Cyriel Dessers were recalled to the squad for the encounters.

Midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the continental tournament in Ivory Coast, returns from injury, while Bayer Leverkusen of Germany’s Nathan Tella and Turkey-based Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have fresh opportunities to stake claims to permanent shirts.