12.5kg cooking gas refilling unit may hit N10k before December, marketers warn (ThisDay)
Marketers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, under the aegis of the National Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), have warned that the continuous rise in the price of the product may escalate before December.
Executive Secretary of the association, Mr. Bassey Essien, who gave the warning during an online programme at the weekend, said if the newly introduced 7.5 per cent Valued-Added Tax (VAT) on LPG was not addressed urgently by the federal government, the refilling price for a 12.5- kilogram (kg) gas cylinder might hit N10,000 before December.
The price of LPG refilling unit has continued to skyrocket, a trajectory that started late 2020, with the price of the energy source rising by over 100 per cent.
THISDAY’s checks revealed that, as at last weekend, the refilling price for a 12.5kg gas cylinder was between N7000 and N8000 as against N3400 sold as of December 2020. Read more
CSOs, labour march on Lagos ministry, demand end to water privatisation (Vanguard)
Civil society and labour activists on the platform of the Our Water Our Right movement have called on the Lagos State government to reject all forms of corporate control of water and privatisation of water services, including through so-called “public-private partnerships.”
The groups include the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the Joint Action Front (JAF), among others.
The groups made the call in a petition to the Lagos State Government through the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tunji Bello after a protest march to mark the commencement of the Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation which is billed for 11-15 October 2021.
The week of action was convened by the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition comprising labour and civil society groups from Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, among others. Read more
Why Lagos is hosting Nigeria Skits Industry Awards, Sanwo-Olu explains (Independent)
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged artists in the skits industry to always deploy their talents and creativity to promote peaceful coexistence and advancement of the country.
Sanwo-Olu gave this admonition while receiving the Ekiti-born multi-talented former Nigerian parliamentarian and promoter of the Nigeria Skits Industry Awards(NSIA), Hon Bimbo Daramola(alias congressman) who paid him a visit at the Lagos House, Marina where he presented him with the insignia of the award.
The governor, who endorsed the initiative hinted that no other state deserves to host the maiden edition of the NSIA than Lagos, which” is regarded as the centre of excellence and entertainment in Nigeria”
God can give power to anyone He wishes – Tinubu (Nation)
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, says God can give power to anyone he wishes to give.
Tinubu said this in Lagos on Sunday, as he reunited with his political associates and proteges at a welcome-back event and prayer, hosted by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The event is Tinubu’s first outing since his return from the U.K. on Friday night, after three-month absence from the country.
The APC National Leader said that what God expects from anyone he gives power to is that such a person uses the power for humanity. Read more
We’ll complete Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 2nd Niger Bridge, others before 2023 – Buhari (Guardian)
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the 11.9km Second Niger Bridge, 120 km Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and other key projects will be completed within the second term of this administration.
The key projects are being executed under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).
The president stated this at the opening of a two-day Mid-Term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat organized to assess progress made towards the achievement of the nine key priorities of this Administration.
He used the occasion of the retreat, the third edition since the second term of his administration, to highlight some of the Federal Government’s notable achievements in the last two years.
He listed accomplishments in the areas of infrastructure, transportation, economy, electricity supply, the petroleum industry, among others. Read more
Alleged 6.9b fraud: Court to resume trial of Fayose Dec 1 (Vanguard)
A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, further adjourned until December 1, December 2 and December 3, continuation in the trial of former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose over alleged N6.9 billion fraud.
The case, which was listed in the cause list for continuation of trial on Monday, was called at about 11.40 am, as parties were awaiting one of the defence counsel.
When the case was eventually called, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court, that having waited until almost noon, it will be better to grant an adjournment, to enable parties to come back and face the trial.
Although, first defence counsel, Mr Ola Olanipekun, SAN, had urged the prosecutor to begin examination of its witness, who was already present in court, the case was, however, adjourned at the instance of the prosecutor. Read more
Community Policing: Buhari Approves N13.3bn For Take-off (Leadership)
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N13.3billion for the take-off of the Community Policing initiative across the country.
The president made this known at the opening of a two-day Mid-Term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat organized to assess progress made towards the achievement of the nine key priorities of his administration on Monday in Abuja.
President Buhari stated that the approval was part of measures to consolidate efforts aimed at enhancing security nationwide.
“We have also approved the sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of the Community Policing initiative across the Country, as part of measures adopted to consolidate efforts aimed at enhancing security nationwide,’’ he said. Read more
Police arraign Man, 35, for allegedly obtaining N1m under false pretence (Guardian)
The Police on Monday arraigned one Kolawole Damilare, 35, in an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly obtaining N1m under false pretext.
Damilare, who is of no fixed address, is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Ekundayo Friday, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 22 at No 97 Aina Adenuga street, at the back of Agbede transformer, Ita-Oluwo area of Ikorodu.
Friday said that the accused fraudulently obtained N1 million with the intention to steal from one Mr Shaki Ande, Managing Director, Shaki Automart Limited. Read more
Pastor Adegboyega donates N5m to KIEK foundation (Tribune)
In the quest to support the KIEK foundation and its mission to alleviate the sufferings of children in Nigeria, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega of SPAC Nation has donated the sum of five million naira to the drive.
He made this donation during a conversation with the Chairman of the Cubana group, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly called Obi Cubana.
During the conversation, Obi Cubana shared with his wife, Ebele, activities with indigent children which she has passionately driven through her foundation to ensure that more children get an education.
Adegboyega also noted that the activities of Obi Cubana’s wife work are mostly born out of compassion, adding, “The world we live right now, a lot of people are going through a lot, so she is focused on taking out kids from the streets and putting them in school. She is also helping those who are abused, this she is doing because when you get the foundation right which is the kids, you have gotten the future right because they are the leaders of tomorrow and that was the attraction for me. Read more
Taylor Swift’s ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ Returns to No. 1 on Billboard 200 b (Billboard)
Taylor Swift’s Fearless (Taylor’s Version) returns to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart for a second nonconsecutive week atop the list. The album surges from No. 157 to No. 1 with 152,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Oct. 7 (up 1,931%), according to MRC Data. The set vaults back to No. 1 after the Oct. 1 release of a signed CD available only in Swift’s webstore and its vinyl LP. Fearless (Taylor’s Version) debuted at No. 1 nearly six months ago, on the April 24-dated Billboard 200 chart.
Also in the new top 10: Meek Mill’s Expensive Pain arrives at No. 3, while Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s second collaborative album, Love for Sale, bows at No. 8.
The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. Read more
Jared Leto tear-gassed in Italy while caught in anti-vax protest (PageSix)
Jared Leto said he was tear-gassed after inadvertently getting stuck in the middle of an anti-vaccination protest in the streets of Rome on Saturday night.
“Got caught in a protest in Italy,” the “House of Gucci” actor, 49, captioned a now-expired video on his Instagram Story. “From what I gather it was about vaccine mandates / green pass. Got tear gassed then called it a night.”
Leto shared a handful of pics and videos showing protesters in a standoff with police dressed in riot gear. Read more
Taliban Say US Agreed in ‘Candid’ Talks to Send Relief Aid to Afghanistan (VOA)
Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban said Sunday that two days of “candid” discussions with the United States “went well” in Qatar, the first direct meeting at a senior level since the Islamist group took control of the country following the American withdrawal in late August.
“Detailed discussions were held during the meeting about all relevant issues, and efforts will be made to improve diplomatic relations,” Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said in a post-meeting statement.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price agreed in a statement released late Sunday that the talks with the Taliban were “candid and professional,” adding that the “Taliban will be judged on its actions, not only its words.”
Other issues that were discussed included “security and terrorism concerns and safe passage for U.S. citizens, other foreign nationals and our Afghan partners, as well as on human rights, including the meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of Afghan society,” the statement said. Read more
Ethiopia army launches major attack on Tigray: Rebels (AlJazeera)
Ethiopia’s national army launched a ground offensive against forces from the northern region of Tigray on Monday, the war-torn region’s governing Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) said.
TPLF spokesperson Getachew Reda said the army – alongside allied forces from the northern Amhara region – began the attack to push Tigrayan forces out of Amhara in the morning.
The Tigray external affairs office said in a statement air strikes, drone raids, and heavy artillery bombardments was also under way.
It was not possible to independently verify the TPLF’s statements. Read more
Nobel economics prize rewards work on minimum wage (BBC)
David Card, Joshua Angrist and Guido Imbens have been awarded this year’s Nobel prize for economics for work that “challenged conventional wisdom”.
The trio shared the prize for pioneering work in the use of “natural experiments”.
Natural experiments use real-life situations to work out the impact of government decisions.
Prof Card is best known for his study of the impact of minimum wage increases on employment in US states. Read more
Ben Affleck reveals his kissing scene with Matt Damon was cut from “The Last Duel” (Metro)
Ben Affleck has revealed that he was supposed to share an on-screen kiss with his kissing scene with co-star and longtime friend Matt Damon in their film, The Last Duel.
The Good Will Hunting stars will be reuniting on screen for the upcoming period drama, however it appears the pair won’t be getting as close as their script originally intended.
The actors actually co-wrote the script together along with Nicole Holofcener and had originally penned a scene where Matt’s character kissed Ben’s.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the film stars explained that it was changed to have Matt kneel in front of Ben instead. Read more
Deontay Wilder: American will not retire after second loss to Tyson Fury, says trainer Malik Scott (BBC)
Heavyweight Deontay Wilder will not be quitting boxing after losing to Tyson Fury for a second time, says the American’s lead trainer Malik Scott.
Wilder, 35, was knocked out in the 11th round by Fury in a thrilling WBC world championship fight in Las Vegas on Saturday.
“Deontay has set his family financially secure so he doesn’t have to fight to make a living,” Scott told iFL TV.
“But retiring is not in his plans at all and not something we’ve discussed.” Read more
England players ‘not hiding’ over Ashes quarantine fears – Woakes (France 24)
Chris Woakes on Monday hit back at suggestions England’s cricketers were ducking the challenge of an Ashes tour to Australia over concerns about strict coronavirus quarantine restrictions.
The England and Wales Cricket Board named a strong squad on Sunday for the tour “Down Under” starting on December 8, after agreeing “conditional approval” with the players to proceed.
There were fears the Ashes would be cancelled after months of concern over tough Covid-19 quarantine guidelines which England’s players and their families will have to follow in Australia.
England legend Ian Botham claimed some players “don’t fancy the ultimate test”.
However, Woakes rejected those suggestions and spelled out the impact of living in biosecure bubbles. Read more
Manchester United handed major boost as Barcelona rule themselves out of Erling Haaland transfer race (Metro)
Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Erling Haaland after Barcelona ruled themselves out of a move for the Borussia Dortmund goalscorer next summer.
Haaland, who has scored 47 goals in 48 Bundesliga games since joining Dortmund last year, is expected to leave the German club next summer when a £63.7m release clause becomes active in his contract.
United are among some of the world’s biggest clubs chasing the Norway international, including Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Barcelona was one of clubs visited by Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola and father Alf-Inge Haaland during a tour of potential new teams for the striker earlier this year. Read more
UEFA care about money not players’ (BBC)
Thibaut Courtois has accused football governing bodies of prioritising money over the welfare of players, who he feels are being treated like “robots”.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper played in both of Belgium’s Nations League games during the current international break.
This includes Sunday’s third-place playoff with Italy, which sparked the 29-year-old’s criticism.
“This game is just a money game, we have to be honest about it,” he told Sky Sports.
“We just play it because for Uefa it is extra money and it is an extra game on TV. Read more
Arsenal Project Under Threat After Newcastle United Takeover (Independent)
The takeover of Newcastle United poses a threat to football as we know it, but through a more immediate and narrow lens it poses a huge threat to Arsenal’s current project.
The injection of money into Newcastle from the Saudi-led consortium puts greater pressure on Mikel Arteta’s plan not only to succeed but to succeed quickly.
We have already seen the ease with which Manchester City and Chelsea took the jump to being title challengers, Liverpool have already built a successful team over the course of six years, and it is only a matter of time before Manchester United enter that top group. Read more
Mount just getting started after Ballon d’Or nomination (France24)
England and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount said on Monday it was special to see his name included on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or.
But the 22-year-old insisted he is just getting started after a year in which he helped the Blues win the Champions League and England reach a first major tournament final since 1966.
“It was special. To see that and to be alongside those names is obviously a dream,” Mount told reporters ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Tuesday.
“For all the years you work hard, dedicate and see something like that, it shows everything pays off. It is just the start, it doesn’t stop now.” Read more