1,200 artisans now jobless over Tejuoso Market inferno (Vanguard)
No fewer than 1,200 artisans have been rendered jobless in Yaba, Lagos, following the inferno which ravaged the tailoring section of the popular Tejuoso Market.
The artisans, who specialise in fabric works, were rendered jobless as over 1,600 industrial, weaving and straight sewing machines were destroyed in the mid-afternoon fire outbreak on Tuesday.
Lagos State Territorial Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, in his post-disaster loss and needs assessment at the scene of the incident, confirmed this on Wednesday.
The fire, which emanated from an industrial generating set, was said to have affected 150 lock-up shops. Read more
I never thought i’d marry devil, Skales laments one year after marriage (DailyTrust)
Days after the Nigerian singer Njenga-Njeng, popularly known as Skales lost his mum, he has teased his fans with an unreleased track that throws shades at his wife.
The 31-year-old rapper, who married Precious Hassanity in September 2021, shared snippets of the unreleased track on his instagram account on Wednesday, saying, “I didn’t know I married the devil”.
He wrote, “Rest in peace to mama Jon/ I ain’t never scared/ I’m my mama’s son/ Never thought that I’d be married to the devil/ My life is a movie/ That s**t one another level/ Ain’t no much to discuss/It’s too much to bear/ I’m just filled with disgust.
“I lost my queen to the evil of this cold world/ Now it’s just me alone against the whole world/ I just had to make you feel my pain/ Cos I would never hear my mama’s golden voice again/ Disappointed by the one I call fam. Read more
Aviation Union ends strike as firm recalls disengaged workers (Channels)
After hours of protest at the entrance gates of the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 (MMA2) Terminal in Lagos State, aviation workers on Tuesday terminated their strike and vacated the gates for resumption of flight operations.
The aviation workers under the aegis of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) had on Tuesday morning blocked the MMA2 terminal gates, disrupting airport operations as airlines suspend flights.
The union protested the “unprovoked termination” of the appointment of 34 aviation workers by the operators of the airport terminal, the B-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).
The union listed those affected by the disengagement to include ATSSSAN Branch Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Women Leader who were said to demand “the payment of terminal benefits to staff members who exited the service of the company lawfully in line with the signed Conditions of Service”. Read more
Economy: Tinubu possesses magic wand, says Sanwo-Olu (Punch)
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, possesses a magic wand that will turn Nigeria around.
Sanwo-Olu stated this when Tinubu and his team, on Tuesday, shared details of his economic blueprint with the organised private sector during an interactive meeting with industrialists, business executives, entrepreneurs and foreign investors in Lagos.
The forum, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, was organised at the instance of the Lagos State Government.
Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, foremost entrepreneur and investor, Tony Elumelu, and founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, led the pack of business leaders that graced the event, which was also attended by Tinubu’s running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, APC governors and party stalwarts. Read more
Pere knocks cleric that ‘‘prophesied’’ Davido son’s death (Nation)
Ex-BBNaija Season 4 housemate, Pere Egbi, has knocked a cleric, who claimed to have prophesied the death of Davido’s son, Ifeanyi.
Prophet Samuel Kings via his Facebook page on January 7 in what he tagged “Global Prophecy’s had stated 2022 to 2023 would be highly significant in the Afrobeats singer’s life and career.
He claimed besides great opportunities, rewards and awards Davido will attract during this time, he must pray against death especially for his ‘son’ which he highlighted and loved ones.
He also remarked about two letters, T and Y ‘playing a significant clue’ in his prophecy. Read more
Tension in Edo community as 10 corpses found inside bush (DailyTrust)
There is tension in Edo State as residents of Ibillo and Lampese communities on Tuesday discovered 10 unidentified corpses at a bush between Ibillo and Lampese along the Lagos-Abuja Road, Akoko-Edo Local Government.
Some farmers who were on their way to the farm discovered some of the corpses around 7:30 am and alerted the community vigilante group.
It was learnt that the vigilante on getting to the bush discovered more corpses numbering about ten.
A resident of the area, Comrade Victor Arogunyo, who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, said the corpses had been evacuated to the Ibilo General Hospital. Read more
Zamfara PDP chairman is dead (Punch)
The Zamfara State Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Sani Kaura, is dead.
The chairman died immediately after he attended a peace meeting organized by the Nigeria Council of Ulamah, Zamfara state chapter on Wednesday.
The Secretary of the party, Faruku Ahmed Gusau, said the chairman who was invited along with PDP stakeholders by the Council of Ulamah for a meeting on how to avoid political thuggery in the state developed sickness immediately he delivered a speech at the occasion.
Gusau said he was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital Gusau where he was confirmed dead by the doctors. Read more
Nigeria has lost a great man in Mbazulike Amechi – Uzodimma (Vanguard)
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has decried the death of one of Nigeria’s foremost patriots and an illustrious son of Igboland, Chief Mbazulike Amechi.
Chief Amechi, former Minister of Aviation in the First Republic and an unrepentant member of the Zikist Movement who was popularly called, “the boy is good”, passed on November 1, 2022, at 93, according to a statement by Ezeana Tagbo Amechi on behalf of his family.
Chief Amechi, the Governor said, was an advocate of socio-political inclusiveness of the Igbo in the Nigerian political firmament as well as an apostle of equity, justice and fairness.
A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor said his principal regretted that Chief Amechi passed on when his fatherly counsel was needed most, noting that those mourning his death should be consoled by the fact that the former Secretary of the youth wing of the defunct NCNC led a good and fulfilled life of service to God, community, state, country and mankind as a whole. Read more
Mariah Carey back in charts with All I Want For Christmas Is You so it’s officially that time of year (Metro)
Just like clockwork, as Mariah Carey officially announced ‘it’s time’ for Christmas, her iconic festive banger has found its way back to the charts.
All I Want For Christmas Is You, the singer’s 1994 classic, has been forced to spend the year in hibernation to allow for other events such as, you know, Easter, Halloween, the revolving door of British Prime Ministers.
However, it’s now reclaimed its rightful place on the charts after re-entering the countdown in the US.
According to Kworb, AIWFCIY has made it back into the iTunes Top 40 chart and is currently at number 26 after jumping 55 places. At the moment, it’s sandwiched in between Michael Jackson’s Thriller – which no doubt benefited off the Halloween hype – and Harry Styles’ As It Was. Read more
Takeoff killed by ‘stray bullet’, label claims (BBC)
Migos rapper Takeoff was killed by a “stray bullet”, his record company has claimed in a statement.
The 28-year-old, Grammy-nominated musician died on Tuesday in a shooting at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.
Paying tribute, his record label said in a statement: “Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated.”
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said he did not want to speculate on whether Takeoff was the target.
He added: “Based on what people say about him, he’s well respected, non-violent. Read more
Full trailer for Avatar sequel The Way of Water unveiled (RTE)
The first full trailer for James Cameron’s Avatar sequel, The Way of Water, has been released, returning viewers to the planet of Pandora nearly 13 years after the release of the box office phenomenon – the highest-grossing film of all time.
The teaser introduces Jake and Neytiri Sully and their children more than a decade after the events of the first film.
In dramatic fashion, viewers are taken below the waves of the ocean and shown a number of fantastic creatures resembling colourful jellyfish, whales and large-winged fish.
Jake is seen teaching his daughter to hunt using a bow as she tells him: “Dad, you know, I think I am crazy, but I feel her. I hear her heartbeat. She is so close.” Read more
Matthew Perry says he is single after talking romances with Julia Roberts and Valerie Bertinelli (DailyMail)
Matthew Perry does not have a woman in his life at the moment.
The 17 Again star also opened up about his dating life, insisting he ‘could not be more single’ during an appearance on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live.
Although Matthew has tried his hand at online dating in the past, he has since come off the apps – although he’s ‘not sure’ how to meet a potential partner.
He added: ‘I am off forever. It’s not the way to meet people, I don’t think. I’m not sure how to meet people, but that’s not the way to do it.’ Read more
Sheeran ‘‘delighted’’ as he becomes 1st to have 4 albums in top 10 for year (BelfastTelegraph)
Ed Sheeran said he is “delighted” to become the first artist to have four albums stay in the top 10 of the UK charts for a year.
Official Charts Company confirmed on Wednesday that the 31-year-old singer-songwriter’s latest album Equals has now spent 52 weeks in the top 10.
Sheeran told OfficialCharts.com: “(I am) delighted to find out that four of my albums have spent a year or more in the UK top 10.
“Thank you to my wonderful fans for making this possible, you’re the best.” Read more
Charlie Puth convinced Rihanna has been rehearsing new music (MusicNews)
Charlie Puth is convinced Rihanna has been rehearsing new music in the studio room next to him.
The ‘Light Switch’ hitmaker believes he has been overhearing the ‘Rude Boy’ hitmaker’s unreleased tracks.
He told Capital: “I swear to God she is rehearsing next to me, there is always security next door – and I just go in by myself.
“And I thought I saw her.”
Rihanna returned with her first solo single since 2016’s ‘ANTI’ last week. Read more
Russia rejoins Ukraine grain export wartime deal (Fox)
Russia on Wednesday said it would resume exporting grain under a Turkey-UN brokered deal with Ukraine that secures Black Sea shipping lanes after suspending its participation last month.
The renewed deal will ensure that grains can continue to leave Ukraine’s ports and help stave off global food shortages.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar that Russia’s participation in the humanitarian grain corridor deal would “continue in the same way as before.”
The commitment to resume the treaty came hours after ships loaded with vital food products like corn, wheat and sunflower meal left Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea Tuesday despite Moscow’s apparent exit from the deal. Read more
NFF owes Peseiro $420k (Sun)
Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has not received his salary for the past six months amounting to $420,000.
Peseiro was appointed Eagles coach in May 2022 on a monthly pay of $70,000 and according to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, the Portuguese has not been paid for the last six months.
Former NFF president Amaju Pinnick engaged the coach on behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) amid criticisms over his track record.
It was further reported that unlike previously where the salaries of the Eagles coach were covered by a sponsor, the Federal Government would now be paying him. Read more
Victorious Nigerian para-powerlifting team returns to heroic welcome (Guardian)
Team Nigeria, which dominated the just concluded African Open Para-Powerliting Championship in Egypt, returned to a heroic welcome on Monday.
The delegation arrived via an ASKA Airline plane that landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport at exactly 4.55 pm Nigeria time.
The para-powerlifters hauled a total of 43 gold, 14 Silver and two bronze medals, to put many of them close to qualifying for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Speaking on his team’s feat in Egypt, president of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, Chiemeka Ezenwane Charles, commended the athletes for their efforts, while also lauding Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, for his fatherly role in supporting the sport.
He, however, pleaded for more support for them to attend other upcoming championships lined up ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Read more
Canada’s Jessie Fleming signs new contract with Chelsea (CBC)
Canadian international Jessie Fleming has signed a new contract with Chelsea, keeping her at the English club until the summer of 2025.
Fleming’s current deal was due to expire next summer.
The 24-year-old midfielder from London, Ont., has made 69 appearances for the London team since signing ahead of the 2020-21 Barclays Women’s Super League season.
Fleming has won Super League titles, two FA Cup trophies and the FA Continental League Cup with the Blues. Read more
Lukaku returns to Belgium for medical consultation ahead of World Cup (FootballItalia)
Inter striker Romelu Lukaku has reportedly returned to Belgium for medical consultation with the staff of his national team ahead of the World Cup.
The 29-year-old returned to action after a muscle injury last week but has once again been forced to the sidelines due to a new physical issue.
Sky Sport Italia is now reporting that the ex-Everton and Chelsea striker has flown back to Belgium for a consultation with his national team’s doctors.
Lukaku didn’t take part in Inter’s 2-0 loss against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night and won’t be available against Juventus in Turin on Sunday. Read more
High-profile investors back Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s tech-infused golf venture (ABC)
A group of high-profile investors, including NBA star Stephen Curry, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, women’s soccer player Alex Morgan, Los Angeles Angels All-Star Shohei Ohtani, entertainer Justin Timberlake and tennis star Serena Williams, are backing Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new company, which plans to launch a tech-infused golf league in 2024.
At the Tour Championship in August, Woods and McIlroy announced the formation of their company, TMRW Sports. The new league, TGL, will have players competing on six three-man teams in 15 regular-season matches and a playoff starting in January 2024.
The league will feature two-hour, 18-hole matches on a virtual course. The matches will take place in prime time on Monday nights in a custom-made venue in a yet-to-be-determined location.
Investors in the company also include NBA players Andre Iguodala, Chris Paul and Jayson Tatum, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner, Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby and Grand Slam champion Andy Murray. Read more
Oleksandr Usyk confirms sole focus is Tyson Fury fight with early 2023 date eyed for religious reasons (Standard)
Oleksandr Usyk says the only fight he is chasing is a reunification bout with Tyson Fury.
The WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion has targeted a springtime meeting with the WBC champion but warned Fury’s unpredictability meant it still hung in the balance.
Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has targeted an early 2023 fight against Usyk with Fury using his bout next month against Dereck Chisora as a stepping stone.
Ukrainian Usyk, meanwhile, told PA: “Right now, my team is seeking conversations with Tyson Fury and he is a really unpredictable person so we can’t guarantee when. Read more
