2009 agreement: ASUU issues strike notice (Vanguard)
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Monday threatened to embark on another indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to implement the agreement it reached with the union in 2009.
Addressing reporters at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the Owerri zone of ASUU said it was deeply saddened that the Federal Government had failed to honour the agreement which it entered into without coercion.
The Owerri zone of ASUU comprises Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Imo State University, Owerri and Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Coordinator of the union in the zone, Comrade Uzo Onyebinama regretted that government had spurned the magnanimity the union extended to it through the signing of various Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Action (MoA) on the way forward for Nigerian tertiary education. Read more
Oromoni’s death: Coalition calls for urgent intervention on violence in schools (Guardian)
The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) has called on the government and relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in the reoccurring issues of violence in schools.
The Policy Advisor of the coalition, Mrs Odinakach Ahanonu, made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday.
Ahanonu said it was necessary for Nigeria Security Agencies, the Federal Ministry of Education, Departments and Agencies, the Minister and Commissioners for Education and the Governors to find ways to curb them.
According to her, the coalition is pained by the news of the barbaric torture fed with poisonous substance and leading to the death of 12 years old Sylvester Oromoni who until his death was a Junior Secondary student of Dowen College in Lagos. Read more
Sylvester: Falana asks police to invite Olunloyo over ‘reckless allegation’ (Punch)
A law firm, Falana & Falana’s Chambers, has asked the Lagos State Police Command to invite blogger and social media personality, Kemi Olunloyo, to explain a “reckless allegation” she made against the late 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Sylvester Oromoni.
The solicitors to the family of the late student accused Olunloyo of attempting to destroy the name of Sylvester on social media by claiming that the late student wanted to join a cult group in the Lekki-based school and had agreed to been beaten.
The law firm owned by renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), therefore, urged the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos, to invite the blogger for questioning.
“Although the students and staff of the College suspected to have played a role in the brutal murder of Sylvester Oromini have made useful statements to the Police. One Ms Kemi Olunloyo has just introduced another twist to the incident,” Taiwo Olawanle of Falana & Falana’s Chambers said in a letter dated December 13, 2021. Read more
Fire razes shops at Computer Village in Lagos (NewTelegraph)
A fire broke out in the early hours of Monday at the famed Computer Village market in Ikeja, Lagos State, destroying some shops.
The fire started in one of the stores, according to Lagos State Police Command spokesperson Adekunle Ajisebutu.
“There was a fire incident at 18, Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja early hour of today. The fire engulfed a shopping complex.
“As soon as the report was received, firefighters were contacted and they arrived immediately. Policemen were drafted there to protect the Fire fighters and others. Read more
24-year-old Nigerian woman face 30-year jail term for $1.9 million fraud in US (Guardian)
A Nigerian woman is facing a maximum of 30-year jail term in the United States for a $1.9 COVID-19 relief fund fraud.
A federal jury convicted Lola Shalewa Barbara Kasali, a 24-year-old Texas resident on Wednesday for defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of over $1.9 million in loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
United States Department of Justice (DoJ) said court documents showed that Kasali submitted two fraudulent loan applications to two different lenders on behalf of her companies, Lola’s Level and Charm Hair Extensions.
DoJ disclosed that “through these loan applications, Kasali sought over $3.8 million in PPP loan funds. Kasali falsely represented the number of employees and payroll expenses in each of the PPP loan applications.”
“To support these applications, Kasali also submitted fraudulent tax records. Kasali ultimately received over $1.9 million in PPP loan funds.” Read more
Uncle B kicks off the fiesta period with a thanksgiving single ‘Mmesoma’ featuring Emceeze (Guardian)
Uncle B, a popular Nigerian musician, composer, and media influencer who is also known as Okafor Ifeanyichukwu, has released his latest song titled ‘Mmesoma,’ which features Emceeze.
“Mmesoma” encapsulates thanksgiving and the need to be content even in times of adversity. Emceeze was featured, and his talents added to the song’s charm.
The song is the follow-up to his critically acclaimed track “Balenciaga.” He has also stated that he will be releasing more tracks shortly.
Uncle B was born in Agulu, Aniocha Local Government, Anambra State, Nigeria, where he grew up and received his schooling, just like other Nigerian music legends in their prime. Read more
Ooni heads Oduduwa Book of Records presentation (Independent)
Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, would on Friday superintend the public presentation of a chronicle of Yoruba great legends.
The event, which would hold in the palace of Ooni, would have many dignitaries converging on Ile Nla Hall at the Ooni’s palace in Ife, the cradle of Yoruba kingdoms as the book entitled: “Oduduwa Book Of Records” would be presented.
A group, Yoruba Heritage Leadership Award Platform, which is responsible for the preparation of the book, in a statement said the chronicle became necessary to preserve history of the Yoruba.
According to the group, “Oduduwa Book of Records is a publication of Yoruba Heritage Leadership Award Platform which aims at chronicling great renowned and outstanding Yoruba indigenes both living and dead who have contributed their quota to the development of the Yoruba nation in their respective professions” Read more
Gunmen attack Abia Police headquarters, kill one (Vanguard)
Gunmen have attacked the Abia State Police Command headquarters in Umuahia, the state capital. They killed a policeman.
Sources told Vanguard that the victim, an Inspector, was on guard duty in front of the headquarters located along Bende Road, when the gunmen struck at about 1a.m.
He was said to have mobilised his colleagues to engage the hoodlums, who later fled.
It was further gathered that the hoodlums could have wrecked more damage but for the action of the policemen on guard. Read more
APC govs vow to reduce inequality, poverty (ThisDay)
The governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the umbrella of Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) have promised to reduce poverty and inequality in the country.
The Chairman of the Forum, Atiku Bagudu, in a statement issued yesterday to commemorate the 63rd birthday of Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, also reaffirmed the commitment of the APC states to create jobs and stimulate economic activities.
The Forum said: “As we rejoice with Governor Hope Uzodinma, we also reaffirmed our collective commitment to implement programmes that would strengthen the capacities of our progressive states to create jobs, stimulate economic activity, reduce inequality and diminish poverty in Nigeria.
“We wish to acknowledge and commend your leadership, vision and commitment to a united prosperous Nigeria under the leadership of our party, APC.” Read more
Cyril Ramaphosa: South Africa president being treated for Covid (BBC)
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa is receiving treatment after testing positive for Covid-19, his office says.
In a statement, it says the 69-year-old has mild symptoms and is isolating in Cape Town.
South Africa has seen a surge of infections since the new Omicron variant was first detected in November.
Despite Omicron being more transmissible than previous strains, including Delta, risk of severe disease and death is lower, a study has found.
South Africa’s presidency says Mr Ramaphosa tested positive on Sunday, and has already delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza “for the next week”. Read more
Vogue Williams plans to send her and Spencer’s children to school in Ireland (OK!)
Soon-to-be mum-of-three Vogue Williams is already thinking about her family’s future as she and husband Spencer Matthews after the couple bought their Jersey house.
The presenter, who has been struggling with nausea with her third pregnancy, has revealed she wants to see her and 33 year old Spencer’s children going to school in Ireland, as Vogue admitted she “worries” about the schooling system in the UK.
Speaking to Vicky Pattison on her podcast The Secret to Vogue, 36, who has homes in London and Howth in Dublin, Ireland – where she is from – told the Geordie Shore star about her experience while she was at school.
“The school system in Ireland is great. The school system over here, I worry about…it’s such a class system over here,” she shared. Read more
“Home and Away” star Nicholas Cartwright teases “massive year” ahead for Cash Newman (DigitalSpy)
Home and Away actor Nicholas Cartwright is gearing up for a “massive” 2022 on the soap as policeman Cash Newman.
In conversation with TV Week recently, he teased the year ahead for his character: “He’s set up in the Bay now, he’s got family and a girlfriend and everything looks great.
“But anyone who knows the show knows you don’t stay that good for long…”
Jacqui Purvis, who portrays Cash’s sister Felicity, went on to add: “Times are changing… it’s exciting. But as for buried family secrets, who knows. It could all change!” Read more
Jack White to play two London concerts in June 2022 (AbsoluteRadio)
Jack White has announced two headline shows in London as part of The Supply Chain Issues Tour.
The White Stripes legend plays London Eventim Apollo on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th June 2022. They will be Jack White’s first dates on these shores for almost four years.
The two London concerts are the opening dates of the European leg of the The Supply Chain Issues Tour, which also calls in at Germany, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Switzerland and Belgium.
Tickets to Jack White’s London Eventim Apollo shows go on sale from Absolute Radio Tickets at 10am on Friday 17th December. Read more
Dapper Dan says Kanye is good fit to replace Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton (TMZ)
There’s a social media push to get Kanye West to step in and fill the role of Louis Vuitton creative director after the death of Virgil Abloh … and Dapper Dan believes Ye would be the perfect fit.
We got DD at LAX Friday who sang Ye’s praises, calling him a genius and saying, “Louis, get Kanye!!!” Of course, Dapper Dan acknowledges Kanye would need to be game to take on the role, but sees it as a perfect fit.
As we reported, Virgil’s sudden and surprising death after a battle with cancer drew an outpouring of support, and also raised eyebrows on who could be next to fill his position at LV … with Kanye’s name almost instantly coming to the forefront.
Kanye and Virgil had been friends for more than a decade at the time of his death, and Kanye showed up at memorial and funeral services in both Miami and Chicago to pay his respects and honor the fashion mogul. Read more
West African bloc ECOWAS warns of sanctions if Mali misses election deadline (RFI)
West African leaders have demanded that the junta in Mali sticks to its plans for February polls, threatening further sanctions if Bamako fails to commit to returning to democracy.
“The heads of state… decided to keep the (deadline) of February 27, 2022 for elections in Mali,” president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc Jean-Claude Brou told reporters in Abuja on Sunday, adding sanctions would be imposed in January if Mali did not move to stage polls.
Brou did not specify what new measures ECOWAS might take.
The head of Mali’s government had earlier on Sunday promised he would provide the bloc with an election timetable by the end of January 2022. Read more
Barbados official hints at plans for universal basic income two weeks after breaking ties with British monarchy (DailyMail)
A Barbados official has hinted at plans for a universal basic income, just two weeks after breaking its ties with the British monarchy.
The universal basic income (UBI) may come in the form of a ‘citizen’s dividend,’ Avinash Persaud, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister of Barbados on Investment and Financial Services said in a post last week on Facebook.
He said the country’s already existing reverse tax credit was Barbados’ ‘first foray’ into a UBI programme. If a person’s income is not above a basic level, the reverse tax credit tops up their annual salary with a payment.
He wrote the ‘citizen’s dividend may be combined with the annual reverse tax credit to form some kind of universal basic income’ for Barbados’ almost 300,000 citizens.
Champions League: Chelsea v Lille, Man Utd v Atletico, Man City v Sporting, Liverpool v Inter (BBC)
Holders Chelsea will play French side Lille in the Champions League last 16 after the draw for the knockout stages took place for a second time.
A “technical problem” caused an error in the initial draw, which Uefa said had been “declared void”.
Premier League champions Manchester City face Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon while six-time winners Liverpool play three-time winners Inter Milan.
Manchester United face Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.
In the standout tie of the round, 13-time champions Real Madrid come up against French powerhouse Paris St-Germain. Read more
NRCSF, NSC reunite for growth of Sailng in Nigeria (Sun)
President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (Rtd); at the weekend sued for peace and reconciliation while urging the leadership of the Navy Sailing Club to remain focused on the growth of Sailing and other watersports events in Nigeria.
The former Minister of Transport was speaking at the 4th FOC West Boat Race held at the waterfront of the Navy Sailing Club, Ojo, Lagos which he attended to the delight of members of the Club given the fact that he is a patron of the Club.
In his remarks at the event, Admiral Porbeni stated that he had come on a peace mission to show that he still holds the Navy Sailing Club close to his heart.
“The Navy Sailing Club remains the hub of watersports in Nigeria and the foundation of our Federation because this is where it all started. It is the prayer of every father that his son grows to be better than him. I appreciate the leadership of my son, Tunde Giwa-Daramola and the management of the Navy Sailing Club. From today, Iet it be known that nothing will come between us again. The Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation will work with you for the greater growth of the sport. Be rest assured that we’re together in the race to grow the sport. Be free to liaise with us anytime.” Read more
Champions League Last-16 ties to be drawn again after UEFA blunder involving Manchester United (EuroSport)
UEFA have declared the draw for the Champions League last-16 ‘null and void’ following an error which meant Manchester United were left out of part of the process.
There was initial confusion with the original draw when United were pulled out to face Villarreal – however, this was not possible given the two teams had faced each other in the group stage.
United’s rivals City were then drawn out to face the Spaniards, however, the ball with United’s name was not included as a potential opponent for Atletico Madrid, who instead drew Bayern Munich.
Ralf Rangnick’s side were then paired with Paris Saint-Germain, setting up a potential blockbuster Cristiano Ronaldo v Lionel Messi showdown. Read more
Club plan to trigger option to keep Arsenal loan star permanently (InsideFutbol)
Arsenal loan star Konstantinos Mavropanos looks set to end his spell at the Emirates Stadium and secure a permanent move to Stuttgart soon.
Mavropanos is on loan at the Bundesliga outfit from Arsenal and the stint is his second successive loan spell at the German club.
The 24-year-old defender has impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga and it appears that his time at Arsenal will end at some point soon.
Stuttgart secured a purchase option of around €3m when they agreed the fresh loan with Arsenal and, according to German magazine Kicker, they will trigger it. Read more
Leeds star Phillips undergoes surgery – Will miss ‘at least two months’ (Football365)
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has undergone surgery on his hamstring injury and he will be out for “at least two months”, according to reports.
Phillips has been relied upon by Leeds over the past couple of years as he has been one of their most important players.
Along with the likes of Raphinha and Stuart Dallas, Phillips was one of Leeds’ standout players last term as they finished ninth in the Premier League.
The midfielder has played 15 times so far this campaign. He was subbed off against Brentford earlier this month. Read more
Lewis Hamilton to be knighted at Windsor Castle after missing out on F1 title (ITV)
Lewis Hamilton will be knighted on Wednesday, just days after controversially losing out on a record eighth Formula One world title.
The 36-year-old racing star – who was born and raised in Stevenage, Hertfordshire – is due to attend an investiture at Windsor Castle to be honoured for services to motorsports.
Max Verstappen claimed an extraordinary and controversial first Formula One world title on Sunday after his battle with Hamilton came down to a one-lap shoot-out in Abu Dhabi.
The Red Bull driver stormed past his title rival in the closing stages of the Grand Prix season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, having benefited from a late safety car that bunched up the pack. Read more
Stefanos Tsitsipas aims ‘to go higher’ in 2022 following surgery (UbiTennis)
Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas is hoping the upcoming season will be his best one yet as he continues his off-season training following surgery.
The world No.4 was forced to end his 2021 campaign early due to an elbow injury which resulted in him retiring from his opening match at the Paris Masters before subsequently pulling out of the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin. A disappointing end to what had been a largely positive year for the 23-year-old who won titles in Monte Carlo and Lyon. At the French Open he became the first player from his country to reach a major final before losing in five sets to Novak Djokovic.
“In Paris the pain was unbearable so I had to quit from that match. I’ve never retired in a match – it was very painful for me to let the crowd down and not play that match,” Tsitsipas told ANT1.
“But, I had to, it was for my safety, my well-being, and I don’t regret doing that. In the last couple of days I have been practising with a little bit of pain but recently I’m feeling much better than when I started, five six days ago.
“It’s heading toward the right direction and I’m doing everything possible to recover from it.”
Despite his recent injury setback, Tsitsipas is hungry to make further inroads on the Tour after declaring that his elbow now feels ‘fantastic.’ Next year he is hoping to once again challenge for the biggest titles in the sport and add to his own collection. So far in his career he has won seven titles which include the 2019 ATP Finals and one Masters Event (Monte Carlo this year). Read more