8 children found dead in Lagos abandoned car (Sun)
Eight children were, yesterday afternoon, found dead in an abandoned car at Adelayo Street, Jah-Michael bus stop, along Badagry Expressway, Lagos.
The kids were suspected to have suffocated from excessive heat being experienced due to climate change.
The incident is said to have thrown people of the area into mourning.
A witness said the owner of the vehicle, a woman, has been arrested by the police, while the bodies have been moved to the Badagry General Hospital. Read more
‘Lagos–4–Lagos philosophy not sustainable’ (Nation)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State yesterday said the philosophy of a group, the ‘Lagos-for-Lagos,’ is indefensible and unsustainable.
APC conceded to the group the right to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying it has sought refuge in a homeless party.
Lagos APC Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo said in a statement that the group will join the PDP to lament defeat in future elections.
He said: “We acknowledge the constitutional right of the leaders and members of the group to associate with any party of their choice without sparing a thought for morals, principles, antecedents, perennial history of political defeats and inconsistency in their selling point. Read more
Sylvester Oromoni: We are committed to this, Dowen College speaks (Independent)
Following the untimely death of one of its students Sylvester Oromoni, the Board and Management of Dowen College, Lagos, have finally spoken.
Sylvester Oromoni was allegedly bullied and beaten by fellow students and sustained injuries which led to his death.
However, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incidence.
Dowen College, via a press statement released on its Instagram page, @dowencollegelagos, has commiserated with the Oromoni family. Read more
Court restrains 2 ministers from hindering oil firm operation (Sun)
The Federal High Court Lagos has granted an interim injunction restraining the Ministry and the Minister of Petroleum Resources from disturbing the operations of NOV Oilfield Solution Ltd and Nov Oil and Gas Service Ltd on the basis of alleged cancellation of their permits by the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).
The order was as a result of the motion ex-parte application filed by the two oil firms regarding alleged cancelation of their operational permits.
The court restrained the respondents by itself, its agents, privies, personnel or association of persons, from disturbing, obstructing, or shutting down the business operation of the plaintiffs from operating or providing service as oil service companies in Nigeria, pending the hearing and determination of Motion on Notice, filed along with the application.
In Suit No.: FHC/L/CS/1493/2021 was filed by the firms, and has the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents. Read more
NURTW moves to reconcile aggrieved members in Lagos (Guardian)
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has pledged to reconcile aggrieved members of the union in Lagos as part of ongoing nationwide sensitization.
National President of the union, Tajudeen Baruwa, who spoke to newsmen in Lagos, said the move was to ensure that the union speaks with one voice and key into the development plans of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s transportation development plan for Lagos State.
Baruwa said that the union would be working effectively to ensure that all aggrieved members within Lagos sheath their swords and work together for the development of NURTW and the commercial capital of the country.
To ensure a united NURTW in Lagos, he noted that the transport union headquarters has concluded plans to bring all aggrieved members including those that were shown the exit doors for contravening the union’s rules back into the fold to create a one big family in the state. Read more
Nigerian artiste, Fii3rd, set to release new album (ThisDay)
After years of blessing his listeners and fans with great singles such as “Gbam Gbam”, “Iheoma” and “Anointing”, Felix Ikechukwu Idiga, more popularly known as Fii3rd is finally ready to release his debut album, “Son of Imo”.
The album, he believes, will resonate with street credibility and eventually morph into popular anthem for Hip Hop, Pop, R&B and Jazz enthusiasts due to his versatile creation of each song in the album and its inspiration and story.
“Son of Imo” is an album containing his previous singles and will debut January 4th, 2022.
When asked what message he has in the new album: Fii3rd said “I just hope when people listen to the album they can appreciate the love and dedication I have for the craft. I’m an all-round fan of music in general, all types and genres. Read more
University of Abuja pilots partnership programmes with China, Others (VON)
The University of Abuja has been selected to pilot some of the Nigerian partnership programmes with China, Switzerland, the Netherlands and India.
The Pro-chancellor of the University, Prof. Ahmed Modibbo, made this known in Abuja during a retreat organised by the Governing Council of the University for principal officers, Deans, Directors and University-based Unions.
Prof Modibbo while delivering a paper on the topic; “Navigating Myriad of Challenges in Managing Universities in Today’s World”, said there is a need to re-strategise on how to surmount day-to-day challenges in the university.
According to the Pro-chancellor, “the University of Abuja is making every effort to partner with International Organisations, Foreign countries and overseas universities” Read more
Army Chief to Troops: Take battle to ISWAP (Nation)
Troops have again been told to take the battle to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The fresh wake-up call from Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya followed a botched rocket attack on Maiduguri by terrorists at the weekend.
It was learnt that the insurgents had attempted to sneak into Maiduguri to overrun the Maiduguri International Airport.
They were however repelled by troops who restricted them to a village on the outskirts of the Borno State capital.
It was learnt that in annoyance, the insurgents fired rockets at anything on sight. Many of the insurgents were allegedly mauled down by troops. Read more
26-year-old plumber hacked in Enugu (Sun)
A 26-year-old plumber, Sochima Ude, from Umuaka village in Nsude, Udi Local Government Area, has been reportedly hacked to death in the Timber Market area of Nike, Enugu North LGA of Enugu State.
Daily Sun gathered that the incident happened Friday evening, while Ude who lived at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Quarters in Trans-Ekulu was on his way to visit his elder sister around the area.
Police are currently after the four suspects alleged to have carried out the dastard murder of the young man said to be the only son of his mother.
His body has been deposited at the Ntasi Obi Mortuary in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu Read more
Lewis Capaldi ‘hires Adele and Beyonce’s songwriter Ryan Tedder to help write his second album’ (DailyMail)
His debut album was a roaring success and became the bestselling album of 2019 and 2020 in the UK.
And now Lewis Capaldi has brought out the big guns for his second album by reportedly hiring two best-selling songwriters.
The Sun has reported that the singer, 25, has teamed up with the talented Ryan Tedder, who has made his name as the frontman of OneRepublic.
Ryan is a proven expert at creating powerful ballads, having written Halo for Beyonce, Rumour Has It for Adele and Bleeding Love for Leona Lewis. Read more
COVID-19 vaccine creator says next virus could be ‘more contagious’ and ‘more lethal’ (Sky)
The next pandemic could be more deadly than COVID-19, according to one of the scientists behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert said: “This will not be the last time a virus threatens our lives and our livelihoods.
“The truth is the next one could be worse. It could be more contagious, or more lethal, or both.”
Dame Sarah gave her warning while delivering the 44th Richard Dimbleby Lecture, named in honour of the late broadcaster. Read more
US congressman and family pose with guns for Christmas photo days after school shooting (Independent)
A Republican congressman has sparked outrage for posting a Christmas photo of his family posing with a trove of firearms, just days after four students were murdered in America’s deadliest school shooting since 2018.
Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie shared the family portrait on Twitter on Saturday, along with the caption: “Merry Christmas! ps. Santa, please bring ammo.”
Mr Massie is seen posing with his wife and members of their family in front of a Christmas tree in a holiday card-style image.
All seven people in the photograph are holding weapons as they beam at the camera. Read more
Donald Trump says new social media company has raised $1b (Sky)
Donald Trump’s social media company says it has agreements in place to raise $1bn from investors ahead of a US stock market listing.
The Trump Media & Technology Group, which will be listed on the Nasdaq, plans to launch a new social media platform next year called Truth Social.
The former US president has criticised Twitter and Facebook for banning him over concerns his social media activity incited the 6 January attack on the Capitol as rival Joe Biden’s election win was certified.
Mr Trump had previously accused those platforms of censorship and political discrimination against conservatives, and repeated that accusation alongside the funding news. Read more
Chaotic scenes as French far-right candidate launches presidential bid (DW)
France’s far-right candidate, Eric Zemmour launched his presidential campaign on Sunday amid fanfare and fighting.
Thousands of supporters came came to Zemmour’s launch event in Paris, however violent scenes soon took center-stage.
As Zemmour made his entrance, a person in the crowd lunged towards him, and forced the 63-year-old into a brief headlock before being taken away by police.
At one point during the event a group of activists stood up near the front of the hall, with t-shirts that read “No to racism” on them. Read more
President Biden restarts tradition, hosts Kennedy Center honourees (TMZ)
President Biden resumed what had been paused for a good while in D.C. — namely, POTUS being in attendance for the Kennedy Center Honors … and hosting them afterward.
JB held a reception Sunday at the White House, with this year’s recipients of the lifetime achievement award being in attendance, front and center. Among those who were honored — Lorne Michaels, Bette Midler, Berry Gordy, Justino Diaz and Joni Mitchell.
There were a lot of other high profile people on hand as well — including First Lady Jill Biden, VP Kamala Harris, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Steve Martin, David Letterman and others.
Biden — who was suited and booted in a tux, delivered some remarks — highlighting each person’s contribution via their art — going down the list one by one and singing their praises. He also shouted the late Steven Sondheim, who recently passed away. Read more
British teenager ‘very, very lucky’ to survive attack by 10ft crocodile (Metro)
A teenage British backpacker attacked by a crocodile on the Zambezi River has said she is ‘very, very lucky’ to be alive.
Amelie Osborn-Smith, 18, was left fighting for her life after the 10ft killer clamped its jaws round her calf and dragged her into a death roll after a day white water rafting near the Victoria Falls in Zambia.
She was saved by brave pals who dived into the water after her and punched the croc on the nose until it let go of her before she was airlifted 240 miles to hospital in the capital Lusaka.
Speaking from her hospital bed at Medland Hospital, she said in a video shared on its hospital page: ‘You don’t really think in that situation, obviously people say you see your life flash before your eyes or whatever but you don’t, you just think, “how do I get out of this situation?” Read more
Boris Johnson’s new 10-ye drug plans promises to close down 2,000 ‘county lines’ supplies (Sky)
Boris Johnson is promising a £300m investment to close down drugs gangs and dismantle 2,000 more “county lines” supplies with thousands more arrests.
As part of a 10-year plan for tackling drugs crime in England and Wales and taking on the “kingpins” behind supplies, the prime minister warned criminals they will have “nowhere to hide”.
Mr Johnson is also pledging the largest-ever increase in investment in treatment and recovery for addicts.
The Home Office pointed to evidence that shows there are more than 300,000 heroin and crack cocaine addicts in England who, between them, are responsible for nearly half of crimes such as burglaries, robberies and theft from shops. Read more
MKO Abiola Stadium: NFF to begin CAF, FIFA certification process (Vanguard)
THE Federal Government has urged the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to initiate the process of getting the refurbished MKO Abiola National Stadium certified by FIFA as well as the Confederation of African Football, CAF.
Last Friday, the newly rehabilitated pitch of the stadium and two new digital scoreboards were handed over to the Sports Ministry by Aron Nigeria Limited, the contractors on the project, on behalf of the Dangote Industries Group.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has reiterated his eagerness to get the MKO Abiola stadium to host international football matches.
According to top sources, Dare has also directed the Ministry to work with the NFF to facilitate the installation of the Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) technology. Read more
Peng Shuai: ITF ‘does not want to punish a billion people’ by suspending China tournaments (BBC)
The governing body of tennis says it has not followed the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in suspending tournaments in China because it “does not want to punish a billion people”.
The WTA has halted tournaments in the region because of continued concern for Chinese player Peng Shuai, who has accused a top government official of sexual assault.
“As the governing body of tennis, we stand in support of all women’s rights,” said David Haggerty, president of the International Tennis Federation.
Peng, 35, was not seen for three weeks after going public with her allegations. Read more
Former England captain Nasser Hussain and ex-England coach David Lloyd have their say ahead of the opening clash at the Gabba (DailyMail)
After Australia named their team for the opening Ashes Test, there is much debate regarding what line-up England should go with.
The visitors will take on Pat Cummins’ side at the Gabba in Brisbane, with unusually wet conditions potentially coming into England coach Chris Silverwood’s thinking.
Here, three Sportsmail experts – former England captain Nasser Hussain, former England coach David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd and Paul Newman – give their thoughts on which players to pick and why.
There’s not much between Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow but I would go for Bairstow for his experience, especially in Australian conditions. Read more
Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev secure Davis Cup glory for the Russian Tennis Federation as they beat Croatia in Madrid (DailyMail)
The Russian Tennis Federation completed a trophy double as Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev secured Davis Cup victory over Croatia in the final in Madrid.
A month after the Russians claimed the prize at the Billie Jean King Cup finals, Rublev defeated Borna Gojo and Medvedev saw off Marin Cilic to give the country the two most prestigious trophies in international team tennis.
Banned from competing under their flag because of violations of anti-doping rules, the Russians ensured their rankings superiority translated to silverware.
The only team with two players in the singles top 10, the RTF side completed the job before Croatia were able to play their trump card in world number one doubles team Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic. Read more
Fred gives Manchester United narrow win over Crystal Palace in Ralf Rangnick’s first game in charge (Metro)
Ralf Rangnick got off to a winning start as Manchester United manager on Sunday as his new side secured a narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace thanks to a fabulous Fred goal.
The Brazilian was the unlikely hero on 77 minutes as he curled a sublime effort into the top corner, just as it looked like Rangnick’s first match was going to trickle away to a goalless draw.
The Red Devils had been the dominant force in the game, clearly taking up a new style of play under the German, pressing higher up the pitch and much more effectively than anything they have shown in recent months.
However, they were lacking a cutting edge and struggled to create good opportunities, with Palace going from surviving in the first half, to fancying their chances of an upset in the second period. Read more
Hero World Challenge: Viktor Hovland shoots 66 to win in Bahamas (BBC)
Norway’s Viktor Hovland carded a six-under final-round 66 to win the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
The 24-year-old shot two eagles, five birdies and three bogeys to finish on 18 under.
Scottie Scheffler also hit 66 for his final round as he finished one shot adrift of Hovland.
Fellow American Collin Morikawa led by five shots going into the final round but ended up on 14 under after a four-over-par 76. Read more
FIA confirm Enzo Fittipaldi and Theo Pourchaire both ‘conscious’ after scary F2 crash (Express)
The FIA have released a statement after a huge crash at the start of the Formula 2 feature race, a feeder series that is racing alongside Formula One ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday.
As the lights went out, 18-year-old Theo Pourchaire stalled on the grid and was collected by Enzo Fittipaldi, grandson of the two-time F1 champion Emerson, who hit into the back of the Sauber Academy driver.
With Oscar Piastri on pole position, with most drivers launching past the stalled Frenchman unscathed, however P18 driver Fittipaldi was unable to take evasive action and slammed into the back of the ART car on the start-finish straight.
The red-flagged was shown shortly after as medical teams, including FIA Medical Rescue Coordinator Dr Ian Roberts, rushed on to the track. Read more