Acting CGI nabs passport racketeers in Lagos(Sun)
Against the backdrop of public outcry about poor service delivery in some Passport Offices and the quest to deepen Passport reforms, the acting Comptroller General of Immigration, (Ag.CGI), Isah Jere Idris has uncovered how touts and some Immigration personnel swindle unsuspecting Nigerians who earnestly seek to acquire Passport.
The discovery was made during a recent unscheduled visit to the Alausa and Ikoyi Passport Offices in Lagos as part of sting operations to assess the quality of service delivery to the members of the public at the Centres.
According to Amos Okpu, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration Service and Public Relations Officer, in a statement, the acting Comptroller General arrived the Alausa Passport Office Ikeja at about 1100 hours and presented himself as a potential Passport applicant.
“He moved round the premises unnoticed and was even attended to by some Personnel. He also met with some touts within and around the premises who made entreaties to assist him to procure Passport.Read more
LCCI wades into Nigerians, Ghanaians trade dispute(Nation)
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce& lndustry (LCCl) has waded into the dispute between Nigerian and Ghanaian businessmen.
Chairman, Trade Promotion Board of LCCI, Gabriel ldahosa, who spoke in Lagos during an interactive session with reporters ahead the 35th Lagos International Trade Fair scheduled for between November 5 and 14, said the fair will connect businesses, create value with over 200,000 visitors.
Speaking on the innovative “African Hall’, he said it is intended to bring exhibitors from African countries under the same umbrella to showcase their goods, services, arts, crafts, regulatory services and particularly to promote intra- African trade in the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA).
Responding to a question on how Ghanaian businesses for instance can relate with their Nigerian counterparts, he said the current disagreement between both parties is receiving attention at the highest diplomatic level. According to him, the Fair will also provide an opportunity for reconciliation and trade increase.
He said the chamber is collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Police, regulators such as National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and others.
Moghalu appointed academic visitor at Oxford (ThisDay)
The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom has appointed a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, as an Academic Visitor.
The appointment is for the period of the University’s Michelmas Term, from October to December 2021.
Moghalu, according to a statement, would be an Oxford Martin Visiting Fellow hosted jointly by Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations and Oxford Martin School, a social science research centre that was established to tackle the most pressing opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.
As an academic visitor, Moghalu would deliver lectures on political economy, lead a seminar on the Nigerian economy, and complete work on two forthcoming books. Read more
US join forces with Nigeria to curb terrorism, banditry (Tribune)
The United States Deputy National Security Adviser, John Finer has said Nigeria will get more assistance from the United States (US) in the battle against insecurity.
He disclosed this in Abuja at the end of a closed-door meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama.
John Finer who was accompanied to the meeting by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard stated that “Going forward, the security issues are very pretty- whether it’s terrorism or piracy – the U.S. can support.”
Finer further said “You mentioned democracy. The President is very much looking forward to conveying the summit for democracy in December. The pillar of this summit is going to be issues relating to election, corruption. Read more
Missing Vanguard’s NASS Reporter: Police working round the clock to unravel whereabouts ― FCT CP (Vanguard)
The Commissioner of Police FCT, Mr Babaji Sunday, has said that operatives of the Command are working round the clock to unravel the whereabouts of missing Vanguard House of Representatives Reporter, Mr Tordue Salem, who was last seen on Wednesday, last week in Abuja.
Mr Tordue was said to have been seen around the Total Filling Station, opposite the Police headquarters on Wednesday Evening and since then has not been seen again.
Speaking on the development on phone, CP Babaji acknowledged that the matter was reported at the National Assembly Police Station and when he was briefed, he immediately ordered a radio alert to all police divisions and area commands to commence the search for the journalist.
“We are seriously on the matter. However, we have not received any information about any kidnap or demand for ransom.Read more
Omo-Agege Salutes Muslims On Eid-el-Maulud, Calls For Prayers(Leadership)
On the commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called on Nigerians to renew their faith in God and intensify prayers for the country to surmount its challenges.
In the goodwill message contained in a statement signed by media adviser to the DSP, Yomi Odunuga, Senator Omo-Agege urged Muslim faithful to use the occasion of the Holy Prophet’s birthday anniversary to deepen love, patience and perseverance.
While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Maulud Nabiyyi celebration, the Delta Central lawmaker noted that the challenges facing the nation would better be confronted if such qualities were imbibed by all.
He urged the Muslim community to use the occasion to reflect on the essential lessons of the prophet’s life and pray for sustained peace in the country.
“I call on Muslims to embrace the exemplary conduct of Prophet Muhammad so as to ensure the growth and development of the country. They should also imbibe peaceful co-existence with people of other faith,” Omo-Agege said.
National Assembly: electronic voting to the rescue (Nation)
With the assurances provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerians are clamouring for the introduction of electronic transmission of election results and by extension, electronic voting in the next general elections. But, the only thing that may thwart the deployment of technology is the absence of an enabling law. Members of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, are not too optimistic that deploying technology that is yet to be tested on a large scale would be in the interest of the country. Yesterday, the parliament finally approved e-voting. Correspondent SANNI ONOGU reports
To many observers, politicians, civil society activists and members of academia, Nigeria’s readiness to adopt electronic voting for the conduct of the 2023 general elections is not in doubt. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also avowed its readiness to introduce e-voting in 2023 and future elections subject to enabling legislation being emplaced.
However, efforts to amend the Electoral Act 2010 to provide for e-voting have failed to yield desired results since 2015. However, yesterday, the parliament gave it nod. While the amendment done by the Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki-led Eight National Assembly suffered stillbirth due to President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal of assent, analysts fear that the ongoing efforts to realign the Electoral Act by making categorical provision for e-voting may suffer a similar fate going by the aversion to electronic transmission of results already displayed by the Ninth Senate.
With the assurance by INEC that it has worked out the modalities for further deployment of technology in future elections, provided the enabling law is put in place by the National Assembly, Nigerians are clamouring for the introduction of electronic transmission of election results and by extension e-voting. But, the lawmakers, particularly those in the upper legislative chamber, believe that deploying a technology that is yet to be tested on a large scale during the next general elections may not be in the interest of the country. Read more
PIA: PPPRA, PEF, DPR dead –Sylva (Sun)
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva, on Monday said the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) are now technically dead in line with the dictates of the recently-signed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that created new agencies to absorb them.
He made the disclosure while inaugurating the Chief Executives of the new agencies in Abuja
According to him, staff rationalisation and realignment were underway as the new agencies are to run as efficiently as possible to deliver on their mandate.
The new agencies are the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Downstream and Midstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which were created by the PIA to regulate the oil and gas industry. Read more
Obaseki firms grip on Edo PDP (Leadership)
In a bid to assert his leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State ahead of the national convention coming up later this month, a faction of the party in the state loyal to the Governor Godwin Obaseki suspended some party chieftains from the party.
The suspended party members include the South South national vice chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, the member representing Oredo Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon Ogbeide Ihama and other party officials.
Orbih who was PDP chairman in Edo State for almost 12 years before he was elected the South South vice chairman is alleged to be the arrow head of those opposed to the governor in having his way in the party.
Orbih, a political foot soldier and protégé of late Chief Tony Anenih is also said to be in the good books of the national leadership of the PDP owing to the robust opposition and leadership he displayed while he was PDP chairman in Edo. Read more
Police may charge commuters who failed to report rape on Philadelphia train (BBC)
Bystanders who stood by and failed to help a woman raped on a Philadelphia commuter train last week may face criminal charges, authorities have said.
Authorities say that CCTV cameras show that bystanders on the train “did nothing” as the assault took place.
Police added that some of the bystanders may have been filming the incident instead of calling police.
A man was arrested for the incident and now faces rape charges. Read more
Angelina Jolie’s kids wear her old dresses on ‘Eternals’ red carpet (NYPost)
That’s one eternally fashionable family.
Angelina Jolie brought five of her six kids to Monday night’s “Eternals” premiere, with the whole group dressed in vintage looks plucked from their mother’s closet.
Eldest daughter Zahara, 16, sparkled in the silver beaded Elie Saab Haute Couture gown Jolie, 46, wore to the 2014 Oscars.
Shiloh, 15, donned what appeared to be an altered version of the beige Gabriela Hearst slip dress her mom wore in Paris earlier this year, now featuring an asymmetrical hemline and folded neckline.
Maddox, 20, went classic in black suiting, while Vivienne, 13, opted for a knee-length cream dress with fluttering sleeves. Read more
Jill Biden paid a surprise visit to the woman who helped her regain faith in God (WashingtonPost)
For five years after the death of her son, Jill Biden says, she lost her faith in God. She “felt betrayed, broken” when Beau died of brain cancer at 46, and she had stopped going to church or even praying, she told the congregants of Brookland Baptist Church late Sunday afternoon. But she found her way back, and over the weekend traveled nearly 500 miles to surprise the woman who’d helped her get there.
Robin Jackson, the wife of the church’s pastor, is that woman, and in 2019, Biden said, she “changed my life.” That’s when Jackson approached Biden during a service and said she’d like to become her “prayer partner.” Biden didn’t know what a “prayer partner” was, she told PBS in 2020, but she was intrigued. They’ve kept in regular contact, and have been praying together, ever since. Every Wednesday for the past 2½ years, Jackson has texted Biden some words of prayer or just let her know that she’s been praying for her, and Biden texts back, no matter how busy she is.
“I don’t know if she sensed how moved I had been by the service,” said Biden, about that moment she first met Jackson. “I don’t know if she could see the grief that I feel still hides behind my smile. But I do know that when she spoke, it was if God was saying to me, ‘Okay, Jill, you’ve had enough time. It’s time to come home.’”
Biden’s visit came as a surprise to Jackson — the result of elaborate efforts by the first lady and her staff, and Jackson’s friends and family, to keep it quiet. Read more
Cleo Smith: ‘Grave concerns’ for Australian girl missing from beach campsite(BBC)
Australian police say they have “grave concerns” for a four-year-old girl who disappeared from a remote coastal campsite at the weekend.
Cleo Smith was last seen sleeping in her family’s tent at the Quobba Blowholes camping ground in Western Australia early on Saturday morning.
Her mother said early the next morning the tent was open, and the girl was gone, along with her sleeping bag.
An extensive air-and-sea search is continuing.
Cleo’s mother, Ellie Smith, told local media of their “horrendous” past few days. “We haven’t really slept,” she said at an emotional news conference.Read more
Coldplay wrote five James Bond theme songs but gave up as ‘they’re not very good’(Metro)
Chris Martin has revealed Coldplay wrote no less than five potential Bond themes but never submitted them as they weren’t very good.
The band had attempted to write the theme for five of the famous films over the last 20 years, but Chris himself admitted they simply weren’t up to the task of writing a theme suitable for the blockbuster series.
The Fix You singer said they were eventually forced to accept defeat, and said James Bond probably wouldn’t be into their music ‘at all’.
‘As much as I like the films, I don’t know if us singing would do it for him’, Chris joked to NME.Read more
Jewish Southlake residents on administrator’s Holocaust remark: ‘There are not two sides’ (NBC)
At a tense school board meeting Monday night in Southlake, Texas, a former student gave painful testimony about antisemitic bullying that he said he endured in the Carroll Independent School District.
Teachers grew emotional as they described feeling unsupported and under attack.
And many parents defended a district administrator who told teachers to offer students books showing “opposing” perspectives on the Holocaust, while also condemning that advice.
The administrator’s comment, secretly recorded by a Carroll staff member during a training session this month and shared with NBC News, sparked international outrage and put a spotlight on a new Texas law that requires teachers to present multiple perspectives when discussing “widely debated and currently controversial” issues. The administrator, Gina Peddy, the school district’s executive director of curriculum and instruction, has not replied to messages requesting comment. Read more
Witnesses say civilians killed as airstrikes hit Tigray capital (VOA)
Witnesses in Ethiopia’s Tigray region said at least two people were killed and several others were injured in two airstrikes Monday carried out by government forces on the regional capital, Mekelle.
Residents who spoke to VOA’s Tigrigna Service said the airstrikes hit two areas: the Enderta district in the morning and the Adi Haki market, later in the day.
The Ethiopian government initially denied launching the attacks, but the state-run Ethiopian Press Agency later acknowledged the airstrikes and said they targeted communications infrastructure.
“Action [was taken] against media and equipment used by the TPLF [Tigray People’s Liberation Front] terrorists in Mekelle,” the press statement said. The TPLF is a former member of the coalition that ruled Ethiopia for more than 30 years. In May, Ethiopia designated the group a terrorist organization. Read more
Cristiano Ronaldo recommends Zinedine Zidane to Manchester United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s replacement (Metro)
Cristiano Ronaldo has recommended Zinedine Zidane to Manchester United’s hierarchy as a potential replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to reports in Spain.
Solskjaer has come under increased pressure at Old Trafford following United’s 4-2 defeat to Leicester City on Saturday, which has left them without a win in their last three Premier League games.
It’s understood that United’s hierarchy are giving their full backing to Solskjaer and are confident the 48-year-old, who signed a three-year contract in July, will improve the team’s performances.
But according to El Chiringuito, United have been considering their options and have identified Zidane as a possible candidate following a recommendation from Ronaldo. Read more
Celtic beat Ferencvaros to keep Europa League hopes alive (BBC)
Celtic salvaged their Europa League knockout hopes with a hard-fought win over Hungarian champions Ferencvaros.
Kyogo Furuhashi slid home the opener from a sublime Jota pass after a frustrating first half.
Balint Vecsei’s unfortunate own goal confirmed victory after Callum McGregor’s earlier penalty miss had prolonged Celtic’s nerves in Glasgow.
It meant a near full Celtic Park was able to celebrate a first group stage win following a difficult start. Read more
Chukwueze return good news for Eagles –Shorunmu (Punch)
Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, has described the return of Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze as good news for the national team.
The Nigeria international has been out of action since May 6, when he was injured in his club’s Europa League semi-final tie at Arsenal, but made a return to the Yellow Submarines clash against Mallorca last weekend.
The injury eventually ruled him out of the final against Manchester United. He has also been absent from the Eagles 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Chukwueze has also been forced to miss the Yellow Submarines’ six opening LaLiga matches and their Group F Champions League games. Read more
Red Sox edge closer to World Series after Schwarber’s grand slam(Guardian)
Kyle Schwarber hit a grand slam – Boston’s third in two games – and the Red Sox routed the Houston Astros for the second straight time, winning 12-3 on Monday night to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series.
One game after JD Martinez and Rafael Devers each cleared the bases, Schwarber hit a second-inning 3-0 pitch 430 feet into the right field grandstand. Boston are the first team ever with three slams in a postseason series.
Martinez and Devers each homered again, Christian Arroyo also hit one, and Kike Hernandez had two more hits for Boston, who could advance to the World Series with victories at Fenway Park in Games 4 and 5 on Tuesday night and Wednesday. The Astros need to win at least one to send the series back to Houston. Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez gave up five hits, including Kyle Tucker’s three-run homer, and struck out seven. He retired Carlos Correa to end the sixth and walked off the mound tapping his wrist to clap back at the Astros shortstop, who used the same gesture after a tiebreaking homer in Game 1 to signal that it was Houston’s time.
Things have changed.Read more
‘I’m really touched’, Chelsea’s Mendy breaks silence on Ballon d’Or snub(Punch)
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has broken his silence after he was one of the bigger names to miss the cut.
The Senegal international has enjoyed a wonderful start to life at Stamford Bridge, winning the 2021 Champions League and helping the Blues finish in the top four of the Premier League.
His performance in Saturday’s win at Brentford – in which he made a string of saves to keep out his team’s west London rivals – has only drawn further attention to the omission.
However, after being left off a list that includes five of his Chelsea team-mates, Mendy has broken his silence on the matter, Mirror Uk reports.
A number of players have spoken out about Mendy’s absence from the list, including his international team-mate Sadio Mane.Read more
Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open appearance in doubt as official delivers vaccination warning (Metro)
Novak Djokovic admits he is still unsure if he will compete at the Australian Open with it unclear on what restrictions tennis players will have to undergo in order to compete.
The defending champion and world No.1 will be hoping to kick off the 2022 season in style when the tournament begins in mid-January but a government official believes there’s no chance of any unvaccinated player making it to Australia to compete.
The state of Victoria has introduced a vaccination mandate for professional athletes to help reduce the number of coronavirus cases and limit the spread.
Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said: ‘I don’t think an unvaccinated tennis player is going to get a visa to come into this country and if they did get a visa they’d probably have to quarantine for a couple of weeks. Read more