Actor Doyin Hassan, wife welcome child after 24 years (DailyTrust)
Veteran actor and director, Doyin Hassan, has welcomed a child with his wife after waiting for 24 years.
He is best known for his role in the Mount Zion Faith Ministries.
This was revealed by the actor who posted pictures on his Instagram page on Monday. Read more
Presidential peace pact will be implemented, it’s not a death sentence – Fubara (Channels)
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says he is committed to implementing the eight-point presidential peace agreement on the political crisis in the state.
Governor Fubara stated this in a Christmas Broadcast on Monday morning.
He, however, assured that agreement will be implemented in a way that will not compromise the collective interest of the people and democratic values. Read more
I’ll assess Tinubu’s administration after 1 year – Soyinka (Vanguard)
Nobel laureate and academic, Prof. Wole Soyinka said he would assess President Bola Tinubu’s administration after one year into his tenure.
Soyinka stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the President Tinubu in Lagos.
The literary icon, who described this as a personal policy of his, said this one-year delay gives the President enough time to “make up” for lost grounds. Read more
Technician steals 4 solar panels after installation on Lagos streets (Punch)
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old technician, Emmanuel Achogwu, for vandalising solar panels installed to power streetlights.
This was made known in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on his X account on Monday.
He wrote, “Recently, #followlasg installed some solar-powered street lights in some parts of the state. A few weeks later, the solar panels are being stolen.
“The police was informed and got to work. A few days back, 30-year-old Emmanuel Achogwu was arrested by officers from Alausa Division on Ikosi Road with four solar panels, moments after he removed them. Read more
Resume in 7 days or face legal action, NGO warns Osun JUSUN (Sun)
The World Institute for Peace has issued a seven day ultimatum to the striking Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Osun State to call off their ongoing strike or face legal action.
The NGO also called on the Federal Government to increase the salary of the country’s military personnel, noting that they are not being adequately compensated for their sacrifices and dedication to the country.
The Executive Director, World Institute for Peace, Lamina Omotoyosi, gave the warning at a press conference. Read more
Black Christmas in Plateau as assailants kill over 70 (Channels)
No fewer than 76 persons were reportedly killed by assailants in fresh attacks on several communities of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Monday Kasa, told Channels Television that the coordinated attacks occurred on Saturday and lasted into the Christmas Eve when residents were already in the festive mood.
The local government boss explained further that the casualty figures is increasing as more dead bodies are been recovered by the team of security personnel, local vigilantes and hunters who are still going through the bushes combing the communities in search of missing persons who were ambushed during the attacks. Read more
Onjeh greets constituents on Christmas, prays for peace, prosperity (Nation)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Benue South senatorial district in the 2023 elections and former Chairman of the Governing Board of PRODA, Enugu, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has greeted his constituents and Nigerians for Christmas.
“Christmas is a time for reflection, celebration, and the renewal of hope. It is a reminder of the universal message of love, peace, and goodwill that transcends ethnicity, religion, and political affiliations,” Onjeh stated.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the district, including security concerns and economic hardship. Read more
Why Islamic cleric who criticised Kwara governor was arrested – Police (Guardian)
The Kwara State Police Command has clarified a report about the arrest of an elderly resident identified as Alhaji Abdulganiyu Babaimole for criticising Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over the ‘poorly constructed’ Tanke Flyover Bridge.
The Kwara Police spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement to said it wishes to clarify a report by Sahara Reporters’ December 23, 2023 that a team of police officers led by the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Surveillance, CSP Mustapha Olayemi arrested Babaimole.
“Contrary to the report by Sahara Reporters regarding the misinformation in circulation as regards the sequence of arrest of one Alhaji Abdulganiyu Babaimole, Kwara State Command has decided to put the records straight,” Ejire-Adeyemi said. Read more
Aquaman sequel drifts to first at the box office on the weekend before Christmas Monday (NBC)
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom led a crowd of new releases at the box office on the weekend before Christmas Monday. The DC and Warner Bros. superhero sequel starring Jason Momoa earned an estimated $28.1 million in its first three days of release in 3,706 locations in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday. By Monday it is projected to have around $40 million in domestic ticket sales.
Despite many new offerings — including the family friendly animated film Migration, the R-rated romantic comedy Anyone But You, the wrestling tragedy The Iron Claw and a ghostly tearjerker in All of Us Strangers — this will go down as a quieter pre-holiday frame at the box office. Moviegoing audiences perhaps just had other priorities than going to the cinema.
It is never great for Hollywood or theaters when Christmas Eve falls on a prime weekend day, but the last time Christmas was on a Monday, in 2017, Star Wars: The Last Jedi dominated the four-day charts with $71.5 million from its second weekend. Read more
DRC: Belgian election observer commits suicide in Kinshasa (AfricaNews)
A Belgian IT expert present in Kinshasa to support the European mission observing the Congolese elections committed suicide on Friday night, throwing himself from the 12th floor of a hotel in the DRC capital, diplomatic sources said on Sunday.
The Congolese press reported the fatal fall on Sunday morning, and an investigation has been opened in Kinshasa.
In Brussels, the EU said it had been informed of the “tragic incident”, according to a spokeswoman interviewed by AFP. “Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family, friends and colleagues”, she added. Read more
Serbia protests: Anti-government demonstrators try to storm Belgrade city hall (BBC)
Police in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, have used tear gas to disperse crowds protesting over alleged fraud in last week’s general election.
They intervened after some of the crowd outside the city hall smashed windows and attempted to force their way in.
Opposition activists say police used excessive force on Sunday. Read more
King Charles and Queen Camilla lead Christmas walk during an extra special year for Camilla (People)
King Charles and Queen Camilla are spending Christmas with family.
The monarch, 75, and his wife, 76, lead the royal family during their annual walk to church on Christmas Day. Each year, they attend the service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Norfolk, near the royal residence of Sandringham.
Both King Charles and Queen Camilla walked with an umbrella, ready for any rain. Read more
Plumber to go on tour with his music after being discovered while singing at work (Sky)
A plumber is about to realise a decade-long dream of going on tour with his music – as his story is made into a Hollywood film.
Kev Crane, 51, from Quorn in Leicestershire, says he is fitting one more bathroom in January before preparing for a singing tour of football clubs in the spring, after his talents were discovered while he was working.
“I was singing in the bathroom, the next door neighbour heard me singing away, he said to Paul who owns News Reality Records ‘who’s that guy singing in your bathroom?’ he says ‘the plumber’. Read more
Mike Nussbaum, oldest working U.S. actor known for Men in Black and Field of Dreams, dies at 99 (PBS)
Mike Nussbaum, reputed as the oldest professional actor in America with a prolific stage career and roles in films including Field of Dreams and Men in Black, has died. He was 99.
He died of old age at his Chicago home on Saturday, just days before his 100th birthday, his daughter, Karen Nussbaum, told The Associated Press.
“He was a good father and a good man who raised us to care about other people and respect other people and care about justice,” she said. Read more
Ukraine snubs Russia, celebrates Christmas on Dec 25 for first time (CBS)
Ukrainian Orthodox Christians attended services on Sunday as the country for the first time celebrated Christmas on December 25, after the government changed the date from January 7, when most Orthodox believers celebrate, as a snub to Russia.
“All Ukrainians are together,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a Christmas message released Sunday evening. “We all celebrate Christmas together. On the same date, as one big family, as one nation, as one united country.”
In the southern Black Sea port of Odesa, churchgoers prayed and lit candles as priests in gold vestments held a Christmas Eve service in the Cathedral of the Nativity, decorated with fir trees and a nativity scene. Read more
Xmas: Remo Stars shower gratitude on fans, community (CompleteSports)
Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) isn’t just scoring goals on the field – they’re spreading the love off the pitch too! The Management and Players of RSFC have showered gratitude on their fans and the local community for unwavering support throughout the year.
In a heartwarming gesture, players flocked to share essential goodies like rice, garri, groundnut oil, and chicken with the devoted supporters of the club. Captain Junior Nduka emphasised the spirit of Christmas, highlighting the season’s essence of love and kindness. He expressed the team’s commitment to reigniting acts of compassion, especially towards the vulnerable members of the community. Read more
NNL fines Malantaarki Care N1m, insists on zero tolerance to violence (Leadership)
The Nigeria National League has fined Mailantarki Care N1m for failing to control their supporters during the matchday five fixture against Adamawa United.
Mailantarki Care supporters were reported to have harassed and intimidated the match officials during the encounter.
The action is said to have contravened the NNL rules of engagement. Read more
John McEnroe has made it clear how he ranks Novak Djokovic among all-time greats (Express)
John McEnroe gushed over Novak Djokovic after the Serbian won his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open. After he was denied entry into the United States due to refusing a coronavirus vaccination in 2022, the 36-year-old returned to Flushing Meadows this past year determined to win his fourth title in New York.
Following a scare in the third round when he recovered from two sets down to beat compatriot Laslo Djere, Djokovic stormed through the field to win his third major of 2023. This is the fourth time in the tennis legend’s illustrious career that he has claimed a hat-trick of Grand Slams in the same season, and McEnroe was left in awe of the World No. 1’s staggering achievements. Read more
Draymond Green using virtual meetings to chart return (ABC)
Beyond individual counseling sessions, suspended Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is participating in periodic virtual meetings designed to chart his progress toward reinstatement that include team, league and union officials, sources told ESPN.
These Zoom meetings are playing a role in how the NBA, National Basketball Players Association and the Warriors measure Green’s progress toward working through whatever issues might have contributed to repeated violent episodes with opponents and a former teammate, sources said. Green — a four-time champion and two-time All-NBA player — has been described as open and engaged in the aftermath of the league-imposed indefinite suspension on December 13.
Green’s agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., team trainer Rick Celebrini, NBPA and NBA officials are part of these ongoing sessions, sources said. Read more
Mauricio Pochettino ‘‘very pleased’’ with Chelsea star despite Wolves defeat (Express)
Mauricio Pochettino singled out Chelsea debutant Christopher Nkunku for special praise after the Blues fell to another lacklustre defeat at the hands of Wolves. Nkunku was introduced as a late substitute at Molineux and marked his arrival in the Premier League with a goal, but he was just about the only bright spark for Chelsea.
Goals from Mario Lemina and Matt Doherty secured all three points for the hosts, with Nkunku’s headed finish in stoppage time failing to inspire a late Chelsea comeback. Pochettino had plenty of reasons to be unhappy after the final whistle but was quick to praise Nkunku, who had an immediate impact for the Blues following months of injury turmoil. Read more
Max Verstappen opens up on relationship with Penelope Kvyat (F1News)
Max Verstappen has been officially dating model Kelly Piquet since the start of 2021, with the daughter of three-time World Champion Nelson Piquet often seen by the Dutchman’s side at the races.
The duo has formed a very strong bond, as has Verstappen with his partner’s daughter, Penelope.
Penelope’s father is ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, who Verstappen actually replaced at Red Bull back at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. Read more