Amotekun hunts ritualists as Osun sex worker vomits blood after proposed threesome (Punch)
A sex worker living in Ofatedo, Osun State has reportedly developed strange illness by vomiting blood, after an encounter with some suspected ritualists in a hotel around West bypass, Osogbo.
Some residents of Adetunji Estate, Osogbo, who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday explained that the victim, whose identity could not be immediately ascertained, was dumped by some unknown men at the entrance to the street late on Friday, almost unconscious.
A resident, who simply identified herself as Tope, during an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, explained that immediately the lady was seen struggling to move after she was dropped by a motorcycle in the area, men of Amotekun Corps were contacted.
Speaking further on the incident, the Field Commander, Osun Amotekun Corps, Mr. Amitolu Shittu, said after receiving distress call, he led the team that visited the scene.Read more
COVID-19: Buhari is fine, says Femi Adesina (DailyTrust)
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, says President Muhammadu Buhari is fine despite the fact that some of his aides tested positive for COVID-19.
Adesina said this when he appeared on Sunday Politics on Channels Television.
Adesina said presidential aides going on self-isolation after testing positive to COVID-19 confirmed that remained human and not immune to happenings around them.
“Well, what I like to say is that presidential aides are just human. They can fall sick. If anything happens to human beings, it can also happen to presidential aides. The fact that we are presidential aides does not make us to be immune to certain things. Read more
Odudu Otu emerges Gulder Ultimate Search winner (Sun)
Odudu Ime Otu has emerged winner of Gulder Ultimate Search season 12.
He beat other contestants to emerge victorious last night, smiling home with N20 million cash and a brand new SUV among other prizes.
More than 20,000 Nigerians applied for this season’s Gulder Ultimate Search regional selection process before those who made the long list were sent to the Sea School.
Ultimately, 20 names were shortlisted with 16 of them confirmed. Odudu was one of the last four and was only confirmed to join the rest on the unveiling day.
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When the contestant arrived at the jungle for the first time, the host, Toke Makinwa, asked the wildcards to identify themselves and urged them to make the best use of that opportunity. Odudu did just that as he blended into the game making sure to give his best. Read more
TV celebrity Angie Diale is dead
(Vanguard)
It was an inhospitable Christmas for the Diale family due to the death of much loved TV presenter Angie Diale.
After the Diale family confirmed the death of Mam’ Angie, tributes have been pouring in from sympathisers.
Diale, of Please Step in Fame, who complained about shortness of breath and other respiratory issues, was taken to the hospital, where she was admitted and later died.
She is a celebrated HIV activist who had championed and fought for human rights.
Mam’ Angie is survived by her mother Mirriam Mosala, husband Billy Diale, brother Kenosi “Solo” Tau, children Olerato and Tshepa and grandson Oitumetse. Read more
COVID-19: Anxiety as Nigeria records 21 deaths, 1,305 new infections (Sun)
No fewer than 21 Nigerians died on December 25 (Christmas day) from COVID-19 complications even as the death toll from the virus in the country hits 3,014.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made this known in its daily update, yesterday, where it also announced 1,305 new cases on Christmas day with Lagos topping the list with 705.
The new infections bring the total number of COVID-19 cases recorded in Nigeria to 236,014 and also raised concerns on the need to have more Nigerians embrace the vaccines to curb the spread of the virus and the attendant deaths.
“The 1, 305 new cases are reported from 14 states – Lagos, 705; Oyo, 234; Ondo,88; Kaduna,79; Rivers,78; Ogun,30; Anambra,25; Kano, 24; Enugu,12; Ekiti,11; Jigawa, six; Osun, six; Plateau, six and Zamfara, one.
“Till date, 236, 014 cases have been confirmed, 212, 357 cases have been discharged and 3, 014 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre, activated at level two, continues to coordinate the national response activities,” the NCDC said. Read more
FG free train ride to gulp N130.8m revenue (Punch)
The Federal Government’s decision to declare free passenger rides from December 24, 2021 to January 4, 2022, is expected to gulp N130.8m, The PUNCH reports.
The Spokesman for the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Yakub Mahmood, said passenger trains on both standard and narrow gauge lines, which include Abuja to Kaduna, Lagos to Ibadan, Warri to Itakpe, Kano to Lagos, Minna to Kaduna, Aba to Port Harcourt routes are now all free for 12 days.
The NRC had revealed in July that the corporation generates an average of N327m every month from its different routes, approximately N10.9m per day.
With 12 days declared free for all passengers, this implies that the programme would gulp N130.8m.
The Managing Director, NRC, Fred Okhiria, had explained that with the introduction of an additional Diesel Multiple Unit, the corporation had increased the number of train trips between Abuja and Kaduna from eight to 10 per day just as the trips on that route had been increased from four to six for Wednesdays.Read more
1.5m Nigerians in Italy need passport — Diaspora organisation (Vanguard)
Mr George Omo-Iduhon, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), Italy Chapter, said more than 1.5 million registered Nigerians urgently needed the Nigerian passport.
Omo-Iduhon stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday while reflecting on the activities of NIDOE in Europe.
NAN reports that NIDOE is the European arm of a global Nigerian diaspora network, established in the year 2000 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
NIDOE has its headquarters in London, where it serves 21 regional chapters.
Omo-Iduhon said that out of about three million Nigerians registered in Italy, 1.5 million of them needed passports, which had prevented them from returning home or getting jobs. Read more
Okorocha: Uzodimma deceived IGP to arrest my son-in-law (DailyTrust)
A former governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha has said his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, was arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
He, however, said the IGP was deceived by his successor, Hope Uzodimma.
Nwosu was arrested in a commando style during a church service at St Peter’s Anglican church, Eziama Obieri in the Nkwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Okorocha who briefed journalists at his Spilbat mansion in Owerri, the state capital, said the policemen who carried out the operation, pushed his wife, Nkechi, down and tore the clothes of his first daughter, Uloma.
He accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of deceiving the inspector General of Police into desecrating the church of worship by arresting Nwosu. Read more
Don’t take part in strikes, Ngige charges newly-inducted doctors (Vanguard)
The Federal Government has charged newly-inducted medical graduates to desist from participating in incessant strikes by doctors in the country.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige gave the charge in a statement signed by Charles Akpan, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, on Sunday in Abuja.
Ngige gave the charge while speaking at the induction of six medical graduates of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Ngige whose son, Dr Andrew Ngige, is among the new inductees, urged the medical graduates to be of good behaviour and uphold the highest ethical standards while carrying out their duties. Read more
Nicole Kidman recalls Stanley Kubrick telling her she is a ‘character actress’ (Independent)
Nicole Kidman has recalled being told she is a “character actress” by Stanley Kubrick.
In a new interview with The Guardian, which was published today (26 December), the Big Little Lies actor spoke about the definition of a “movie star”.
The 54-year-old said: “That term confuses me. Can you define it? It’s too cerebral for me.”
She continued: “I can only go to what Stanley Kubrick would say to me, which was, ‘Nicole, you’re a character actress.’
“Usually I’m resistant to labels. There’s a new generation now, saying, ‘No, you don’t get to define me just this way.’ I’m hugely supportive of this. And you can also change. I love that.” Read more
Huge toll of extreme weather disasters in 2021 linked to climate change (BBC)
Weather events, linked to a changing climate, brought misery to millions around the world in 2021 according to a new report.
The study, from the charity Christian Aid, identified 10 extreme events that each caused more than $1.5bn of damage.
The biggest financial impacts were from Hurricane Ida which hit the US in August and flooding in Europe in July.
In many poorer regions, floods and storms caused mass displacements of people and severe suffering.Read more
Peter Dinklage happy to see films with ‘love stories outside that Hollywood box’ (Metro)
Actor Peter Dinklage has spoken about Hollywood ‘opening up that box’ when it comes to telling different romantic stories, diverging from the idea ‘beautiful white people own the rights’ to them.
The Game Of Thrones star, 52, who portrayed scheming nobleman Tyrion Lannister in the popular series, will next be seen playing the lead role of Cyrano de Bergerac in musical film Cyrano.
He previously played the role in a stage musical written by his wife Erica Schmidt, which was an adaptation of the French play by Edmond Rostand.
The film, directed by Joe Wright, sees his character, a wordsmith, become entangled in a love triangle when he is too self-conscious to pursue the woman he is in love with, Roxanne – played by Haley Bennett – and instead helps a young man called Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr) win her heart by writing love letters on his behalf. Read more
Spider-Man: No Way Home is going to get an Oscar campaign (DigitalSpy)
The final chapter in the newest Spider-Man trilogy, Spider-Man: No Way Home is going all in ahead of the next Academy Awards.
The latest Tom Holland outing will get its very own Oscar campaign, trying to score a nomination or two next February, when the nods will be announced before the ceremony takes place at the end of March.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Academy members can catch the film for free thanks to dedicated “pass-ins” for anyone with an Academy member card at a commercial cinema. The film will then be added to the Academy members-only streaming service to maximise the chances of members watching it.
“Anything that makes people aware of the movie is something that, obviously, we’re all going to give our all to,” producer Amy Pascal said.
“And the studio has been very generous and supportive. They seem really gung-ho.”
For his part, Holland said it would be great for cast and crew to get some recognition this award season. Read more
Never give up, says young woman bucking the unemployment trend (TimesLive)
Ponani Shikweni was 16 when she arrived in Gauteng’s Alexandra Township in 2007. She had moved away from her home village in Giyani, Limpopo, and had arrived looking for any opportunity she could find.
Prepared to work hard, she found employment as a sweeper for a construction company in the inner-city, but lost the job in 2012.
In 2013 she volunteered as a caregiver for an organisation helping orphans and vulnerable children in Alex. But while it was satisfying work, it didn’t bring in an income, and paying jobs were hard to come by.
“I was helping the gogos who care for their grandchildren, making sure they take their own medication. I was helping the children with their homework, but I needed a job,” she said. Read more
Queen Elizabeth remembers Prince Philip in Christmas message (ABC)
Queen Elizabeth remembered her late husband, Prince Philip, in Christmas Day remarks released Saturday.
“Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones,” the queen said in the pre-recorded address. “This year, especially, I understand why.”
“But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world,” she continued.
Philip died in April at the age of 99, after retiring from royal duties in 2017. He and Elizabeth had been married since 1947. Read more
Claws’ Judy Reyes shares what she’ll miss most about playing Quiet Ann (People)
Saying goodbye isn’t easy — just ask actress Judy Reyes.
The TV veteran, 54, previously parted ways with longtime roles on Scrubs and Devious Maids. Now, she will be saying farewell again when the fourth and final season of Claws airs its remaining episodes.
Claws, which first premiered on TNT in 2017, follows five Florida-based manicurists as they get entangled in the world of organized crime. Reyes stars as Annalise “Quiet Ann” Zayas alongside Niecy Nash (Desna Simms), Karrueche Tran (Virginia Loc), Carrie Preston (Polly Marks) and Jenn Lyon (Jennifer Husser).
As the series prepares to wrap next year, Reyes tells PEOPLE what she’ll miss about portraying Quiet Ann: “For sure, the baggy clothes and wearing no makeup.”
“I can’t even tell you what both a relief that is and how inspiring it was to further creating the character — to create something completely different and break the way I’ve been seen as an actor and just really collapsed into being a character actor with all these other talented people who actually do the same and embrace the same,” she continues. “So the freedom of being, visually, a completely different person, just kind of really inspired me. That’s what I’ll miss.” Read more
Oshoala, Nnadozie named in IFFHS Women’s CAF Team of the Year (Punch)
Super Falcons quartet Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale and Ngozi Okobi have been named in the International Federation of Football History and Statistics Women’s CAF Team of the Year for 2021.
The selection of Nigeria’s goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward in the ceremonial Best XI of 2021 means the country contributed a player in each position on the pitch.
Oshoala was part of the formidable Barcelona side that won the treble – UEFA Women’s Champions League,Primera División and Copa de la Reina – in the 2020/21 season. Nnadozie was outstanding again since she joined up Paris FC in France keeping six clean sheets so far this season.
On her own part, Ohale, a strong and agile defender has also contributed four goals so far with her goal against Barcelona in June a memorable one. Read more
Mikel Arteta updates on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future after Arsenal beat Norwich (Metro)
Mikel Arteta claims Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s situation is being decided ‘game by game’ after the striker was left out of Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Norwich City on Boxing Day.
The 32-year-old was stripped of the captaincy this month following a disciplinary breach and has not featured for Arsenal since the 2-1 defeat to Everton on December 6.
In Aubameyang’s absence, Arsenal have won all five of their matches and their latest display was impressive as Arteta’s men comfortably brushed aside Norwich at Carrow Road.
Aubameyang is set to leave Arsenal’s squad at the start of January to be a part of Gabon’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which begins against Comoros on January 10. Read more
Organisers predict Oregun Boxing Club to produce world champions (Guardian)
Organisers of the yearly Oba of Oregun Boxing Fiesta, held at the weekend, have predicted the competition will soon produce world champions for Nigeria.
Sleeky Benson Adeyinka, who pummeled Bamgbola Babatunde to submission in their middleweight clash, has been a hero at Oregun before and after the fight watched by an appreciable crowd at Oregun High School, Lagos.
An excited Adeyinka said he has everything except money to conquer the world. Chief Organiser of the event, Deji Hamilton Bakare, applauded the pugilists for their doggedness, skills, discipline and commitment, while lauding Oba of Oregun, Dr. Olukumi Olusesan Akingbola (Ikudoro 1), philanthropist and MD/CEO Jaunty Nigeria Enterprises, Obembe Oladiran and veteran sports journalist, Deji Omotoyinbo, for their moral and financial backing.
While seeking support from the corporate world, he stated that more training programmes and championships would be organised regularly. Read more
Jorginho double as Chelsea beat Villa (BBC)
Jorginho scored two penalties as Chelsea fought back from a goal down to beat Aston Villa and move level on points with second-placed Liverpool.
Villa had taken a fortunate lead in the 28th minute when Matt Targett’s whipped cross from the left was met by Chelsea defender Reece James and his glancing header diverted the ball past Edouard Mendy and into the net for an own goal.
But Chelsea were level six minutes later with Jorginho converting a penalty after Callum Hudson-Odoi had been brought down by Matty Cash’s clumsy challenge in the 18-yard box.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku, who had missed three matches because of Covid-19, came on at the start of the second half and scored within 11 minutes, heading in from Hudson-Odoi’s cross.
Lukaku helped create Chelsea’s third as he won an injury-time penalty, which Jorginho converted for his second goal of the game. Read more
Awoniyi at AFCON will hurt Union – Fischer (Punch)
Union Berlin manager, Urs Fischer, has disclosed that his side will miss the services of star striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, when he joins up with the Super Eagles ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in January.
Awoniyi was amongst the 28-man squad listed by interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, for the AFCON billed to hold between January 9 to February 6 in Cameroon.
Awoniyi has been one of the most influential players for the German side this season since making his loan move from English giants Liverpool permanently in the summer. He has scored 14 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions this season with nine of the goals coming in the Bundesliga in 17 outings.
The Nigeria international could miss as much as five league games should the three-time AFCON winners reach the final of the competition. Read more
Afini avenges defeat, wins N1m prize money at GOtv Boxing Night 24 (Guardian)
Abiodun ‘Infiniti’ Afinni, at the weekend, emerged the national cruiserweight champion by defeating Michael ‘Emirate’ Godwin by split decision at GOtv Boxing Night 24.
His performance at the show, which held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, won him the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer and the N1 million cash prize attached.
Afinni won a little more than the title and cash prize. His defeat of Godwin was a revenge for his own loss to the same opponent at GOtv Boxing Night 23.
The seven-bout event, which featured live musical performance by Jamopyper, also saw Nigeria’s Rilwan ‘Baby Face’ Babatunde retain his World Boxing Federation international welterweight title by defeating Justice ‘Qwick Action’ of Ghana by unanimous decision. Read more
Anthony Martial: Manchester United striker tells club he wants to leave (BBC)
French striker Anthony Martial has told Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick he wants to leave.
Rangnick said he “spoke at length” on Wednesday with the 26-year-old, who told him “it’s the right time for a change”.
Martial has started just two Premier League games this season, scoring once.
Despite his desire to leave Old Trafford, Rangnick confirmed the club had not yet received an offer for the forward.
The player’s agent Philippe Lamboley confirmed earlier this month Martial wanted to leave the club in January, adding he would “speak to the club soon”Read more