Army offers free medical services in Nnamdi Kanu’s community (Guardian)
The 14 Brigade Nigerian Army in Abia, on Saturday conducted free medical outreach in Afaraukwu-Ibekwu, the hometown of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the services rendered included medical consultation, laboratory investigation, eye care, distribution of eyeglasses, and treated mosquito nets.
Others were check up on diabetes, blood sugar, and blood pressure, voluntary HIV testing and counseling, provision of free drugs, and malaria prevention awareness, and treatment, among others.
The Brigade Commander, Brig-Gen Adegoke Adetuyi, said the free medical outreach was part of civil-military cooperation under Exercise Golden Dawn II. Read more
Beware of thieves, FG cautions Nigerians travelling to UK, US (Tribune)
The Federal Government on Monday issued travel advice to Nigerian travellers in the United States and Europe over what it observed as the increasing loss of personal valuables to robbers in highbrow areas of cities in the countries.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, gave the advice in his opening remarks at the 5th edition of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Scorecard briefing featuring his Agriculture and Rural Development counterpart. Dr Mohammed Abubakar, in Abuja.
He pointed out that the government was in possession of Information that Nigerians were having their personal belongings including international passports and money stolen from them.
Mohammed said the government had therefore considered it necessary to request travellers to be cautious. Read more
Fuel scarcity worsens in Lagos, stations accused of hoarding (DailyTrust)
Lagosians on Monday morning woke up to another week of acute fuel shortage as more filling stations were under lock and key, saying they had ran out of fuel.
But the few stations dispensing, especially the NNPC retail outlets, are being accused of hoarding fuel, refusing to sell to motorists who have been on the queue since 5am.
At an NNPC retail outlet opposite Omole-1 gate along Ogunnusi Road, Ojodu-Berger, many motorists expressed anger over the refusal of the station to sell fuel when they actually had the product.
Motorists were told this morning that they would only start dispensing fuel by 10:00 even though they normally resume by 7 a.m. Read more
What Obi, LP will do in 4 years – Datti Ahmed (Vanguard)
Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Senator Yusuf Datti Ahmed, has said that from the first month in office, Nigerians would start seeing clear changes if the LP Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi is elected, next year.
Speaking on a one-on-one programme on Channels Television, kidnapping for ransom, subsidy racketeering, and money laundering among others would be tackled and the economy would be boosted via investment in agriculture, infrastructure and attraction of foreign direct investments.
Asked what the Obi-Datti presidency would do in four years, he said: “Before you get to four years, in the first month, stop the killing and start the healing; stop the stealing and start the keeping; stop the slide and start the climb.
“And in four years, you will see huge farmlands in the North; expansive roads going all over; industries in Kano and Kaduna; huge manufacturing outfits; refineries all over Southern Nigeria; more bridges across the Niger; universities won’t be on strike for four years; a stable naira; and armed robbery will be a thing of the past. A community being attacked at night will be history. Kidnap on federal network, make a phone call on our GSM, no. We will fish you out wherever you are. Nigerian armed forces will serve justice on you. Read more
LIRS officials cry out over lopsided promotions, victimisation (Independent)
A number of staff of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), have cried out over what they described as injustice, favouritism, lopsided promotions and victimisation by Mr. Ayodele Subair, the Chairman of Lagos internal revenue Service.
According to the staff of the Agency who spoke with Journalists on the condition of anonymity said they are not out to malign the personality of their boss, but to make public, the administrative crisis rocking the organisation outrightly generated and sustained by Mr. Subair.
The crisis according to the aggrieved officials started in what seems like an internal policy summersault, Subair led administration decided to jettison an earlier circular sent on August 15, 2022, signed by the Director of Administration/HR, calibrating the three scoring components for earning marks in the promotional exams. Read more
Car hits ‘‘okada’’ on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 4 injured (Punch)
Four persons have sustained varying degrees of injuries after a car hit them at Forthright Junction along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday morning.
Eyewitnesses claim that the car, which was speeding, swerved into the turning lane and in the process hit the victims.
Our correspondent observed that while two of the male victims fell on the sides of the vehicle, the female victim ended up on the boot.
The other person in the car was also injured. Read more
Adeleke dethrones 3 Osun monarchs (Vanguard)
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has dethroned three monarchs appointed by his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Former Governor Oyetola appointed several monarchs a few weeks before handing over the government to Adeleke. These include Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Yinusa Akadiri, Aree of Iree, Oba Ademola Oluponle and Oba Adegboyega Famodun.
The former governor also approved the appointment of 30 permanent secretaries into the various ministries.
However, Adeleke in statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed about 24 hours after inauguration announced that the thrones of Akirun of Akirun, Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo remain unoccupied pending the outcome of a Committee of Inquiry to review their appointments and subsequent installations. Read more
Fire guts Ondo broadcast station (Nation)
There was a temporary shutdown of transmission at the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) when fire engulfed parts of the building in Akure, the state capital.
The fire, which erupted on Sunday morning, was said to have affected some offices on its first floor.
Men of the Ondo State Fire Service who responded to the distress call were said to have put out the fire and stopped it from spreading to the studio.
The complex housed three stations of the media group and is the headquarters of the state government-owned broadcast media, the OSRC. Read more
Joss Stone announces 2023 London Palladium gig (MusicNews)
Joss Stone will play the iconic London Palladium on March 7, as part of the ‘20 Years of Soul’ tour.
The ‘Right to be Wrong’ hitmaker will mark the 20th anniversary of her platinum-selling debut studio album ‘The Soul Sessions’ with a stop off at the legendary concert hall and other dates, TBC, in February and March next year.
Joss said: “I am so excited to play London again. I always love playing at home in the UK.”
Meanwhile, the ‘Super Duper Love’ hitmaker is hoping to bag this year’s Christmas Number One. Read more
Lizzo talks ‘‘racist origin’’ of pop music and what it’s like being a black pop star (HuffPost)
Lizzo opened up about the stigma she’s faced as a Black pop music artist and how the genre has a “racist origin” in an interview with Entertainment Weekly published on Friday.
The “Special” singer talked about how Black artists have been cut off from pop music, and the history of race music or “race records” — music made by Black artists and marketed to Black people in the early 20th century.
“Race music was their way of segregating Black artists from being mainstream, because they didn’t want their kids listening to music created by Black and brown people because they said it was demonic and yada, yada, yada,” she told the publication.
Lizzo later said she thinks it’s the “coolest thing” that rap and hip-hop are now considered mainstream and pop. She added that her style of music is somewhat reminiscent of “pop diva records” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey in the late ’80s and early ’90s, but with “a little bit of rap.” Read more
Bambi to become crazed killer as kids’ classic gets horrifying makeover (DailyStar)
From the makers of Blood and Honey: get ready for a grisly Bambi remake.
The cute, friendly fawn is set to contract rabies and turn into a “vicious killing machine” in Bambi: The Reckoning after horror fans loved the scary Winnie the Pooh reboot.
The 1928 classic children’s story sees Bambi witnessing his mother getting shot by hunters but then making friends with cute and cuddly characters, Thumper and Flower.
Director Scott Jeffrey said he garnered inspiration from the human/antler creature in Netflix’s The Ritual and said: “The film will be an incredibly dark retelling of the 1928 story we all know and love.” Read more
Iranian rapper could face death penalty (BBC)
A dissident rapper who backed the anti-government protests in Iran has been charged with “corruption on Earth” and could face the death penalty.
Toomaj Salehi, 31, was also accused of spreading propaganda, co-operating with a hostile government and incitement to violence, a judiciary official said.
The official denied a report by a human rights group that his trial had already begun without a lawyer of his choice.
Mr Salehi was arrested last month after he posted videos of himself protesting.
He also released clips of raps in support of the unrest, which was sparked by the death in police custody 10 weeks ago of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained for allegedly breaking Iran’s strict hijab rules. Read more
The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge! Oscar winner Catherine Martin to be honoured with Australia’s highest cinema award (Deadline)
Oscar and Bafta-winning costume, production and set designer and producer Catherine Martin is to be honoured by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) with the body’s most prestigious award, the Longford Lyell Award.
Martin is the most awarded Australian in Oscar history with four Oscars, five BAFTAs, a Tony Award and five AFI, three AACTAs and the Byron Kennedy Award.
“I am humbled and honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Longford Lyle Award,” said Martin.
“To be recognized by one’s peers in one’s home country is profoundly meaningful. Australia, with its myriad filmmaking opportunities and wonderful talents, has been extraordinarily fertile soil for my body of work, and for this, I am truly grateful.” Read more
Chris Brown ‘to tour Australia for the first time since 2015’ following ban on ‘character grounds’ (Metro)
Chris Brown is reportedly getting set to tour to Australia and New Zealand next year, which would mark his first trip Down Under after having his visa application denied in 2015.
The singer was forced to eventually cancel his December One Hell Of A Night tour in the two nations seven years go after failing to convince authorities to let him in.
He was denied performance visas for the countries on ‘character grounds’ and was given 28 days to appeal the decision by presenting a case on why he should be let in, but it’s claimed he decided not to.
Now it’s been said that the controversial chart-topper, who was booed for winning at the American Music Awards for favourite male R&B artist, has been working with officials to ensure his entry into both Australia and New Zealand this time around and is set to announce his performance dates there for mid-2023 soon. Read more
Mauna Loa: World’s largest active volcano erupts in Hawaii (BBC)
The world’s largest active volcano, Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, is erupting for the first time in almost 40 years.
“Lava flows are contained within the summit area and are not threatening downslope communities,” officials said.
But the notification from the US Geological Service (USGS) warned the situation could change rapidly.
An ashfall advisory is in effect for Hawaii’s Big Island and the surrounding waters, and residents have been told to remain vigilant. Read more
Iran frees hundreds after World Cup win over Wales (Guardian)
Iran has released more than 700 prisoners after the national team’s World Cup football victory over Wales, the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said Monday.
It announced that “709 detainees were freed from different prisons in the country” following the 2-0 victory on Friday.
Among those are “some arrested during the recent events,” Mizan Online said, making indirect reference to demonstrations which have shaken Iran for more than two months.
It gave no further detail.
The ongoing protests were triggered by the September 16 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, after her arrest by morality police for an alleged breach of Iran’s strict dress rules for women. Read more
Monday Gift arrives Spain to seal Tenerife move (Sun)
Super Falcons forward, Gift Monday, is few details away from sealing a deal with Spanish Iberdrola club, UDG Tenerife.
Monday is already in Spain and will sign her contract any moment from now, according to www.brilafm.net.
Agreement was reached back in September but she couldn’t travel to Spain, due to some reasons, which have now been sorted.
The attacker will pen a two-year deal with an option of another twelve months, based on performance. Read more
Alfaro wants ”best World Cup” in Ecuador’s history (BBC)
Gustavo Alfaro wants his Ecuador side to make it the “best World Cup in Ecuadorean history” as they chase a place in the last 16.
Ecuador will qualify for the next round if they avoid defeat against Senegal on Tuesday (15:00 GMT).
Alfaro’s side are second in Group A after beating Qatar and drawing against group leaders the Netherlands.
“I’m convinced we’ve done everything we can, we’ve done our homework,” head coach Alfaro said. Read more
Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez sends warning to Lionel Messi (CNN)
Mexican boxer Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez has sent a warning to Lionel Messi, who he accused of disrespecting Mexico.
“Did you see Messi cleaning the floor with our shirt and flag????” Álvarez tweeted, apparently referencing a video in which Messi appears to kick a Mexico shirt that is on the floor during Argentina’s celebrations in the changing room.
There is no indication that Messi kicked the shirt intentionally, instead appearing to do it accidentally as he took off his football boots.
“He better pray to God that I don’t find him!!” Álvarez added in another tweet, with a series of angry emojis. “Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico! I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bulls**t that Messi pulled.” Read more
Mavericks to sign Kemba Walker to boost backcourt (ABC)
The Dallas Mavericks intend to sign veteran guard Kemba Walker to address their glaring need for another creator in Luka Doncic’s supporting cast, sources confirmed to ESPN.
Dallas will waive reserve point guard Facundo Campazzo, whose contract is non guaranteed, to create an open roster spot for Walker, sources said.
Walker, 31, a four-time All-Star whose career has derailed by knee issues, has been a free agent since being waived by the Detroit Pistons in mid-October. He averaged 11.6 points and 3.5 assists in 37 games last season for the New York Knicks, who traded him to the Pistons on draft night in a cost-cutting move that helped create the salary-cap space for New York to sign former Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson in free agency.
Dallas, which fell to 9-10 after an 0-3 road trip that wrapped up with Sunday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, has missed the scoring and playmaking provided by Brunson during last season’s run to the Western Conference finals. Read more
Power and Lowry named in Hero Cup team (RTE)
Ryder Cup hopeful Seamus Power has been named in the Great Britain and Ireland team to face a Continental Europe side in next year’s Hero Cup in Abu Dhabi.
The Waterford man currently leads the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup standings after a win and two top-five finishes in his first three events of the 2022-23 season.
He has been selected along with 17 other players by Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald for the new event which has been introduced to give more players experience of a matchplay team tournament ahead of the biennial event against the United States in Rome next September.
Shane Lowry has also been included. Read more