Dangote loses younger brother in US (DailyTrust)
Sani Dangote, the younger brother of Africa’s richest man, is dead.
Details of his death are sketchy but he was said to have died at a US hospital.
The deceased was the Group Vice President Dangote Group, while his brother, Aliko, is the president.
He was an established businessman with investments in key sectors of the economy including manufacturing, agriculture and oil services. Read more
Floods overwhelm Lagos communities, wreck 25 vehicles (Punch)
Residents and commuters around the Oko Oba, Ekoro, Akowonjo, and Egbeda areas of Lagos State, were on Sunday grounded for hours after floods took over the communities.
It was gathered that the floods, which resulted from a downpour around 1.20pm on Sunday, led to gridlock in the communities.
Our correspondent learnt that the floods stopped residents from going about their daily activities as many stayed indoors.
PUNCH Metro was told that over 25 vehicles were damaged by the floods. Read more
Why Abuja-London flight is cheaper than Lagos-London – Stakeholders (Leadership)
Nigerians travelling to the United Kingdom from Lagos pay higher tickets fare than those travelling from the Federal Capital Terirory (FCT), Abuja, LEADERSHIP investigation has shown.
Visits to the websites of British Airways, Qatar Airline, Air France and Rwanda Air, yesterday, confirmed that flying from Abuja to the United Kingdom is, indeed, cheaper than going from Lagos.
For instance, a one way ticket, economy class, British Airways, Lagos-London is N776,096; Qatar Airways, Lagos-London cost N231,050 and Air France, Abuja-London: N293, 575.
However, Rwanda Air, Abuja -London costs N207,510; British Airways, Abuja-London is N315,178 and Qatar Airways, Abuja-London is N222,227 respectively. Read more
NDLEA intercepts N4.9b heroin consignments at Lagos seaport, airport (Guardian)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted fresh consignments of cocaine and heroin weighing 16.85 kilograms and worth more than N4.9 billion in street value.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi.
Babafemi stated that NDLEA operatives intercepted the consignments at the Apapa Seaport and at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
He added that four persons were being investigated for the 13.65kg cocaine seized on board a ship, MV Karteria that came into the Apapa Port from Santos, Brazil, on Sunday, Nov. 7. Read more
Catholic Faithful Protest Suspension Of Rev. Father In Ebonyi (DailyTrust)
No less than 100 Catholic faithful on Sunday staged a peaceful protest in Abakaliki, seeking the recall of Rev Fr in charge of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Rev Fr. John Odey.
Fr. Odey, Daily Trust gathered, was suspended by the new bishop in the state, Bishop Peter Chukwu.
Odey, before his suspension, was in charge of the Holy Trinity in Otinyi Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The protesters on Sunday at about 8am besieged the Pastoral Centre Chaplaincy in Abakiliki to protest the suspension of the clergyman.
The protesters, who carried placards with inscriptions, were drawn from the different parishes of the Diocese. Read more
Anambra 2021: We are ready for you to go to court, Umeh replies Andy Uba (Tribune)
Former national chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Victor Umeh, over the weekend, said his party is ready to confront the All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship candidate, Senator Andy Uba, in court.
Uba, who came third in the just concluded November 6, 2021 Anambra governorship election, had on Saturday, during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, vowed to challenge the outcome of the election result that produced Professor Chukwuma Soludo, as the Anambra governor-elect.
Uba said he was robbed of his mandate and that he would do everything possible to reclaim his mandate in court.
He urged his party supporters to remain calm while the battle unfolds. Read more
Wike vows to defend the Odili’s at all cost (Channels)
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, says his administration will stop at nothing to defend the former Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Odili and members of the family.
The Governor said this during a thanksgiving service on Sunday organised by the new Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi at his home church, Saint Philips Anglican Church, Elibrada in Emohua Local Government Area to celebrate his appointment.
Dr. Odili was the Governor of Rivers State from 1999 – 2007.
His wife, Mary, a Supreme Court Justice, has been at the centre of a controversial siege on her Abuja home which occurred in October, attracting wild condemnation from Rivers elders led by Governor Wike and the Nigerian Bar Association among others. Read more
Swing into action, Okonkwo urges Soludo (Leadership)
Convener of the Let’s Get Empowered Foundation for Nigerian Youths, Uche Harris Okonkwo, has congratulated the winner of the Anambra State governorship election, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, with a call to him to begin the implementation of his agenda for the people.
In a statement by the executive director of the foundation, Collins Steve Ugwu, Okonkwo said now that a clear mandate has been handed to Soludo with a generous statewide endorsement, the gestation has ended, as the birth of new political governance for Anambra people have come, with expected positive cascade to the entire Igbo nationality.
He said, “Our governor-elect, you now have the executive scepter to shape, sharpen and implement practically, your celebrated ideals for this state, that have incubated for a decade-plus, since your first outing for the position in 2009, so welcome to kick the balls into the open nets without missing.
“Yes, you are not only expected to hit the ground running, but to sprint with laser-guided speed and delicate sensitivity, as you inspire all Anambra people through collaborations and inclusion, to make those gifts you have, the lifts they will see in their contentment and living substance.”
I may drop my governorship ambition, says Lasun (Nation)
Former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf yesterday said if the leadership of All Progressives Congress(APC) fails to give all stakeholders a sense of belonging, he will not step down for Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in next year’s election.
Yusuf, who contested for the ticket against Oyetola in 2018, warned the ruling party against going to the election with a divided house.
He urged the APC leaders to ensure that the internal wrangling is addressed before the poll.
He made this known during an extended meeting of a caucus within the APC, Opomulero Osun, held at GRA, Osogbo, the state capital. Read more
Jamie Dornan wows Belfast movie premiere guests with “Everlasting Love” rendition (IrishPost)
Jamie Dornan may be best known for his acting, but it was his vocal talents that made the headlines this week.
Following the Los Angeles premiere of new film Belfast, Dornan took to the stage at the after-party for a rendition of the Robert Knight hit, Everlasting Love.
Considering the Co. Down actor had trouble mastering an Irish accent for Wild Mountain Thyme, you’d be forgiven for being dubious.
However Dornan knocks it out of the park in the video, which also shows co-stars Caitríona Balfe and Jude Hill dancing along. Read more
3 injured as Thai protesters rally for reform of monarchy (Independent)
Three pro-democracy activists were injured during a rally in Bangkok on Sunday that criticized a ruling by the country’s Constitutional Court that said the protesters’ demands for reform of the monarchy was tantamount to attempts to overthrow the system of government with the king as head of state.
Hundreds of protesters had planned to march to the capital’s Democracy Monument but changed route after police blocked their way, and instead trooped to the German Embassy to submit a petition. A protest representative read out a statement saying the rally was to protect democracy and to raise voices against absolute monarchy.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn is a frequent visitor to Germany, and is believed to have traveled there recently. Thai authorities and media have not commented on his whereabouts.
Police and the city’s Erawan emergency service confirmed three injuries among the protesters, two of whom were later discharged from a hospital while one remained. Read more
Palestinian PM urges immediate action to save life of hunger-striking prisoner (Independent)
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Saturday called on the international community to immediately intervene to save the life of a Palestinian prisoner who has been on a hunger strike for 122 days.
“Kayed Fasfous is suffering from a serious deterioration in his health,” the Palestinian prime minister said in a press statement received by The New Arab.
Shtayyeh said that human rights and humantiarian organizations must take urgent action to save the lives of the prisoners who have gone on hunger strike to protest being held in “administrative detention”.
Israel has placed hundreds of Palestinians in “administrative detention” without charge or trial and Shtayyeh said this practice must end, calling for the release of all hunger-striking administrative detainees. Read more
3 men arrested by counter-terror police after fatal blast at hospital (Metro)
Emergency services rushed to Liverpool Women’s Hospital following reports of a blast involving a vehicle – believed to be a taxi – at 10.59am on Sunday.
The explosion has not been declared a terror incident, but police are understood to be investigating whether its timing was deliberate as the nation fell silent for Remembrance Sunday services.
Counter Terrorism Police North West said three men – aged 29, 26, and 21 – were detained in the Kensington area of the city in connection with the incident.
The male passenger of the car was declared dead at the scene and is yet to be formally identified. Read more
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi: Son of Libya ex-ruler runs for president (BBC)
The son of Libya’s late leader Muammar al-Gaddafi has registered as a candidate in the country’s first direct presidential election next month.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was once the heir apparent to his father, but his support for a brutal crackdown on protesters 10 years ago tarnished his image.
Since that 2011 uprising, Libya has been riven by conflict.
Rights groups have raised fears the vote, scheduled for 24 December, will not be free and fair. Read more
Real living wage rise puts pressure on UK government to raise minimum wage (Guardian)
More than 300,000 workers in the UK will get a pay rise from Monday as the charity behind the voluntary real living wage raises the minimum hourly rate amid growing fears over a squeeze on household incomes this winter.
Set by the Living Wage Foundation, the nationwide “real living wage” will be raised by 40p to £9.90, while workers in London will see their pay boosted by 20p to £11.05. The changes will apply to workers at about 9,000 living wage employers who adopt the voluntary pay measure.
However, the charity warned that almost 5 million workers in Britain earn less than these amounts, putting them at risk of severe hardship from rising energy bills and mounting inflation across the UK this winter.
The rise comes as the government faces growing criticism over cuts to universal credit and plans to increase taxes on workers next year. Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said the Living Wage Foundation figures showed an urgent need for the government to raise the legal minimum wage to £10 an hour immediately, ban zero-hours contracts and give trade unions more access to workplaces to negotiate improved pay deals. Read more
Labour demands new investigation into Boris Johnson amid Jennifer Arcuri claims (Metro)
The Prime Minister avoided a criminal probe earlier this year after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found no evidence he had influenced the payment of thousands of pounds of public money to the US entrepreneur or secured her participation in foreign trade trips he led.
But the opposition has demanded ‘a full investigation’ after the Observer published Ms Arcuri’s diary notes from the time of their alleged dealings.
One entry from February 2013 claims Mr Johnson overruled his staff’s advice about attending an event promoting her tech venture Innotech and make her ‘happy’.
It says he told her: ‘I just want you to know they came to me and I crushed them. They said: “You can’t do this Innotech in April.” I said: “Yes, I can, I’ll be there.”’ Read more
Bank heist in Ohio solved 52 years later (USAToday)
Fifty-two years after a “The Thomas Crown Affair” obsessed bank teller stole the modern-day equivalent of $1.7 million from his workplace in Cleveland and vanished, authorities say the case has been solved.
According to The United States Marshals Service, on July 11, 1969, 20-year-old Theodore John Conrad walked into his job at the Society National Bank in Cleveland and when he left, he took $215,000 in a paper bag. The following Monday, bank employees realized the one was missing after Conrad didn’t report to work.
Authorities said they learned Conrad told friends before the incident that it was easy to steal money from a bank, and he was planning to eventually do so. Conrad had become obsessed with the 1968 movie “The Thomas Crown Affair,” a movie about a millionaire that steals money for sport, for over a year before he committed the robbery.
With a two-day head start on authorities, Conrad evaded arrest for over 50 years, despite being featured on “America’s Most Wanted” and “Unsolved Mysteries” and investigators following leads around the country. Read more
Musa becomes Nigeria’s most capped player (Nation)
Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa has eclipsed Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama to set the record for the most international appearances made by a Super Eagles player in football history.
Musa reached this milestone after replacing Kelechi Iheanacho in the 86th minute of Saturday’s 2022 World Cup qualification game against Liberia staged at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier.
The 29-year-old had equalled the duo’s feat having earned his 101st cap in the three-time African champions’ 2-0 win over the Central African Republic on October 10.
Now, he has played more international games than any Nigerian, moving one above Super Eagles’ record cap holders Yobo and Enyeama who have 101 caps each. Read more
Barcelona boss Xavi ‘wants to sign Mohamed Salah at all costs’ (DailyMail)
Xavi believes Mohamed Salah is the key to his Nou Camp rebuild, and Barcelona are reportedly set to launch a serious effort to wrestle the Egyptian away from Liverpool.
Salah is in the form of his life and so far has replicated his incredible 2017/18 season, with a run of 15 goals in 15 games stoking talk that he’s the best on the planet right now.
Barcelona have appointed Xavi to replace Ronald Koeman and take on the monumental task of rescuing the club from sliding into mediocrity, and he knows Salah’s arrival would be a major boost.
The Catalans lost Lionel Messi in the summer and a talismanic figure of Salah’s ability could relieve some of the pressure. Xavi wants Salah to fill those iconic boots ‘at all costs’, according to El Nacional. Read more
Morata goal sends Spain to World Cup (BBC)
Alvaro Morata’s late goal helped Spain qualify for the 2022 World Cup and consigned Sweden to the play-offs.
Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen tipped Dani Olmo’s shot on to the crossbar with Morata on hand to tap the ball in after 86 minutes.
Luis Enrique’s side needed just a point to top Group B while Sweden needed to win to finish above their opponents.
The result means Spain have qualified for a 12th consecutive World Cup finals. Read more
PSG offer Barcelona the chance to sign Neymar in the summer (Independent)
Barcelona have struggled of late to make any significant signings. Of late, most good players have only seen the door. Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann have left the club this summer, and more exits are set to happen in the following summer. With regards to transfers to the club, rumours are few but significant.
The most crucial transfer perhaps is that of Neymar Junior. As per reports relayed by El Nacional, PSG boss Al Khelaifi has surprised Joan Laporta. He is reportedly willing to sell Neymar to Barcelona but through intermediaries.
PSG want to part ways with him because he has not been very convincing. In Ligue 1, he has just three goals in over a thousand minutes.
In the Champions League, where they need him most, he has not yet scored for the Parisians. This is one aspect leading them to want him out. His off-field troubles also influence this decision. Read more
Aaron Rodgers’ victorious return to Packers got him ‘a little misty’ (NYPost)
Aaron Rodgers was back under center and the Packers got back to winning — a welcome return to normal for Green Bay after a tumultuous couple of weeks.
The reigning MVP can thank the Packers’ defense for doing much of the heavy lifting.
A.J. Dillon rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns and Green Bay beat the Seattle Seahawks 17-0 on Sunday as Rodgers returned after missing a game with COVID-19. Seattle was shut out for the first time in a decade.
A week after his positive test caused him to sit out a 13-7 loss at Kansas City, Rodgers went 23 of 37 for 292 yards and threw an interception in the end zone in the third quarter as the Packers won for the eighth time in their last nine games. Read more
Peng Shuai: Chinese tennis star ‘deserves to be heard’ on sexual assault claims – WTA (BBC)
Chinese player Peng Shuai deserves “to be heard, not censored” after publicly accusing the country’s former vice-premier of sexual assault, says the Women’s Tennis Association.
In a post on Chinese social media site Weibo, Peng said she was “forced” into a sexual relationship with Zhang Gaoli.
“The events concerning Peng Shuai are of deep concern,” said the WTA.
“The allegations must be investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship.” Read more
Matteo Berrettini suffers heartbreak as injury ends ATP Finals match against Sascha Zverev (Eurosport)
Matteo Berrettini was forced to retire through injury, leaving his participation in the 2021 ATP Finals in doubt as Sascha Zverev won 7-6 (7), 1-0 in Turin.
Zverev edged a first set tie-break over Berrettini before the Italian suffered an abdomen injury in the second game of the second set. He received treatment in an effort to continue, but was clearly unable to.
It brought to an end a match that was nicely poised between two players operating at the top of their game with the Italian support in Turin, hosting the year-end event for the first time, particularly disappointed.
Berrettini found his serve under pressure on a number of occasions in the first set, but kept Zverev honest through good use of his forehand which allowed him to dictate points from the back of the court. Read more