Fire razes multi-million-naira property at LAUTECH Hospital (Leadership)
Property worth millions of naira have been destroyed as a result of a fire incident that broke out in the early morning of Saturday at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching hospital, Ogbomoso in Oyo State.
Sources within the hospital disclosed that the fire affected the Emergency and Accident unit of the hospital.
Similarly, some office equipment, books, electronic gadgets, roof and ceiling also went up in flames in the incident. Read more
Oba of Benin disowns planned Igue festival in Lagos (Vanguard)
The Palace of Oba of Benin, has distanced itself from a planned dramatisation of the Igue Festival by the Association for Cultural and Economic Renaissance of Edo (ACERE).
This is contained in a statement on Saturday, by Mr Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin.
The Igue Festival is an important cultural and religious event in the Benin Kingdom, and its performance is reserved for the Oba of Benin.
According to Iguobaro the planned event, scheduled for Sunday at the Muson Centre in Lagos, is being organised without the consent or consultation with the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II. Read more
From Enugu to Oxford: Inspiring story of Nigeria’s first-class graduate (DailyTrust)
A remarkable journey from Enugu to Oxford highlights the inspiring story of Nigeria’s first-class graduate, Chijioke Nwankwo. Raised in a modest household, Nwankwo’s academic prowess shone through early on, culminating in his graduation with a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His dedication and hard work earned him a scholarship to pursue further studies at the prestigious University of Oxford.
Nwankwo’s success is a testament to resilience and determination, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. He emphasized the importance of education and mentorship, crediting supportive teachers and family for their roles in his achievements. His story resonates with many aspiring students, showcasing that with commitment and perseverance, dreams can be realized regardless of one’s background. Read more
HURIMA urges Sanwo-Olu to uphold Oyesanya as acting Iya Oloja-General of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA (Independent)
The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURIMA), a civil society organisation (CSO), has called on the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale, to ensure that the position of Chief Mrs. Mojisola Oyesanya, as the Acting Iya Oloja-General of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), is not tampered with.
HURIMA, in a statement signed by Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, its Executive Director, and made available to Sunday Independent on Saturday, urged Governor Sanwo-Olu and the state police boss to intervene by stopping the alleged plot by some people abort the recognition already given to Chief Oyesanya as the Acting Iyaloja of the LCDA.
The group stressed that its call had become necessary for peace and justice to reign as there was a well documented fact that Chief Mrs. Mojisola Oyesanya was duly nominated, appointed, and endorsed as the Acting Iya Oloja-General of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, having followed due process and the consensus stakeholders. Read more
Tinubu departs Brazil for Abuja (Nation)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for Abuja, after participating in the 19th G20 Leaders Summit.
President Tinubu took off from Galeao Air Force Base, Rio at 10:30 am (local time), on Saturday.
While in Rio de Janeiro, Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s readiness to represent Africa in the United Nations Security Council.
He called on the council to reflect global diversity by allocating two permanent seats to Africa, as Nigeria “stands ready and willing to serve as a representative of Africa in this capacity.” Read more
PDP Governors meet, pledge renewed hope for Nigerians (Channels)
Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party are currently meeting in Jos, Plateau State to discuss pertinent issues of governance as they affect the party and national issues, as well as a review of the just concluded elections in Edo and Ondo states where the party lost in the two governorship elections.
Chairman of the forum and governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed in his remarks at the opening of the meeting, restated the party’s commitment to providing good governance to the people through the elected governors under the party.
He emphasised the PDP’s unity and its position as an unbreakable political party offering Nigerians hope and good governance. Read more
Reps queries Fedpoly Damaturu, Mubi, Monguno over financial infractions (NewTelegraph)
The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has queried the management of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, Borno State and Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State over various infractions.
The queries were issued when the rectors and management of the three institutions appeared before the committee to tender the accounts of their budget performances.
In the case of the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Dr Abdulrahman A. Ishaku, the committee discovered that projects that were to be completed in two to three years were not finished despite adequate release of funds. Read more
I’m not leaving comedy for movies, says Basketmouth (Sun)
Renowned comedian Basketmouth has spoken out about his latest venture into filmmaking.
In a recent interview, he underlined his excitement for filmmaking, saying that it has become an important part of his artistic endeavours.
Basketmouth clarified that his primary motivation for producing his recent film was not for financial gain, but rather a desire to create something unique. Read more
Anne Hathaway recalls performing ‘gross’ chemistry tests in her early days in Hollywood (Unilad)
Anne Hathaway has opened up about what it was like to work in Hollywood in the early 2000s, as well as revealing some of the controversial practices she was subjected to.
It’s unbelievable to think that 42-year-old Hathway made her feature film debut in The Princess Diaries 23 years ago.
The 2001 flick paved the way for the actress to star and lend her voice to 16 more flicks during the early 2000s, including Ella Enchanted, Brokeback Mountain and Bride Wars. Read more
Grimes says Elon Musk is ‘‘unrecognizable’’ as she speaks out about bitter custody battle (Independent)
Grimes has said that her former partner and father of her child Elon Musk has become “unrecognizable” as she opened up about her bitter custody battle with the tech billionaire.
The Canadian musician, real name Claire Elise Boucher, said she had spent a year “locked in battle” with Musk over her rights as a mother and that her social media posts had been used against her.
It comes after it was reported that the former couple’s custody battle over their three children; four-year-old X Æ A-12, also known as baby X; two-year-old Exa; and two-year-old Tau, had been resolved. Read more
NATO head and Trump meet in Florida for talks on global security (UPR)
US President-elect Donald Trump and the head of NATO have met for talks on global security, the military alliance said Saturday.
In a brief statement, NATO said Trump and its secretary general, Mark Rutte, met on Friday in Palm Beach, Florida.
“They discussed the range of global security issues facing the Alliance,” the statement said without giving details. Read more
Michael Bublé to host 2025 Juno Awards (THR)
Michael Bublé is set to host the 2025 Juno Awards in his hometown of Vancouver, Canada, organizers said Friday.
The Canadian crooner, who is currently a coach on The Voice, will host the Junos for the third time on March 30. “I could not be happier bringing the Juno Awards home to Vancouver for 2025. The Junos are such an important part of the Canadian music industry and being able to host for the second time in my hometown makes this night mean even more to me. I’m excited to be surrounded by all the amazing talent we have from coast to coast this March,” Bublé, who has earned 15 Junos and five Grammys over his celebrated career, said in a statement.
In 2017, Bublé withdrew from hosting duties for the Brit Awards and the Juno Awards to care for his 3-year-old son after he was diagnosed with cancer. His son has since been in remission. Canadian celebrities Russell Peters and Bryan Adams replaced Bublé as hosts of the Juno Awards that year. Read more
Pat Benatar and Husband Neil Giraldo have written a children’s book, ‘‘My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!,’’ due out in 2025 (AS)
Pat Benatar and her husband, guitarist/songwriter Neil Giraldo, have been making music together for more than 40 years, but now the rocking couple also have teamed up to co-author a children’s book. My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!, which is scheduled to be published on September 9, 2025, was inspired by the two musicians’ experience being grandparents.
According to an official description, the book is “a lyrical read-aloud that celebrates all kinds of grandparents from all walks of life—from plumbers to yoga instructors to…rock stars!”
Benatar and Giraldo, who wed in 1982, have two daughters—39-year-old Haley and 30-year-old Hana—and are grandparents to six-year-old Stevie, four-year-old Lola, and two-year-old Cash. Read more
Singer Khalid, 26, comes out as gay after being outed on social media (Mirror)
A huge singer has come out as gay after being outed on social media as he told his fans: “I am not ashamed of my sexuality!”
Last night, R&B hitmaker Khalid, 26, shared a rainbow flag emoji on X, formerly called Twitter, and added: “there yall go. next topic please lol.” Someone replied: “Wait hope Mr Khalid isn’t GEHHH!” The Texas-born singer, whose full name is Khalid Donnel Robinson, replied: “I am! And that’s okay.”
The Better singer then continued addressing the topic as he shared in a new post: “I got outted [sic] and the world still continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality it ain’t nobodies [sic] business! But I am okay with me [black heart emoji] love yall.” Read more
Laos government “saddened” by deaths of tourists in Vang Vieng which include South London woman (LBC)
The government in Laos has said it’s “profoundly saddened” by the deaths of six tourists in Vang Vieng, where a methanol poisoning incident took place.
A statement posted on its ministry of foreign affairs website said it expressed “sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the deceased”.
It added an investigation was underway into the cause of the deaths, but it’s thought they had alcohol which had been contaminated with methanol. Read more
Monday, Imade nominated for Spanish Liga F POTM for September (Leadership)
Nigerian duo, Monday Gift and Edna Imade, have been nominated for the Spanish Liga F Player of the Month for November.
Monday scored one goal and provided one assist for her club, UD Tenerife, during the month.
Imade, who plays for Granada Ladies, was more prolific than Monday during the month, netting three times.
The other nominees for the award are: Andreia Jacinto, Arola Aparicio, Boe Risa, Patri Guijarro and Allegra Poljak. Read more
2026 World Cup Qualifiers: A mountain too high for Super Eagles — Bafana coach (Vanguard)
Following the successful conclusion of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, the Super Eagles will now shift their focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
For Nigeria, the road ahead is challenging. Apart from her precarious position in the World Cup qualifying Group, the Eagles are not sure of who will lead them through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Nigeria Football Federation are yet to appoint a substantive coach for the team.
After delivering the 2025 AFCON ticket, it is believed that coach Austin Eguavoen who was appointed in an interim capacity will return to his desk as the Technical Director of the NFF.. Although many Nigerians have been calling for a permanent deal for Eguavoen, his employers are yet to say a word in that direction. Read more
Leicester 1-2 Chelsea: Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez fire Blues to victory on Enzo Maresca’s return to the Foxes (Sky)
Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez secured the three points for Chelsea as they beat Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.
Maresca received the perfect welcome gift on his return to his former club when Jackson fired the Blues ahead inside the opening 15 minutes of the game.
The Senegal forward fashioned the chance out of nothing after pressing Wout Faes, forcing an error and then tucking his shot into the bottom corner thanks to the return pass from his team-mate Fernandez. Read more
Alban Hysa announced as new women’s head coach of Bohemians (RTE)
Alban Hysa has been announced as the new women’s head coach of Bohemians.
The former Treaty United manager was in charge of Bohs’ U17 side this season.
The 46-year-old, who moved to Ireland from Albania 25 years ago, spent time playing League of Ireland football with Dublin City and Monaghan United.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be a part of this club, and I am absolutely delighted for the opportunity to lead the senior team,” he said. Read more
Verstappen explains Red Bull call to “throw away” F1 weekends (RN365)
Max Verstappen has addressed Red Bull’s lack of low-downforce rear wing, something that has become a defining talking point at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Dutchman struggled on the opening night of the round in Sin City, but fared better during Friday’s running.
He will line up fifth of the race in Nevada, alongside F1 drivers’ title rival Lando Norris. As long as he does not lose more than two points of his 62-point advantage, he will be crowned champion for the fourth-successive time come the end of the grand prix. Read more
Dodgers name Chris Woodward first base coach (WashingtonTimes)
Chris Woodward has been named first base coach by the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking his second stint on manager Dave Roberts’ staff.
The Dodgers made the announcement Friday night. Woodward was the Dodgers first base coach from 2016-18 before leaving to take over as manager of the Texas Rangers.
Woodward fills the opening created after former first base coach Clayton McCullough became manager of the Miami Marlins. Read more