*Hard times for tenants as landlords hike rent in Lagos (DailyTrust)*BBNaija star Tuoyo survives car accident in Lagos (DailyTrust)*2023: Ohanaeze shortlists Amaechi, pledges N10b for Igbo presidency (Vanguard)

Hard times for tenants as landlords hike rent in Lagos (DailyTrust)

At the turn of the New Year, landlords in Lagos State have increased rent for their properties, an action that does not sit well with tenants.

A cross-section of tenants who spoke with our correspondents decried the increase, saying it was coming at a time people were feeling the fangs of hard times in the country.

“For the past five years, I have been paying N300,000 annually as house rent for a mini flat (a room and parlour self-contained) in Agidingbi, Ikeja. But to my surprise this year, I got a notice from the caretaker that the rent has been increased to N450,000 which is more than 50 per cent increase.

“All the tenants in my apartment are still at a loss over the increase and are appealing to the landlord to reduce the increment,” a tenant who identified himself as Chidi, said.

Findings by our correspondent showed the increment is most prevalent in popular residential areas of Ikeja, Ikeja GRA, Ikoyi, Lekki, Surulere and Yaba, among others. Read more

BBNaija star Tuoyo survives car accident in Lagos (DailyTrust)

Big Brother Naija star, Tuoyo Ideh, Popularly as Tuoyo, is grateful to God as he survived a car accident in Lagos.

Sharing the video on his Instagram page on Monday morning, Tuoyo thanked God and the people that came to his rescue.

He wrote ” Thank God for life, and everyone that was with me. Nothing shall take our life this year in Jesus name Amen.”

Tuoyo, a reality TV star, fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur and content Creator is an ex-housemate of the popular Nigeria reality TV show, BBNaija Season  4, tagged, Pepper Dem Gang edition. Read more

2023: Ohanaeze shortlists Amaechi, pledges N10b for Igbo presidency (Vanguard)

An attempt by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to seek the support of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum ( AYCF) in its bid to woo and support the presidential ambition of the Minister of Transport, Rt.Hon.Rotimi Amaechi for the 2023 Presidential race does not get explicit support in the North. 

Their host, Alhaji Yerima Shettima of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum told the Igbo leaders that the Arewa Youth would go back to their elders and report to them about their visit and mission.

“I believe that you should bring out your candidate and we will bring out our own, and by the time we meet at the contest,  whoever wins, should carry the day,” Yerima said. 

While speaking at the Head office of the AYCF in Kaduna on Monday, Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro said he was in Kaduna with his delegation to solicit the support of Northerners for an Igbo Presidency in 2023. Read more

Ambode urges youths to embrace Cricket, other sports (Independent)

Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace the game of Cricket and other sports, because they all have immense soft life skills to benefit from.

Ambode made this statement in a tweet on his official twitter handle, @AkinwunmiAmbode, today while sharing his experience at the new turf wicket of the Cricket Oval which was inaugurated yesterday at Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos.

He wrote; “The new turf wicket of the Cricket Oval in Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos, was inaugurated yesterday after a recent upgrade to advance the development of the game of cricket in Nigeria.” 

“This is a game I played when I was much younger and I encourage our youths to embrace the soft life skills especially discipline that cricket and other sports teach as they are critical to success in any life endeavour.” Read more

INC spokesman congratulates Gogo-Ogan, Marshal-Harry, Capt Tonlagha, Ogaree on appointments (Independent)

The Publicity Secretary of the foremost socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw nation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Engr. Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha has congratulated sons and daughter of Ijaw nation recently appointed into the reconstituted Federal Board and Management of the NNPC.

In a congratulatory message personally signed by him, Ezonebi said the appointments of Mr. Idaere Gogo-Ogan, Chairman of the Board of Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Barr. Constance Marshal-Harry as Board member of the NNPC and Capt. Tonlagha Roland John, from Delta state, Executive Commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment and Community of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission were most welcome.

He added that the organisation was also happy about the appointment of Francis Alabo Ogaree from Rivers as Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing of the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Oyakemeagbegha noted that the appointments could not have been more appropriate considering the enormous contributions of the Niger Delta region and the people of the Ijaw nation to Nigeria’s economy. Read more

Traditional leaders caught allocating lands illegally will face the law- FCT Minister (VON)

Traditional Rulers, Local Chiefs and District heads in Abuja Nigeria’s capital, have been warned to desist from illegal allocation of lands to unsuspecting individuals as anyone caught allocating land to individuals illegally will face the full wrath of the law.

The warning is coming at the time authority of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, is grappling with the challenges of removing illegal structures and putting a stop to all forms of illegal developments within the nation’s capital.

Speaking the mind of the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, the Mandate Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Alhaji Ibrahim Dantsoho said it is becoming worrisome that some of the roles Royal Fathers Play in the deliberate distortion of the Abuja Master Plan which has led to illegal development of settlements that are alien to the mater plan.

The Administration stated this through the Mandate Secretary Area Councils service Secretariat when he paid a courtesy visit on the palace of the paramount ruler of Karu (Sakaruyi of Karu) HRH. Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi. Read more

Zamfara schools resume January 17 (Nation)

The Zamfara Government on Sunday announced the reopening of some primary and secondary schools on Monday, Jan. 17.

The announcement is contained in a statement issued by Malam Shehu Ibrahim, Acting Director, Quality Assurance, in the Ministry of Education.

The statement said public and private schools that were categorized as “green’’ and “yellow’’ by the ministry should resume for normal academic activities.

“However, schools that were in the “red“ category remain closed until when the security situation improves,“ Ibrahim said in the statement. Read more

Human Rights Commission insists on provision of healthcare services to children (ThisDay)

The Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, has said to ensure adequate enjoyment of children’s rights to health, health care services have to be provided for them by government and relevant stakeholders.

Ojukwu, in a statement yesterday to commemorate the 2022 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Human Rights Day, however, called on government and relevant stakeholders to do more in providing healthcare services for children in order to ensure adequate enjoyment of their rights to health.

The Executive Secretary, who made this call in Abuja, said although the Nigerian government has put many policies in place for the advancement of the child’s rights to health, there is still more to be done. He said children like adults are entitled to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health as well as facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health as specified by most local and international laws.

He said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Guaranteeing Child Rights to Health for Inclusive Community Development” is apt, considering the challenges faced by children which infringe on the enjoyment of their rights to health.” Read more

Gunmen abduct 15 in Niger State – Police (Channels)

Gunmen have abducted 15 persons in Niger State.

The Niger State Command, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to Abiodun, the criminals had stormed the remote community via Ibbi in Mashegu Local Government Area and also rustled a yet-to-be known number of cattle.

They were also said to have broken into a provision shop at Kawo Village. Read more

Brymo lashes Nigerians living abroad (Nation)

Singing sensation Brymo has taken a swipe at Nigerians living abroad.

The controversial singer took to his Twitter account to disparage the Nigerians who left for abroad seeking greener pastures yet heap blame on the country.

“Folks move abroad and talk shit like ‘if only Nigeria worked, we’ll all move back home’ Nigeria na person wey go fix their-self… una go come return to chop.. lol’

Brymo has been in the news for several reasons and has continued to court controversies with his tweets and opinions on social, economic and political issues. Read more

Filmed in SA, an American novel Redeeming Love heads to the big screen – with unique local flavour! (Channel24)

Francine Rivers fans – and anyone who enjoys a touching and romantic period drama – can rejoice! The award-winning author’s bestselling novel has finally been adapted for the big screen.

Since its publication in 1991, Redeeming Love has sold over 3 million copies and has been translated into 30 languages. Retelling the biblical story of Hosea, it centres on the unlikely relationship of Sarah, who becomes known as Angel (Abigail Cowen), and Michael Hosea (Tom Lewis).

Sold into prostitution as a child, the now 18-year-old is a beautiful and in-demand woman in a rough and tumble prospecting town in California. Michael, on the other hand, is a farmer and man of faith. Through their relationship, Angel discovers there is no brokenness that love can’t heal.

Cowen says she felt immediately drawn to her character: “Angel is an incredibly complex character who, after suffering a lifetime of abuse, empowered by love, claws her way out of a world of human trafficking and into a place of triumph. It is a very inspiring and timeless story.” Read more

Lil Wayne releases Sorry 4 The Wait mixtape on streaming services (AllHipHop)

At one point, in the 2000s and 2010s, Hip Hop legend Lil Wayne was the undisputed mixtape king. His 2011 project, Sorry 4 The Wait, is widely considered a classic.

Lil Wayne fans can now listen to Sorry 4 The Wait on streaming services for the first time. In addition to the original twelve tracks, the reissued edition contains four new songs.

“Cameras” featuring Allan Cubas is the lead single for the extended version of Sorry 4 The Wait. Allan Cubas represents the new era of Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment label.

Sorry 4 The Wait also features Gudda Gudda, Lil B, Thugga, Raw Dizzy, Flow, and T@. That collective of rhymers rapped over beats from songs by Meek Mill, Drake, Waka Flocka Flame, Future, Big Sean, Adele, Beyoncé, and more. Read more

Samantha Fish moves UK tour to October 2022 and adds 3 shows (PlanetRock)

Samantha Fish has rescheduled her upcoming January and February tour for October 2022 due to the ongoing situation with Covid restrictions.

The blues rocker, who is a favourite on Blues Power with Bernard Doherty and Loz Guest’s Stateside, has also confirmed additional dates at Oxford Academy 2 (Sat 15th October), Glasgow St Luke’s (Fri 21st October) and Southampton The Brook (Sat 22nd October).

“Hello to all my friends over in the UK,” says Samantha Fish. “Once again due to the nature of the pandemic and the different restrictions imposed across Europe, I’ve reluctantly had to reschedule my January/February 2022 dates to October 2022.

“We’ve added three more shows in Oxford, Glasgow, and Southampton to the tour, so I’ll be able to play for even more of you.” Read more

Naïla Guiguet discusses her Toronto-winning short film Dustin, streaming at MyFrenchFilmFestival (Variety)

Naïla Guiguet’s “Dustin” rounds out its festival run at this year’s MyFrenchFilmFestival, the entirely online portion of the Unifrance Rendez-Vous, after strong showings at major international festivals and winning best short film prizes at Toronto, Zagreb and several other events. Not bad for a first-time director.

Kicking off in an abandoned warehouse, a crowd of hundreds sway in unison to a flood of 145 BPM techno music. A bright spot of color in an otherwise gray sea of people, Dustin, a young trans woman, and her gang: Félix, Raya, and Juan take several breaks from dancing to scout out potential sources of free drinks and party drugs.

As the night draws to its conclusion, the group emerges squinting into the morning sun and make their way to the charming flat of a new friend made at the rave. There, relationships are evaluated under the revealing light of day. 

In addition to directing, Guiguet also wrote the short film, with significant input from lead actor Dustin Muchuvitz. Alta Rocca Films produced the short, and New Europe Film Sales and Square Eyes (ex-Some Shorts) handle international sales with UFO Distribution handling domestic distribution in France. Read more

When it comes to her music, it’s a new day for “Friday” singer Rebecca Black (CST)

The credit for breaking the internet could go to Rebecca Black who, in 2011 at age 13, unleashed the earworm ’tween anthem “Friday,” resulting in an impressive 158 million views. The tune was simultaneously eviscerated as the worst song ever written.

The viral sensation has since been parodied and celebrated a number of times. Katy Perry featured Black in her “Last Friday Night” music video; the song was the inspiration for a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial in 2018, and Black even wrote a tongue-in-cheek follow-up called “Saturday” with Dave Days in 2013.

Fans heading to her first headlining tour — making a stop at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall on Jan. 18 — might not recognize that “Friday” girl anymore. She’s 24 years old now, and she’s made a lot of strides in her artistry and own identity, as seen with last summer’s EP (her first in 10 years) called “Rebecca Black Was Here,” released on her RB Records label. Hailed by NME as a case of a “viral star finding her voice,” the six-track recording with the heartfelt dream pop track “Blue” and the matured ebullience of “Girlfriend” did an about face, introducing a verified hyperpop star..

“I think other people have called it a comeback, and I totally understand why, considering I’ve been around for almost 11 years even though I’m only 24. But for me, I feel in a lot of ways like this is not even a fresh start, but finally I am ready. I finally know what I’m doing,” Black said during a recent interview. “It took the normal years that it would take for anybody to really figure out what they want to say and who they are.” Read more

Pictures show beautiful funeral held for legendary ‘Supermum’ tiger (Newsweek)

Images showing the remarkable funeral service held for a tiger that died in India have been released by the Department of Forest in Madhya Pradesh. Photographs taken at the service showed a female tiger laid on a funeral pyre, draped in a shroud and covered in flower petals.

The tigress, officially called T15 but known in India as Collarwali, was famous in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and beyond, reportedly mothering dozens of tiger cubs, which gave her the unofficial title ‘Supermom.’

The Department of Forest in Madhya Pradesh said that several key officials in the state had attended Collarwali’s funeral at the Tiger Reserve in Pench National Park, including Forest Minister Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah.

The state said that her death had triggered a “wave of mourning” by wildlife lovers in the area. Read more

British police arrest 2 teens in probe of hostage-taking incident at Texas synagogue (ABC)

Two teenagers have been arrested in England as part of an ongoing investigation into Saturday’s hostage-taking incident at a synagogue in the United States, British authorities said.

The pair were detained in southern Manchester on Sunday evening and “remain in custody for questioning,” according to a statement from the Greater Manchester Police.

The arrests were made in connection with a 10-hour standoff between American authorities and a hostage-taker at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, about 27 miles northwest of Dallas. An armed man claiming to have planted bombs in the synagogue interrupted Shabbat services on Saturday just before noon local time, taking a rabbi and three other people hostage, according to Colleyville Police Chief Michael Miller.

One hostage was released uninjured at around 5 p.m. CT. An elite hostage rescue team from the Federal Bureau of Investigation breached the synagogue at about 9 p.m. local time and rescued the remaining hostages, Miller told a press conference Saturday night. The suspect, identified by the FBI as 44-year-old British citizen Malik Faisal Akram, died in a “shooting incident,” according to Miller and FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matt DeSarno, neither of whom provided further details. Read more

Suspected drone attack in Abu Dhabi sparks explosions, kills 3 (NYPost)

A possible drone attack may have sparked an explosion that struck three oil tankers in Abu Dhabi and another fire at an extension of Abu Dhabi International Airport on Monday that killed three people and wounded six, police said.

Abu Dhabi police identified the dead as two Indian nationals and one Pakistani. It did not identify the wounded, who police said suffered minor or moderate wounds.

Police said an investigation was underway.

While Abu Dhabi police did not immediately offer any suspects for the possible assault, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for an attack targeting the United Arab Emirates, without elaborating. The Iranian-backed Houthis have claimed several attacks that Emirati officials later denied took place. Read more

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to return to Arsenal from AFCON after Covid-related health problems (Metro)

 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will return to Arsenal from the Africa Cup of Nations for checks after suffering Covid-related health problems, Gabon have confirmed.

The 32-year-old tested positive for coronavirus upon his arrival in Cameroon for the tournament earlier this month and missed Gabon’s clash against Comoros.

Aubameyang was then ruled out for the group stage match against Ghana last week due to suspected heart lesions following his bout of Covid.

Everton v Arsenal – Premier League

The striker missed Gabon’s first two AFCON games (Picture: Getty Images)

The Gabonese Football Federation have now confirmed that the striker is being allowed to return to Arsenal early on medical grounds. Read more

Everton in talks with Belgian FA over Roberto Martinez exit but also looking at plan B options to replace Rafa Benitez (TalkSport)

Everton are in talks with the Belgian Football Association to engineer an exit for Roberto Martinez.

The Spaniard is the No1 choice of the Toffees’ hierarchy to replace fellow countryman Rafa Benitez and return for a second spell as manager.

Benitez was axed by Everton on Sunday after just six months in charge, leaving the club 16th in the Premier League and in a relegation battle.

While Martinez is their top target to succeed Benitez, Everton are also understood to be looking at other options in case they are unable to prise him away. Read more

Anthony Elanga backed for “great future” by Man Utd team-mate amid Jadon Sancho concerns (Mirror)

Anthony Elanga has been tipped for greatness by Manchester United teammate Victor Lindelof having seemingly edged ahead of Jadon Sancho in the Red Devils’ pecking order.

The Swedish attacker seized his opportunity at the weekend, impressing after being handed his first Premier League start of the season by manager Ralf Rangnick in United’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

The 19-year-old was selected ahead of Sancho and the out-of-favour pair of Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford were both absent due to minor knocks.

Following his fine performance, United centre-back and Elanga’s fellow countryman Lindelof heaped praise on the teenager, insisting a “great future” lies in wait. Read more

Amir Khan and Kell Brook reveal retirement plans following Manchester fight (MEN)

Amir Khan and Kell Brook could both retire after their upcoming fight against one another.

The two will finally face off in a grudge match in Manchester on February 19, in a fight that has been a number of years in the making.

Both Khan and Brook have called each other out at numerous points throughout their careers but a contest in the ring has not materialised until now.

There has been no love lost since the bout was confirmed, with security having to get involved when the pair clashed at a press conference to announce the fight. Read more

Djokovic sponsor Lacoste wants to ‘review’ Australia events with tennis star (CNN)

Novak Djokovic has departed Australia after authorities canceled his visa for a second time. Now, one of his sponsors wants a word.

Lacoste said Monday that it wants to review events that sparked a nearly two-week legal battle and prevented the unvaccinated Serbian from defending his Australian Open title. Australia requires international visitors to be vaccinated against Covid-19 unless they have a medical exemption.

“As soon as possible, we will be in touch with Novak Djokovic to review the events that have accompanied his presence in Australia,” the French clothing brand said in a statement.

“We wish everyone an excellent tournament and thank the organizers for all their efforts to ensure that the tournament is held in good conditions for players, staff and spectators,” it added. Read more

McLaren boss hits out at rivals ‘holding the sport hostage’ over budget cap (RN365)

McLaren boss Zak Brown has accused some rival teams of trying to win world titles “with cheque books”, expressing frustration at “ongoing lobbying” to increase the recently-introduced budget cap.

F1’s cost cap came into play for the 2021 season, with teams initially limited to a budget of $145 million, which drops to $140m for 2022 and finally $135m for 2023.

However, Brown says certain teams have been pushing to raise the cost cap by “an inordinate amount of money” to account for Sprint race crash damage, which he feels is “a thinly veiled attempt” to protect their competitive advantage – an apparent dig at the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes.

Having trialled the Sprint format at three events in 2021, F1 looks set to increase this to six during the upcoming season, with the first planned for the opening round in Bahrain. Read more

Ferrari to unveil 2022 car less than a week before pre-season testing (Formula1News)

Ferrari will unveil their 2022 car, which they hope will allow them to close the gap to Mercedes and Red Bull, on 17 February.

The Scuderia’s 2022 challenger will therefore be unveiled less than a week before pre-season testing, which will get underway on 23 February.

The oldest and most successful team in Formula 1 have claimed 31 championships in their decorated history, but have not won a race since Sebastian Vettel’s victory at the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari have been working hard on developing their power unit over the last few months, with them introducing a new engine at last season’s Russian Grand Prix. Read more

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