How I used 12 years for four-year course in OAU -Lady (Punch)
Omobolanle Adenle is one of the graduands at the 45th convocation of the Obafemi Awolowo University held earlier this month.
She gained admission to study Linguistics and African Languages in 2010, but instead of graduating in the 2014/2015 session, she graduated in 2021.
While narrating her ordeal to our correspondent, Adenle who is now an entrepreneur, said her challenges started from the first and second semesters spent on the OAU campus.
She said, “A journey that started in 2010 and finished in 2021. I thought I would finish with my mates in the year 2015 when I obtained admission to study Linguistics and African Languages in Obafemi Awolowo University in 2010, but my first and second semesters result were nothing to write home about after putting my best foot forward. So, I got discouraged. Read more
Sexual enhancing drugs can lead to your death, NAFDAC DG warns men (DailyTrust)
Men have been warned against using performance-enhancing drugs otherwise known as manpower as continuous consumption of such substances could lead to stroke or sudden death.
In her Christmas and New Year goodwill message to Nigerians, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, noted that performance-enhancing substances, known as aphrodisiacs, meant to impress female partners are mostly smuggled into the country.
Sexual enhancers are drugs that enhance (normal/abnormal) erectile function and aphrodisiacs which increase sexual arousal and desire.
In a study by the human enhancement drugs network, three per cent of around 12,000 men (the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany) had used sexual enhancers (e.g. Viagra) in the last six months without a prescription. Read more
Governor Sanwo-Olu celebrates Lagosians at Christmas with gifts (Vanguard)
For residents across Lagos State, Christmas took an unexpected, pleasant turn when gifts from their governor came knocking at the door.
Christmas wishes left as half-hearted comments on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s social media page inspired a season of giving themed, #BOSChristmas.
Many beneficiaries expressed their shock when the exact gifts they had requested were delivered to them. “I got the laptop delivered to my door this evening and it still feels like a dream”, says Oluwagbotemi Moshood, a final year student.
“Is this real? You have no idea what this means to my business, says Nomzy Kitchen. Read more
Police confirm arrest of former AA governorship candidate in Imo (Guardian)
The Police Command in Imo on Sunday confirmed the arrest of Mr Uche Nwosu, former candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) at the 2019 governorship election in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Michael Abattam, confirmed the incident in a statement in Owerri.
Nwosu is a son-in-law to the immediate past Governor of the state and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Rochas Okorocha.
It had earlier been reported in the social media that Nwosu was kidnapped at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Umunwoke village, Eziama-Obaire, Nkwerre Local Government Area on Sunday.
However Abattam said: “This is to inform the general public that Chief Uche Nwosu was not kidnapped but was arrested by the police and Imo state police command is aware of the arrest and presently he is in police custody. Read more
Security operatives ‘take over’ Next Cash and Carry Supermarket after fire outbreak (DailyTrust)
There was a massive fire outbreak at Next Cash and Carry, a popular supermarket in Abuja, on Sunday.
A spark from one of the Christmas trees at the supermarket triggered the inferno, according to a witness.
When Daily Trust visited the scene of the incident, security operatives were seen all over. Read more
6 relatives killed in Rivers fire (Punch)
Six members of a family lost their lives during a fire outbreak in Ngbede community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Meanwhile, a 70-year-old man, Pa Fidelis Ezinne, who survived the inferno said some of the victims were his children and grandchildren.
While narrating the incident, Ezinne said he only heard the sound from a generator in one of the rooms in the house at about 6.30pm.
“I was sitting outside before my freezer blew. Then what we saw next was an explosion which got everybody wounded.
“This was about 6.30 to 7pm. About six people have died -My son, his wife and child, the daughter of my wife and one other person. Read more
PSC spokesman, Ibrahim, bags RATTAWU’s Humanitarian Service Award (Leadership)
The director, communications and strategic planning of the Presidential Support Committee (PSC), Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, has bagged an award of excellence for his humanitarian services.
The award was conferred on him by the the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) for his serial interventions in supporting Nigerian Youths to be independent.
In a congratulatory message to Ibrahim jointly signed by RATTAWU chairman, Ukeme Udofa and secretary, Surajo Illyasu, the Union said the award is their way of spurring him and others to continue to do more in delivering quality services to humanity.
The union noted: “This we know resonates with you, especially given your outstanding performance in humanitarian projects, philanthropy and service to humanity which has endeared you to people across tribes and religions. Read more
NDLEA seizes 8.3m tramadol capsules, 56,782 bottles of codeine (Guardian)
The National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 8,381,600 capsules and tablets of tramadol as well as 56,782 bottles of codeine among others in major raids in Lagos.
This is contained in a statement by the Director Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Sunday in Abuja.
Babafemi said desperate bids by drug cartels to push out millions of illicit drug tablets across Lagos and other parts of the country for the festive season had been frustrated by the agency.
He quoted the Chairman, NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, as ordering a sustained surveillance on some targets at Satellite Town and Alaba Rago areas of Lagos. Read more
20% pay rise: Police officers unhappy, indifferent (Sun)
When President Muhammadu Buhari announced the approval of 20 per cent salary increase for officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on December 15, there was jubilation and mixed reactions not just among the officers, but also the general public.
The president had through the Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, told state house correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting that the review exercise which would to take effect from January 2022, was in response to the demands made by EndSARS protesters in 2020, primarily on the improvement of welfare for police officers.
He said that the take-home pay would be enhanced through the duty tour allowance to six per cent of their new take-home pay and an approval of N1.12 billion for payment of outstanding uninsured benefits for the period of 2013 to 2020. Read more
Tributes flood in for Archbishop Desmond Tutu – ‘a man of words and action’ (Metro)
Archbishop Desmond Tutu died today aged 90, having committed his life to fighting injustice and inequality (Picture: Getty Images)
Desmond Tutu, a relentless campaigner for justice, shocked South Africa’s apartheid regime when he became Cape Town’s first Anglican Archbishop in 1986.
He was a courageous political campaigner, some would say firebrand, against the blatant injustices suffered by the non-white population of his country.
The Nobel Prize winner, considered the nation’s conscience at a time when it couldn’t be more divided, died today, aged 90.
Tributes have flooded in for the clergyman, with the Dalai Lama calling him a ‘true humanitarian and a committed advocate of human rights’. Read more
Janice Long: BBC DJ and broadcaster dies at 66 (BBC)
Janice Long, best known as a presenter on BBC Radio 1, Radio 2 and Top of the Pops, has died aged 66 after a short illness, her agent has confirmed.
Long, host of BBC Radio Wales’ evening show since 2017, died at home with her family by her side on Christmas Day.
In a career that spanned five decades, she was the first woman to have her own daily show on Radio 1.
BBC director general Tim Davie described her as a “stellar presenter” who was loved across the industry. Read more
American Underdog‘s Zachary Levi and Anna Paquin on Playing Kurt and Brenda Warner: ‘They’re Amazing’ (People)
When Zachary Levi and Anna Paquin signed on to play Kurt and Brenda Warner in the new movie American Underdog, both actors happily dug into their own preparation for each role, as well as looked forward to meeting the real-life couple they would be portraying onscreen.
The movie explores the Warners’ inspiring real-life love and success story, but also required Levi and Paquin to acquire skills they didn’t yet have, like proper football and quarterback techniques and line dancing lessons. Kurt is an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, and he and Brenda met line-dancing at a country-western bar.
“I was dying to get as much right as I could,” says the Shazam! star, 41. “With the essence of who [Kurt] was, who he is still, I nailed as much of that football stuff as I could to the best of my ability, which I felt good about. I definitely got to the point where I could throw some dimes, but I also had some great doubles that were helping me do that along the way.”
He continues, “And also I, by law, couldn’t take some of the big hits that they were going to send a linebacker [to hit] me with. So it’s a concerted effort. It takes a village to go and bring this stuff to life. But as that concerted effort, as that village, I think we did Kurt and Brenda, and Zach and Jesse, and their whole family and the story, all of the justice. I think it’s all there. And I think they feel that way.” Read more
Armed intruder arrested at Windsor Castle as Queen celebrates Christmas (Guardian)
An armed man has been arrested after attempting to break into Windsor Castle where the Queen is celebrating Christmas with her family.
Police say the intruder was carrying an offensive weapon but did not break into any buildings this morning.
The suspect is being held in custody and the royals have been informed, Thames Valley police say.
A 19-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of breach or trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon, they added. Read more
Afghan man who escaped the Taliban is desperate to relocate his family to US (NYPost)
An Afghan man who managed to escape the Taliban is desperately trying to bring his vulnerable family to the U.S. – including his cancer-stricken dad – by the New Year.
Mujtaba Ebadi is overcome with worry about his ailing father and the rest of his family, who remain in Kabul in hiding.
“I need my family, they are my courage,” Ebadi, 27, told The Post this week. “My dad has supported me and helped me stand on my feet for my whole life. I’m frustrated now that I cannot help him when he needs me.”
Ebadi was evacuated to the US on Dec. 18 by the volunteer group Project Dynamo, which has been helping US citizens and green card holders escape from the Taliban-controlled country. Read more
Sudan coup: Security forces accused of violence against protesters (BBC)
Sudan’s security forces have been accused of using excessive violence during protests against military rule in the capital Khartoum.
A doctors’ union allied to the protest movement said 178 demonstrators were injured on Saturday, and has accused security forces of using live bullets.
Sudanese authorities, meanwhile, said some 58 police officers had reported injuries during the demonstrations.
They added that more than 100 people had been arrested in the capital. Read more
Instagram: How to stop strangers from video calling you (Metro)
Instagram has been full of new updates recently to improve users’ wellbeing but there are older features that could use some work. One feature that users seem to be particularly annoyed with is the Instagram video call feature.
In 2018, Instagram introduced the video calling on Direct Message that allowed people to start a video chat with just one person or a group.
While video calling could be considered a convenient feature, on Instagram, it meant that anyone who followed you could video call you.
Many users have taken to Twitter to complain about the intrusive feature, with some women complaining that they received random video calls from unknown men. Read more
Onuachu reveals he’s yet to receive top offer (Punch)
Paul Onuachu has said he has yet to receive a concrete offer to take him away from Belgian club Genk, but he will still not rule out a transfer.
Against most expectations, the Belgian league Goal King last season did not make a big transfer in the summer.
“No agreements have been made this time, but if an offer comes in that is attractive to everyone, we will certainly talk,” Onuachu toldHet Laatste Nieuws.
However, his recent injury setback – a muscle tear that will sideline him for four weeks – has made it even more difficult for him to move in January.
Recently the giant striker changed his agent. Read more
Arsenal trio Takehiro Tomiyasu, Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles test positive for Covid (Metro)
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have missed Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Norwich City on Boxing Day after testing positive for Covid.
Tomiyasu has established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice right-back after a run of impressive performances since his arrival in the summer transfer window.
Cedric, meanwhile, has made just seven appearances this season, while Matiland-Niles has also struggled to secure a regular role in Arteta’s side.
With all three players unavailable, Arteta has opted to play Ben White at right-back for Arsenal’s match against Norwich on Boxing Day. Read more
Leeds v Aston Villa postponed because of Covid-19 cases at Yorkshire club (BBC)
Leeds United’s Premier League game against Aston Villa on Tuesday has been postponed because of Covid-19 cases at the Yorkshire club.
Leeds’ game at Liverpool on 26 December had already been called off.
A club statement said there had been no new Covid cases but the majority of those who had already tested positive were still isolating so there were not enough “recognised first-team players”.
In total, 14 games in England’s top flight have been postponed in December.
Premier League clubs decided on Monday to not make any changes to the festive schedule despite the most recent round of testing of players and staff revealing a record 90 positive tests. Read more
Covid-hit Celtic see off St Johnstone (Guardian)
Celtic coped without a host of first-team regulars due to a coronavirus outbreak to beat St Johnstone 3-1 on Sunday in front of a crowd limited to 500.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon capped crowds for outdoor public events at 500 from December 26 for up to three weeks.
The new rules led to Scottish Premiership clubs bringing forward their winter break by a week following Sunday’s games.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will be relieved to now have three weeks off to build up the strength in his squad.
The Hoops had to field their third-choice goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas with Joe Hart and Scott Bain plus captain Callum McGregor and full-backs Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor missing due to suspected positive cases for Covid-19. Read more
John Terry set for Chelsea return to work with academy players (Metro)
John Terry is set to make a surprise return to Chelsea to take up a youth development role, according to reports.
The former Chelsea captain stepped down as Aston Villa’s assistant head coach in July in order to focus on becoming a manager.
But the 41-year-old has been unable to secure his first managerial job since he ended his playing career just over three years ago.
According to The Athletic, Terry is set to return to Chelsea on a part-time basis and will be working with the club’s academy players. Read more
NBA: Otto Porter Jr stars for Golden State Warriors, Harden helps Brooklyn win (BBC)
Otto Porter Jr shone on a rare start, to help the Golden State Warriors take top spot in the Western Conference with a 116-107 win over the Phoenix Suns.
With several players missing because of injury and Covid-19, Porter’s late flurry helped the Warriors pull away in the final two minutes.
In Los Angeles, James Harden returned to inspire the Brooklyn Nets, who held off a Lakers comeback to win 122-115.
After missing four games, Harden recorded his 63rd career triple-double.
He scored 36 points and had 10 assists and 10 rebounds, while in New York Kemba Walker posted his first triple-double since 2014. Read more
Antetokounmpo, Bucks hand Celtics holiday heartbreaker, Walker fuels Knicks (Guardian)
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points in his return from Covid protocols, powering the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks to a 117-113 Christmas comeback win over the coronavirus-depleted Boston Celtics.
Antetokounmpo, who had missed five games, scored 29 points in the second half as the Bucks rallied to deny a gutsy Celtics squad that had nine players unavailable because of Covid-19 concerns, and 10 unavailable counting Al Horford, who cleared protocols but was deemed not yet game fit.
With the minimum required eight players in uniform — after German guard Dennis Schroder was ruled out by Covid concerns earlier Saturday — the Celtics took it to the NBA champions early.
Behind 14 first-quarter points from Jaylen Brown, they raced to a 35-22 first-quarter lead.
Brown, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart combined for 69 points for the Celtics, who led by as many as 19 and were up by 13 with 5:28 remaining. Read more