I had no shoes for 18 years – Adeboye (Punch)
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, revealed how he came from a very poor background.
Adeboye, who spoke during a sermon on Saturday themed ‘Perfect Gift’, aired on his Facebook page, said while growing up, his parents were so poor that he had no shoes for the first 18 years of his life.
Adeboye spoke about how things would change for the better for people when they accepted Christ. Using himself as an example, he illustrated how God can change the poor to the rich.
The renowned cleric said, “Some of you who know a little bit about my background, you know when they talk about people coming from a rocky background, that means from a background of hardship. My own rocky background was rock among the rocks. My father was so poor, (that) poor people called him poor. The elders have a saying, when there is hardship for the husband, and hardship for the wife, there must be hardship for the children. Read more
NDLEA intercepts ‘‘Christmas’’ colorado, cannabis juice at Lagos airport, seaport (Vanguard)
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International and the Tin Can Seaport, Apapa both in Lagos, have intercepted consignments of Colorado concealed in vehicles imported from Montreal, Canada and packs of cannabis juice flown in from South Africa.
Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who made this known on Sunday said the consignments were meant for distribution ahead of the Christmas festive season
“At least, 12 suspects including two dock workers and a wine shop businessman have so far been arrested in connection with the two seizures as well as the recovery of 152 kilograms of skunk from two dealers in Kano.
Also recovered were 100,000 pills of Tramadol in Imo state and 520 kgs of cannabis hidden in soft drinks crates loaded in a truck coming to Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital Territory. Read more
3 dead, 6 injured in Ogun auto crash (Channels)
Three persons have died with six others injured in an accident around the Kara axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Ogun State Sector of the Federal Roads Safety Corps.
According to the FRSC Commander and Public Education Officer, Florence Okpe, the fatal crash happened in the early hours of the day.
“A total of 18 persons were involved. Six persons sustained various degrees of injuries and unfortunately, three persons have recorded death from the crash and the remaining people were unhurt,” she stated. Read more
2023: Igbo coalition in Lagos root for Sanwo-Olu’s re-election (Sun)
A coalition of Igbo groups in Lagos under the auspices of G50 have pledged their support for the re-election of Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term in office.
The coalition comprising all the Igbo socio-cultural groups in the state, including the two factions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos led by Chief Solomon Ogbonna and Chief Sunday Ossai respectively, also vowed to deliver no less than six million Igbo votes for Sanwo-Olu in the state.
It made the pledge in Lagos at the weekend, during which it also inaugurated the executive of G50, and a campaign council tagged Ndigbo Integrated Campaign Council for Babajide Sanwo-Olu Committee (NICCBS).
Coordinator of the group, Dr, Festus Uchenna noted that G50 is also working on an Igbo Charter of Demands that would be presented to Gov Sanwo-Olu soon. Read more
Adeleke defends rice distribution, says ‘It’s to alleviate people’s suffering’ (Vanguard)
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described his administration’s rice distribution programme as a measure to alleviate suffering among the populace in the state.
He also charged the committee on the distribution of rice in the state not to be partisan in their assignment.
A statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed to rejoice with Christians on Christmas celebration, he described the period as a moment that reflects the love of God for mankind even as he justified his rice distribution programme as necessary to cushion the effect of a hard time on the citizenry.
” As I rejoice with our people, I have directed the rice distribution committees in all 332 wards to ensure equity and transparency. The members are drawn from all interest groups and the committee must ensure the materials get to the intended beneficiaries. Read more
Third Party vehicle insurance now N15k (Tribune)
The Federal Government, through the National In- surance Commission (NAI- COM), has approved new premium rates for private and commercial motor in- surance with effect from January 1, 2023.
A circular by the Director, (Policy and Regulation), Leo Akah, outlined the new pre- mium rates as it applies to class, types, new Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) limit and new premium.
Third Party Property Dam- age (TPPD) is the limit of claims an insured can enjoy on the policy.
The circular, with the ref- erence number NAICOM/ DPR/CIR/46/2022, dated December 22, 2022 and ad- dressed to all insurance in- stitutions with the subject, “New Premium Rates for Motor Insurance,” the com- mission said, “Pursuant to the exercise of its function of approving rates of insur- ance premium under Sec- tion 7 of NAICOM Act 1997 and other extant laws, the commission hereby issues this circular on the new mo- tor insurance premium rates effective from January 1, 2023”.
It spelt out the rates for Third Party insurance poli- cies inclusive of Ecowas Brown Card (EBC).
Under the new tariff re- gime, from next year, pri- vate motor, own goods and staff bus have a respective TPPD of N3 million, N5 mil- lion and N3 million while the assigned new premium are, N15,000 and N20,000 for both own goods and staff bus.
NAICOM also stated the commercial class new pre- mium rates for trucks/gener- al cartage and special types as N5 million and N3 million TPPD respectively, while the new premium rates are N100, 000 and N20, 000. Read more
How Amotekun, thugs beat, chased me out of palace –Deposed Osun monarch (Sun)
Deposed traditional ruler of Eko-Ajala in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Sunday Akinwale, has narrated his ordeal in the hands of men of the Amotekun corps and thugs who chased him out of his palace after beating him to stupor.
Akinwale who was installed as the Olunlosin of Eko Ajala under the prescribed authority of the late Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Olawale Adedeji was removed last year by the Elende of Ekoende, Oba Rauf Olaniyan who is currently the prescribed authority of the town.
Before his removal from the stool, Akinwale said the Elende of Ekoende had on several occasions threatened to deal with him by removing him as the traditional ruler of the town.
Narrating his ordeal in the hands of hoodlums who stormed his palace, Akinwale said he was beaten to a pulp before he was finally chased out of the palace by the thugs and a certain Amotekun officer.
He said “the hoodlums broke the door to the palace in the midnight and entered into my bedroom where I was sleeping together with some members of my family. Read more
Tinubu, Atiku, Lawan, govs preach peace, unity at Christmas (Nation)
Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubarkar, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, various state governors and other eminent Nigerians have felicitated Christians in the country as they join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Christmas – a festival to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
The APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in his Christmas message charged all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation or differences, to work towards moving the country forward.
According to the APC standard bearer, the greatness of the country should be the paramount responsibility of all, stressing that, “No matter our political differences, we are all Nigerians and we must move this nation forward.”
He also urged all Nigerians to let the hope symbolised by this season of celebration herald our renewed hope in the Nigeria of our dreams.
The statement reads: “On this special day, I stretch forth my hand in fraternal affection and great joy to Christians and all who join in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Read more
Harry Styles, The Weeknd, and Taylor Swift: The biggest gigs of 2023 (Metro)
After years of Covid-era bans, delays, and cancellations, live music returned with a bang in 2022.
But last year was just scene-setting for a phenomenal 2023.
The biggest stars in the world are coming to the UK – we’re talking Harry Styles, The Weekend, Taylor Swift, Lizzo, and that’s just the tip of the musical iceberg.
We’ve rounded up some of the hottest tickets of 2023 to get your hands on. Get booking now to avoid disappointment! Read more
Pope Francis says world suffering a ‘famine of peace’ (BBC)
Pope Francis has said the world is suffering from a “famine of peace”, in his annual Christmas Day message from the Vatican.
He called for a end to the “senseless war” in Ukraine, condemning what he said was the use of “food as a weapon” of war.
Ukraine shipped about 30% of the world’s wheat and prices have jumped since the Russian invasion in February.
It was Pope Francis’ 10th Christmas Day address since he assumed the papacy.
While the war in Ukraine occupied much of his 10-minute speech, he spoke of “a grave famine of peace also in other regions and other theatres of this Third World War”. Read more
Jennifer Aniston names her favourite movie role (FarOut)
As one of the most significant and acclaimed faces in the 1990s and early 2000s comedy, actor Jennifer Aniston had audiences tuning in and laughing along with Friends for ten long seasons. This classic sitcom charts the ups and downs of six ambitious and attractive friends living in New York City and is the immediate thought when someone hears about Aniston.
Like her co-stars, the actor is asked about the show in one way or another in every interview, as it was her role as the spoiled rich girl turned independent career woman Rachel Green that shot her to infinite stardom. However, her most recognised and breakout role is not the performance Aniston is most proud of. Instead, this title goes to her controversial role in Horrible Bosses, which came out seven years after Friends concluded.
Horrible Bosses is a 2011 American black comedy film directed by Seth Gordon. It stars Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis as three friends who decide to murder their respective abusive bosses, played by Aniston, Colin Farrell, and Kevin Spacey. The multi-talented Jamie Foxx also appears in the film as a tough-talking hitman. Gordon’s film was released in 2011, serving as one of the first contributions to the hit-or-miss, frat guy, toilet humour landscape that was early 2010s comedy. Read more
Missouri woman tracks down, kills alleged carjackers at gas station (Fox)
Police arrested a Missouri woman after she tracked down her stolen car and killed two men outside a gas station for the alleged theft.
Demesha Coleman, 35, was charged Thursday with two counts of murder, one count of assault and three counts of armed criminal action after shooting and killing Darius Jackson, 19, and Joseph Farrar, 49.
Police found Farrar next to a gas pump with a gunshot to the torso and Jackson was on the ground next to the car, also shot in the torso.
A third man sustained a gunshot to the head during the shootout, but survived, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It remains unclear which of the three men, if any, may have stolen the vehicle. Read more
3 busloads of migrants dropped at Kamala Harris’ home on Christmas Eve (NYPost)
Three busloads of shivering migrants were dumped in front of Vice President Kamala Harris’ Washington D.C. residence on a frigid Christmas Eve, according to multiple reports.
The buses, believed to be from Texas, dropped the asylum seekers off in 18-degree weather in front of the Naval Observatory, where Harris lives, late Saturday, according to 7News and CNN.
The outlets said the migrants were seen wearing only T-shirts or light sweatshirts in the freezing temperatures.
They were given blankets and put on another bus bound for a local church. Read more
“Knives Out 3“ receives exciting update from director (TheDirect)
Director Rian Johnson revealed where development currently stands on “Knives Out 3” while teasing plans for “Knives Out 4” and beyond.
After the controversy that surrounded Rian Johnson’s dabble into the Star Wars galaxy with The Last Jedi, the director struck gold with his Agatha Christie-inspired murder-mystery Knives Out – starring Daniel Craig’s Detective Benoit Blanc.
Following the success and acclaim that Knives Out drew, Johnson quickly began making plans for Detective Blanc to return in further standalone mystery sequels. This even caught the attention of streaming giant Netflix, who beat out Amazon and Apple with a $450 million deal for the exclusive rights to Knives Out 2 & 3.
Just recently, the first of those sequels made its way onto Netflix in the form of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which took Benoit Blanc to Greece to investigate a brand-new case filled with twists, turns, and a cast of MCU veterans. Read more
Defying Russia, some Ukrainians embrace Christmas in December (RFI)
Church bells and chanting rang throughout Ukraine’s capital as Orthodox Christians attended Christmas services on Sunday, a defiant break from Russian religious leaders who will mark the holiday in two weeks.
The decision by some Ukrainian churches to observe Christmas on December 25 and not January 7, as is customary in Orthodox Christianity, highlights the rift between church officials in Kyiv and Moscow that has deepened with the ongoing war.
Worshipper Olga Stanko told AFP on Sunday she supported any move that would distance Ukraine from Russia — and said she believed shifting the Christmas date was overdue.
“The war has brought us so much grief,” the 72-year-old said, tearing up as she mentioned her son fighting near Bakhmut, the hottest point on the front line in eastern Ukraine. Read more
Aribo rated 4th best midfielder in Premier League (Punch)
Following his impressive debut season in the English Premier League, Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has been rated one of the most aggressive players in the first half of the 2022/2023 season.
The former Glasgow Rangers joined Southampton in the summer transfer window for a fee worth €7m and has since made an impact at the Saint Mary’s Stadium.
The 26-year-old Southampton attacking midfielder, known for his creativity and physical style of play, has scored two goals in 15 appearances for the Saints this season.
According to Squawka’s top ten most aggressive players in the Premier League, the 26-year-old Southampton attacking midfielder is ranked in the fourth position with 17 points on the chart. Read more
Pele’s family gather at his hospital bedside for Christmas (RFI)
Family members spent Christmas morning on Sunday with Pele at the Sao Paulo hospital where the legendary footballer is battling worsening cancer as well as kidney and heart problems, according to a social media post by his daughter.
Fans of the player, considered by many the greatest of all time, have been expressing hope for his recovery since he was hospitalized in Sao Paulo in late November.
Shortly after midnight, at the start of Christmas Day, Pele’s daughter Kely Nascimento posted a picture of the footballer’s wife, Marcia Aoki, and other family members gathered at the Albert Einstein Hospital where he is being treated. Pele was not visible in the image.
“Almost all of us. Merry Christmas. Gratitude, love, union, family. The essence of Christmas. We thank you all for all the love and light you send us,” Kely wrote. Read more
Mikel Arteta challenges his Arsenal players to pick up where they left off before the World Cup (DailyMail)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his side to pick up where they left off in November and cap a special Boxing Day with victory over West Ham.
The Gunners were the best team in the Premier League during the first half of the season and held a five-point advantage over Manchester City.
West Ham, who are 16th, visit the Emirates on Monday night with Arsenal eager to quickly regain momentum after a six-week break due to the World Cup.
Arteta said: ‘We need to do that on the pitch (build momentum). We have talked a lot about it. Read more
Chelsea expect to complete £30m transfer deal for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile (Metro)
Chelsea are growing increasingly confident of completing a £30m transfer deal for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile.
The Blues are keen to sign a new left-sided centre-back, having targeted Josko Gvardiol last summer and kept tabs on the Croatia international during the first-half of the 2021-22 season.
But Gvardiol is being monitored by a number of top clubs and Chelsea are concerned his valuation will only increase after an impressive World Cup campaign.
As a result, Chelsea have begun to look at alternative targets, identifying Badiashile, Evan N’Dika and Piero Hincapie as possible January signings. Read more
Spurs boss Conte may rest all his World Cup stars (BBC)
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has suggested he will only select players who were not involved in the World Cup for his side’s Boxing Day match at Brentford.
The Premier League resumes on Monday, just eight days after the World Cup final in Qatar.
Conte has already said his players who were involved in the final – France’s Hugo Lloris and Argentina’s Cristian Romero – will not face the Bees.
“I am not really happy,” Conte said.
“In one hand, you are happy because for my club, Tottenham, to have 12 players at the World Cup it means that we are in the right way to try to be competitive and to try to win something. Read more
Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain reach contract agreement (Vanguard)
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has reached an “agreement in principle” to renew his contract at Paris St-Germain, says BBC Sport’s Guillem Balague.
Messi, 35, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, is out of contract at the French club in June 2023.
Earlier this week Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he “would love” Messi to return to the Spanish club where he spent 21 years.
But Balague says Barca have not approached Messi about a return. Read more