Kudos, knocks for Oshodi-Apapa Expressway rehab (Nation)
For many plying the Toyota-Ilasa end of the Oshodi Apapa Expressway, the rehabilitation work is a balm on an old wound. Before them is an ambitious plan to deliver a road that will stand the test of time. The road is yet to be completed, but drivers and commuters along the stretch have continued to praise the government for the quality of work, remarking that it is long overdue given the heavy shipments to and from the seaports daily.
Still, the salutary project is coming at a price. Many have noted the absence of pedestrian bridges and closure of openings usually used by people to connect the extremes.
Our correspondent observed last week that pedestrians crossing the Ballet to the Itire end of the expressway were forced to climb the high concrete wall, a move that would be impossible for a frail or aged person. Read more
POWA tenants tackle IG’s wife over eviction notices (Punch)
Tenants occupying the Police Officers’ Wives Association’s Phase II Shopping Complex, Ikeja, Lagos State, have taken to the streets to protest against the alleged decision of the Inspector-General of Police’s wife, Fatima Adamu, to demolish the complex.
The demolition, our correspondent learnt, was to pave the way for the construction of an ultra-modern shopping complex.
The Friday protest followed several agitations by the tenants to get the POWA authorities to rescind the plan which had thrown the tenants and over 3,000 people benefitting from the property into panic. Read more
Pirisola seeks end to killings, poverty, others (Guardian)
Those killing innocent people in the country under any guise have been advised not to underestimate the power of God to deal ruthlessly with any one who unjustly takes the life of a fellow being.
The new Anglican Bishop of the Diocese on the Coast, Ondo State, Rt. Rev. Oluseyi Pirisola, who gave the warning, said: “It is lamentable that some people no longer place value on human life which only God can create. The rise in the cases of unjust killing and displacement of people across the country is appalling. It is double jeopardy for people who are struggling to live under a poor state of the economy to, at the same time, suffer unprovoked attacks and killing by those who are thirsty for blood and do not fear their creator. Read more
Budget 2020: Senate tinkers with timetable, shifts deadline (Guardian)
Despite its avowed commitment to giving accelerated consideration to processing of the 2020 budget proposal, the Senate has run into hitches with its schedule for the exercise.
Consequently, it has reviewed its budget consideration timetable to allow most committees yet to conclude work, and process their reports, to do so within seven days.
It would be recalled that the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, had warned that any minister or head of any government agency that failed to defend their budgets by the end of October would not be given another opportunity by the National Assembly to do so. Read more
Mother of four dies while procuring abortion from quack doctor (Nation)
A mother of four, Mrs Kehinde Olakitan, has allegedly died at the Mojisola Maternity clinic located in the rustic Onipanu area of Ogun State while trying to procure an abortion from a quack doctor.
The husband discovered the corpse which was dropped in front of a building adjacent to his, shortly after he was called on phone by a nurse identified as Dupe Odebunmi that his wife was ill and admitted at the Mojisola Maternity Clinic.
The husband, it was learnt told the Police that after hurrying to the clinic, he found nobody there but was shocked to find the remains of his wife dumped close their home. Read more
NIS mulls introduction of various visa categories (Guardian)
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) says it will soon introduce various categories of visas for the country as part of its visa reform.
The Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) Mohammad Babandede disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.
Babandede said that the visa categories being considered were the visa for tourists, visa for retirees outside the country who wish to retire in Nigeria and visa for incentive/investors. Read more
Katie Hill: US congresswoman resigns amid affair allegations (BBC)
Katie Hill acknowledges a relationship with a female campaign staff member, but not a congressional aide.
US lawmaker Katie Hill has announced her resignation from Congress, following allegations that she had an affair with a Capitol Hill aide.
The California Democrat, who has denied the claim, said she was stepping down with a “broken heart”.
“I believe it is the best thing for my constituents, my community, and our country,” she wrote on Twitter.
The resignation came days after she was placed under investigation by the House of Representatives Ethics Committee. Read more
Woman wears hidden camera on cleavage while walking to raise awareness for breast cancer (Metro)
A woman whose mum had breast cancer twice wanted to do something to get people to detect it early.
Whitney Zelig, 29, from New York didn’t want to just preach about the importance of it so the PR worker devised a plan with her brother to grab attention.
Concocting a social experiment, Whitney implanted a hidden camera on her top with a revealing cleavage to capture how often people stare.
In the video, many men and women can be seen glancing at her breasts as she walks around the city. Read more
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: IS leader ‘dead after US raid’ in Syria (BBC)
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Image copyright AFP Baghdadi addressing crowd in Mosul, 2014
Image caption Baghdadi announced the creation of a “caliphate” from Mosul in 2014
The fugitive leader of the Islamic State (IS) group killed himself during a US military operation in north-west Syria, President Donald Trump has said.
Speaking from the White House, Mr Trump said Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi detonated his suicide vest after fleeing into a tunnel, chased by US military dogs.
Baghdadi came to prominence in 2014, when he announced the creation of a “caliphate” in areas of Iraq and Syria.
IS carried out multiple atrocities that resulted in thousands of deaths. Read more
Tens of thousands march in Barcelona for Spanish unity (Metro)
Around 80,000 people marched through Barcelona this afternoon calling for Spain to come together, a day after the Catalan capital was rocked by violent separatist protests. The demonstrators, many of whom were carrying Spanish and Catalan flags, called for a unified country, with one poster reading: ‘We are Catalonians too, stop this madness!’ Only 24 hours earlier pro-independence supporters clashed with police, hurling bottles, balls and rubber bullets at officers who were carrying shields. Protests against the jailing of nine separatist leaders, have gone on for several days and contributed to the worst political crisis seen in Spain for some time. Read more
Argentina election: Centre-left Alberto Fernández wins presidency (BBC)
Supporters of Alberto Fernández have been celebrating the result in Buenos Aires
Centre-left opposition candidate Alberto Fernández has been elected president of Argentina in a vote dominated by economic concerns.
Mr Fernández secured more than the 45% of the vote needed to win, beating conservative incumbent Mauricio Macri.
Raucous crowds gathered at Mr Fernández’s election headquarters to celebrate the result.
The vote was held amid an economic crisis that has left a third of Argentina’s population in poverty. Read more
Catholic church to approve ordination of married men (Vanguard)
Catholic bishops approved a proposal Saturday allowing some married men to be ordained as priests in the Amazon region.
The proposal, which must be approved by Pope Francis, would be a historic change to the church’s centuries-old tradition of unmarried priests.
It passed by a vote of 128-41 and applies only to some churches in the Amazon region that are experiencing a shortage of priests. Read more
Multiple shots fired at vigil for victims of Texas university homecoming mass shooting (RT)
Gunfire has erupted at a vigil for the victims of a mass shooting at a homecoming party near Greenville, Texas, that left at least two people dead and multiple injured.
A series of what appears to be gunshots can be heard ringing out in the background of a video, posted by Matt Howerton, reporter with WFAA, ABC-affiliated TV station in Dallas, Texas. Read more
Essex lorry deaths: Driver charged with manslaughter of 39 people (BBC)
Image caption Maurice Robinson will appear before magistrates on Monday, police have said
A lorry driver has been charged with the manslaughter of 39 people found dead inside a refrigerated trailer.
Maurice Robinson, 25, was arrested after the bodies of 31 men and eight women were found in Grays on Wednesday.
He is further charged with people trafficking, immigration and money laundering offences, Essex Police said.
Mr Robinson, of Laurel Drive, Craigavon, Northern Ireland, is due before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Read more
Didier Drogba agrees with Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger over 2019 Ballon d’Or winner (Metro)
Drogba has endorsed Arsene Wenger’s view that Liverpool forward Sadio Mane should win the 2019 Ballon d’Or. Senegal star Mane has developed into one of the best players in the world since joining Liverpool from Southampton three years ago. The 27-year-old has scored 68 goals in 137 appearances for the Reds and helped the club win the Champions League and finish second in the Premier League last season. Read more
CAF Cup: Mixed fortunes for Enyimba, Rangers (Independent)
It was mixed results for Nigeria’s remaining campaigners in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round as Enyimba International of Aba defeated TS Galaxy 2-0 at the Aba Township Stadium on Sunday, while Rangers lost to their opponents, ASC Kara of Togo.
Playing at home, Enyimba defeated TS Galaxy 2-0 and the result leaves the former African champions with a huge advantage heading into the second leg on Sunday, November 3, 2019 in South Africa. The Peoples Elephants will book their group stage ticket with a draw or a 0-1 defeat.
Meanwhile, Victor Mbaoma shot Enyimba into the lead in the seventh minute of the game and the result remained till the end of the first half. The Peoples Elephants doubled their lead through Martins Usule in the 60th minute. Read more
Osaka beats Kvitova in thrilling WTA finals opener (Guardian)
In-form Naomi Osaka outlasted Petra Kvitova in a three-set marathon for a drought-breaking victory at the WTA Finals on Sunday.
Opening the $14 million round-robin tournament, the first in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, the world No.3 regrouped from several lethargic stretches to win 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 39 minutes.
It was the Japanese sensation’s first victory at the WTA Finals after a winless campaign in her debut appearance last year and stretched her current winning streak to 11 matches having claimed titles in Osaka and Beijing. Read more
Jurgen Klopp explains why Joe Gomez is benched instead of Dejan Lovren for Liverpool’s clash vs Tottenham (Metro)
Jurgen Klopp claims Joe Gomez is now fully fit but opted to start Dejan Lovren ahead of the 22-year-old for Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday. Joel Matip has impressed alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence this season. But with the 28-year-old sidelined through injury, Klopp opted to pair Lovren with Van Dijk for Spurs’ visit to Anfield. ‘Dejan has now got rhythm,’ Klopp told Sky Sports. Read more
Salah fires Liverpool to comeback win over Spurs (Punch)
Mohamed Salah ensured Liverpool survived a major scare with the winner in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur that saw the Premier League leaders restore their six-point advantage over Manchester City.
The Egyptian smashed home a 75th-minute penalty, the 50th Anfield goal of his Liverpool career, as the Reds came back from going a goal down just seconds after kick-off to maintain their unbeaten league record with their ninth win in 10 matches.
Salah’s decisive spot-kick was awarded after Serge Aurier allowed Sadio Mane to gain a goalside position on him before tripping him in the process of making a tackle. Read more
Stage set for all stars football tourney (Independent)
The stage is now set for the All Stars Football Tournament for veterans after the draw for the tournament was conducted.
Technical Director of the tournament, Taiwo Oloyede said this year’s tournament, the fourth edition, will be a 20-team format and will hold at the football ground of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Surulere.
“The tournament will be for ex-internationals that are 40 years and above because we want the young ones to tap from their wealth of experience and exposure,” said Oloyede. Read more
Federer wins Basel ATP title for 10th time (Punch)
Roger Federer won in Basel for the 10th time in his career on Sunday, smothering young Australian Alex De Minaur 6-2, 6-2 to secure victory at his home-town tournament.
At 38, Federer won his 103rd trophy and his fourth of the season after Dubai, Miami and Halle. Read more
Real Sociedad go level with Barcelona after edging past Celta Vigo (Punch)
Real Sociedad went level on points with La Liga leaders FC Barcelona after riding their luck to snatch a 1-0 win at Celta Vigo on Sunday.
The away win helped them to continue their superb start to the 2019/2020 campaign.
Sweden international Alexander Isak came off the bench to decide the match with nine minutes remaining. Read more
Buhari celebrates Golden Eaglets’ victory (Nation)
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria for a fantastic beginning in the group opening match of FIFA World Cup Brazil 2019.
Nigeria Under-17 football team opened Brazil 2019 with a 4-2 win over Hungary, signaling their readiness to win the FIFA Championship for an unprecedented sixth time.
In a message to the team after the spectacular performance on Saturday night, President Buhari praised the boys for the determination to excel which they displayed throughout the match despite the brilliant performance of their opponents. Read more
Jonny strikes to earn Wolves draw at Newcastle (Punch)
Wolverhampton Wanderers battled back from a below-par first-half display to draw 1-1 against Newcastle thanks to Jonny’s leveller at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are unbeaten in the Premier League since mid-September but will be disappointed not to have taken all three points after dominating the second period against Geordies.
Hosts Newcastle took the lead in the 37th minute through captain Jamaal Lascelles, who got on the end of a fine cross from Federico Fernandez to power a header past Rui Patricio. Read more
Tiger Woods extends lead to close on record 82nd PGA Tour win (Guardian)
Tiger Woods closed in on a record-equalling 82nd PGA Tour victory Sunday with a third-round 66 to move to 16-under par at the weather-delayed Zozo Championship while Rory McIlroy leapt into the top 10 after a 63.
The US Masters champion extended his two-shot overnight lead to a three-stroke cushion over home favourite Hideki Matsuyama who had a five-under 65 to be 13-under.
A shot further back was US Open Champion Gary Woodland who carded a 68 before the leaders dashed into the clubhouse for a rapid lunch. Read more
AFCON: Rohr slams CAF over qualifier schedule (Punch)
Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has expressed displeasure over the country’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Benin Republic, saying the country have to be respected and considered as he called for a change in date of the fixture.
According to a tweet by journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, Rohr believes that the match comes too early for the three-time AFCON champions, who have only day training before the game, and is demanding for a postponement after writing the Confederation of African Football.
Obayiuwana quoted Rohr as saying, “Our game against Benin is on November 13th, which is a Wednesday. The FIFA window opens on Monday. When will our players arrive and prepare for this game? Read more
