Lagos agog as crowd storm Tinubu mega rally (Vanguard)
In mother of all rallies, supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, alias “City Boy” and Vice, Kahim Shettima, in the early hours on Saturday, stormed the campaign rally at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State, numbering millions in fanfare atmosphere.
Among the early dignitaries at the carnival like event, with over large turnout are: Minister for Information and Culture Lai Mohammad, former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the deputy governor, Remi Hamzat, former deputy Governor, Lagos State and Lagos West Senatorial candidate, Idiat Adebule, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Wasiu Eshilokun, who is also Lagos Central Senatorial candidate, and Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh.
Others are: Former Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former deputy Governor of the state, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Lagos APC chieftain. Read more
Atiku in fresh move to resolve PDP crisis (Punch)
The need to give the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, adequate time to correct “a big anomaly” in the party before the February polls is the reason five aggrieved governors elected on the platform of the party are open to reconciliation, Saturday PUNCH can authoritatively reveal.
The governors, Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia states are demanding the resignation of National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, on the grounds that the party cannot have a presidential candidate and its chairman from the same regional bloc.
Although they (aggrieved governors) have successfully inaugurated their respective campaign councils, the governors alongside their loyalists have been consistent in their stand that reconciliation is possible in the interest of the party if only the right thing is done.
The governors, this medium learnt, did not have personal axe to grind with Atiku and were said to be considering working with him if only Ayu would tender an unreserved apology to them given his failure to keep his promise that he would quit his post if a northerner emerged the PDP presidential candidate. Read more
2023: Peter Obi will bring a new Nigeria, says El-Buba (Vanguard)
Founder of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria, IBBN, Prophet Isa El-Buba, has said that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, will birth a new Nigeria nation and urged the electorate to vote him as president in the 2023 election.
El-Buba, who was the guest speaker during the dedication of the Christian Revival Mega Church, Aba, explained that God has chosen to redeem Nigeria through Obi and added that with God on the side of Nigerians, the forces that had held the nation down have been defeated.
He said; “It is time for a new Nigeria. 2023 is the year. Peter Obi is the man to bring a new Nigeria. God will redeem Nigeria in 2023. I serve a God that when He says yes, no one can say no. With God, all things are possible. The power of God has already cleared the way.2023 is the time for the light of God to shine on His people in Nigeria. I stand for Peter Obi because he represents a new Nigeria. How many of you are ready to retire Bola Tinubu and all the old men? God has already decreed a new Nigeria in 2023.”
El-Buba, who is a Muslim turned Christian cleric, urged the Founder of the Christian Revival Mega Church, Bishop Sunday Egwuche, to continue to care for the poor and needy and prayed God to bless his ministry. Read more
NGO announces plans to give out N1m to entrepreneurs at Alimoso Business Summit (Independent)
Okun Alimoso, a non-profit organisation situated in the Alimoso area of Lagos, has disclosed that the second edition of its forthcoming business summit will be giving out grants worth up to N1 million to entrepreneurs with the best business proposal.
Babatunde Oluwaseyi Adeola, the Convener of non-profit organisation which is under the aegis of the AfroVanguard, disclosed this on Friday during a press conference, urging interested business owners and entrepreneurs to submit their proposals and attend the summit as it will assist them to thrive and expand.
Adeola further revealed that the organization would also be organizing the Alimoso Carol Concert to celebrate the year, and to unite all the voices in the community, promote talents and the culture of the Alimosho community.
He explained that Alimoso Carol Concert which started in 2017 as an idea to unite choristers and music groups within the Alimoso community, will be launched for the second time this year after a long break, with awards in different categories ranging from the Choir of the Year, Best Dressed Choir, and more. Read more
Ugwuanyi visits community affected by farmers-herders clash (Guardian)
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has visited Eha Amufu communities where clashes between farmers and herders led to the death of some villagers.
Ugwuanyi said on Friday that the visit was to obtain first-hand information about the issues that led to the recent crisis in Aguamaede and Mgbuji communities.
The governor was accompanied by Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ammani, Garrison Commander, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. M.K Ibrahim, and the Anglican Bishop of Nike Diocese, Rev. Christian Onyeka-Onyia.
The visit took them to Mgbuji community and different forests in the area, and markets, village squares and other locations in Eha Amufu. Read more
Bandits kill 15 in attacks on Kaduna communities (ThisDay)
Fifteen people have been killed in separate attacks by bandits on communities in Giwa, Birnin Gwari and Kajuru local government areas of Kaduna State.
Unspecified number of people were also said to have sustained injuries during the attacks.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the killings in a statement yesterday.
He said in Giwa LGA, the bandits attacked the Rafin Sarki community and killed 11 people, while in Cibiya and Karamai communities in Kajuru LGA two people were killed. Read more
FRSC fumes as truck driver crushes 2 operatives to death (Channels)
The Acting Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu, has expressed indignation over the death of two operatives, pledging the resolve of the corps to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the wrath of the law.
Biu, in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem on Friday, decried the incessant knockdown and crushing of patrol operatives at the hands of reckless drivers who continuously violate the legally prescribed speed limit.
According to the statement, the incident was caused by a truck driver travelling at an excessive speed along the Ikot-Ikpene-Aba route on Friday.
“The crash occurred as a result of excessive speed indulged by the driver of a DAF articulated truck while trying to dodge a pothole along the axis. Read more
Police arrest teacher for alleged sexual assault in Borno (Guardian)
The Police in Borno have arrested a female teacher simply identified as Aunty Zara for allegedly sexually assaulting a four-year-old pupil in Maiduguri.
The Spokesman of the Command, ASP Sani Kamilu confirmed the arrest on Saturday in Maiduguri.
Kamilu said the suspect, a teacher at a private school in Maiduguri, had been apprehended last week, adding the Command had commenced an investigation into the case.
He said that upon completion of the investigation, the case would be referred to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for next line of action. Read more
“Flashdance” and “Fame” singer Irene Cara dies aged 63 (Sky)
Irene Cara, the singer best known for the title tracks of Fame and Flashdance, has died aged 63.
Her publicist said she had died in her Florida home and that the cause of death was unknown.
“It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara”, said a statement on her website.
“She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.” Read more
Jennifer Lopez announces This Is Me… Now, her 1st new album in 9 years (NME)
Jennifer Lopez has announced details of her first new album in nine years.
The new album, ‘This Is Me… Now’, is the spiritual successor to Lopez’s third studio LP, ‘This Is Me… Then’ and was announced yesterday (November 25) to mark the 20th anniversary of that album.
‘This Is Me… Now’ will come out in 2023, though no specific release date has yet been revealed. Her last studio album, ‘A.K.A.’, came in 2014.
In a video announcing the album, a photo of Lopez on the ‘This Is Me… Then’ album cover from 2002, which then morphs into a present day photo assumed to be the cover of ‘This Is Me… Now’. Read more
Cruise passenger rescued after 15 hours in the sea (BBC)
A passenger who went missing from a cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico has been rescued after more than 15 hours in the sea, the US Coastguard says.
The 28-year-old man had been at a bar on the Carnival Valor ship with his sister on Wednesday night but did not return after leaving to use the toilet.
Several rescue crews scoured the area and the man was finally spotted on Thursday evening, some 20 miles (30km) off the coast of Louisiana.
He is said to be in stable condition.
Lieutenant Seth Gross of the US Coast Guard said the man could have been in the water for more than 15 hours – the “absolute longest that I’ve heard about – and just one of those Thanksgiving miracles”. Read more
Martin Scorsese finally confirms he made Tumblr mafia movie ‘‘Goncharov’’ (NYPost)
Martin Scorsese, the king of comedy.
Years ago, a Tumblr user posted a photo of a “knock off” shoe purchased online, with an odd label that read, “The greatest mafia movie ever made. Martin Scorsese presents Goncharov. Domenico Proccacci production. A film by Matteo JWHJ0715. About the Naples Mafia.”
Scorsese has directed other mafia films, such as “The Irishman” and “Goodfellas” — but not 1973’s “Goncharov.”
Or so everyone thought. The Oscar winner finally acknowledged his unofficial, internet-famous mafia masterpiece this week. Read more
Fans given first look at Idris Elba in upcoming Luther movie (BelfastTelegraph)
Fans have been offered a first glimpse at the upcoming Luther movie ahead of its release next year.
Idris Elba has portrayed the character of DCI John Luther in the BBC crime thriller series since its launch in 2010. The film, of the same name, was first announced by Netflix in 2021.
In the first of two newly-released first-look images, DCI Luther can be seen grimacing as he walks across a mountainous snow-covered landscape in his signature tweed coat.
In the second, the hot-headed detective appears to be in an underground tunnel, sporting an inquisitive expression. Read more
Zambian officials head to Russia to bring home student killed fighting in Ukraine (VOA)
Zambian authorities said they will travel next week to Russia to retrieve the body of a 23-year-old Zambian who died while fighting for the Russian military in Ukraine. His family and the Zambian government are still waiting for answers from Moscow on how he was recruited into the army while serving a nine-year prison sentence in Russia.
Zambian ministry of information and media spokesperson Thabo Kawana confirmed that the ministry of foreign affairs is spearheading efforts to bring the body of Lemekhani Nathan Nyirenda back to Zambia for burial.
Kawana said the minister of foreign affairs is in contact with Nyirenda’s family and has visited them.
“The government is also offering support during this trying moment and doing everything they can to arrange for the funeral and repatriation of the body back to Zambia,” Kawana said. “Using our diplomatic channels and our all-weather cooperation between Russia and ourselves, we will be able to get to the bottom of this matter.” Read more
US bans Chinese telecom devices, citing ‘‘national security’’ (AlJazeera)
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced it is banning telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from prominent Chinese brands, including Huawei and ZTE, citing an “unacceptable risk to national security”.
The five-member FCC said on Friday it had voted unanimously to adopt new rules that will block the importation or sale of the targeted products.
“Our unanimous decision represents the first time in the FCC’s history that we have voted to prohibit the authorization of communications and electronic equipment based on national security considerations,” FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said in a statement on Friday.
He added that the move had “broad, bipartisan backing” among the US congressional leadership. Read more
Brazil’s Neymar breaks silence on World Cup injury blow (Metro)
Brazil superstar Neymar says he is going through ‘one of the most difficult moments of his career’ as an ankle injury threatens his World Cup dream.
Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s next two World Cup games after sustaining ligament damage in his right ankle and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit for the knockout stages.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was replaced in the 80th minute of Thursday’s 2-0 win over Serbia after a heavy tackle from Nikola Milenkovic.
Neymar looked emotional as he sat on the bench and pictures showed his right ankle severely swollen. Read more
Egypt’23: Bosso invites 40 players to Abuja camp (Punch)
The Head Coach of the U-20 Boys’ National Team, Isah Bosso, has called up 40 players to begin camping in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja from Monday, November 28, 2022, in preparation for the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.
This is according to a statement by the Nigeria Football Federation Communications Department, obtained on Saturday.
The list is made up of five goalkeepers, nine defenders, 13 midfielders and 13 forwards. The players will stay at the Serob Legacy Hotel in the Wuye area of the nation’s capital.
The seven-time African champions triumphed at the WAFU B U-20 Championship held in Niger Republic in May and thus qualified to represent the zone at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations to be staged in Egypt from February 18 to March 12. Read more
Tunisia 0-1 Australia – Mitchell Duke gives Australians crucial win (BBC)
Australia held on to a narrow first-half lead to pick up a crucial victory over Tunisia that kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup last 16.
Knowing defeat would mean an early exit from the competition, Graham Arnold’s side came out of the blocks full of energy and intent.
Mitchell Duke took advantage of their positive start when he superbly flicked Craig Goodwin’s cross into the far corner to put them 1-0 up after 23 minutes.
That sparked an outburst of jubilant celebration from the small contingent of Australia fans behind the goal, which momentarily silenced the hostile and unwavering support for Tunisia. Read more
Grealish warns England: Wales are still very much alive (RTE)
Despite the prospect of a 4-0 Wales victory – the result required to eliminate Gareth Southgate’s men and advance in their place – being a very unlikely outcome in Al Rayyan, Grealish insists it will still be a fixture charged with intensity.
“Wales have got very good players,” the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international said.
“They will be playing not just for pride. In their heads, they are not out, they still have a game to play and can still qualify.
“It’s going to be difficult for them, but they can still qualify. We have a few days to prepare. It’s all in our hands.” Read more
Bianca Andreescu confirms new coach for 2023 (TennisWorld)
Christophe Lambert has announced that he is quitting his position as the New Zealand Tennis High Performance Director to join Bianca Andreescu’s coaching staff for the 2023 season. After the 2022 season ended, Andreescu ended her collaboration with coach Sven Groeneveld.
“An opportunity came to Christophe that was too good for him to turn down. So I’m really excited for him about this opportunity. When he told me, I thought it would be a great step for him,” NZ Tennis CEO Julie Paterson said.
Lambert and Andreescu are well-known to each other – Lambert worked for Tennis Canada in the past and he coached Andreescu when she was younger. “Bianca asked me to coach her and I accepted the job. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
It wasn’t like every week or every month. It’s always good to have people calling you when you are up, but when she was down I was checking on her and giving her my opinion,” he said. Read more
F1 legend reveals reason for Mick Schumacher’s downfall at Haas (F1News)
After a couple of years relying on at least one rookie for results, Haas will have a very experienced driver line up of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg in 2023, after choosing to replace young Mick Schumacher.
The German outperformed fellow rookie Nikita Mazepin in 2021, but has struggled to match the high standards of the ever consistent Magnussen this season, as the Dane impressed on his return to the grid, even securing the team’s first pole position in Brazil.
Schumacher was told by team owner Gene Haas that he needed to score a reasonable haul of points during the season’s final run it, but small mistakes and damage to his car in Austin prevented the 23-year-old from scoring a single point in the race weekends after his boss’s comments.
Former F1 champion Damon Hill has suggested that the ultimatum placed on Schumacher by his team was the downfall of the German, as he struggled to cope with the pressure on his performances. Read more