Lagos destroys shanties, dislodges squatters around Adeniji-Adele (Punch)
The Lagos State government continued its crackdown on illegal settlements on Monday by demolishing shanties built along a drainage channel in the Adeniji Adele area of Lagos Island.
The state commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a video of the demolition shared on X.com on Monday.
His caption read, “Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps commenced operations, removing shanties on the setback of the drainage at Adeniji Adele.” Read more
Ex-NOGASA Chairman, Phillips bags 21-year imprisonment for fraud (Independent)
Justice Mojisola Dada of a Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on Monday sentenced Fatuyi Yemi Philips, former chairman of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), to 21 years in prison for his involvement in a fraud amounting to the tune of N43.5 million.
The judge sentenced the convict after him guilty of two counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC had arraigned Philips on charges bordering on allegation bordering on obtaining money by pretences in the sum of N43,502,000.00. Read more
Presidency slams Obasanjo over criticism of Tinubu’s administration (Nation)
The Presidency has strongly criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo, dismissing his recent remarks about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as insincere and misguided.
The response from the Presidency follows Obasanjo’s comments made at Yale University in the United States, where he reportedly criticised the current administration.
In his keynote address last Saturday at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, held at Yale University, Obasanjo, among many other uncomplimentary remarks, claimed that Nigeria has become a failing state under Tinubu’s watch.
Bwala addresses criticism following appointment as Tinubu’s special adviser (Sun)
Daniel Bwala, on Monday officially assumed duty as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, addressing public criticism regarding his new role.
Addressing State House correspondents, Bwala, who previously served as spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential campaign, emphasised the importance of focus amidst distractions, stating, “When you are focused on a thing, you are going to be faced with distraction.”
Bwala highlighted that his appointment is about supporting the president’s administration rather than personal interests. He asserted, “It’s not about Bwala; it’s about the president,” reinforcing his commitment to the administration’s goals. Read more
National Library to unveil 5-year strategic plan (DailyTrust)
National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, says the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) will unveil its five-year strategic plan of 2025-2030 as well as new logo, at its 60th anniversary event scheduled for this week.
Pro Anunobi who stated this at a briefing to announce the 60th year celebration of the NLN said: “A glance at the logo and the document will provide a better explanation for the theme of our celebration: ‘The Future of Libraries in a Digital Age: Preserving Heritage, Expanding Access and Engaging Youth.’
“It is also a pointer that going forward the NLN must design education, research and cultural development programmes that will not only attract the youths, but transform them as very important and valuable asset of this Nation,” she said. Read more
Lagos disowns alleged impostor, says on-street parking scheme yet to commence (Punch)
The Lagos State Parking Authority has disassociated itself from a man identified as “Isaiah,” who appeared in a viral video wearing a jacket branded with the Lagos State Government and LASPA logos while holding a parking permit.
In a Saturday statement titled “LASPA Clarifies Unauthorised Parking Permits, Misuse of Authority’s Branding,” the agency confirmed that the individual in the video is not an authorised LASPA agent.
LASPA further explained that the permit featured in the video is exclusively issued for setback parking and is not being used for its intended purpose. Read more
Gov Otti threatens clamp down on promoters of violence, insecurity in Abia (Channels)
The Governor of Abia State has threatened to deal with sponsors of violence and insecurity following a series of violent events recorded in the state recently.
A statement by Special Adviser to the Governor (Media and Publicity), Ferdinand Ekeoma on Monday, said the decision followed a series of tip-offs from patriotic citizens and reliable intelligence.
This is as unidentified gunmen reportedly killed two soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA along Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state. Read more
Lagos resumes production at Iju, Adiyan water treatment plants (Nation)
Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) says it has resumed production at its major waterworks in Iju and Adiyan, following the success of its ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
The Managing Director of the Corporation, Engr Mukhtaar Tijani, yesterday apologised for the inconvenience caused by recent water supply disruptions and “appreciated the patience and understanding of our valued customers.”
With the completion of the first phase of the rehabilitation of Iju and Adiyan waterworks, he said “we remain committed to delivering reliable and quality water services to meet the needs of Lagos residents.” Read more
SZA says new album Lana may be released later this fall (MXDWN)
SZA teases that her new album, Lana, may release before the end of the year.
Well-known for her hit “Kill Bill,” SZA has shared that she planned to release a deluxe edition of her album SOS alongside a new project called Lana. In December 2023, the singer posted what could be potential cover art for the new release on her social media.
In an interview with British Vogue, SZA hinted that fans might not have to wait much longer for new music. She shared that both the long-awaited deluxe edition of her previous album and her third studio album could be released this fall. Among the new material, the track “PSA,” which she debuted during her Hyde Park performance, is expected to be part of the upcoming project titled Lana. Read more
Jennifer Garner lets out her frustration boxing as Ben Affleck’s ex films new thriller in LA (DailyMail)
Jennifer Garner was spotted boxing on the season two set of The Last Thing He Told Me in Los Angeles this week.
The 52-year-old actress — who sparked engagement rumors in October — wore a black tank top, navy blue leggings, and red boxing gloves while filming near the beach.
Garner’s lustrous brunette locks were pulled into a high ponytail with a thin black headband and she wore a full face of makeup. Read more
Paris Hilton unveils her “iconic” pet grooming line (People)
Paris Hilton is making sure pets are “sliving” — “slaying” and “living” — just as much as their owners!
The businesswoman and mother of two, 43, has launched a pet grooming collection, available now on Amazon.
“Just in time for the holidays, I’m beyond excited to introduce my new, iconic pet grooming line!” Hilton tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. “Every pet deserves to feel pampered, which is why we crafted these products with natural ingredients and signature scents.” Read more
Zelenskyy: Russia using Iranian weapons in ‘massive’ attack targeting energy infrastructure (Fox)
Russian forces launched hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Ukraine’s energy and power plant infrastructure on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack included at least 120 missiles and 90 drones, including Iranian-made Shahed drones. Ukrainian officials say it was the largest long-range attack from Russia in at least three months.
“The enemy’s target was our energy infrastructure throughout Ukraine. Unfortunately, there is damage to objects from hits and falling debris. In Mykolaiv, as a result of a drone attack, two people were killed and six others were injured, including two children,” Zelenskyy said. Read more
Rebekah Vardy fires back after Wagatha Christie row mocked on I’m A Celebrity (Standard)
Rebekah Vardy responded after her infamous Wagatha Christie feud with Coleen Rooney was referenced just moments into the first episode of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
First show hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly took aim at the legal battle, which saw her ordered to cover Coleen’s legal costs after losing their high-profile libel case in 2022, joking: “It’ll be nice for Coleen to face a trial that doesn’t involve Rebekah Vardy.”
Ant then promised: “There will be plenty more [of these jokes]!” Read more
Russia accuses Biden of escalating Ukraine war with missile decision (AlJazeera)
The Kremlin has accused United States President Joe Biden of escalating the war in Ukraine by allowing Kyiv to use long-range missiles supplied by Washington to strike targets inside Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said any US decision to allow Ukraine to fire American missiles deep into Russia would mean the US was directly involved in the conflict.
“If such a decision was indeed formulated and brought to the Kyiv regime, then this is a qualitatively new round of tension and a qualitatively new situation from the point of view of US involvement in this conflict,” Peskov said, adding that President Vladimir Putin had made Russia’s position clear in September. Read more
Top radio host charged with sexually abusing 8 people (BBC)
Veteran Australian broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones has been charged with sexually abusing seven men and a 17-year-old boy.
The 83-year-old was taken into custody at his Sydney apartment early on Monday morning, as detectives from the New South Wales (NSW) Police Child Abuse Squad searched the harbour-front property and seized electronic devices.
Mr Jones is one of Australia’s most influential media figures, and has previously denied allegations of abuse, first published by The Sydney Morning Herald in 2023. Read more
AFCON 2025: Nigeria targets strong finish against Rwanda as Lookman exits camp (Punch)
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are poised to take on Rwanda’s Amavubi on Monday in the final Group D encounter of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
While the three-time African champions have already secured a ticket to Morocco 2025 and the top spot in the group, Head Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has assured fans that the team will aim for victory, even in the absence of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Olaoluwa Aina, and forward Ademola Lookman.
PUNCH Online reports that Eguavoen will be keen to maintain the team’s unbeaten run and will likely name a strong squad when Nigeria host Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo by 5pm. Read more
Italy 1-3 France – Les Bleus win to snatch top spot in UEFA Nations League group from Azzurri (Eurosport)
Adrien Rabiot scored twice as France snatched top spot in Group A2 of the UEFA Nations League with a 3-1 victory over Italy at the San Siro.
With both sides’ Nations League quarter-final places already secured, Les Bleus claimed the two-goal win they required to leapfrog the Azzurri at the group summit.
Didier Deschamps’ side broke through after just three minutes when Lucas Digne’s outswinging corner was glanced home by Rabiot. Read more
Hungary coach Adam Szalai thankful for support after collapse (ESPN)
Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai said he was fine after collapsing and being rushed to hospital minutes after the start of his country’s Nations League tie against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday.
Posting on social media, the former Bundesliga striker thanked supporters for their messages of support and said he was fine.
Szalai, 36, collapsed on the bench seven minutes into the match at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. Read more
Mexico coach Aguirre hit with beer can after Honduras defeat (BBC)
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was left with blood pouring down his face when he was hit by a full can of beer after the final whistle of his side’s 2-0 defeat by Honduras.
The drink was thrown from the stands and struck the 65-year-old as he approached Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda to offer a post-match handshake after the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final.
Aguirre congratulated Rueda with blood running down his face and brushed off the incident in his post-match news conference. Read more
Netflix announce “record-breaking’ Jake Paul v Mike Tyson viewing figures (MEN)
Netflix has confirmed an enormous 60 million global households tuned into their livestream event to watch the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight this weekend.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 27, was handed the win via unanimous decision against former heavyweight champion of the world Tyson. The 58-year-old was taking part in his first professional bout in 19 years, which in the build-up and aftermath sparked criticism.
Many fans were left underwhelmed with the main event, as the victor didn’t pursue the knock-out before defeated ‘Iron Mike’ eventually revealed that he actually ‘almost died in June’, at the time the fight was initially postponed. Read more
Emotional Rory McIlroy reflects on 2024 after winning Dubai double (BelfastTelegraph)
An emotional Rory McIlroy put a year of near misses and personal troubles behind him to win the DP World Tour Championship and his sixth Race to Dubai with a gritty final performance in Dubai.
The Co Down man went into the final round tied for the lead with Antoine Rozner and Rasmus Hojgaard on 12-under and while he looked to be cruising to victory after he followed a bogey at the first with four birdies in a row from the second to surge two clear. Read more