Lagos says over 1.9m doses of Covid-19 vaccines administered in the state (Guardian)
The Lagos State Government has said that 1,912,394 doses of AstraZeneca and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines had been administered so far in the state.
This was disclosed on Sunday by the Lagos State Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, through his official Instagram account @profakinabayomi while giving the state’s Vaccination Update as at December 10, 2021.
Abayomi, in his statement, revealed that 864, 467 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine were administered as first dose, while 494, 385 of the vaccine were administered as the second dose.
The commissioner also pointed out that 317,784 doses of the Moderna vaccine, were administered as the first dose, while 235, 758 were administered for the second dose. Read more
COVID-19 infections rise by 326.67% in one week, Nigerians shun safety rules (Punch)
COVID-19 cases are on the increase raising fears that the country is on the verge of the fourth wave of coronavirus, findings by The PUNCH have shown.
Epidemiological data obtained on Sunday from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control showed that from November 28 to December 4, a total of 585 cases were reported.
But from December 5 to December 11, the cases took a new surge as 2,496 cases were reported, indicating an increase of 1,911 (326.67 per cent).
Amid rising COVID-19 cases, our correspondents on Sunday reported that Nigerians had abandoned adherence to coronavirus protocols such as use of face masks and hand washing.
In Lagos, it was observed that churches, mosques and other public places were no more enforcing the use of face masks. Read more
Wife of slain borehole operator gives birth to baby boy as police indict killer cop (DailyTrust)
The wife of a borehole drilling operator, Kabir Babai who was shot dead by a policeman, Moses Samuel in Osogbo, Osun State. has been delivered of a baby boy.
Many could not hold back tears back after news filtered that Babai’s wife gave birth to a baby boy just a week after he was sent to an untimely grave by a policeman.
In a chat with Daily Trust, Olokode said the policeman was arrested and detained. The CP said the matter was investigated and that the policeman that killed Babai was found guilty and would be prosecuted accordingly.
The 33-year-old Bauchi state-born Babai, popularly known as Mallam worked with Shekeenah Zelter Global Concept LTD in Osogbo before he was killed during over a minor argument.
His remains was buried in Bauchi as his parents insisted that he must be brought back home. Read more
NDLEA arrests Ghanaian, 2 Nigerians with 9.9kg cocaine, meth (VON)
A Ghanaian and two Nigerians have been arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu respectively by the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency NDLEA for trafficking 9.953kilograms of Cocaine and Methamphetamine.
The Director Media and Advocacy NDLEA headquarters Abuja, Mr Femi Babafemi disclosed this in a press statement, Sunday.
The statement said, “One of the suspects, Uzoh Ndubuisi Johnson was arrested on Wednesday 8th December 2021 during an inward screening of Ethiopian Airlines passengers at the Arrival Hall of the airport. Uzoh who arrived from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was controlled and arrested with clothes impregnated with cocaine, weighing 6.7 kilograms.”
“While being interviewed by narcotic officers, Uzoh said he was given the consignment by his enabler based in Brazil for which he would be paid N3million upon successful delivery to someone in Nigeria,” The statement explained. Read more
Ogun begins mass installation of street lights with ‘Let there be light’ project (Guardian)
Ogun State government has embarked on ‘Let there be Light’ project aimed at installing and activating street lights in major towns across the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who made this known at a test run of the project on the 42km Sagamu Interchange-Isiun-Abeokuta expressway, at the weekend, said the project would see major towns and cities of the state lit.
He noted that the project would prevent accidents, especially at nights and discourage robbery incidents, among other benefits.
Abiodun said his government would not relent on delivering dividends of democracy to the people, stressing, “replica of what now obtains along the Sagamu-Isiun-Abeokuta expressway would be seen all over the state.” Read more
APC Will Collapse In March/April 2023 ― Ayu (Tribune)
The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu, has predicted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will collapse by March/April 2023.
The newly inaugurated boss of the main opposition party made the declaration while addressing Benue PDP stakeholders at the weekend in Government House, Makurdi, Benue State.
While describing the ruling party as “a contraption,” Ayu also reiterated his position that PDP will win at least 25 state governorships, come 2023.
According to a statement issued by his media office and made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the former Senate president also assured the stakeholders, who included governorship aspirants, that the party will not impose candidates on the people in the 2023 general elections. Read more
Buhari saddened by Soun of Ogbomoso’s passing (Nation)
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the Ogbomosho royal family, the people of Ogbomosholand, as well as the government of Oyo State, over the passage of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, (CFR), who died on Sunday.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, President Buhari said the renowned monarch would always be remembered for his counsel and commitment to unity and harmony.
“President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with the family of His Royal Highness, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, CFR, on the demise of the highly revered traditional ruler earlier on Sunday.
“The President commiserates with the government and people of Oyo State and especially the indigenes of Ogbomosoland on the demise of the frontline traditional ruler whose reign of 48 years reinforced the town as a land of peace, accommodating and a bastion of history and tradition. Read more
I will never go back to PDP, Says Umahi (DailyTrust)
The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, on Sunday, said he would never go back to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Umahi made this known during a special thanksgiving service held at the state’s new chapel in Abakiliki.
There were speculations in the state that the governor may be considering a return to the PDP.
However, he used the opportunity of the programme to clear the air, saying: “I will never return to Egypt (PDP) and the person who raised that rumour may God not forgive him.” Read more
Ruggedman honours Late Stella Adadevoh, Rashidi Yekini (Vanguard)
The much anticipated second edition of the Foundation Concert was held last Sunday at BLVD, Lagos. The event is a musical show organised by Nigerian rapper and humanitarian, Michael Ugochukwu Stephen, a.k.a Ruggedman, to celebrate entertainers who laid the foundation for Nigerian contemporary music from his era.
Packaged by Smile Global Entertainment, the concert featured performances from Terry G, Sunny Neji, Faze, Durella, Tony Tetuila, Danny Young, Chuddy K, Zaaki Azzay and Komoblastic. Comedians Efewarriboy and Memorycard also treated the audience to rib-cracking jokes.
The annual event, through ‘The Foundation Awards’ also recognizes and honours the achievements of Nigerians who through their passion and resolve have achieved feats that gained local and international recognition. This year, Late Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh who gave her life in 2014 to stop the spread of Ebola in Nigeria, and the great striker, Late Rashidi Yekini were celebrated.
Things got a bit emotional when Late Sound Sultan’s tribute came up and a video of Mr Emmanuel Ugolee, a close friend of the late musician and the industry was played. He talked a bit about the super talented artist then the great dance group “Dims Academy” gave a dance tribute to wrap that up. Read more
Jennifer Lopez introduces new family kitten: Meet Hendrix (PageSix)
Cat’s out of the bag.
Jennifer Lopez revealed she’s adopted a new pet just in time for the holidays.
The singer took to social media over the weekend to introduce fans to the newest member of her family, a kitten named Hendrix.
“Introducing … #Hendrix!!!” Lopez, 52, tweeted on Saturday, accompanied by a video of the feline hanging out in the living room as “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” played in the background. Read more
Men bring court claim against Home Office over Glasgow hotel stabbings (Guardian)
Two asylum seekers caught up in a mass stabbing attack at a Glasgow hotel have issued a high court claim against the Home Office and their accommodation provider, the Guardian has learned.
The men, one of whom said he reported concerns about the attacker to hotel management the night before the stabbings, are also calling for an independent investigation.
On 26 June 2020, Badreddin Abadlla Adam, a 28-year-old asylum seeker from Sudan, stabbed six people including a police officer at the Park Inn hotel in Glasgow before police shot him dead.
One of the two asylum seekers now bringing a challenge lost his spleen in the attack and is on lifelong medication as a result. His asylum claim was refused in July this year and he is appealing against the decision. Read more
Dr. Machar calls for South Sudan name change (Nyamilepedia)
South Sudan’s First Vice President has suggested for the change of the country’s name from South Sudan to suitable names.
On 23 January 2011, members of a steering committee on post-independence governing body announced that upon independence the new country would be called the Republic of South Sudan “out of familiarity and convenience”.
Speaking during the launch of his party General Secretariat, First Vice Dr. Riek Machar, said the name South Sudan is just a direction and it doesn’t reflect the true nature of the country and its people but suggested that it should be renamed “People Republic of Sudan”
“You cannot now call your child South Sudan because South Sudan it’s just like a direction not a name but you can call your son Sudan like I have my brother’s son called “Sudan”. Read more
G-7 Warns Russia on Military Buildup Along Ukraine Border (VOA)
The Group of Seven democratic economic powers on Sunday warned Russia to de-escalate its large-scale military buildup along the Ukrainian border or face what it characterized as “massive” economic consequences.
The G-7 foreign ministers, meeting in Liverpool, England, along with the European Union foreign affairs chief, said in a joint statement they were “united in our condemnation of Russia’s military buildup and aggressive rhetoric towards Ukraine.”
The diplomats, representing the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Japan, urged Moscow to “de-escalate, pursue diplomatic channels, and abide by its international commitments on transparency of military activities.”
U.S. intelligence officials believe Russia, with 70,000 or more troops stationed on Ukraine’s eastern border, may be poised to attack its neighbor and one-time Soviet republic in early 2022, although Russian President Vladimir Putin is not believed to have made a decision to invade.Read more
Jussie Smollett juror says panel didn’t buy actor’s hate crime claim(NYPost)
A juror at the Jussie Smollett trial said the 12-member panel didn’t think he was a very good actor when he took the witness stand.
The unidentified juror said the panel knew the “Empire” actor was lying when he testified at his disorderly conduct trial — and found two brothers who claimed the actor paid them to stage a hate crime more credible.
She said the jury even felt they were doing the actor a favor by finding him guilty on only five of the six counts of felony disorderly conduct he was facing, she told the Chicago Sun-Times.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” the juror told the outlet. “You’ve got the mother sitting there. You feel bad. We didn’t know what the penalty would be. Are we sending this guy to jail?”
Smollett, 39, was accused of staging the Jan. 29, 2019 attack in Chicago by paying brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo $3,500 to carry out the phony assault.Read more
Naomie Harris recalls moment huge A-List star put hand up her skirt during audition (Metro)
Naomie Harris has recalled the moment an unnamed A-List star actor put his hand up her skirt during an audition.
The No Time To Die actress, 45, shared her own #MeToo experience in a candid interview, explaining that many others witnessed the moment but kept quiet.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday’s You Magazine, the Eve Moneypenny actress did not reveal the name of the actor, or the project they were testing for, but shared that similar behaviour was ‘rife’ in the industry.
‘What was so shocking about it was the casting director was there and the director, and of course no one said anything because he was – he is – such a huge star,’ she told the publication. Read more
2 Palestinians killed during funeral in Lebanon refugee camp (WashingtonPost)
At least two Palestinians were killed and several injured after gunfire broke out during the Sunday funeral of a Hamas member killed in a refugee camp days earlier, Lebanon’s state news agency, Palestinian and Lebanese officials said.
The National News Agency said two were killed and seven were injured when what it described as an “altercation” broke out during the Hamas-organized funeral.
The source of the gunfire was not immediately clear in the tense Burj Shamali camp, which was rocked by a series of explosions late Friday that killed the Hamas member. The cause of the explosions was also disputed. The Palestinian Hamas group said an electrical short-circuit in a storage area for oxygen bottles caused the blast.
But a Lebanese security official said the explosion happened in an ammunition depot. NNA had also reported an explosion in a Hamas arms warehouse in the camp, saying a number were killed and injured. Read more
NFF appoints Eguavoen interim Super Eagles boss, sacks Rohr (Guardian)
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Augustine Eguavoen, currently its Technical Director, as the Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles on an interim basis.
A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications on Sunday said the appointment was with immediate effect and followed the termination of the relationship with Franco-German Gernot Rohr.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rohr, until his sacking, was in charge of the three –time African champions for the past 64 months and Nigeria’s longest–serving manager.
The statement said the decision to sack Rohr and appoint Eguavoen on an interim basis was taken during a virtual meeting of the NFF Executive Committee on Sunday.
“It was decided that Eguavoen will work with Salisu Yusuf (Chief Coach); Paul Aigbogun (Assistant Coach); Joseph Yobo (Assistant Coach); Dr Terry Eguaoje (Assistant Coach) and Aloysius Agu (Goalkeeper Trainer). Read more
Max Verstappen wins title after last-lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes protests rejected (BBC)
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen snatched his first Formula 1 world title by beating Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of a thrilling season finale in Abu Dhabi – then had to wait while the Briton’s Mercedes team had two protests against the result rejected by stewards.
Hamilton had appeared in control of the race and on course for the title himself, despite controversy on the first lap, until a late safety car.
The race was restarted with one lap to go with Verstappen on fresh tyres and Hamilton on old ones and the Dutchman swept by to win.
The victor screamed with delight and Red Bull celebrated, while Hamilton sat in his Mercedes for several minutes, disbelieving at the way events had turned against him in the final minutes.
After he stepped off the podium as champion, Verstappen’s celebrations were interrupted by Mercedes’ protests, and he had to wait more than four hours until they could resume, though even then Mercedes indicated they would appeal. Read more
Novelty Match: UN, developmental organisations kick against gender-based violence (Leadership)
As part of its 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence activity in the country, United Nations (UN) and Development Partners played novelty football matches to create awareness.
The games which was decided at the Old Parade Ground, in Abuja on Thursday saw the UN’s women’s team edged Development Partners 1-0 in a highly entertaining encounter. In the men’s tie Development Partners beat UN Team 1-0 for the bragging rights.
Onyinyechi Ndubuisi, Gender and Human Rights Program Analyst For United Nations Development Program (UNDP) while speaking to newsmen after the games said the novelty match has helped in creating more awareness among Nigerians towards ending Gender-based Violence.
“It’s very exciting because we have been able to galvanize a solid women’s movement around Nigeria, ensuring that voices of women are heard and commemorating women participating in things that have direct impact on women and girls in Nigeria. Read more
Tielemans stars as Leicester pan Newcastle (TheWestAustralian)
Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans has scored twice as Leicester City thrashed Newcastle United 4-0 while West Ham’s progress has been halted by a 0-0 draw at Burnley in the Premier League.
Leicester found the net either side of halftime through a penalty from Tielemans and a tap-in from Zambian forward Patson Daka.
Tielemans and James Maddison then scored late on to condemn Newcastle to their eighth defeat of the season.
Tielemans scored from the spot shortly before the break after Maddison had been tripped by Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles. Read more
Mbappe reaches landmark with double as PSG beat Monaco (Guardian)
Kylian Mbappe reached a century of Ligue 1 goals for Paris Saint-Germain with a brace in Sunday’s 2-0 win over his old club Monaco at the Parc des Princes.
Mbappe opened the scoring with an early penalty and then grabbed a second just before half-time after being set up by Lionel Messi to get his 100th goal in France’s top flight since moving to PSG in 2017.
The France striker, who also scored 16 league goals for Monaco at the beginning of his career, does not turn 23 until later this month.
The victory allowed PSG to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to 13 points from Marseille, who won 2-0 at Strasbourg earlier on Sunday and have a game in hand. Read more
Chelsea transfer round-up: Record deal could tempt Blues amid calls for “patience” (Mirror)
Thomas Tuchel would have breathed a huge sigh of relief on Saturday at full time against Leeds.
Chelsea were eventually able to get the better of their opponents 3-2, with Jorginho’s second penalty of the day deciding a gripping game in the 94th minute of the match.
Blues fans will be delighted their team picked up the three points after a ropey run of results as of late, although there are clearly some issues for the team to resolve if they are to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool over the course of a season.
Some of those solutions could come in January, with players linked with moves in and out of Stamford Bridge. Mirror Sport has your latest Blues headlines. Read more
Pistons’ Jerami Grant out indefinitely with torn ligaments in thumb, per report (CBS)
The Detroit Pistons’ brutal start to the season continued on Saturday night, when news broke that their leading scorer, Jerami Grant, will be sidelined indefinitely. Grant has suffered torn ligaments in his thumb, according to Shams Charania and James Edwards III of The Athletic.
Grant suffered the injury during the Pistons loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Late in the first quarter, he lost control of the ball while working one-on-one against Brandon Ingram. As he dove for the loose ball, he put his hand down to brace himself and clearly felt something wrong. He immediately let go of the ball with his right hand and grimaced while he looked at his thumb.
While he played the remainder of the game, head coach Dwane Casey said Grant’s thumb was “tender and sore” during his postgame press conference. Hindsight being 20/20, it’s now clear that Grant should not have remained in the game — though it’s unclear if the injury got worse while he continued to play.
The Pistons will now be without their leading scorer and best player for the foreseeable future. Grant was averaging 20.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, and is one of the only players on the team capable of providing consistent offensive production — especially with Kelly Olynyk still sidelined due to a knee injury. Without both of them, the Pistons’ only remaining healthy double-digit scorers are Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey. Read more